LETTERS, &c.

MY DEAR SONS,

LETTER I.

INTRODUCTORY.

You have escaped from the place and the name of school-boys, and have become members of a college; a college not only venerable for its age and standing, but also famous as the Alma Mater of a large number of the most eminent men that have ever adorned our country. This step will, no doubt, form an important æra in your lives; perhaps more important than either you or I now anticipate. In placing you in this new and responsible situation, my feelings have been peculiar and solemn. I have looked back upon my own college course, in another institution, with mingled emotions. The retro-spect of its advantages, its pleasing associations, both with teachers, and fellow students, and the protection and guidance with which I was favoured by a merciful Providence, at that season of youthful inexperience and peril, never fail to inspire gratitude. But the recollection of my mistakes, my