To qualify himself for the management of business affairs upon reaching the age of manhood, he would copy off into a blank-book every form or instrument of writing he would meet with; such as deeds, wills, notes of hand, bills of exchange, receipts, bonds, land-warrants, &c., &c. And, what was still more remarkable in a boy of thirteen, he wrote down, under the head of what he called "Rules of Behavior in Company and Conversation," such wise maxims, and lines of wholesome advice, as he would pick up from time to time in the course of his reading or observation, to aid him in forming habits of industry, politeness, and morality. Some of these rules, your Uncle Juvinell, with an eye mainly to your well-being, will repeat to you; for, when but a boy, he got them by heart, well knowing, that, without some such aid, he would find it hard, if not impossible, to so order his walks through life as to win and deserve the esteem and confidence of his fellow-men, as well as the blessing and approbation of his Maker. And now that he has reached the evening of his days, and is well assured that the daily observance of these rules has made him a wiser, a better, and a happier man, he would most earnestly advise all his friends, great or small, but especially small, be they boys or girls, to pursue the like course, if they would be favored of Heaven in the like manner. Here they are:-- "1. Every action in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those present. "2. In the presence of others, sing not to yourself with a humming noise, nor drum with your fingers or feet. "3. Speak not when others speak, sit not when others stand, speak not when you should hold your peace, walk not when others stop. "4. Turn not your back to others, especially in speaking; jog not the table or desk on which another reads or writes; lean not on any one. "5. Be not a flatterer; neither play with any one that delights not to be played with. "6. Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another, though he were your enemy. "7. It is good manners to prefer them to whom we speak before ourselves, especially if they be above us; with whom in no sort ought we to begin. "8. Strive not with your superiors in an argument, but always submit your judgment to others with modesty. "9. Undertake not to teach your equal in the art himself professes; for it is immodest and presumptuous. "10. When a man does all he can, though it succeeds not well, blame not him that did it. "11. Before you advise or find fault with any one, consider whether it ought to be in public or in private, presently or at some other time, in what terms to do it; and, in reproving, show no signs of anger, but do it with sweetness and mildness.