It was during this visit to Boston that he called upon Dr. Increase Mather, to whose preaching he listened when a resident of the town. The doctor received him cordially and invited him into his library, where they chatted for some time about books, Philadelphia, and other matters. When Benjamin arose to go, the doctor said: "Come this way, and I will show you a nearer way out," pointing to a narrow passage with a beam crossing it overhead. They were still talking, the doctor following behind Benjamin, when the latter turned partly about to speak to the former. "_Stoop! Stoop_!" shouted the doctor. Benjamin did not understand what he meant until his head struck the beam overhead with considerable force. "There," said the doctor, laughing, "you are young and have the world before you; stoop as you go through it, and you may miss many hard thumps." Nearly seventy years afterwards the recipient of this counsel wrote as follows: "This advice, thus beaten into my head, has frequently been of use to me; and I often think of it when I see pride mortified, and misfortunes brought upon people by carrying their heads too high." John Collins was a clerk in the post-office. He revolved the matter of going to Philadelphia with Benjamin a sober youth, or remaining in Boston a drunken one. The more he pondered the more he was inclined to accept Benjamin's advice. The appeal from Collins drunk to Collins sober finally met his approval. "I have decided to go with you," he said to Benjamin, the next time they met. "Glad to hear it, John, if you take my advice and leave the drink-habit in Boston. I shall enjoy your company hugely." "You shall have it. I have given up my position in the post-office, and am packing up now. I want to carry my books with the rest of my traps." "And I shall take my books this time. I shall ship to New York, where I have some business, and thence to Philadelphia." "And I want to go by the way of Providence, Rhode Island, to visit friends, and will meet you in New York," responded John. "Agreed; but remember, John, that you and I are going to steer clear of strong drink. Give it a wide berth, and the way is open before you to success." "I see it, and mean to act accordingly." John really meant what he said, but the poor fellow did not understand how weak he was. Neither was Benjamin aware that the drink habit was fastened upon him so tightly. Mr. Franklin had taken a plenty of time to consider the advice of Governor Keith, and Benjamin was getting uneasy to return. "I have considered the matter long and carefully," said Mr. Franklin to Benjamin, "having a desire to aid you if possible; but have come to the conclusion, finally, that I can not do it at present." "I told Governor Keith that I doubted whether you would assist me now, so that your conclusion is not altogether unexpected." Benjamin's reply was cool--almost indifferent.