Avoid loud & aggressive persons, they are
vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may
become vain & bitter;
for always there will be greater & lesser
persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes
of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there
is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love; for in the face
of all aridity &
disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully
surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden
misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue & loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with
yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less
than the trees & the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is un-folding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors & aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with
your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery & broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be careful.
Strive to be happy.
FOUND IN OLD SAINT PAUL'S CHURCH, BALTIMORE; DATED 1692