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12 God knows how little he escaped. Experiments in religion I consider dangerous. Follow the old paths is a good motto for the Christian.

 As a Man I find myself getting over boyish notions. I no longer esteem others as essential to my happiness - and thinks my own rights of enough consequence to exact respect of them from others.  A writer has observed "the fault of a timid character is prone to cunning and deceit."  This timidity has always been my stumbling block. I think I am outgrowing it. My father used to teach us "Speak the truth always though it cost your life."   A man that is timid or that regains  the will or the ways of others of more consequence than his own - or gives  way to avoid controversy or consequences - cannot always bring himself to face the whole truth. He may may not lie outright - but conceals part of the truth. This course of conduct affect actions more than words. A great fault with me is - I presume upon the rights of others - and sometimes try to avoid collission if it follows. Use only your own.  Keep on your own ground - be particular with regard to others - this is a remedy that meets my case exactly. To keep the good will of others - I sometimes go over a great deal of ground.  Keep going back - back and back to gather up all the threads.  I find this occasions some of my faults.  I pay more than I receive.  I in this way impose onerous labor on myself.  Such good will I have made up my mind cost more than it Comes to - 
  I have never fully yet made up my mind to Stand in my own bottom.  I shall try it this year.  Could I embrace the sentiment would cure me of many faults.  Friends are not always lost - by not giving them their own way always.
  I have concluded from this years Experience - never to accept a gift from any many.  Gifts are only leeches which you suffer to be applied to your purse.   They take out in the end much more than they put in.  I have seen fresh cause to hate selfishness.   There are some that are