connections with them both, in their, different ways.  The one is a man whom you already know something of, but not near enough:  it is the Earl of Huntingdon; who, next to you, is the truest object of my affection and esteem; and who (I am proud to say it) calls me, and considers me as his adopted father.  His parts are as quick as his knowledge is extensive; and if quality were worth putting into an account, where every other item is so much more valuable, he is the first almost in this country:  the figure he will make in it, soon after he returns to it, will, if I am not more mistaken than ever I was in my life, equal his birth and my hopes.  Such a connection will be of infinite advantage to you; and, I can assure you, that he is extremely disposed to form it upon my account; and will, I hope and believe, desire to improve and cement it upon your own.

In our parliamentary government, connections are absolutely necessary; and, if prudently formed and ably maintained, the success of them is infallible.  There are two sorts of connections, which I would always advise you to have in view.  The first I will call equal ones; by which I mean those, where the two connecting parties reciprocally find their account, from pretty near an equal degree of parts and abilities.  In those, there must be a freer communication; each must see that the other is able, and be convinced that he is willing to be of use to him.  Honor must be the principle of such connections; and there must be a mutual dependence, that present and separate interest shall not be able to break them.  There must be a joint system of action; and, in case of different opinions, each must recede a little, in order at last to form an unanimous one.  Such, I hope, will be your connection with Lord Huntingdon.  You will both come into parliament at the same time; and if you have an equal share of abilities and application, you and he, with other young people, with whom you will naturally associate, may form a band which will be respected by any administration, and make a figure in the public.  The other sort of connections I call unequal ones; that is, where the parts are all on one side, and the rank and fortune on the other.  Here, the advantage is all on one side; but that advantage must be ably and artfully concealed.  Complaisance, an engaging manner, and a patient toleration of certain airs of superiority, must cement them.  The weaker party must be taken by the heart, his head giving no hold; and he must be governed by being made to believe that he governs.  These people, skillfully led, give great weight to their leader.  I have formerly pointed out to you a couple that I take to be proper objects for your skill; and you will meet with twenty more, for they are very rife.