Jefferson's Dying Counsel.
This letter will, to you, be as one
from the dead. The writer will be in
the grave before you can weigh its
counsels. Your affectionate and excellent
father has requested that I
would address to you something
which might possibly have a favorable
influence on the course of life you
have to run; and I too, as a namesake,
feel an interest in that course.
Few words will be necessary, with
good disposition on your part. Adore
God. Reverence and cherish your
parents. Love your neighbor as yourself,
and your country more than
yourself. Be just. Be true. Murmur
not at the ways of Providence.
So shall the life into which you have
entered be the portal to one of eternal
and ineffable bliss. And, if to the
dead it is permitted to care for the
things of this world, every action of
your life will be under my regard.
Farewell.
