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dially, and especially on the unanimity with which 
you came in, which is a great addition to the honour, 
and must be to your satisfaction. I believe ‘tis 
looked upon here as a very extraordinary thing, 
and does you great honour in the opinion of the 
world. 
As for your care of, and the use to make of your 
collection, ’tis at your own discretion ; I would only 
wish to guard you against either the flatteries or 
circumyentions of pretended friends, and men who 
may be interested in misleading your conduct with 
respect to it. I know the purity of your own heart, 
which being incapable of any mean or base designs, 
will hardly permit you to suppose others can: ex- 
perience will certainly convince you of the contrary, 
and there can be no harm in beginning to be on 
your guard in good time in matters of importance. 
I thought Mr. Pitchford’s the letter of a true 
friend; and I thought your answer considerate and 
manly. I will not conjecture myself into uneasi- 
ness; but as you well know the interest I take 
in your prosperity and happiness, which is much 
dearer to me than my own, I cannot avoid com- 
municating to you my most secret thoughts, and to 
the best of my abilities (I wish to God they were 
greater) be your watchman against any evil that 
may approach you. I had rather say twenty useless 
things than omit one piece of advice that may be of 
the least service to you; andI have that opinion of 
your affection for me, that you will not put that 
down to the score of impertinence, which proceeds 
from the purest sources of parental love and esteem. 
