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42    Juvenile Letters.

American Preceptor, and the Columbian Orator, I presume are used in your schools.

The account you give of your schools is truly pleasing; and reflects the great honor on your parents, your teachers, and yourselves. I think I may safely say of ours, that morals are not depreciating, but rather improving. One circumstance, however, is still to be lamented; which is, that local prejudices exist in the minds of some. I am sorry to say, that, from early times, there has been an unreasonably antipathy, between certain unthinking boys, dwelling at the two opposite extremes of the town. These prejudices are wearing away; and I trust the time will shortly arrive, when it will no more be said in the streets of Boston, "There goes a north-ender!" "There is one of your fourth-end cowards!"

A disaster lately happened here, which ought to put all thoughtless boys upon serious reflection. The Sabbath before last, three disobedient boys, without the knowledge of their parents, instead of going to public worship, stole away into a bye place and went into the water a swimming; 


Juvenile Letters.   43

swimming; when one of them, venturing beyond his depth, and being frightened, sunk three times, and was taken out of the water for dead; and it was a long time before any signs of life appeared in him. It is hoped this will be a solemn warning to all disobedient children, especially to such as are inclined to profane the Lord's day. 

I am, dear cousin, 
Your sincere friend, 
TIMOTHY THINKWELL.
Master Philip Plainheart.


LETTER XVII.
From Miss CAROLINE COURTLAND to MISS SOPHRONIA BELLMONT.
Portsmouth.

DEAR SOPHRONIA,

It seems an age since I have seen you. I really long to return to Boston again; and hope it will not be long, before I have the pleasure of meeting your there.
I

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---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-05-29 10:44:12