These are from a letter sent by Pearce November 13, 1798 to a student Matthew Griffith.
At
present, the following rules appear of so much moment, that were I to
resume a place in any literary establishment, I would religiously
adopt them as the standard of my conduct.
1. I
would cultivate a spirit of habitual devotion. Warm piety
connected with my studies, and especially at my entrance upon them,
would not only assist me in forming a judgment on their respective
importance, and secure the blessing of God upon them; but would so
cement the religious feeling with the literary pursuit, as might
abide with me for life. The habit of uniting these, being once
formed, would, l hope, be never lost; and I am sure that, without
this, I shall both pursue trivial and unworthy objects, and those
that are worthy I shall pursue for a wrong end.
2 I would determine on a uniform submission to the instructions of
my preceptor, and study those things which would give him pleasure.
If he be not wiser than I am, for what purpose do I come under his
care? I accepted the pecuniary help of the Society on condition of
conforming to its will; and it is the society's will that my tutor
should govern me. - My example will have influence: let me not, by a
single act of disobedience, or by a word that implicates
dissatisfaction, sow the seeds of discord in the bosom of my
companions.
3. I
would pray and strive for the power of self-government to form no
plan, to utter not a word, to take no step under the mere influence
of passion. Let my judgment be often asked, and let me always
give it time to answer. Let me always guard against a light or
trifling spirit; and particularly as I shall be amongst a number of
youths, whose years will incline them to the same frailty.
4. I
would in all my weekly and daily pursuits observe the strictest
order. Always let me act by a plan. Let every hour have its
proper pursuit; from which let nothing, but a settled conviction that
I can employ it to better advantage, ever cause me to deviate. Let me
have fixed time for prayer, meditation, reading, languages,
correspondence, recreation, sleep, etc.
5. I
would not only assign to every hour its proper pursuit; but what I
did, I would try to do it with all my might. The hours at such a
place are precious beyond conception, till the student enters on
life's busy scenes. Let me set the best of my class ever before me,
and strive to be better than they. In humility and diligence, let me
aim to be the first.
6. I
would particularly avoid a versatile habit. In all things I would
persevere. Without this I may be a gaudy butterfly, but never, like
the bee, will my hive bear examining. Whatever I take in hand, let me
first be sure l understand it, then duly consider it, and if it be
good, let me adopt and use it.
To
these, my dear brother, let me add three or four things more minute,
but which I am persuaded will help you much.
7.
Guard against a large acquaintance while you are a student.
Bristol friendship, while you sustain that character, will prove a
vile thief, and rob you of many an invaluable hour.
8. Get
two or three of the students, whose piety you most approve, to meet
for one hour in a week for experimental conversation and mutual
prayer. I found this highly beneficial, though, strange to tell,
by some we were persecuted for our practice.
9.
Keep a diary.
10.
Once a week, at farthest, call yourself to an account: What
advances you have made in your different studies; in divinity,
history, languages, natural philosophy, style, arrangement; and
amidst all, do not forget to inquire, Am I more fit to serve and to
enjoy God than I was last week?
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