In musing on the character of man, there is nothing strikes the mind with more admiration, than a firm, constant and perpetual fixednefs,² on the object which he has designed to pursue. Every person, before he attempts to accomplish an object of any importance, should first purpose, and then pursue his plan with diligence and afsiduity, never varying from it, unlefs some unforseen event should occur, which might very much affect his circumstances and render it incompatible with his own interests, to pursue the course he had first designed. Though in many instances such changes are laudable; yet, in no case, can it be commendable for anyone to act without some uniformity and decision. There should be a consistency, in our deportment, in our actions, and in everything we do. And this consistency must flow from an unwavering, ruling principle in the mind. Now if this principle has for its basis, undifsembled benevolence; for its structure, true virtue; for its foundation, filial piety; let that man stick to his text.

But if this principle has self for its basis, depravity for its structure, hatred for its foundation, I should recommend to that man to vary from his text. Though it may but little affect himself, yet his influence upon society may be lefs pernicious.

C. McQuesten [Calvin]

¹ "Bradford College--After 197 years, Bradford College was closed in June 2000. It was founded as Bradford Academy in 1803. Bradford College was an innovative, coeducational, four-year liberal arts college that combined the intellectual rigor of a practical liberal arts program with hands-on career preparation." Bradford Academy. December 5, 2003. http://www.haverhillusa.com/colleges.html. When Calvin attended in 1825, Bradford Academy may have been a normal school.

² Calvin uses the now archaic "fs" for "ss" throughout his early period, which we have retained for authenticity.