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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.  [?] 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. The 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 than 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 on 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 [?].  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