insufficient; for, sad as it may seem, the children of really excellent
parents are often so derelict in duty, so lacking in conscientiousness,
so idle and aimless and frivolous that their companionship should be
dreaded for susceptible young people especially for young girls. One
thing is very certain: that in these days young people, when out of
sight of their parents, often act and talk in a way which they certainly
would not do in their parents' presence. And that is truly a distressing
fear which often comes to the hearts of excellent and faithful parents,
that the conduct of their children when out of their sight and restraint
may be totally at variance with all they have been taught in regard to
right and proper conduct.

Now all people, old or young, are influenced in conduct somewhat by
their associates and friends; but young people especially are
susceptible to the influence of example. And it is a painful but well
known fact that young people are much more easily and quickly influenced
by bad example than by good. One frivolous, vain, forward, pert young
girl, coming for a season into association with a company of young
people, may in a few short weeks make her impress on the manners and
conversation of the whole of them. Her slang expressions will be
adopted; her loud manners and eccentricities of dress will be imitated;
her frivolity and dislike for any of the serious duties of life will
prove contagious.

For you, and for any young girl, I would consider dangerous and harmful
intimate association with:

1. The young girl who, either from circumstances or natural
disposition, does not compel herself, or is not compelled to do
something--to study her lessons and take some useful share in every-day