IRI
 
 feTC.
 
 Browns Exglish Letter Writer 
 
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 THE N E W 
 
 ENGLISH LETTER-WRITER; 
 
 O R, 
 
 Whole Art of General Correfpondence. 
 
 CONSISTING OK A 
 
 Series of the moft important, inflructive, and intereiling 
 
 ENTIRE NEW LETTERS, 
 
 On EVERY OCCURRENCE in LIFE: 
 
 By -which any Perfon who can ufe the Pen, may write Letters on every Sufycff, 
 with Propriety and Elegance oj 'Stile. 
 
 In thefe Models for inditing EPISTLES on the various Occafions of Human Life, 
 pjrticular Regard has been paid to the following Heads, viz. 
 
 Trade, Affection, Love, Courtfhip, Marriage, Fiiendfhip., Inftruc- 
 tion, Hiflory, Commerce, Induftry, Prosperity, Prudence, Gratitude, 
 Generality, Misfortunes, Confolation, Prodigality, Virtue, Vice, Piety, 
 Wit, Mirth, Folly,' Plea fu re, Humaniry, Memory, Morality, Education, 
 Happinefs, Bufmefs, Sicknefs, Death, Integrity, Gkonomy, Affluence, 
 Politenefs, Fidelity, Riches, Duty and Concerns of Parents, Children, 
 and other Relations, Mailers, Millreffes, Illuflrious Perfons, Officers, 
 Soldiers. Seamen, Schoolmafters, Scholars; and other ufeful and enter- 
 taining Particulars too numeiousto mention in this little Page, 
 To which is added, a Courfe of 
 
 CARDS, or NOTES of COMPLIMENTS, 
 
 Which will be found exceedingly-convenient on fuch Occafions 
 as may not require a LETTER. 
 
 TOGETHER WITH ^ 
 
 The UNIVERSAL PETITIONER, 
 
 COMPREHENDING 
 
 The greateft Variety of Petitions, adapted to every Situation, with 
 
 Directions for prefenting them in a proper Manner. 
 
 Includingalfo ANEW ENGLISH GRAMMAR; or, The Englifh 
 
 Language made perfectly eafy to every Capacity. 
 
 LIKEWISE, 
 
 General Inflruclions for carrying onEpiJlolary Correfpondence* 
 
 And neceffary RULES for addrefling Perfons of all Station?, 
 
 both in Discourse aud Writing. 
 
 To the Whole are alfo added, 
 Precedents of Leafes, Bonds, Letters of Attorney, Wills, Mortgages, 
 Wills and Powers, Indentures, &c. &c. agreeable to the Forms in 
 which they are now executed by the moft eminent Attorneys. 
 
 By the" Rev. GEORGE SToWN, M. A. 
 
 Author of The New Young Man's Companion, price only is. 
 
 Here you may Earn with Energy imrl Ait, 
 Your Thoughts \wj\htit Laxgusgt to impart: 
 Love, Friendjhip, Xvjinefs, are with Kale cNprcft, 
 And in true Elegance of Diftiojo dixit. 
 
 LONDO N: Printed tor ALEX. HOGG, N° 16, 
 
 [Price 2s. neatly bound, or js. 6d, fewed.]
 
 To the PUBLIC. 
 
 r I ^ HIS is univerfally allowed to be, without Excep- 
 •* tion, the beji and mojl extenfively vfcful Letter- 
 Writer that was ever offered to the Public. In 
 the true Senfe of the Word, it is entirely New, not a 
 fingle Sentence being taken from any printed Book; 
 and fome of the mofl dijlinguijhed Characters of the 
 Age have afiifted in completing this Collection of 
 Originals. In general, the Letters have actually paffed 
 between Perfons of Reputation, and were we at 
 liberty to mention their Names, the moil unpre- 
 cedented Succefs would certainly attend this little 
 Book ; which being introduced into our Schools, 
 will be found of the greatefl Utility to the rifmg 
 Generation. 
 
 N. B. Pleafe to alk for Brown's Englifli Letter-Writer ; 
 
 AND 
 
 Ee careful to obferve that every Copy has an original 
 Frontifpiece, executed by Dodd and Page, and is 
 printed for the fole Proprietor, 
 
 ALEX. HOGG. 
 
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 matters, &c. as purchafe Quantities for the Ufe of 
 their Academies, or for giving away as Prefents.
 
 PE. 
 I + SI 
 
 TABLE OF 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 pR E FAC E — Page 13 
 
 ** Injlru&ions for writing Letters with Eleganct 
 
 and Propriety - — 1£ 
 
 An entire Nezv Englifk Grammar-, or, 7%e Englifli 
 Language made perfetliy eafy to every Capa- 
 city .7 
 
 Letter 
 
 -I. From a young Man to his Mother. On Virtue in 
 Youth difplayed ~ 25 
 
 II. The Mother's An/wer. Virtue firup fling under 
 
 Afflitlion 26 
 
 III. The Son s Reply. An In fiance oj Filial Duty 27 
 
 IV. From a young Woman to her Father. Virtue in 
 
 humble Life 28 
 
 V. The Father's Anfwer. Prudential Advice to 
 
 young Worn?)! - 29 
 
 VI. From a poor Widozo to her Son en board a Ship 
 
 of War. Patience under Afficlion go 
 
 VII. The Sons Anjicer. Particular Providence 
 
 dif played — — 31 
 
 A 2 Letter
 
 iv CO N TINT S. 
 
 Letter 
 
 .VIII. The Sailor's LeAter enclofed to his Sweetheart, 
 On innocent Love P a g e 3 2 
 
 IX. The Sweetheart's Reply to the Sailor. Mirth in 
 
 CourtJJap 33 
 
 X. From a young Gentleman at Wejlminfter-School 
 
 to his Father. Youthful Imprudence 25 
 
 XI. The Father's Anfwer. Seaforiabh Advice 36 
 
 XII. From a Trade/man in London to his Son, a 
 
 Merchant's Clerk, in Briflol. Parental Af- 
 fliction 38 
 
 -XIII. The young Gentleman s Anjwer. Penitence in 
 Youth — : — 39 
 
 XIV. The Father s Reply. Advice concerning Jud- 
 den Reformation 40 
 
 XV. Mr, Smith's Letter to Mr, Howard. Former 
 
 Friendfkip remembered 41 
 
 XVI. Mr. Howard's Anjwer, AJlrong Injlance of 
 
 Friendjliip * 42 
 
 XVII. From a Clergyman in the Country to a young 
 Gentleman bound Apprentice to a Grocer in 
 London. Containing proper Inflruclions for 
 his Conducl in LJe — 43 
 
 XVIII. The young Gentleman s Anjwer. Pruden- 
 tial Knowledge in Youth 45 
 
 XIX. The Clergy yuan s Reply. Important Advice to 
 Youth • 46 
 
 XX. From a Tradesman in London to a Correfpon- 
 
 dent in the Country. An ea.rneft Demand of 
 Payment 48 
 
 XXI. The Anfwer. Reajons affigned for delaying 
 Payment — — 49 
 
 XXII. From a Trade fman in the Country to a Mer- 
 chant in London, de firing a Compofition with 
 his Creditors , and a Re que ft. J'or Advice how 
 to atl with a Son — — — 50 
 
 Letter
 
 CONTENTS. v 
 
 Letter 
 
 XXIII. The Merchant's Anfwer. A Jlriking In- 
 ftance of Humanity f* a g e 5 l 
 
 XXIV* .Fro?n a young Gentleman to a Clergyman* 
 A Requejl hew to improve a neglecled Educa- 
 tion 52 
 
 XXV. The Clergyman s Anfwer. Prudential Ad- 
 vice concerning Reading 54 
 
 XXVI. From the Same to the Same. The Sukjecl, 
 continued 56 
 
 XXVII. From a young Trade fman in London to an 
 aged Perfon in the Country retired from Bit- 
 finefs. An imprudent Requejt 58 
 
 XXVIII. The Anfwer. Prudent Advice — 59 
 
 XXIX. From a young Trade/man, newly Jet up in 
 Bufinefs, to a Lady's Maid in the Country. 
 
 A virtuous Propofal of Marriage' — 60 
 
 XXX. The young Woman s Anfwer. A pious Re- 
 folution 61 
 
 XXXI. From the young Trade fman in Reply. A mo- 
 dejl Compliance 62 
 
 XXXII. From the young Woman s Father. Con- 
 taining prudent Advice to his Daughter 63 
 
 XXXIII. The young Womaiis Reply to her Father. 
 Filial Compliance zuith paternal Requejl s 64 
 
 XXXIV. From Mifs Barton to Mr. Atkins. A 
 jlriking Pattern for young Women — 63 
 
 XXXV. From a Sailor, ju/l arrived at Port/mouth 
 from the Fa/l-Indies, to his Sweztheart at 
 
 Wapping.. Hone fly and Blunt nefs — 66 
 
 .XVI. From a young Gentleman at the Univer- 
 
 fity to a Clergyman in the Country. An 
 
 earne/l Requejl made in a proper Manner 6j 
 
 XXXVII. The Clergyman s Anfwer. On Tolera- 
 1 tion — — 68 
 
 XXXVIII. From the Same to the Same. The Sub- 
 ject continued y^ 
 
 A3 Letter
 
 vi CONTENTS. 
 
 Letter 
 
 XXXIX. In Continuation* The fame Subjecl fur- 
 ther confidered Page 71 
 
 XL. From a Lieutenant in the Army to a young 
 Lady. A Solicitation for an Elopement 73 
 
 XLI. The young Lady s Anjwer. Serious Advice to 
 Military Officers 74 
 
 XLI I. From a young Woman in the Country to her 
 Father in Lcndon. A Female s Requefl 75 
 
 XLI II. The Father s Anfwer. A Compliance with 
 his Daughter's Requefl y6 
 
 XL1V. Fr 077i a young Gentleman to a Clergyman, on 
 the Study of HiPiory. A Help to Converfation 
 
 78 
 
 XLV. The An fiver. On Hi for y ^ 79 
 
 XLVI. From the Same in Continuation. On Bio- 
 graphy, Voyages •, and Travels, &c. — 81 
 
 XLVII. From a poor zvcrhing Man, imprifoned for 
 Debt, tolas Creditor. Poverty applying for 
 Relief — — 83 
 
 XLVII I. The Anfwer. Mijunderfandings cleared 
 up - - — — 84 
 
 XLIX. From a young Man, a Carpenter, defrous 
 of ft ting up in Bufnefs, to the P erf on with 
 whom he ferved his Appreruicejhip. A prudent 
 Requefl 85 
 
 L. The Anfwer. Important Advice 86 
 
 LI. From a young Merchant to the Daughter of a 
 Counfellor at Law* An honourable Love- 
 Let ter 88 
 
 LII. The young Lady's Anfwer. An admirable Re- 
 ply - • 89 
 
 LIII. The Counfellor s Letter to the young % Mer- 
 • chant. Cautions to thofe in Trade — 91 
 
 LIV. The Merchant's Arfwer. A feafonable Reply 
 
 to a mijiaken Cenjure ■ 92 
 
 Letter
 
 CONTENTS. vli 
 
 Letter 
 
 LV. The Merchant's Letter to the young Lady. On 
 the Slave Trade — Page 93 
 
 LVI. The young Lady's Anfiuer. On Preparation 
 for Death 95 
 
 LVII. From a Lady to a Clergyman, on her Hifliand 
 and Son being killed in Battle. On the Effecls 
 of War 97 
 
 LVIII. The Clergyman's Anfiuer. On Chrifiian 
 Refignation 98 
 
 LIX. From the Same to the- Same. The Subjecl con- 
 tinued — — 100 
 
 LX. From a Clergyman to a young Nobleman. On 
 Debauchery 101 
 
 LXI. From the Same to the Same. Clerical Duty ex- 
 erted in a good Can fe 103 
 
 LXII. The young Nobleman's Anjwer. A Liber- 
 tine's Confeffion of his Folly 104 
 
 LXIII. The Clergyman s An fiver. A virtuous Man s 
 Co?n fort for doing his Duty ■ 10S 
 
 LXIV. From a Merchant retired from Bufinefs to 
 a Clergyman. On Religion in Retirement 108 
 
 LXV. The Clergyman's Anfwer. On the Ufe of Re- 
 tirement 109 
 
 LXVI. From a Lady in tke Country to her Niece in 
 London. On Female Imprudence — 111 
 
 LXV 1 1. The young Lady's Anjwer. An Apology for 
 Female Imprudence 112 
 
 LXVI II. From a young Man, who had run away 
 .from his Apprentice/hip, to his Father, de- 
 firing him to intercede with his Mafler. The 
 Fxcufe of a run-away Apprentice — 113 
 
 LXIX. The Father's Letter to his Son's Mafler. A 
 Solicitation for Pardon 114 
 
 LXX. The Mafler' s Anjwer to the Father's Letter. 
 A pious Refolution 116 
 
 LXXI. The Father's L&tter to his Son. A tender In- 
 vitation to return to his Duty — — 117 
 
 Letter
 
 viii CONTENTS. 
 
 Letter 
 
 LXXII. From a young Woman, who had married 
 without the Con/ent of her Parents, to her 
 Father. An earnejl Requejijor a Reconcilia- 
 tion Page 118 
 
 LXXIII. The Father s Anfzver, A tender pruden- 
 tial Con/ent • ■ 119 
 
 LXXIV. From a young Woman, a Servant in Lon- 
 don, to her Parents in the Country. A virtu- 
 ous Requejl 121 
 
 LXXV. The Father s Anfzver, A tender Compli- 
 ance 122 
 
 jfLXXVI. From a young Man to his Sweetheart. 
 Contentment in an humble Station — 123 
 
 LXXVII. The Anfzver. Humble Senfibility in a 
 
 State of Court/hi p 125 
 
 ^XXVIII. From a young Gentleman entering into 
 Holy Orders, to an aged Clergyman. On the 
 Clerical Duty 126 
 
 LXXIX. The Anfzver. On the Utility of Civil Efta- 
 blifiments in Religion 128 
 
 LXXX. From the Same to the Same. On the Pajlo- 
 ralCare 130 
 
 LXXXI. From a young Tradefman in diflreffed Cir~ 
 cum/lances to another of Age and Experi- 
 ence. An earnejl Requejl for Advice 132- 
 
 LXXXII. TheAnfwer. Advice to Trade/men 133 
 
 LXXXI1I. From a Country Tradefman to a Trade/- 
 man in London. A Solicitation for a mercan- 
 tile Correfpondence 134 
 
 LXXXIV. The Anfzver. Good Advice to a young 
 Tradefman 136 
 
 LXXXV. From a young Woman, a Servant in Lon- 
 don, to her Brother in the Country. A Sijier's 
 Advice on his Marriage 137 
 
 LXXXV I. The Sifter's An/wer. Family Friendjhip 
 
 commenced — — 138 
 
 Letter
 
 CONTENTS ix 
 
 Letter 
 
 LXXXVII. From a young Woman in London to 
 
 her Friend intke Country . Youthful Friend- 
 
 /hip d if played . Page 139 
 
 LXXXVIII. The Anfwer.- A jlr iking Inflance of 
 Resignation in Youth 140 
 
 L XXX IX. From an aged Lady to a Clergyman, On 
 the Abufe of Religion — 142 
 
 XC. The Anfwer. On the Nature of Wills 143 
 
 XCI. From a young Woman, Teacher at a Boarding 
 School, to her Father. A tender Requefl 144 
 
 XCI I. The Father's Anfwer. A Companionate Com- 
 pliance 145 
 
 XCIII. From a young Gentleman in London to a 
 
 Clergyman in the Country. On the fatal Ef- 
 
 feels of Difipaiion 146 
 
 XCIV. The Clergyman s Anfwer. Serious Advice to 
 Youth 147 
 
 XCV^, From a young Gentleman to a Lady\ dt firing 
 her to make an Elope meni with him to Scot* 
 land. An imprudent Rcque/l 149 
 
 XCVI. The young Lady's Anjwer, The Honour of 
 Female Prudence 150 
 
 XCVffcr' The young Gentleman s Anfwer. A Confefi 
 fion of youthful Folly 151 
 
 XCVIII. The young Ladxs Anfwer. Virtue and 
 Prudence exerted in Love . 15.2 
 
 XCY^^Fr om a young Gentleman of For time ; to an 
 amiable young ii omav, vjhofe Parents had 
 left her d* q itute. Genuine Love difplayed 153 
 
 C. The young Ww an** Anfwer. Cautions r-fpecl- 
 ing Courtfhij, 154 
 
 CI. The young Gentleman 3 s Reply. A finking Proof 
 of D filter e/ledne/s 15.5 
 
 CII. From the young Woman to the Mother of the 
 young Gentleman. Virtue and Piety dif- 
 
 played 156 
 
 LETTEPv
 
 x CONTENTS. 
 
 Letter 
 
 CIII. The Anfwer, An Acknowledgement of Divine 
 
 Providence ^ a g e 157 
 
 CIV. 7 he young Woman's Reply. On Allegory 158 
 
 CV. From Mifs Benfon to Mr, Lyttleton. Serious Re- 
 
 fiecTions on Marriage . 159 
 
 CVI. From a poor Man to one of the Governors of 
 
 Chrifz's Hofpital. The Extent of parental 
 
 Duty — — — 160 
 
 CVI I. The Anfwer. True Benevolence dif played 161 
 CV1II. From a decayed Tradefman to a Director of the 
 
 Eaft- India Company. An earnefi Requefl in Dif- 
 
 trefs ' 162 
 
 CIX. The Anfwer. A companionate Compliance 164 
 
 CX. From a young Man, inlified for a Soldier, to his 
 
 Matter. Drunkennefs difplayed — 165 
 
 CXI, The Anfwer. Piety and Virtue joined to Pru- 
 
 nct ■ 166 
 
 CXII. From a Merchant in London to one of the Boys 
 
 belonging to Ch rift's Hofpital. Good Advice to 
 
 Youth in the Navy _ 167 
 
 CX1II. From a Sailor on board one of the King's Ships 
 
 to his Wife. On the State of impreffed Sea* 
 
 men 168 
 
 CXIV. The Anfwer. Conjugal Duty difplayed 169 
 CXV. From a young Woman gone to Service in London 
 
 to her Lover in the Country. Fritndfhip in 
 
 Love — ' — 170 
 
 CXV I. The Anfwer. On the different Situations in 
 
 Life 171 
 
 CXV II. From a young Gentleman in London to his 
 
 Guardian in the Country. On Duelling 172 
 
 CXVIII. The Anfwer. The fame Subject continued 173 
 CXIX. From the Same to the Same. The Subject con* 
 
 fidcred J 7 4 
 
 CX'Ji^i'riJB a young Gentleman to a Friend. On Me- 
 
 ' mory . 176 
 
 CXXI. The Anfwer. On the Ufe of Verfe on Religious 
 
 Subjecls — . — 177 
 
 Letter
 
 CONTENTS. xi 
 
 Letter 
 
 CXXII. From a young Man, a Soldier in the Militia, 
 
 On the prefent State of the Militia P*ge 178 
 
 CXXIII. The Anfwer. The right Ufe of a Military 
 
 Life 179 
 
 CXXIV. From a young Woman who had been feduced. 
 
 On Seduclion ■ 180 
 
 CXXV. The Anfwer. The good EJfecls of parental 
 
 Affection " 181 
 
 CXXVI. The young Woman's Anfwer. A pathetic 
 
 Reauefi 
 
 CXXVII. From a Father of a young Family to a Gen- 
 tleman of confiderable Rank. On a Subject of 
 the utmojl Importance 183 
 
 CXXVIIL The Anfwer. On the Settlement of Ac- 
 counts — 1 184 
 
 CXXIX. From a young Man in Prifon for Debt, lefring 
 to be reconciled to an aged Aunt, whom he had, 
 offended. A Prifon Scene 1S5 
 
 CXXX. The Anfwer. Faithful Advice j 87 
 
 CXXXI. From a Farmer in the Country to his Land- 
 lord in London. Rural Simplicity 188 
 
 CXXXII. The Anfwer. Old Englifi Hofpitality dif- 
 played c 189 
 
 CXXXIII. From a young Tradefnan in London to his 
 Uncle in the Country. In hopes of a Reconciliation 
 with an offended Friend 19c 
 
 CXXXIV. The Anfwer. Piety and Prudence united 191 
 
 CXXXV. From the Same in Continuation. Rational and 
 Chriflian Advice 192 
 
 CXXXVI. From a young Man, fettled as a Clerk to a\ 
 Banker in London, to his Father in the Country . 
 On the Regularity of Accounts — 194. 
 
 CXXXV 1 1. The Father's Anfwer. Important Ad- 
 vice 195 
 
 CXXXVIII. From a young Widow in the Country to 
 her Brother in London. A ferious Reauef 196 
 
 CXXXIX. The Brother 's Anfwer. A friend ly Reply 197 
 
 CXL. From a young Gentlewoman on the Death of her 
 Hufband. On Death — 198 
 
 CXLI. The Anfwer. Pious Advice -— 199 
 
 Letter.
 
 xH C O N T E N T S. 
 
 Letter 
 
 CXLII. From a young Gentleman on the Death of his 
 Sweetheart, to the Clergyman who attended her. 
 
 A pathtic Letter Page 200 
 
 •CXLIII. The Anfwer. Serious Advice for the Regula- 
 tions of the Paffions — 201 
 CXLIV. From a Widow Lady to a worthy aged Gen- 
 tleman. A ferious Rrque/t 202 
 
 CXLV. The Anfwer. An affectionate Compliance 203 
 
 CXLVI. From the Same to tkt Same. On Eternity 204 
 
 Forms of Cards and Notes of Compliments 206 
 
 General Rules for ad drejjing all C 'liar an en in Life, either 
 
 in Writing or Difcourfe — 208 
 
 The univerfal Petitioner, conffting of great Variety cf 
 
 Petitions on every Occurrence in human Life ibid, - 
 
 Ufeful Forms in Law, viz. Agreement for a Ltafe of a 
 
 Houfe — — 22 1 
 
 For a Covenant Servant — — 223 
 
 A Deed of Gift — — 224 
 
 A Will — — — 225 
 
 A Codicil, or Schedule to a Will — 227 
 
 A Letter of Attorney — — ■ — ibid. 
 
 A Warrant of Attorney ■ 228 
 
 A general Power to receive Debts — - 229 
 
 To receive Wages and all other Debts 230 
 
 To receive Money due on a Bond in Part of Difcharge of 
 
 a Debt 231 
 
 From two to one, to receive the Interejl of certain South- 
 
 Sea Annuities ibid. 
 
 To difcharge a Parifi of a Baflard Child 232 
 
 A Leafe of a Houfe in London — 233 
 
 An Indenture for an Apprentice — 237 
 
 A Bond 238 
 
 A Note of Hand 239 
 
 A Bill of Exchange — — 340 
 
 Memorandum — ' ibid. 
 
 INTRODUCTORY
 
 INTRODUCTORY 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 TH E practice of Letter-writing muit have 
 taken its rife when letters were firft known; 
 but that period cannot be exactly afcertained. 
 When Abraham fent his fervant to bring Rebecca 
 as a wife for Ifaac, he fent prefents to the intended 
 fpoufe; but, alas! jewels cannot convey the lan- 
 guage of the heart. Letter-writing has been 
 ufed by the mod polite nations, and certainly 
 nothing can tend more towards the improvement 
 of the rational faculties; nothing can more alleviate 
 the cares of life : our friends, our relations, may 
 be feparated from us to the utmoft extremity of 
 the univerfe, and yet a few lines may convey our 
 fentiments to them. By this very ufeful art, we 
 may lay open all the fecrets of our hearts on a 
 (ingle flip of paper, and converfe with thofe 
 whom we are feparated from. Letters from 
 friends or relations, are, in general, either too 
 long or too fhort; they frequently abound with 
 redundancies, or particulars entirely unnecelfary; 
 or they want fomething to fill up the fubjecl: : 
 they fometimes contain nothing befides the news 
 of the day, or the private affairs of a family, 
 without any reference to moral obligations or ra- 
 tional entertainment. Every letter ihould convey 
 fome inft ructive precepts ; and while we make ufe 
 of pleafantry, we fhould never forget duty. 
 
 Many works have been publifhed on the fub- 
 jecl; of Letter-writing, but mod of them confift 
 of compilations from the writings of authors of 
 great fame, who knew but little of the occurrences 
 B «<
 
 mv PREFACE. 
 
 8f human life: it is one thing to know private 
 life ; it is another to know the world : but when 
 both are joined together, the Letter-writer muft 
 expert, fome applaufe. To remedy thefe defects, 
 this work was undertaken; and the author has 
 received fuch afliftance, from fome of the greateft 
 perfonages in the kingdom, that he cannot doubt 
 of its being agreeable to every perfon who wifhes 
 to promote the intereff. of the riling generation. 
 
 All the Letters in the following pages are origin 
 ■rials, not one of them having been copied from 
 .any author whatever ; and were the writers of 
 fome of them made public, the work would be 
 .purchafed with the utmcvft avidity. 
 
 The Grammar prefixed, is fo plain, that even 
 .a child who can read may underfland it; and the 
 JLegal Forms, which are more numerous and more 
 important than in any former publication, will 
 be of the utmolt fervice, particularly to thofe who 
 refide in the country, and have not an opportu- 
 nity of applying to an attorney. 
 
 The Petitions are drawn up in fuch a plain eafy 
 manner, that nothing more is required than to 
 transcribe them. 
 
 The Cards, or Notes of Compliments^ will be 
 a great help to facilitate bufinefs in fuch cafes as 
 may not require a Letter ; and the general infrac- 
 tions for carrying on ep.iflolary correfpondence, 
 together with other particulars of importance, 
 cannot fail of becoming valuable. 
 
 Such is the nature and plan of this work; and 
 as it was undertaken for the benefit of the rifincr 
 generation ("though it will be found of the utmofr. 
 utility to the public in general) Jo there can be no 
 doubt but it will be received as a moft ui'efui 
 prefent. 
 
 GEORGE BROWN. 
 INSTRUC-
 
 I N S T R U C T I O N S 
 
 FOR % 
 
 WRITING LETTERS; 
 
 By which, and the following Models, 
 
 Any Perfon may become Matter 
 
 OF THE 
 
 EPISTOLARY S.TIL E. 
 
 THE great art of Letter-writing confifls in 
 an accurate knowledge of the fubjecl, and 
 the circumftancesof the perfon to whom we ad- 
 drefs ourfelves. The man of ftudy will never he, 
 deftitute of matter, and all mankind are confi- 
 dered as thoughtful, intelligent beings. 
 
 In all letters let truth be the principal object in 
 view ; let no falfhood be inferted, and then there 
 can be no inconfiftency. If the letter is to contain 
 an accufation of the conduit of a young perfon, 
 let it be written in tendernefs; for if otherwife, it 
 will never be attended with any beneficial confe- 
 quences. If on bufinefs in the mercantile world, 
 let every thing be fo clear, as not to admit of a 
 B 2 doubt
 
 xvi Instructions for Writing Letters. 
 
 doubt when you come to fettle accounts. This 
 will prevent many anxieties which often take 
 place in families, and fecure a part of the property 
 which is often fquandercd away in fuits at law. 
 In love and courtihip, unlefs fincerity take place, 
 no happinefs can be expe61ed : let a love-letter 
 contain the language of the heart, and let that 
 heart contain nothing but what is innocent. In 
 real friendship the heart will direct the pen, and 
 fentiments unthought of before will flow copi- 
 ftufly. A good heart will regulate the conduct; 
 it will afford matter for epiflolarv correfpondence; 
 everything will flow with elegance: and while 
 the writer improves his own rational faculties, he 
 will, by attending to thefe rules, inftruct and en- 
 tertain his correfpondents. The rules laid down 
 are fo eafy, that any perfon attending to them 
 will never write with impropriety ; and all that 
 can be added is, the Grammar muft be attended 
 to, and iikewife the perufal of the Letters in this 
 work 
 
 
 A COM
 
 tf^JF 1 <^^5 f^* *^^5 f^* f ^^ ' 
 
 (*$& Y 7 "^ 
 
 COMPENDIOUS 
 
 GRAMMAR 
 
 OF THE 
 
 ENGLISH LANGUAGE, 
 
 Adapted to the meaneit Capacities ; 
 
 CONTAINING 
 
 All that is necefTary to he known, in order to 
 Read,, Write, and Speak, with a becoming 
 Propriety. 
 
 GRAMMAR is the art of one human creature 
 fpeaking to another, fo as to be underftood. 
 Letters, fyllabies, words, and fentences, include 
 every thing in grammar. Letters form fyllabies, fvl- 
 lables words, and words fentences. 
 
 B 3 There
 
 18 A Compen dious GRAMMAR 
 
 There are twenty-fix letters in the Englifh lan- 
 guage, viz. A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, 
 M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W 5 X, Y, Z ; a, b, 
 c, d. e, f, g. h, i, j, k, 1, m, n, o, p. q. r 5 f, t, u, v, 
 w, x, y, z. 
 
 Twenty of thefe are confonants, and fix are vowels. 
 
 Two or more confonants cannot form a fyllable, 
 without the afhftance of a vowel : thus v;e cannot fay 
 brght, but if we add j, then it is bright. 
 
 The firft thing to be learned in grammar, is the 
 knowledge of letters; which are to be formed into 
 iyllables, and fyllables into words. 
 
 Words are figns by which we convey our thoughts 
 to each other. 
 
 The Englifh language confifts of nine parts of 
 fpeech, or rather nine different forts of words, viz. 
 
 I. The Article; II. The Noun; III. The Pro- 
 noun; IV. The Adjeftive : V. The Verb; VI. The 
 Adverb; VII. The Prepofition ; VIII. The Con- 
 junction ; IX. The Interjection. 
 
 The following example will ferve to point out the 
 ufe of thefe words ; 
 
 i 27251 2 57 
 
 The Habit of Thinking is a Privilege beftowed on 
 
 4 271423 8 
 
 human Beings, by the great God himfelf; but, 
 
 9 6 6 s 3 5 3 
 
 *das ! how often do we abufe it! 
 
 The Article is prefixed to words in the following 
 manner, The Lord, the King, the good Man. 
 
 A Subftantive is ufed to cxprefs the name of any 
 thing that can be underflood by the fenfes : thus we 
 fay, a Hor/e, a Stone, a Houfe, Sec. 
 
 A Noun Subftantive may {land by itfelf, but an 
 Adjective cannot, unlefs joined to a Subftantive : 
 thus, we cannot fay a good, but we may fay a good 
 Man. Thus again, we may fay Gad\ which forms 
 the" Noun Subftantive joined with the Interjection : 
 
 but
 
 of the English Language. 19 
 
 but let us fay God! thou art good', then the Sub- 
 ftantive and Adject' ve are joined. 
 
 Pronouns are words ufed inflead of Nouns : thus 
 we fay, /, you, he, Jlie, inftead of making ufe of the 
 name of the perfon alluded to. Pronouns muft al- 
 ways be joined to active or paflive Verbs : thus, we 
 may fay, I love. I read, I hear, I teach ; and lam 
 loved, I have been taught, &c. In the ufe of Pro- 
 nouns in writing, we muil deli re the reader to attend 
 to the following rule, viz. they may either be ap- 
 plied to Subftantives or Adjectives: thus, we may 
 fay, / am a Man, he has a horfe, /have a Wife\ but 
 in Adjectives, we fay, /am a virtuous Man, he has a 
 £ne Horfe, I have a beautiful Wife. 
 
 Adjectives are the qualities of a thing ; fuch as, a 
 hard Stone, a good Man, a pious King. 
 
 A Verb is a word conveying the ideas of being, 
 doing, or fujfering : thus, I fay, / love, I zvork, I 
 fufcr. 
 
 V erbs are either active or paflive. 
 
 Active Verbs imply all that a human being can do 
 ofhimfelf, without any fupernatural afliftance : fuch 
 as, I love Mary; I read a Book. 
 
 Paflive Verbs fignify the force that any thing has 
 upon our minds, fo as to regulate our conduct ; fuch 
 as, / am loved; lam taught; lam hated; / am 
 brought under the power of all my enemies, and I am 
 obliged tofubmit to their cruelty. 
 
 In Verbs, or words, we are to confider the Per/on^ 
 the Number, the Time, and the Mode, 
 
 Thus with refpect to the Perfon. 
 I love, thou taught, he learns* 
 
 In Numbers, Thou loveft, he hates. 
 In Times, I hear, I read. 
 
 The
 
 ao A Compendious GRAMMAR 
 
 The Mode is the manner in which pafiions or 
 actions are reprefentedj and il mult allude to Time. 
 Time is prefent, paft, or future. 
 
 The Indicative Mode confifts of the following ex- 
 preflions. 
 
 1 . I have, 
 
 2. Thou haft, 
 
 3. He hath, or has. 
 
 We 
 Ye 
 
 They 
 
 Have, 
 
 Time paft, 
 
 1. I had, 
 
 2. Thou hadft, 
 
 3. He had, 
 
 Had, 
 
 1. I mail, or will 
 
 2. Thou fhalt, or wilt 
 
 3. He (hall, or will 
 
 Future Tenfe, or Time 
 Have. 
 
 Shall or 
 will 
 have. 
 
 Imperative Mode, 
 
 1* Let me have. 
 
 2. Have thou, or do 
 
 thou have. 
 
 3. Let him have. 
 
 Let us have. 
 Do ye have. 
 
 Let them have, 
 
 Subjunctive Mode, 
 Prefent Tenfe, or Time. 
 
 Have. 
 
 We ) 
 
 Ye \ Have. 
 They > 
 
 PARTICIPLE,
 
 of the English Language. 21 
 
 PARTICIPLE. 
 
 A Participle is a part of Speech derived from a Verb, 
 but fometimes it is ufed as a Noun Adjeftive. It is 
 active and paffive, viz. active, loving, hearing, feeing j 
 paflive, loved, heared, taught, 
 
 ADVERBS. 
 
 Adverbs .are added to Verbs or words, and are 
 generally ufed to point out fome particular circum- 
 flances, relating either to an action or quality. 
 
 Thus we fay wifely, lovingly ; and when fet before 
 a Verb, we fay heretofore I taught, yejierday I loved, 
 already I have fought you, &c. 
 
 PREPOSITION. 
 
 The word Prepofition is ufed to point out fomething 
 going before the words to which they are applied. 
 
 Thus we fay by them, to them, from them, with them, 
 viz. Tell me what you want ; that is, afk of me. He 
 fprung from me. Through, under, by, to, from, may be 
 applied to any Verb as Prepofitions. 
 
 CONJUNCTION. 
 
 Conjunction is the joining of two or more fentences 
 together, fo as to form a complete period : thus we 
 would fay, / walked out lafl week to fee the gardens at 
 Richmond, where I met with Mrs. Wilfon, who is really 
 an ornament to herfex .« or you and I rode to Winchefler 
 together, but Mr. Wilfon fiaid at home, 1 was at 
 Shrew/bury on the feventhof lafi month, but do not re- 
 member feeing your friend Mr. Johnfon. They were re- 
 buked, because they could not hold their peace. I have 
 done all I could to ferve you, but my endeavours havt 
 not been attended with the defired fuccefs, 
 
 INTER.
 
 22 A Compendious GRAMMAR 
 
 INTERJECTION. 
 
 Interjection implies a flrong exprefiion, a riling from 
 feme affliction in life. 
 
 Thus we fay, Oh ! Alas ! Good God ! Heavens prt~ 
 ferve me! God help me ! Alas ! what have I been doing ? 
 Ah, wretched man that I am I < 
 
 In writing a fentence grammatically, the points and 
 flops muft be attended to, otherwise the whole will 
 be little better than nonfenfe. 
 
 In the Englifh grammar the following points arc 
 commonly ufed in a fentence; 
 
 A Comma, 
 
 A Semicolon, £ Markedthus 
 
 A Colon, 
 
 A Period, 
 
 EXAM PLE.S. 
 
 The books were brought to me, and nothing cart 
 equal the elegance of the binding ; which I would 
 have you mention to Mr. Wilfon : it really does him 
 credit. 
 
 I have fent the things you ordered, and they came" 
 fafe : but they do not pleafe me : I would have you 
 take notice of thefe to Mr. Wilfon. 
 
 In Grammar there are three other marks, which may 
 be ufed occafionally, although they are not always 
 neceffary in the fame fentence. 
 
 The fe points are ; 
 
 Interrogatio 
 Admiration 
 Parenthefis, 
 
 Interrogation, ) 
 Admiration, £ Marked thus 
 
 11$ 
 
 EXAMPLE.
 
 of the English Language. 
 
 EXAMPLE. 
 
 how happy are thole that love the Lord 3 for 
 how can we doubt of his goodnefs ? He loves his crea- 
 .tures. or lather, he delires to make them happy. 
 
 The great utility of writing grammatically ought 
 much to be encouraged, for we often hear perfons 
 fpeak, and as often read their letters fo improperly 
 icompofed, that they raife a blufh from a friend, and 
 excite laughter from an enemy. 
 
 EXAMPLES. 
 
 1 were going to London. It fhould be read, fpoken, 
 or written, I was going to London, 
 
 They was going to London. It lhould be, they 
 zvere going to London. 
 
 A COMPLETE SENTENCE. 
 
 I will love thee, G God ! thou halt been good 
 ttnto me ; but wilt thou remove my doubts ? The 
 goodnefs of the Divine Being, fhould be conhderexl 
 with reverence ; he is all mercy, "but, except in fome 
 few cafes, we little attend to it. 
 
 The marks of Admiration and Interrogation may 
 both be ufed as Periods at the end of fentences, and 
 every fentence fhould begin with a capital letter; but 
 •ftill, an Interrogation (?) and Admiration (!) may be 
 ufed in the middle of fentences. A Colon (:) denotes 
 'fomething wanting to complete the fentence, and 
 therefore it is feldom followed by a capital. 
 
 When any paffage is quoted from another author, 
 it mufh ftand marked thus; " he fhall not be afraid 
 41 of evil tidings (fays the Pfalmiil); his heart is fixed, 
 <s trufting in the Lord." 
 
 When
 
 24 A Compendious GRAMMAR, &c. 
 
 When any thing is mentioned of a (hiking nature, 
 particularly any thing fatirical, it mud (land in Italics; 
 thus fpeaking or writing we lay an emphafis on the 
 word ; by writing of a wicked man, we fay his piety 
 is well known. This is the force of fatire, by invert- 
 ing the words, and making that appear as a virtue 
 which is a vice. 
 
 Sometimes it may be neceflary to put a word in 
 CAPITALS. Thus we write; " He was too good 
 " to live SO long." 
 
 A PERFECT SENTENCE, 
 
 Containing every mark in Grammar. 
 
 " He who trufts in the Almighty (as the Pfalmifl 
 fays) " fhall never be moved:" but what then fhali 
 be the fate pi the wicked ? Alas ! their condition will 
 be deplorable: for had. they not preferred VICE to 
 VIRTUE, they might have enjoyed the divine fa- 
 vour. It has happened, however, otherwife; for they 
 loved the charms of nominal pleafure, in preference to 
 fuch as could give peace and happinefs to the mind. 
 
 
 OR IG I NAL 

 
 ORIGINAL 
 
 LETTERS 
 
 O N 
 
 Every Occurrence in LIFE. 
 
 LETTER I. 
 
 From a young Man who had ferved two Years of hit 
 Apprenticefiip, to his Mother, a poor Widow, 
 
 Dear and Honoured Mother, 
 
 TH E diftance at which Providence has placed 
 me from you, has neither made me ungrate- 
 ful nor undutiful. I often think of your 
 wants, but 'till this day I have not had it in my 
 power to give you any afiiftance. My mafter has 
 treated me with fo much tendernefs, that I can never 
 be too grateful to him. This morning he fent me 
 with a bill to a gentleman, who generoufly gave me 
 a guinea, and that I have fent to you to alleviate 
 your prefent diftrefs; and you will receive along with 
 it, eight (hillings which was given me for my Chrift- 
 mas-box. I had four millings more given me, which 
 I have laid out for a Bible, that I may never forget 
 my duty to my God as well as to my parent. Happy if 
 I could do more to ferve you ; but truft in God, who 
 I hope will never leave you, nor forfake you. For 
 my own part, I have fome comfort in trufting in 
 C God;
 
 g6 LETTERS on 
 
 God ; but that trufl is fupported and encouraged by 
 my duty. In the mean time, my prayers fhall be for 
 you ; and if I can procure any more it fhall be fent. 
 
 I am, your dutiful fon, 
 
 London, June 12, 178 William Ray._ 
 
 LETTER II. 
 
 The Mother's Anfwer, 
 My dear Billy, Kingjlon, June 16, 178 
 
 NDER all the afflictions of age arid preflures 
 
 u 
 
 of poverty, my mind is fupported when I 
 confider that you join the fear of God to your duty 
 to me. I allure you, my dear, I was without a dinner 
 when your prefent came •, and with tears I muft de- 
 clare, that nothing but necefiity could have forced me 
 to accept it. I would have returned it ; bat ah ! 
 ■what can we do when hunger and cold pinch us. 
 Had it pleafed God to reftore your father to health, 
 I fhould not now have been a difconfolate widow ; but 
 the Divine Being is good in all his ways. I have 
 been ill fome lime ; but bleffed be God I am refigned 
 to his will, nor fhail I ever complain ; for we poor 
 mortals ought to fubmit. Mr. Mayor has promifed 
 to get me a fmall matter from the parifh ; but what- 
 ever may happen to me, let me go out of the world 
 with this confolation, that you are cjifcharging your 
 duty to God and man. It is that alone will fupport 
 you on a death-bed ; nay, it will make the prolpeft 
 of eternity pleafant to you. Go on, my dear, in an 
 uniform courfe of virtue and piety; that will procure 
 you the approbation of God, of a good confcience, and 
 will fupport my drooping years. 
 
 I am, your affectionate mother, 
 
 Susannah Rat. 
 LETTER
 
 jver? Occurrence in Life. 27 
 
 LETTER III. 
 
 ' The Son's Anfwer* 
 Honoured Mother, 
 
 EVER anxious for your welfare, I waited with 
 impatience for your letter, and it is with plea- 
 fure 1 can inform you, that fomething will now be 
 done to ferve you. I was not at home when your 
 letter arrived, and as I don't defire to conceal any 
 fecrets from my mailer, he opened and read it. Upon 
 my return he fhewed me it, telling me that I was 
 much to blame for not having mentioned your af- 
 flicted cafe to him. I made the bed apology I could, 
 for you know we may be poor without making our 
 poverty known to the world. My mafter has gene- 
 roufly lent you two guineas, and you will receive fome 
 left off clothes fent by my miftrefs. At the fame time 
 I have the pleafure to inform you, that my matter 
 will be at your town fome time next month ; and, 
 being well acquainted with Mr. Mayor, will endea- 
 vour to prevail upon him to forward whatever may be 
 of fervice to you. I have jufb received a fuit of new 
 clothes, in confequence of my fending you the trifle* 
 Thus Providence often heaps favours upon us, even 
 while our merits do not entitle us to them. My mind 
 is eafy when I hear of any thing that can promote your 
 intereft, and fweeten the cares of old age. It is but a 
 little time when I fhall be old myfelf ; and then may 
 thofe confolations which yield you fo much comfort, 
 give me conlolation. I am permitted to vilit you at 
 next Eafler ; but before that time I hope you will b* 
 provided for. 
 
 your 
 
 dutiful fon 
 
 William' Ray. 
 G 2 LETTER
 
 s8 LETTERS on 
 
 LETTER IV. 
 
 From a young Woman jufi gone out to Service, to her 
 
 lather. 
 Honoured Sir, 
 
 I Arrived at tjiis place about fix o'clock on Saturday 
 evening, and met with fuch a reception from Mrs. 
 Oakley, as mud ever make a lading impreflion on my 
 mind : it fhall be my ftudy to pieafe her as far as 
 lays in my power. The coach fet us down a mile 
 diftant from the houfe; but Mrs. Oakley had been 
 waiting feme time in her chaife with her two daugh- 
 ters ; and fuch was the condefcenfion of that good 
 lady, that {he took me into her carnage and rrTade one 
 of her daughters walk home on foot. The place 
 ivhere I am now fettled is delightful, and I have little 
 more to do befides drefiing my young ladies in the 
 morning, and reading to them in the afternoon; but 
 I fill up my vacant hours in making up plain work for 
 the family, by which I fave my lady a confiderable fum 
 which fhe would be obliged to pay was fhe to put it 
 out. I hate idlenefs, and am determined to be ufe- 
 fully employed. Our family confifts of the lady, her 
 two daughters, one footman, a houfe-maid, a cook- 
 maid, and myfelf. The curate of the parifh lives in 
 the village, and he reads prayers to us every evening. 
 Mrs. Oakley gives away all the broken meat to the 
 induftrious poor, fhe pays for the education of their 
 children, and fhe vifits the fick from houfe to houfe. 
 She is really a good woman, and I fhall ftudy to profit 
 by her example. Give my duty to my dear mother, 
 my love to my filter, and be allured, 
 
 I am your ever dutiful daughter, 
 
 Mary Ellis. 
 
 P. S. Pray fend me a pamphlet lately publifhed, 
 called, The Farmer's Wife; Or, The Complete Country 
 Uoufctvi/e. The price is only is. 6d. Mrs. Oakley fays 
 it contains many very important paiticulars, and will 
 prove exceedingly ufeful to me. 
 
 LETTER
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 29 
 
 LETTER V. 
 
 The Father's Anfwer. 
 My dear Child, 
 
 WITH pleafure did I receive yours, and em- 
 brace this firft. opportunity offending you an 
 anfwer. I am glad to hear you met with fuch a- 
 favourable reception from Mrs. Oaklev, and it is no 
 more than what I expe&ed from that good lady. The 
 account you give me of your fituation, affords me" 
 comfort; but it is comfort mixt with fear. You 
 have different pafiions to druggie with, in confequence 
 of the mixture of perfons, and the diverhties of cha- 
 racters. Good as your lady is, you will be obliged to 
 ftudy her temper and fuit your conduct towards it as- 
 far as is conuftent with your duty to God. Perhaps 
 you will find more trouble with your young ladies than 
 you have yet thought of: but that trouble will fit 
 light and eafy upon you, if you preferve your temper ; 
 for by fubmitting in fome trifling things to their hu- 
 mours, you will for ever engage their efteem : nay, 
 they will efteem you better for it ever after. It will 
 be (fill more difficult, perhaps, for you to conduft your- 
 felf towards the two women fervants; your iration r 
 although that of a fervant, being fomewhat higher 
 than theirs, they will envy your htuation, and,, if 
 they can find an opportunity, feek to injure you in 
 the efteem of your lady : but, my dear, nothing is 
 more eafy than to avoid this. Take no authority upon 
 you but what is juft and reafonable ; be meek, be 
 humble, affable, eafy, and agreeable. Soften your 
 lady's orders ; but when you cannot, then tell thern 
 the reafon in plainnefs and fincerity. Make charitable 
 allowances for trifling faults, but never at the ex- 
 pence of truth; and, by gentle perfuafion, en- 
 deavour to perfuade them to be dutiful to their lady 
 if they would expeft honour in time and happinels 
 in eternity. You will naturally have occafion to be 
 / c 3 in
 
 3 o LETTERS ou 
 
 in company with ftrangers, and when that happens, 
 let me beg you will neither feal up your lips, nor en- 
 grofs the convention to youifelf.. But above all, 
 let me beg you will never forget your duty to your 
 God, the Author of your being and fafvation. It is 
 faid of wifdom, " that her ways are ways of pleafant- 
 " nefs, and all her paths are peace ;" and thePfalmift 
 fays, " Great peace have they that love thy law, and 
 » ; nothing fhall offend them." Confider, that in all 
 places wherever you are, the eye. of God. is upon you, 
 and nothing can conceal you from his fight. This will 
 guard you againft all temptations that may fall in, 
 your way. May God Almighty dire6l you through, 
 life to eternity, is the fmcere pr;,ycr of, 
 
 Your affectionate father, 
 
 George Ellis* 
 
 N. B. I have fent that very vfejul hiiU book which 
 you requefted. 
 
 LETTER VI. 
 From a poor Widow in Brijlol, to her Son on board one 
 of the Ships of War, 
 Dear Child, 
 
 JACK Thompfon, who arrived here a few days 
 jgo, called upon me, and told me that you are 
 ftationed off Port-Royal in Jamaica. I hate, there- 
 fore, taken this opportunity of fending you this by the 
 mail ; hut, God knows, it was with much difficulty I' 
 could fpare as much as would pay the portage. It is 
 with for row I muft inform you, that your father died 
 three months ago, fo that I am left a difconfolate 
 widow. He was ill about a month, but fenfible to- 
 the laft ; and juft before he died prayed fervently for 
 you, that your life might be preferved to be of fer- 
 vice to me, and that you might never curfe and (wear, 
 as too many feamen do. " O !" faid he, ' : that my 
 t; fon would confider the many dangers he is conti- 
 " nually expoied to, and feek God as the only 
 
 44 Being
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 31 
 
 u Being that can protett him ; then would he be 
 <: cheerful in the midff. of the greateft florins, know- 
 " ing that nothing wrong can come from the hands 
 M of a good and gracious God." He faid little more, 
 and left this world for a better. To procure myfelf 
 a fmall fubfi Hence, I have took a room on a ground 
 floor to keep a little fchool for children, and to do 
 a little plain work. Indeed, I could get my living 
 by plain work, but it is difficult to procure it; and as 
 for working I am not able to {land it. However, I 
 make myfelf eafy, t ruffing that God will never leave 
 me deflitute of a fubfiffence, while I ufe the means' 
 in my power. I am ftill indebted for fome part of 
 youi father's funeral expences ', but 1 hope the under- 
 taker will not trouble me "till you come home. Per- 
 haps you may have nothing to fpare, for I know 
 your wages are but fmall ; but whatever may happen, 
 remember your father's dying words, and then you 
 may be fure of the divine blefTing. I hope you will 
 write to me the firfl opportunity, and let me know 
 when you think you will be in England. 
 
 I am, ycur affectionate mother, 
 
 Elizabeth Wilson* 
 
 LETTER VIL 
 
 The Son's Anfwer, 
 Dear and Honoured Mother, 
 
 ABOUT three weeks ago I received your let- 
 ter, with the melancholy news of my father's 
 death; and, as if the Divine Being determined at 
 all times to mix "mercies with affli&ions, I am this 
 day entitled to forty-fix pounds prize money, and you 
 will receive enclof'ed my will "and power to take it 
 up, and ufe what part of it you are in want of 'till 
 my return, which I hope will be in about fix months, 
 or fooner. Send the enclofed as directed, and as the 
 
 packet
 
 3 a LETTERS on 
 
 packet will probably fajl foon after you receive this, 
 let me beg you will return the anfwer ; but you need 
 not write to me yourfelf 'till you hoar further, for as 
 we are to put into Cork, you will hear from me there. 
 Our (hip's crew are very fickly, but blefied be God 
 I have hitherto had my health; and as I have done 
 more work than came to my fhare, the admiral has 
 promiled to advance me. 
 
 And now, my dear mother, will you believe me, 
 that I (hall never, through the divine afliftance, for- 
 get mv father's dying words ; they fhail be engraven 
 on my heart, and the whole of my conduct fhall be re- 
 gulated by his inftru&ions. We have no chaplain on 
 board, for he lives at his eafe in England ; but I read 
 fome part of the Bible and the Whole Duty of Man 
 every Sunday. May God fupport your aged life, and 
 be affined that while I have any thing you fhall never 
 
 want 
 
 I am, dear mother, 
 
 Your dutiful Son, 
 
 John Wjlso 
 
 LETTER VIII. 
 
 The Sailor's Letter endofed to his Sweetheart. 
 
 Dear Nancy, 
 
 I Have embraced this opportunity of fending you a 
 letter enclofed m one to my mother, and if you 
 will enquire for John Cap (Ian, at Deptford, on board 
 his majefty's fhip the Union, you will receive a fmall 
 prefent ; but if you cannot go fo far, you may direcl 
 a penny-pofl letter, and the parcel will be fent you. 
 You will fee my mother when {he comes to town, and 
 the will tell you further. Let me beg you will put 
 yourfelf into mourning for my dear father lately de- 
 ceafed, lor you know I cannot go into mourning at 
 fea. 
 
 And
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 33 
 
 And now, my dear, let me afk you, whether you 
 are dill conftant? I can affure you, lam, and always 
 fhall be. I am foon to be advanced ; and as we mall 
 be in England in about fix months, I hope you will 
 then give me your hand, that we may be happy. We 
 have had good fuccefs, and I fhall have enough for us 
 both. I intend to devote my life to the fea, but ftill 
 you know I fhall have fome time to fpend with you. 
 Probably you may live to fee me a captain, and then 
 my Nancy will be a captain's lady. Is not that grand, 
 Nancy? Yes, my dear, and I hope you will fee it. 
 Let me beg you will make me up fome fhirts, and a 
 gown for my mother, with fuch other things as fhe fhall 
 want. I hope you will not be angry when I tell you, 
 that I ftill read my Bible, nor do I ever curfe orfvvear. 
 I am not however, too particular ; for I love innocent 
 pleafure as much as ever. Let me beg to have a letter 
 from you, which you may fend by the packet, directed 
 to me at Port- Royal. 
 
 I am, dear Nancy, 
 
 Your real lover, 
 
 John Wilson* 
 
 LETTER IX. 
 The young Woman's Anfcoer to the Sailor* 
 
 Well, Jack, 
 
 MAY every fuccefs attend captain Wilfon ; 
 who, if he fucceeds according to his hopes, 
 mud foon be an admiral. However, Jack, remem- 
 ber that if you build caftles in the air, 1 fhall not be 
 able to climb up to them ; you mufh purchafe me 
 wings, and teach me to fly. To be plain with you, 
 I cannot blame you, nor any young man, for endea- 
 vouring to mend their circumftances ; but, I am 
 afraid, you promife yourfelf too much. Perhaps you 
 are vain in your own conceit j and, like many others 
 
 in
 
 34 LETTERS on 
 
 in the world, you feed your mind with delufive hopes. 
 <s Strange !." you will fay, " are not all women 
 " vain ? and here is one who prefumes to caution me 
 " again ft vanity." Well, Jack (for you are not yet 
 a captain) I am perhaps as weak and vain as the reft 
 of my fex, and you know it is more eafy to give 
 advice than to take it. My advice, however, is fin- 
 cere, and perhaps you will find it fo. I once pro- 
 mifed myfelf many things ; but now I have learned 
 the duty of refignation, and I was led to it by cir- 
 cumftances I little thought of. You know my mo- 
 ther died two years ago, and my father committed to 
 my care the fole management of his family, which 
 made my ftution refpe&able, and my life agreeable. 
 
 Such was my fituation for fome time ; but mv hopes 
 were foon blafted, and my peace of mind difturbed. 
 My father got into company with the widow of a 
 publican, where he ufually fpent the evenings; and, 
 after a courtfhip of one week, he married her and 
 brought her home in triumph. Madam had been 
 only a few days in the houfe when fhe quarrelled with 
 me; and becaufe I made ufe of fome exprsfTions not 
 very agreeable to her, my father turned me out of 
 doors. Providence found me fhelter in the houfe of a 
 poor widow, who has procured me a fervicein a gen- 
 teel family at Hackney, where I am now happily fettled. 
 
 Thus you fee that we fhould never promife our- 
 felves too much, left we receive nothing in the end.— » 
 With refpecl to con flan cy, be not afraid ; for none 
 fhall receive my hand, 'till your infidelity prompts 
 me to it. Your good mother called upon me, and 
 next day brought me the prefent from Deptford, 
 which will at this time be of confiderable fervice. I 
 faw her fafe into the ftage for Briftol ; but fhe is very 
 infirm. I am glad to hear you have not forgot your 
 God and your Bible, which are my only fupport. 
 May heavens preferve you, and bring you fafe home 
 to England, is the fincere prayer of 
 
 Your friencf, 
 
 Anne Burchet. 
 LETTER
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 3$ 
 
 LETTER X. 
 
 From a young Gentleman at WeJimin/ler-School t$ hie 
 Father in the Country, 
 
 Honoured Sir, 
 
 IT is now above fix months fince I have heard from 
 you, which has made me extremely uneafy, efpe- 
 cially as I told you that I wanted to remove from my 
 lodgings. There are three of us lay in one bed, To 
 that We are either fweated or ftarved to death ; for I 
 think I (hall foon die, if I am not removed. Mailer 
 Howard, of our clafs, has fine lodgings at the houfe 
 of one Mr. Jones, where he is treated with great ten- 
 dernefs, and I could wifh to be along with him. 
 
 I have now got into Homer, and 1 have turned 
 feveral parts of that celebrated poet's works into 
 Latin verfe. I am fond of Homer ; for I think he 
 gives the bed defcription of things I ever read. The 
 confultation of the Gods fills me with admiration, 
 and 1 can find no inftance of courage equal to that 
 of Achilles. The feelings of Priam for the calami- 
 ties brought upon the people by the conduct of his 
 fon Paris, melts me into fympathy ; and fometimes 
 I am apt to forget, that Helen was beautiful. Upon 
 the whole, Sir, I think the claflic authors fuperior 
 to all others, and it (hall be my ftudy to make mvfelf 
 complete mafler of them : only let me beg you 'will 
 fuffer me to remove to new lodgings, 
 
 I am, Sir, 
 
 Your dutiful fon, 
 
 Georce Cooper. 
 
 LETTER
 
 36 LETTERS on 
 
 LETTER XI. 
 
 The Father's Anfwer* 
 
 Dear George, 
 
 YOUR letter to me arrived about two weeks 
 ago, but your mother and myfelf were then oa 
 a vifit to your Uncle Danby, in Lincolnfhire, where 
 we fpent the greateft part of the fummer. 1 fhall 
 now give you an explicit anfwer to your letter, and 
 I am forry to tell you, that I do it with relu&ance. 
 The complaint you make concerning your lodgings, 
 does not deferve notice; and, with refpeft to your 
 requeft, I fhall not comply with it. Do you imagine 
 that a fchool-boy fhould be indulged with thofc plea- 
 sures which are only fit for perfons advanced in years, 
 and who know what ufe to make of them ? No, 
 George : I will never be a tyrant, I will never treat 
 you with cruelty ; but I mufl keep the fame guard 
 over your paflions as I have done over your morals. 
 I fpent fome time in procuring you the lodgings where 
 you now are. and I know you have been always treated 
 with humanity, but youth are fond of changes, they 
 love new faces and new apartments, without confi- 
 dering that they will meet with the fame difficulties 
 in the fecond as in the firft, of which I have fecn a 
 great many inftances. You tell me much of the 
 progrefs you have made in learning, and I hope it is 
 true; but I am forry to find you extolling Pagan vir- 
 tues without taking notice of what we find recorded 
 in Sacred Scriptures. In learning Latin and Greek, 
 you fhould endeavour to make yourfelf acquainted 
 with the languages without following the poet to his 
 groves, grottos, and enchanted caftles. Make your- 
 felf acquainted with their words, but, for God's fake, 
 forget their fentiments. What is the valour of 
 Achilles when compared with the conduct of the 
 apoftle Paul, when that Chriflian hero was taking 
 leave of his friends at Ephefus, with a courage not to 
 be paralleled in any age or nation ; he faid, " And 
 
 "now
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 37 
 
 <f now I go bound in flic fpirit to Jerufalcm, not 
 ** knowing the things that fhall befall me there; only 
 i; this, that the Holy Ghoit.witnelieth, that in every 
 Ci city bonds and afflictions abide me." And again, 
 <: When I have been at Jerufalem, I mud alio vifit 
 " Rome." But did the great apoftle of the Gentiles 
 do all this from motives of pride ? Did he expect any 
 temporary emoluments? No: he. like his Divine 
 Mafter, knew not where to lay his head ; he knew that 
 he fhould be treated with the utmofl contempt by his 
 countrymen the Jews: and if lent to Rome, he fhould 
 fuller an ignominious death. But how cheerfully does 
 he obey the divine command ! 
 
 You mention old king Priam weeping over the vices 
 of his children, and you tell me you are affected. But 
 what is that when compared with the conduct of our 
 Divine Lord when he beheld Jerufalem, and wept oyer 
 that once celebrated city? lie was the furn and fub- 
 ftance of all the ancient prophecies ; but when he made 
 his appearance, he was rejected and defpifed by thole 
 whom he came to lave. He looked forward to their 
 approaching mifery, and, as a Divine Being clothed 
 in flcfh, he fried tears of companion. 
 
 And now, George, what can you find in your Pagan 
 authors equal to this ? Priam fhed tears as a man* 
 .Chrift as the Being who was to pay a ranfom for the 
 fins of the world. I am by no means an enemy to the 
 progrefs you make in ufeful learning; but letjrne beg 
 you will convcrfc with the Heathens without becoming 
 one yourfclf. Let every day be fpent in acquiring ufe- 
 ful learning; but let one part of that day be fet apart 
 for the fludy of the Sacred Scriptures: in that inex- 
 haufhible fund you will acquire more learning, than in 
 all the books in the world. In thefe facred books 
 God fpeaks to men ; he fpeaks to their pafiions, their 
 hearts and their reafon ; whereas, in human compo- 
 sitions, one finful creature fpeaks to another. I fhall 
 be in. town next week, and in the mean time, am, 
 Your affectionate father, 
 
 John Cooper. 
 D LETTER
 
 LETTERS on 
 
 LETTER XII. 
 
 From a Trade/man in London to his Son, a Merchant's 
 Clerk in Brijlol. 
 
 Dear Charles 
 
 WITH a melancholy heart and a trembling 
 hand do I lit down to write to you. Alas ! 
 my dear child, I once thought you would have been 
 the lad to whom I mould have had occafion to write 
 on fuch a fubject; but I am your father, and if you 
 are net altogether hardened, let me beg you will fym- 
 pathize with me. and comply with my requeft. 
 Yeflerday I received a letter from your mailer, in 
 which I am informed that you have negle&ed your 
 bufmefs, and given yourfelf up to idlenefs and 
 diifipation ; nay ; that you have joined yourfelf to a 
 company of {trolling players, who. undoubtedly, if 
 you adhere to them, will bring you to deftru&ion. 
 Ah ! Charles, was it for this that I gave you a liberal 
 education ? Did I denv myfelf many of the comforts 
 of life, that you fhould enjoy them ? Did I watch 
 over your infant vears with the moft inceffant care, 
 and live to hear of your becoming a difgrace to your 
 family, a difhonour to human nature, and a fcandal 
 to religion? Ah! Charles, who firft taught you to 
 addrefs the Supreme Being in the way of duty ? Was 
 it an enemy or a friend ? No : it was your father. 
 And are my grey hairs to be brought down with for- 
 row to the grave ? Is your aged mother to fee you a 
 vagabond ? Are all your friends to be difgraced, and 
 an indelible (tain of di {honour brought upon your 
 relations ? Have you forgot every thing that I taught 
 you ? And are you now loft to every fenfe of duty ? 
 O ! heavens forbid. My infirmities will not permit 
 me to call on you ; but if you have any regard for 
 your indulgent parents, if you would wifh for ho- 
 nour in this life, and happinefs hereafter, you will 
 immediately return to your duty, and difcharge every 
 
 obligation
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 39 
 
 obligation you are under to your mailer. Be not 
 dazzled with the gaiety of this world; for young as 
 you are, old age and infirmities will approach, unlets 
 you are cut off by the way. Do you never think of 
 eternity, where all human ex iflence muff terminate ? 
 Do you never confider that you are an accountable 
 beincr, whom God will examine when the fecrets of 
 all hearts are difclofed ? Let me beg to hear from you, 
 and heaven grant that this letter may make fomc im- 
 preflion on your heart. This, dear Charles, is th« 
 fincere prayer of, 
 
 Your affectionate father, 
 
 John Smith, 
 
 LETTER XIII. 
 
 The young Gentleman's Anjzoer, 
 
 Dear and ever Ho n u red Si r, 
 Received your letter at a time when I was {pending 
 
 I 
 
 my evening with fome of my gracelefs compa- 
 nions. Alas, Sir! that I fhould ever have made 
 choice of thofe as friends, who are incapable of friend- 
 fnip. When I received your letter, I returned home 
 to my chamber, and read it with deliberation ; and 
 during the whole of the night, my mind was agitated 
 with the moft violent pafnons. I flruggled between 
 inclination and duty : inclination to renew my for- 
 mer viticus practices ; duty to you, my ever honoured 
 father, and to my God. In the morning my Bible, 
 too long neglected, piefented itfelf to me ; and in 
 it I read that God will have mercy on the vileft fin- 
 ners. With fhame do I now look back on my former 
 conduct in life, and with pleafure will I embrace the 
 practice of virtue. I have communicated my refolu- 
 tions to Mr. Bale, my mafler, who, notwithstanding 
 the many provocations I liave given him, received me 
 with tears of joy, and embraced me with open arms 
 D 2 of
 
 4 o LETTERS on 
 
 of affection. Believe mc, honoured Sir, when 1 tell 
 you that I am lincere ; and for the future, I will 
 never frequent the company of thofe who led me 
 affray, nor on Sunday will I ever abfent myfelf from 
 a place of divine worfhip. 
 
 Let not my dear mother be troubled, but affure her, 
 that fhe will find me a new man as foon as (he comes 
 here on a vifit. I have fent fome little prefents to my 
 fifters, which I hope they will accept of, and let them 
 join with you, in being once more reconciled to an 
 offending brother. I hope none of you will be of- 
 fended, when 1 tell you that I have placed my af- 
 fections on Mils Howard, the only daughter of an 
 eminent merchant in this city ; and if I am fo happy 
 as to procure her parents confent, I fhall fucceed to 
 the builnefs carried on by her father, for he intends 
 to retire. She is an amiable young lady, and I wifh 
 you would write to her father in my behalf. I am 
 informed you have had fome dealings with him for- 
 merly ; fo that you will be under no difficulty in 
 opening the affair. I hope to hear from you foon, 
 and am, 
 
 Your fmcere penitent fon, 
 
 Charles Smith* 
 
 LETTER XIV. 
 
 The Fathers Anfwcr, 
 
 Dear Charles, 
 
 I am more alarmed in reading your letter, contain*, 
 ing an account of your reiolution of amendment* 
 than I was when I read that from your mafter, where- 
 in that good man defcribed your character and con- 
 duel without referve. I never loved fudden changes; 
 and I know fo much of human nature, that I cannot 
 believe your repentance to be hncere, A fudden 
 change from vice to virtue, is feldom attended with 
 beneficial conferences. Repentance is progreffive* 
 
 and
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 41 
 
 and it requires time to bring it to a date of perfection . 
 It is common, in Roman Catholic countries, for de- 
 bauchees to become devotees, and the bawdy-houfe is 
 changed for a cloyfter. It is much the fame in Pro- 
 teftant countries; wheie the debauchee changes his 
 outward conduct all of a fudden, and inftead of the 
 bafvdy-houfe, frequents th« church. I fhall never 
 find fault with external religion, but I look upon re- 
 pentance as a total change of the whole man ; but 
 this is commonly the work of time. Evil company 
 mud be parted with gradually, and the fooner we 
 withdraw the better. Happy fhall I be to hear of 
 your reformation : and as for your propofed fcheme of 
 marriage, you will find that I have written my fenti- 
 ments en the fubjecl: to Mr. Howard. Every encou- 
 ragement fhall be granted you in mv power; and may 
 God direct you in the paths of virtue. This is my 
 defire through the day, and my prayer in the night. 
 
 I am, dear Charles, your affectionate father, 
 
 John Smith. 
 
 LETTER XV. 
 Mr, Smith's fktt'er to Mr, Howard. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 IT is fo long fince we have had any connection in 
 the way of trade, that I fhould' have forgot your 
 name, had it not been for. a letter which? I have lately 
 received from my fon. who is clerk to Mr. Bale in 
 your city. Perhaps you are no ft ranger to my fon 's 
 character, which, lam afraid, has been for fome time 
 -that of a libertine. Indeed he has fent me a pompous 
 -account of his reformation ; but I am too much of an. 
 infidel to believe it. He tells me he has contracted 
 an acquaintance with your daughter, whom he repre^ 
 Tents as a virtuous young lady, and I doubt not but 
 fhe is fo; at lean:, more io than himfelf. Friendship 
 .between young -perfons generally proceeds, fir ft, ta 
 D 3 couitmip,
 
 k 2 LETTERS on 
 
 court fhip, and laftlv, to marriage ; and happv when 
 the marriage Mate is entered into upon principles of 
 virtue. This, however, is not always the cafe ; and 
 that is my reafon for writing to you. 
 
 An union between my ion and your daughter, 
 would be to me a happy event ; but flill I would 
 have the whole conducted on honourable principles : 
 I mean, that if a match is concluded, it fhould be 
 with your confent and mine. If you chufe to confent 
 that your daughter fhould be married to my fon, and 
 fhe is willing, I will give him iufficiency to fet him 
 up as a merchant ; but I will neither prefs you, nor 
 derire you, to force the young lady's inclinations. 
 Let natural right take place ; let us do as we would 
 be done by. Let me beg you will be fo obliging as 
 to fend me an anfwer, and then I will wait on you at 
 Briftol. 
 
 I am, Sir, 
 
 Your fmcere friend, 
 
 John Smith* 
 
 LETTER XVI. 
 
 Mr* Howard's Anfwer, 
 Dear Friend, 
 
 YOUR letter was the more agreeable, becaufe 
 it has renewed a former acquaintance ; and to 
 be plain with you I am no ftranger to the condu6l of 
 your fon. His conduct, for fome time, was not con- 
 fident w-ith the character of a gentleman ; but I can 
 aiTure you, fo far as I am able to form a rational con- 
 jecture, he will be an ornament to lociety. He has 
 left his gracelefs companions, and fpends his evenings 
 either at home in his clofet with his books, or in my 
 houfe along with my daughter. He has. for fome 
 time, paid his addreifes to her ; and, if you are 
 ■willing, he {hall have my confent* I would, however, 
 
 have
 
 every Occurrence in Life. ^ 
 
 have them to converfe together for fome time ; and 
 as they will be always under rny care, fo you may be 
 allured that nothing improper can take place. 
 " It has been my intention, for fome time, to retire 
 from bufinefs; and I fhould think myfelf extremely 
 happy, to fee my daughter married into fuch a re (pecc- 
 able family as yours. You will have little occafion 
 to trouble yourfelf concerning money to let up your 
 fon in bufinefs ; for I have enough for that purpofe, 
 befides what will fupport me in a (late of retirement. 
 My wife, as well as myfelf, is anxious to fee you. and 
 we have prepared lodgings for your reception. There 
 is another thing I would mention, and that is, that 
 you would draw a veil over every part of your fon's 
 conduct that has given offence. If I have no objec- 
 tion to the marriage, furely you cannot : your fon 
 cannot be more valuable, nor can you wi£h to pro- 
 mote his intereft more, than £ do that of my daughter. 
 Let us fettle the affair amicably, and let us never for- 
 get that we are mortal. I hope that all things will 
 turn out well in the end ; and therefore let us endea- 
 vour to promote the interefts of the rifing generation, 
 without injuring our peace of mind. 
 
 I am your fincere friend, 
 
 W 11.L1 a m Howard., 
 
 LETTER XVII. 
 
 From a Clergyman in the Country, to a young Gentleman 
 bound Apprentice to a Grocer in London, 
 
 Dear William, 
 
 IT pleafed God to remove your mother, by death, 
 a few days after your birth, fo that you had not 
 the ineftimable benefit of her maternal infr.ru6r.iQns. 
 That lofs was, in fome meafure, made up by your 
 father's paternal tendernefs ; but he likewife was 
 iiiken away from you before he had completed his 
 
 pious
 
 4 4 LETTERS on 
 
 pious defign, namely, that of feeing you properly 
 qualified to go out into the world. On his death-bed 
 he fent for me, and committed to my care the remain- 
 ing part of your education. How far I have dis- 
 charged my duty, you know : and I can appeal to the 
 Divine Being that I have left nothing undone that, 
 in my humble opinion, could promote your intereft. 
 This, however, was no more than my duty; but my 
 duty is not yet wholly performed. 
 
 It is not enough that I have inftructed you in the 
 principles of ufeful learning, I mult (till endeavour 
 to fee a fabrick arifing from the foundation already 
 laid. You know, that when you left this place, I 
 was confined to my bed with a levere fit of ilinefs, fo 
 that I could not give you any verbal inftructions ; but, 
 bleffed be God, i am now fomewhat better, and fhall 
 endeavour to make up by writing, what I could not 
 deliver in words. 
 
 The buhnefs you have made choice of, is honour- 
 able and profitable ; but, at the fame time, it is labo- 
 rious : fo that if ever you acquire what is called an 
 independency, you mufl endeavour to make yourfelf 
 acquainted with the moil minute parts. It is the 
 ftudy of little things that leads us to the knowledge 
 of great ones; and thofe who are induftrious in youth, 
 have the greateft reafon to expect fuccefs in their more 
 advanced years. I have many things to write to you, 
 but rauft firft beg leave to know fomething of the 
 family in which you are fettled, and as foon as I 
 receive your anfwer, you may expect another letter 
 from me. 
 
 I am, 
 
 Your ever fincere friend, 
 
 Richard Moorf. 
 LETTER
 
 every Occurrence in Life. a - 
 LETTER XVIII. 
 
 The young Gentleman's Anfwer, 
 Reverend and Honoured Sir, 
 
 WHEN I left the place of my nativity, I felt a 
 violent druggie in my mind between incli- 
 nation and duty. I could have wifhed to fpend my 
 advanced years in that place where I fir ft obtained 
 your acquaintance ; but when I reflected that it was 
 my duty to follow lbmc ufeful bufmefs in this world, 
 I gave up own inclination, and with cheerfulnefs. 
 fubmitted to what I'confidered to be the defigrj of an 
 all-wife Providence. It is true, I was obliged to take 
 my leave of you when you was extremely ill ; but a 
 thoufand thanks' to my ever honoured tutor, that, 
 with the recovery of health, his tender regard for my 
 heft intereft is renewed, or rather continued. 
 
 . And now, in obedience to your commands, I will 
 give you what information I can refpe&ing the family 
 where I am fettled. My mailer is a littTc turned of 
 fifty, and his wife is about' fix years younger: they 
 have two fons at fchool, and one daughter living at 
 the houfe of a relation in the country,' where fhe^re- 
 ceives a private education. We have three fhopmen, 
 two porters, an errand boy, two fervant maids, and 
 mylelf. My mafter, like a plain honeft citizen, keeps 
 no country-houfe, no carriage, nor any fervant in 
 livery : he attends conftantlv on bufincfs, bills are 
 never returned unpaid, and he balances the account 
 of debtor and creditor once every week. My miftrefs 
 is neither gay nor mean ; fhe feems to enjoy plea- 
 fure, without being a ilaveto it at the expence of vir- 
 tue and piety. I never go into her apartment, but 
 I find her engaged either in reading, working with 
 her needle, or converfing with women of good fenfe. 
 Our fhopmen are gay young fparks, and two of them 
 generally fpend the evenings very late at a public 
 
 ho ufc
 
 46 LETTERS on 
 
 houfe in the neighbourhood ; the other retires to the 
 kitchen, and reads a diverting book to the maids. 
 
 My mailer and millrefs are regular in their attend- 
 ance on divine worfhip every Sunday, and when they 
 return from church, a chapter of the Bible is read in 
 the parlour ; and when the Bible is cloied, my mailer 
 makes iome remarks on what has been read. With 
 refpe£l to provihons, we have plenty ; but nothing 
 extravagant : we have fuch wholefome victuals as the 
 feafon produceth; but we are not pampered with French 
 cookery ; nor, like thofe who turn day into night, and 
 night into day, do w T e dine at feven in the evening : 
 we breakfait at nine, dine at two, and fup again at 
 nine. We retire to our apartments at ten, except the 
 two fhopmen whom I have already mentioned, who do 
 not come home 'till late; but my mailer, I fuppofe, 
 has his reafons for keeping them. Indeed, a few 
 mornings ago, he repeated to them in the {hop, two 
 lines which I have fomewhere read, viz. 
 
 i; Early to bed, and early to rife, 
 
 ''• Is the way to be healthy and wealthy and wife." 
 And now, my ever honoured tutor, will you, in 
 compliance with your proinife, continue your cor- 
 refpondence : I have much need of your advice, and 
 to me your inftruclions {hall ever be facred. BlefTed 
 be God you are recovered, and may your valuable 
 life be long preferved for the benefit of the world. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 
 William Taylor. 
 
 LETTER XIX. 
 
 The Clergyman's Anfwer, 
 
 Dear Willi am, 
 
 H E description you have fent me of your fa- 
 mily gives me much pleafure, and it is much 
 
 more to my fatisfaftion than I expected. You know 
 
 t We 
 
 I ha
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 47 
 
 I have often told you, that wherever you fettle in this 
 world, whatever your temporal circumilances maybe, 
 you will meet with fomething tq, counterbalance the 
 greatefl advantages. Thus, while the amiable cha- 
 racter of your mailer and-miflrefs prefents you with a 
 fair example to copy after, you find temptations 
 thrown in your way by the condufcfc of the two fhop- 
 men. But remember, that wherever you are, you 
 cannot conceal your moil fecret actions from the eyes 
 of an all-wife God ; his knowledge and his power 
 will drag your crimes from thedarkeft obfeurity; and 
 although you may obtain pardon of God, yet take my 
 word for it you will find repentance bitter. Let me 
 therefore, beg you will attend to the following rules, 
 which, through the divine blefling, may prevent you 
 from falling into fuch fnares as young men are too 
 much fubject to. 
 
 Endeavour to rife from bed in the morning one 
 hour, at lead, before you are wanted in the fhop, 
 and let that hour be fpent in reading a chapter in the 
 Bible, and in praying for the divine afhilance 
 through the day ; for the goodnefs, wifdom, and 
 power of God, muft be always kept in mind, if we 
 would enjoy that tranquillity to which many are 
 ftrangers. Let all your bufinefs through the day be 
 conducted with integrity, whether in your mailer's 
 prefence or abfence. Be always cheerful, and take 
 great care that nothing difcompofe your mind fo as 
 to put you into a paflion. Take ever)'- opportunity at 
 meals to make fome rational remarks on the goodnefs 
 of God, who opens his hand liberally and fatisfies 
 all the wants of his creatures. When you hear any 
 perfon mock at religion, defire him to make a trial 
 of the practice of its duty, but never pretend to fu- 
 perior fanctity. Keep good principles, and good 
 practices will flow from them. A {ledfaft faith begets 
 a conflant hope ; and the more faith, the more humi- 
 lity. Behave fubmifhvely towards your fuperiors ; 
 friendly towards your equals: condefcendingly to 
 your inferiors, and lovingly to all, Before you retire 
 
 to
 
 48 LETTERS om 
 
 to reft, examine how you have acted through the day? 
 fincerelv confefs your fins, and then you may be al- 
 lured of pardon. Never frequent public houfes in 
 the evening; for a practice of that nature wears oft 
 the force of religious duties, and men often become 
 profligates or infidels, before they have fo much as 
 coniiclered that they had deviated from the path of 
 duty. 
 
 I have fent you a few books; for I would advifeyou 
 rather to read a little and treafure it up in your me- 
 mory, than perule many authors, without being able 
 to remember any thing. May the Divine Being direct 
 you in every thing, and bring you to honour and hap* 
 pinefs. Let me beg to hear from you when you have 
 an opportunity; but you muft never, to pleafe your 
 friends, deprive your matter of that fervice which is 
 his right. 
 
 I am yours fincerelv, 
 
 Richard Moore. 
 
 LETTER XX. 
 
 From a Trade/man in London, to a Correfpondcnt in tht 
 Country. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 IT is now upwards of fix months fince I fent your 
 account, and you have never yet remitted me any 
 money. Is this, Sir, conliftent with the nature of trade; 
 or how do you think to carry on bufinefs, unlefs you 
 make good your payments ? Trade, Sir, is of a 
 tender nature ; it mull; be carried on with indulfrv, 
 prudence, and integrity. There is, indeed, one thing 
 in your conduct, which I think can never be excufed : 
 I have written to you above fix different times, and 
 although you have fent me feveral anfwers, vet you 
 never fo much as afhgned a reafon, to my fatisfaftion, 
 for withholding from me that property which you 
 
 knew
 
 every Occurrence in life. % 49 
 
 knew was my right. An honefl man will keep fair ac- 
 counts with his creditors, and when he finds he is" not 
 able to make good his payments, will cheerfully give 
 up his all, without being forced to it by a commiflion 
 of bankruptcy. He who keeps regular accounts will 
 foon difcover whether he can fupport his family and 
 pay his debts ; and if he finds that the profits of his 
 trade will not anfwer thefe ends, he will immediately 
 look out for another employment. Do you imagine 
 that I am able to make good my payments, if I am to 
 be treated by the reft of my correfpondents as I have 
 been by you? No, Sir, I could, not; but thank God, 
 I have balanced debtor and creditor in fuch a manner, 
 that I know what I have and what I owe. I enjoy, at 
 leaft, this comfort, that I am not indebted beyond 
 what I am able to pay *, but that is no reafon why you 
 fhould deprive me of any part of that property which 
 Was acquired by honeft induftry. I muft, therefore, 
 tell you, that unlefs you make me a remittance very 
 foon, I fhall be obliged to take fuch fteps as will be 
 no ways agreeable to you. Let me beg you will not 
 •put me to that trouble, for I am forry to do what th* 
 world may call an ill-natured action, 
 
 I am yours, 
 Thomas Ficg. 
 
 LETTER XXI. 
 
 The Anfwer, 
 S I R, 
 
 IT gives me much concern that you fhould have 
 conceived a bad opinion of me, efpecially as I 
 never intended to deceive you, nor injure you in any 
 part of your property. I have been unfortunate, and 
 I will now lay open the whole affair to you. Mr. 
 .jarvis, my brother-in law, begged of me to accept 
 iome bills for him, which I inadvertently did, with- 
 
 E ©ut
 
 £0 LETTERS OH 
 
 out knowing or confidering the nature of his circiim- 
 ftances. which I find were defperate : for he has lately 
 failed, and I have had the money to pay. This, 
 however, has not ruined me altogether; nor are my 
 accounts fo much conoifed as you feeoi to imagine. 
 Several confiderable debts have been paid me lately, 
 and I have remitted you a bill for fixty pounds, 
 payable at fight. I have all the reafon in the world 
 to hope, that the remainder will be paid in lefs than 
 three months ; and, in the mean time, I doubt not 
 but you will fend me the articles contained in theen- 
 clofed order. I allure you, Sir, I fhall endeavour to 
 profit by your advice; and, for the future, watch 
 more regularly over my afFairs. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 
 George Watkins, 
 
 LETTER XXII. 
 
 'From a Trade/man in the Country to a Merchant in 
 
 London, defiring a Compo/ition with his C J editors-* 
 
 SIR, 
 
 WHEN I firft entered into bufinefs I had great 
 reafon to expect fuccefs ; but we often form 
 vain hopes, and promife ourfelves more than we have 
 reafon to expect. The firft thing that affected my 
 credit was the extravagant conduct of an unhappy fon. 
 I took him from fchool -into my fhop, and during 
 the fpace of three years he never negle&ed bufinels, 
 nor did he give me or my cuflomers any offence. I 
 then thought myfelf happy ; but, alas ! the whole 
 peace of my family was foon deflroyed. Trufting in 
 my fen's integrity, I fent him to collect what debts 
 were owing to me in the country ; but no fooner had 
 'he received the money, than he joined himfelf to a 
 company of ftrolling players, and Squandered the 
 whole away. It was loaie months before I learned any 
 3 thin §
 
 every Occurrence in Life. />i 
 
 thing concerning him.; but at laft I met him by acci- 
 dent, itarving for the neceflaries of life, polluted in 
 bis morals, clothed in rags, and diverted of all fenfe 
 of honed £hame\ 
 
 What could I do ? To difcard him totally might 
 have driven him to more dangerous courfes-than thofc 
 he had left, and perhaps brought him to an untimely 
 end. He had injured me; it was impoflible for him 
 to make restitution; his character was loft; and 
 therefore I propofed to fend him to the Eaft-Indies. 
 With much difficulty I procured for him the place of 
 a writer, and he failed from England two month* 
 ago. Since that time I have been moitly employed in 
 fettling mv books, and with concern I muft tell you, 
 that I muft either call a meeting of my creditors, and 
 give them up what I have, or they muft give me fome 
 fhort time to bring myfelf about, fo as to pay them. 
 Diftreflfed as I am, I am willing to become a day- 
 labourer rather than injure my creditors ; and as you 
 have hitherto been my friend, let me beg your advice 
 how to proceed in this extremity. I wait your anfwer 
 with impatience, and am, 
 
 Yours, with refpec\ 
 
 Thomas Johns ok, 
 
 LETTER XXIII, 
 
 Tke Merchant' s Anfwer. ■ 
 
 Dear Si 
 
 IPerufedyour letter with tears, and I can the more 
 eafily feel for your misfortunes, becaufe I have a 
 fon whofe conduct; has been little better than yours. 
 When I fir ft; entered into bufmefs, I made it my fixed 
 refolution never to diftrefs an honeft man while' I con- 
 fidered him as unfortunate, but not criminal. By dif- 
 penfing with the feveriiy of the law on particular 
 occafions, we often fave fomething for the future ; 
 E'-a and
 
 yi LETTERS on 
 
 and I have often found, that a fingle aft of lenity 
 has preserved an honeft man from ruin, and fecured 
 the property of his creditors. — Acting confident with 
 thole principles, I called a meeting of your creditors, 
 and they, with myfelf, are all unanimous in confent- 
 ing to give you credit three years longer. We are 
 willing to fend you what goods you want, and to> 
 rake only fmall remittances, 'till fuch time as you can 
 extricate yourfelf out of your misfortunes, which I 
 In pe will focn take place. I have written to feverai 
 pei ions in the country in your favour, and you will 
 find the number of your customers enlarged. Take 
 courage, my dear friend, and nothing {hall be want- 
 ing on my part to ferve you. I would have you 
 come to London for a few days, where you will meet 
 with a welcome reception, and then you may give 
 orders for fuch goods as you think will be moft 
 wanted. 
 
 I am yours, &c. 
 
 Francis Smith. 
 
 LETTER XXIV. 
 
 From a young Gentleman, ichofe. Education had bcth 
 
 nigteBed in his youth, to a Clergyman^ 
 
 Reverend Sir, 
 
 TH E fmall eftate left me by my- uncle has had 
 a different efTecl: on my mind, from what com- 
 monly happens in hmiJar cafes : for inftead of devo- 
 ting my time to fafhionable follies. I am not afhamed 
 to acknowledge (nay. I do it with pleafure) that I 
 have taken lodgings in a private family in Iflington, 
 dividing my time between reading, company, and 
 walking. I have begun the hiftory of England, but 
 I am much at a lofs to know what other fubjefts are 
 proper: for. you know, that my education was much 
 neglected, Sometimes, indeed, I read divinity ; but I 
 
 know
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 53 
 
 know not what books to perufe. I am not fond of con- 
 troverfy, and yet I love to be informed concerning the 
 truth. Here, Sir, my mind is bewildered ; and no 
 fooner have I perufed one book, than the next I take 
 in my hand makes me difbelieve every fentiment I 
 embraced before. I often beg of God that he would 
 give me amftance, in directing me to chafe that which 
 is good, and refufe evil ; but this by no means pre- 
 vents me from making ufe of human means, as fcccnd 
 caufes. 
 
 Under thefc circumftances, 1 have prcfumed tofeek 
 advice from you, reverend Sir, whole extenlive know- 
 ledge and copious reading can only be equalled by 
 your exalted piety. I know that the duties of your 
 ftation require much of your time, and perhaps you 
 do more than you are legally obliged to ; but what 
 fignifies all we do in this world, fo as we are engaged 
 as rational creatures, and as pious Chrifiians; I 
 could wifh to improve myfelf in knowledge without 
 confining my fell as a monk to a cloifler, and to tafte 
 the fweets of conveifation while my rational faculties 
 are making prpgrefs in icience. I fhall not. at pre- 
 fent intrude any further, on your time, but muff beg 
 to hear from you as foon as pollibly you can. In th© 
 mean time, give my refpc&s to your amiable family,- 
 and tell them, that I intend fpending a week or two 
 with them during the fummcr. I have fent by the 
 coach the new eft. pattern of ruffles for your daughter 
 Mils Polly, and hope fhe will accept of it,, as a fmalt. 
 tribute of gratitude due to you, The other trifles- 
 which you will find enclofed, are not worth the men* 
 koning •, and be allured, that wherever 1 am, 
 
 I a:n fmcerely yours, 
 
 R. B, 
 
 - 
 
 LETTER 
 *
 
 34 LETTERS on 
 
 LETTER XXV. 
 
 The Clergyman's Anfwer, 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I Received your letter, and would have anfwered it 
 fooner, but there were fo many perfons Tick in my 
 parkh, that I could not difpenfe with attending them. 
 It has been often faid, that the life of a clergyman is 
 little better than a ftate of idlenefs; but thofe who 
 do their duty, will not find it fo. However, I fhall 
 not infift on that, fubjecl: at prefent ; and let thofe 
 who abufe the clergy, take care that they do not in- 
 jure religion. — And now, Sir, with refpect to the 
 contents of your letter: I muft confefs, indeed, that 
 there is fomething in it too general, and yet I will 
 rndeavour to be particular in my anfwer. 
 
 I am no ftranger to that neglect which your pa- 
 rents fhewed in your education : but now, by the 
 cieath of your uncle, you have the means put in your 
 power to make a proper improvement. I am, how- 
 ever, much againft your reading polemical contro- 
 versy; for, from what you have told me, I am able 
 to tell you, that a Romifh prieft would be under no 
 great difficulty to make you a convert. There is no 
 grudge like a religious one ; and, in religious con- 
 troversies, I am forry to fay, that truth is feldom 
 fought after, and as feldom found. Indeed it can- 
 not be otherwife; for the greateft part of our re- 
 ligious controverfies are fpent in abufe, fcurrility, and 
 falfhood. I would therefore have you to avoid the 
 perufal of books on controverfy as much as poflible, 
 'till fuch time as your mind is fo well fettled in the 
 principles of holy religion, that there can be no 
 great fear of your being dift.racr.ed. With refpeft to 
 a general courfe of reading, it requires fome confi- 
 deration ; but, as I have often thought of the fub- 
 jecl:, lb I fhall not be under much difficulty in giving 
 yo%fuch an anfwer as, I hope, will prove fatisfaCtory. 
 
 To
 
 every Occurrence in Life. g£ 
 
 To fpend fome part of your time in reading the 
 hiftory of England, is certainly commendable ; but I 
 would, by nQ means, have you confine yourfelf wholly 
 to it. The conftant ufe of one fort of reading will, 
 in the end, become as naufeous as living continually 
 on one fort of victuals. We ought to read on dif- 
 ferent fubje&s ; but that mud be done with care, 
 otherwife the mind will be led into confufio.i ; and 
 the perfon who is feeking after knowledge, will find 
 himfelf like one intoxicated with liquor. 
 
 There is fomething extremely profitable in divi- 
 ding our time properly. Thus the man of bufmefs 
 fhould read little ; the man of reading fhould have 
 little connection with bufinefs. Your circumftances 
 in life, by an aft of Divine Providence, fets you above 
 the necefhty of attending a mercantile employment, 
 for which you was defigned ; and your inclinations 
 having led you to reading and fludy, I fhall rejoice to 
 give you all the adiftance in my power. 
 
 When I was about your age, I fpent the day in the 
 following manner. Having addrelTed myfelf to the 
 Divine Being, I read at leaft two chapters in the Sa- 
 cred Scriptures, with fome practical commentaries 
 upon them. Breakfaft being over, I fpent the fore- 
 noon in perufing hiftory, which enlarged my mind, 
 and made me acquainted with the ways of this 
 lower world. Leaving my ftudy, I walked about two 
 hours into the fields, and then returned to dinner, 
 where I enjoyed the company of my friends, who 
 with me partook of our Maker's bounty. The cheer- 
 ful glafs was circulated, innocence reigned in every 
 heart, and ufeful knowledge was diffufed : but I tnuft 
 referve the remainder 'till my next. In the mean 
 lime, 
 
 I am, Sir, fincerely yours, 
 
 B. S. 
 
 LETTER
 
 5$ LETTERS on 
 
 LETTER XXVL 
 
 From the Same to the Same, 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I Told you, in my lad, how I fpent my time during 
 the former part of the day, and now I mud tell you 
 hovv I concluded it. 
 
 After dinner I returned to mv clofet, and read fome 
 of the bed authors on natural law, and compared 
 What thofc authors faid with the municipal laws of 
 my country^ Towards evening, tire mir.d being fa- 
 tigued, I penned one or ohci of the mod agreeable 
 poets ; after which, when the weather would permit, 
 I walked into the fields. At (upper our converfatiort 
 turned upon ferious fubje£ts, and the whole was clofed 
 bv recommending ourfelves to the protection of the 
 Divine Being, But although I have mentioned the.'e 
 things to you, yet you mud only confider" 1 them as 
 leading principles ; becaufe a variety of reading is 
 often necerTary. for which no rules can be laid down. 
 There is not a man in the world who can comprehend 
 every branch of human fcience : his know ledge is too 
 much circurnferibed, and his paflibns too much en- 
 gaged in the pun'uit of fccular affairs, to attend to 
 every thing he reads. ' 
 
 The human mind fluctuates fo much between doubt- 
 ful and experimental knowledge, that it is farprifmg 
 we know any thing. Our memories are frail; our 
 uhderftahdings contracted. This the ancients well 
 kja . w ; bi t happily the moderns are, in fome mea- 
 fure, releafcd by the afhdance of grammars and lexi- 
 cons. Lexicons, or, as they are commonly called, 
 Dicticnari. s, contain an univerfal fyftem of learning ; 
 but then they are onjy to be confuted in the ordinary 
 courfe of reading. To be continually reading, with- 
 out a memorial a (u dance, mud be extremely ddagree- 
 ar»re j and therefore it becomes necefTary for us to 
 have fome fydems drawn up, in order to conduct us 
 
 thro
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 57. 
 
 through the labyrinth. Where fuch fyftems are con- 
 cluded with judgment and learning, by men of un- 
 derstanding, then they become ufeful to the commu- 
 nity at large. There are many terms of art but little 
 underftood, and therefore we are often under the ne- 
 ceflity of having recourfe to Dictionaries for an expla- 
 nation*. 
 
 But there are fome other parts of learning which I 
 w r ould have you, by all means, to attend to; I mean, 
 the hiftory of the Romans, and that of the church of 
 Ghrift, The firft will preientyou with a view of fome 
 of the raoft ftupendous truths that ever took place on 
 the theatre of this lower world. Here you will be pre- 
 sented with the account of an obfeure band of robbers, 
 nrft trampling upon every moral obligation, and then 
 rifmg to fuch a ftate of grandeur, as to boafl: that tho 
 fun rofe and fet in their dominions. You will find the 
 bafeft vices confidered as virtues by the Romans, and 
 even Providence itielf making ufe of thofe vices to 
 eftabliih an everlafting kingdom, — an everlafting 
 church. 
 
 In the fecond, you will find a moft beautiful com- 
 mentary on thofe words in the Pentateuch, The bujh 
 tnirneth, and is-not covfumecL The diftinguifhing luftre 
 of Divine Providence will difplay itfelf to your view, 
 under every occurrence, in the hiftory of the Chriftiart 
 church. You will read, you will admire, you will 
 improve. Wifhing fincerely that God may preferve 
 you in a way of duty, I (hall only add, that I am, 
 
 Dear Sir, your ever affectionate friend, 
 
 B. S. 
 
 * The New Complete DICTIONARY of ARTS and 
 SCIENCES, by the Rev. Mr. Middleton, and others, is in 
 many refpetts, fuperior to any in our language, and will anfwer all 
 the purpofes above mentioned. It is now publishing m weekly 
 numbers, and will be completed in only 80 fixpenny numbers, ma- 
 king two elegant volumes in folio ; the price of which, in fheets, will 
 not exceed £2 ; or bouad in calf and lettered, £2 ios. But it may 
 fee had by one or two numbers at a time. 
 
 LETTERS
 
 <8 LETTERS on 
 
 LETTER XXVII. 
 
 From & young Tradefmau in London, to an aged Perfon 
 in the Country, retired fr^m Bufinefs, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 IT is now upwards of two years fince I entered into 
 bufinefs in the Strand, but I have not met with 
 the fuccefs I expected. Di (appointments have dis- 
 couraged me much ; but willing to promote my in- 
 terest, I have engaged in another branch of bufinefs, 
 I mean the building'trade, which requires no attend- 
 ance, the whole being conducted by other perfons, fo 
 that I can flill attend my fhop. But I am often much 
 put to it for money, and that is the reafon why I trou- 
 ble you with this. A fair profpect prefents itfeif, if I 
 could go through with my prefent undertakings; and 
 I am no ftranger to your goodnefs of heart. I have 
 feveral houfes almofl fmifhed, and, 'till they are com- 
 pleted, I would mortgage them to you for two thoufand 
 pounds. That fum would enable me to acquire a 
 confiderable fortune, and you would be in no danger 
 ofTofmg. I would allow you five per cent, with a. 
 confiderable premium ; and fome of my friends would 
 willingly enter into a joint bond with me for the pay- 
 ment, which fhali be made good as foon as I have dif- 
 pofed of the houfes. I can allure you, Sir, that great 
 fortunes have been made by the buildings carried on 
 near London ; and I hope that my prefent application 
 will not give offence, for nothing of that fort was in-' 
 tended. 
 
 About a month ago my wife was delivered o r a boy, 
 whom I have named after you, and next fummer fho 
 intends vifiting you along with her fon. I mail wait" 
 for your anfwer with the utmoft impatience ; and, in 
 the mean time, I am, with all manner of refpeft, 
 
 Sir, your mod obedient humble fervant, 
 
 Thomas Holmes. 
 
 LFTTER*
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 59 
 LETTER XXVIII. 
 
 The Anfwer. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I Received your letter, and am extremely forry for 
 the contents, which I look upon as the vifions of a 
 madman. Pray. Sir, what do you mean? what do you 
 propofe to yourfelf, by leaving the bufinefs to which 
 you was brought up, and to enter into one with which 
 you are utterly unacquainted ? Vain, indeed, are 
 your hopes ; and, in the end, you will find yourfelf 
 difappointed. I had once fome hopes you would have, 
 conducted yourfelf as a young man of induflry, but 
 your prefent propofal put me in mind of the old* pro- 
 verb, All covet, all lofe. To grafp immoderately at 
 riches, is generally a prelude to poverty ; and I have 
 often found the man who was anxious to acquire a 
 fortune in a few years, fpend twenty years in a prifon, 
 and die forfaken, defpifed, and miferable. I was above 
 forty years in trade, and when I retired from bufinefs 
 I found myfelf not worth half fo much as was re- 
 ported. It was enough that I had as much as would 
 fupport me in my old age, and to leave the remainder 
 to my poor relations. Trade, my dear Sir, is a plant 
 that mult be reared with tendernefs, and nothing lefs 
 than patience can bring it to a ftate of maturity. Our 
 time in this life is fhort, and if we acquire riches in an 
 honefl manner, be aifured they will not be great. For 
 my own part, I confideryou as an object of companion, 
 nor would I be in your cafe for the world. How dif- 
 trafted muft your mind be, while fluctuating in the 
 j condition you have reprefented to me. You have been 
 building caftles in the air, and uhlefs you defift from 
 your prefent purfuits, you will either become a beg- 
 gar, or, perhaps ((hocking to mention) commit a 
 crime that will involve your family in mifery, and ftig- 
 m-atize yeur name with infamy. 
 
 You
 
 60 LETTERS on 
 
 You afk me to lend you money upon a mortgage of 
 your houfes. Let me beg, Sir, yOu will take a walk 
 to the Fleet, or the King's-Bench prifons, and there 
 you will find as many builders as there are windows in 
 your houfes. No, Sir : I am neither a tyrant nor a 
 knight-errant. I am willing to afliit you with money 
 in conducting your own bufinefs; but I have nothing to 
 do with your romantic fcheme. I confider the men with 
 whom you are engaged as defperate adventurers, who 
 probably will bring ruin upon you without injuring 
 themfelves ; becaufe they have neither money nor 
 characters to iofe. Do you love your wife? would 
 you defire to difcharge your duty to your family? 
 Break off your prefent connections, and you will find 
 me a faithful friend. All 1 have, written is with a view 
 to promote your interefl, and let me beg you will pav 
 fome regard to my advice. You will, in the end. find 
 'what I have faid to be true. I fhall ever be ready to 
 ferve you as long as I live ; but may God Almighty 
 ,give you better inftruction than I can. I fhall be in 
 London in a few weeks, and then I fhall have an op- 
 portunity of enquiring into your affairs. 
 
 I am, Sir, your iincere friend, 
 
 William Thompson. 
 
 LETTER XXIX. 
 
 From a young Tradefman, nczi'lyfct up in Bufinefs, to € 
 Ladies Maid in the Country, 
 Dear Mifs Be!/y, 
 
 BEFORE you left London, you promifed that 
 you would never give your hand to another 'till 
 you firft acquainted me with your intention : I mud 
 ilill continue to folicit the hand of that dear angel, who 
 is in poffcfTion of my heart. My father has given 
 me fifteen hundred pounds to fet up in bufinefs, and, 
 as I am well fettled, I only want your love, and your* 
 
 felf
 
 «vi:ry Occurrence in Life. 6l 
 
 fclf to make me happy. Remember, I do not accufe you 
 with the breach of any piomife, becaufe vou never yet 
 gave me your content ; but your amiable difpofitiou 
 gave me reafon to hope\ou would not be cruel. Your 
 ever honoured and worthv parents have alwavs treated 
 me with the utmoft refpecl, although I never prefumed 
 to beg of them to inteicede with vou in my favour. 
 My affections were Freely placed on you, being drawn 
 by the force of your merits, your piety and virtue. I 
 know you have a foul fuperior to any thing mean ; but 
 I hope, if you have the lead regard for the fincerity of 
 my intentions, you will accept of a few trifles which I 
 have fent by the coach. 
 
 My mother has been long in a bad ftate of health ; 
 but both fhe and my father defired to be remembered 
 to you, and are glad to hear your family are coming 
 to town : -and I can allure you, if permitted, they will 
 wait on your lady to procure vou one week's abfence. 
 J am all impatience to lee you ; but, in the mean time, 
 hope you will honour me with a letter. 
 
 I am, my dear angel, 
 
 Your fincere lover, 
 
 Joseph Atkins. 
 
 LETTER XXX. 
 
 The young Woman's An/icer. 
 S I R, 
 
 Violent cold, and a multiplicity of bufinefs, pre- 
 . vented me from anfwering your letter fooner ; 
 but now, having obtained an hour's leifurc, 1 Hi a 1 1 
 devote it to that purpofe. You know, that when we 
 firfl became acquainted, we were both too young to 
 think of any fuch thing as marriage ; and although 
 a friendfhip took place, yet I knew my (lation in life. 
 to be much inferior to yours, and this determined me 
 to be upon my guard. Unequal matches are fcidom 
 F happy 
 
 A
 
 62 L E T T E R S on 
 
 happy ones, and difguft often takes place where af- 
 fluence and poverty are connected in marriage. 
 
 With refpett to worldly poverty, my parents are 
 poor, but they are rich in good works to me : a fort 
 of treafure they take much pleafure in, but it will nei- 
 ther go to the Bank or the Exchange. I fhall always 
 refpectyou for the profeflions you have made, and I 
 doubt not of your fmcerity, but (till I have many ob- 
 jections. I am afraid, the want of fortune on my part 
 may deprive me of that happinefs which I fhould with 
 to enjoy in the marriage ftate. The great uncertainty 
 and many dangers attending trade, appear to be dread- 
 ful. Suppoiing, that either by misfortunes, by lodes, 
 or by extravagance, you fhould become a bankrupt, 
 then I mull be reduced to a ftate of poverty, juft at a 
 time when I was in hopes of living comfortably. Let 
 me therefore beg you will look out for fome other per- 
 fon more proper than myielf, and may every blelling 
 attend one whom I wifh well. 
 
 Elizabeth Barton. 
 
 LETTER XXXI. 
 
 From the young Tradesman in Reply, 
 Dear Mifs Betjy, 
 
 IF 1 refpe&ed you before, you have now completed 
 the conqued by your prudential letter, which con- 
 tains fo many wife remarks, that I hope I fhall never 
 fufFer them to depart from my memory. But why> 
 my dear, all your fears ? Is not my love of your per- 
 fon, without looking for a fortune, proof of my fmce- 
 rity and of your merit ? But why do 1 talk of fortune ? 
 The beauties of your mind are greater than all my 
 poor paltry trifle ; and whatever reipe£t I am bound 
 to have for my parents, yet, I freely acknowledge, 
 that good works are preferable to all their riches. 
 And why, my dear, fo many fears, fuch anxiety con- 
 cerning poverty? Becaufe a few, and indeed too many 
 tradefmen, bring mifery upon themfelves by their ex- 
 travagance, and neglect of bufmefs? Why, I fay, muft 
 
 a body 

 
 every Occurrence in Life. 63 
 
 a body of ufeful men be condemned ? Upon mature 
 reflection you will think otherwife. Let us but at- 
 tend to our duly, and leave the reft to Divine Provi- 
 dence. The fatal misfortune attending tradefmen, is 
 their fecking to be rich too foon : and while they grafp 
 at fhadows, they lofe the fubftance. For my own part, 
 I am determined not to feek riches, but to be content 
 with an honefl fubhfLence as the fiuits of my induftry : 
 if I get any more, you will be always confuited in 
 what manner to lay it out. A&ing in this manner, 
 you have no reafon to be afraid ; for whatever Mate we 
 are in here below, there is no certainty of real happi- 
 nefs. Let me therefore beg you will make me eafy, by 
 complying with my requeit. when you come to town. 
 
 I am your hncere lover, 
 
 Joseph Atkins. 
 
 ■iii. V 
 
 LETTER XXXII. 
 
 From the young Woman's Father to his Daughter, 
 Dear Child, 
 
 EVER fince you went into the country, Mr. At- 
 kins has been frequent in his vifitstous, and the 
 more I converfe with him, the greater reafon I have to 
 efleem him as a worthy defevving young tradefman. 
 You have often told me, you would never marry with- 
 out my confent ; in that you may do as you pleafe, 
 for I mail never lay refti ictions upon you; I am ready. 
 to advife, but mud not direct.. You are now arrived at 
 years of maturity, and it is natural you fhould enter 
 into the marriage ftate, cfpecTaliy if an,agreeable offer 
 prefents itfclf : and where, my dear, can you meet 
 with a more agreeable perfon than Mr. Atkins? His 
 family is resectable, he is induftrious, and, in my 
 opinion, bids fair to be profperoir. Not that I would 
 ever promife too much on any thing human ; but, put- 
 ting all the circumflances together, I think you can- 
 not do better than give him your hand and heart. You 
 know I love you, and I am certain he is worthy of 
 F '4 you.
 
 64 LETTERS on 
 
 you. I.fhall, however, leave that to yourfelf, n»r 
 fhould I have troubled you with this, had I not be- 
 lieved it for your advantage. Your mother is greatly 
 recovered from her late ilinefs, and longs earneflly to 
 fee. you, which we hope will be about the beginning of 
 next month. In the mean time I would have you to 
 write to Mr. Atkins, for he calls here every evening. 
 
 I am your ever affectionate father, 
 
 William Barton, 
 
 I 
 
 LETTER XXXIII. 
 
 The young Woman's AnfxMtr to her Father* 
 
 Honoured Sir, 
 
 Was on a vifit with my lady when yours arrived, fo 
 that I had not an opportunity of anfwering it 'till 
 this evening. Bleffed be God that my deareft mother 
 is better, let me beg fhe will take care of herfelf in 
 this cold feafon. ior a relapfe is more to be feared than 
 the beginning of any diforder whatever. With refpeft 
 lo Mr. Atkins, I am no ilranger to his many valuable 
 equalities; but ftill I think he propofes marriage rather 
 too foon, for he has not been above fix months in bufi- 
 nefs. Indeed, when I think of his propofal, my mind 
 is often filled with a number of perplexities, and I 
 ihuggle between love, fear, intereft, and duty. You 
 feem to approve of his fuit, and as I know you would 
 not do fo, but with a view of promoting my intereft, 
 fo I dare not difobey you. But you mult ftill let my 
 conduft in this, and in every refpeft, be regulated by 
 your commands. w T hich fo me are very facred. We in- 
 tend being in town on next Saturdav f-'nnight ; but 
 I have written this evening to Mr. Atkins, and as my 
 letter to him contains nothing fecret, you may defire 
 him to let you perufe it. I have fent fome trifles to 
 my dear mother, and p relent her with my duty. 
 I am, 1 onoured Sir, 
 
 Your ever dutiful daughter, 
 
 Elizabeth Barton 
 LETTER
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 6$ 
 
 LETTER XXXIV* 
 From Mifs Barton to Mr. Atkins, 
 SIR, 
 
 I Received yours, with another from my father, and am 
 glad to hear that you often viiit my poor parents. 
 Indeed, that is one of the grcateft comforts I enjoy ; 
 for I believe they have lived to furvive many pretended 
 friends. And now, Sir, I mud freely tell you, that 
 your perfon was never difagreeable to me, nor have I 
 any juft reafon to find fault with yourcondu6t. I re- 
 ceived your generous prefen!-, and muft acknowledge: 
 it was far fuperior to any thing I could have expected, 
 Yourpropofal is honourable, and your pro feflions have 
 all the marks of fmeerity, I never had any obje&ion 
 to the marriage Mate, further than that of being afraid 
 of rufhing into it too precipitately. Hafty marriage 
 is fpeedy vengeance ; but I hope that will never be the 
 cafe either with you or myfelf. What you have faid 
 concerning trade, is undoubtedly true, and fo is what 
 you mention relating to h.appinefs. Be affured, Sir, 
 that I do not look for uninterrupted happinefs in this 
 world; if I did, I fhduld have no higher views; but 
 flill this world muft not be neglected while we are in 
 it. Induflry enables us to -live honcftly, to fupport our 
 families, and to relieve the wants of the poor. The 
 extravagant perfon, inftead of having any thintr to <nve« 
 waff.es the fubhance of others ; the virtuous lnduftrious 
 man, has an open hand and a generous heart. I have 
 only to add, that I fhali not for the future ftart any 
 new objections ; but, truiting to the Providence of a 
 good and gracious God to direct me, freely confent to 
 be yours. But remember never to expect, more from 
 me, than from any other woman. I am fenhble of 
 many weakneffes ; my temper may not be at all times 
 the fame ; but it is the glory of your fex to fympathize 
 with us. I fhall mention your propofal to my lady, 
 for I cannot leave her 'till fhe is provided with another 
 in my room. If you are at my father's on Monday 
 F 3 fe'ennight,
 
 66 LETTERS ok 
 
 fe'ennight, you will have fome reafon to expert me 
 there ; and, in the mean time, 
 
 I am fincerely yours, 
 
 El. IZABE TH ■' BaRTON t . 
 
 LETTER XXXV. 
 
 From a Sailor, juji arrived at Port/mouth Jrovi the Eajl- 
 Indics, to his Sweetheart at Wapping. 
 
 Dear Belt, 
 
 TH IS will inform you. that we are fafe arrived at 
 Portimouth, after a tedious pafiage of fix months : 
 but the bed of all is, we have taken a prize, and I 
 ih al 1 have four hundred pounds to receive, beiides my 
 wages. Ah! Bett, what a lady you will be! I in- 
 tend to take a public-houfe in Wapping, and you will 
 be the landlady. Much money may be. picked up: and, 
 when we have got enough, we will retire from bufi- 
 nefs, and live in the country. Jack Capftan, whom 
 you once loved, had his head knocked off, during the 
 engagement; and Tom Forecaftle, another of your 
 fweethearts, was wafhed overboard. Let them go, 
 and happy for me they are gone, becaufe I {hall now 
 enjoy my dear Bett. I have a large affortment of 
 china, a fine filk gown, and twenty yards of muflin,. 
 which I will lay in your lap. Oh ! how I long to fee 
 \Vapping ; and, I can allure you, that I will never be 
 unfaithful. Not one of the girls in Wapping (hall lead 
 my.afFe&ions ofF from my Belt ; neither a high head, 
 nor a flounced petticoat, (hall ever tempt me. Let 
 me beg you will meet me at the fign of the Ship, at 
 Gravefend; where I will take you on board, and bring 
 vou fafe to Deptford. I (hall be only a few days on 
 board ; and, as for the Cuftom-houfe officers, we (hall 
 fill them with liquor, and then we can get our property 
 on fhore. Do, Betty, love me, and I will make'you a 
 good hufband, 
 
 I am your honefl tar, 
 
 Thomas Tar paw ling. 
 LETTER
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 67 
 
 LETTER XXXVI. 
 
 From a young Gentleman at the Univerfity, to a Clergy 
 man in the Country, 
 
 Reverend Sir, 
 
 THE care you took of my education, when I was 
 under your tuition, muft ever be acknowledged 
 with gratitude ; and, I can affure you, that the direc- 
 tions you gave me from time to time, fmce I removed 
 to the univerfity, have been of great fervice to me, I 
 am indebted to you ; but, like a loiing gamefler, I 
 muft continue venturing, 'till I have flaked mv lad 
 guinea, and perhaps at lafl become infolvent : how- 
 ever, if this mould be the cafe, then I muft take the 
 benefit of the next aft for the reliefof poordebtors. — 
 The truth is, I was lafl night in company with fame 
 gentlemen, and the fubje£l turned on the nature of 
 toleration, fo far as religious fentiments were entitled 
 to that privilege. For my own part, I had not conli- 
 dered the fubject ; the freedom we enjoy in this king- 
 dom feemed to render it unneceffary, and I thought 
 that every man mould be permitted to worfhip God 
 according to the dictates of his confeience. To this 
 it was obje£led, by fome perfons prefent, that there 
 were opinions which ought not to be tolerated, becaufe 
 they diflurbed the peace of fociety. Inflances were 
 brought from the Old Teflament, in fupport of the doc- 
 trine, and the arguments feemed to be unanfwerable, 
 unlefs I could reje£l the whole of divine revelation.—. 
 To all the favours you have already conferred on me, 
 let me beg you will add this one more ; namelv, to 
 point out the nature of toleration ; how far it is con- 
 fiftent with civil fociety; whether Chriflians, agreea- 
 ble to the nature of their profeflion, can ever become 
 intolerant ; what has been the flate of toleration under 
 the Old and New Teflament difpenfation ; and how far 
 
 intolerance
 
 68 LETTERS on 
 
 intolerance is inconhftent with the rights of private 
 judgment. Your worth is great, your learning is 
 univerfal, and your benevolence is fo extcniive, that 
 I cannot doubt of receiving an anfwer. 
 
 I am, reverend Sir, 
 
 Yours fmcerely, 
 
 Thomas Malpas. 
 
 LETTER XXXVI I. 
 
 The Clergyman 's Anfwer, 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 CHRISTIANITY knows nothing of tolera- 
 tion ; for it is contrary to its fpirit to claim 
 worldly power, and toleration cannot be granted where 
 power is wanting. The Jews never tolerated the 
 praciice of any religion differing from their own ; but 
 this was owing to two caufes. Firft, they were a pe- 
 culiar people, diffeient in their manners, cuftoms, and 
 religious ceremonies,* from all the reft of the world. 
 They were made acquainted with the knowledge of 
 the true God, while the heathen nations around them 
 were funk into the groffeft idolatry. Secondly, the 
 
 * For a proper inveftigation of this fubjeft, we would refer our 
 readers to " The Religious Riles and Ceremonies of all Nations," 
 written by the Rev. Dr. Hurd, and now publifhing in fixty weekly 
 numbers, adorned with elegant copper-plates. One or two numbers 
 may be had at a time, price only fix-pence each: the price of the 
 whole, bound in calf and lettered, is only £\ i6j. 
 
 Jews
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 6g 
 
 Jews were not permitted to fuller flrangers to rcficle 
 among them, unlefs they complied with their eifa- 
 blifhed form of religion ; and even to this day the 
 Jews retain the fame intolerant fpirit, and probably 
 would put it in practice, were they not retrained by 
 the civil power of thofe nations through which they 
 are Scattered abroad in the world. 
 
 The heathen Romans when they conquered a 
 great part of the world, made no alteration in the 
 eftablifhed forms of religion, but fuffered the people, 
 whom they had fubdued, to retain their ancient rites 
 •and ceremonies. 
 
 From what we read in the New Te (lament, it does 
 not appear that ever the Romans eftabliihed a place 
 of worfhip, according to the forms of heathen idola- 
 try, among the Jews, and yet they did fo in all the 
 heathen nations. The realon is obvious ; the Ro- 
 mans, and thofe whom they, from motives of pride, 
 "called barbarians, were equally idolators, nor did 
 they much regard what idols they worfhipped ; but 
 the Jews worfhipped the one true God, and the Ro- 
 mans were fuch profound politicians, that they pre- 
 ferred the enjoyment of the taxes, to that of overturn- 
 ing the eftabliined religion. 
 
 But here it will be objecled ; why did the Romans 
 perfecure. even to death, many I houfands of the pri- 
 mitive Chriftians? Upon a ftricl; enquiry it will per- 
 haps, be found, that none of the primitive Chriftians 
 were perfecuted merely on account of religion, but 
 rather from motives of ftate policy. 
 
 Your humble fervant, 
 
 Thomas Rowe. 
 
 LETTER
 
 LETTERS on 
 
 LETTER XXXVIII, 
 
 From the Same to the Same* 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 HEN Chriftianity was firfh promulgated, the 
 
 w 
 
 Jews, at that time fpread through many parts 
 oi the Roman empire, were in hopesthat amoftglorious 
 perfon was to make his appearance in the world, who, 
 byhis power, was to fubdue all their enemies; but find- 
 ing that the humility of Chrift did not anfwer their 
 expectations, they became mod bitter enemies to all 
 thofe who embraced his doftrine. The Chriflians, 
 while they obeyed the Roman Emperors in all things 
 of a temporal nature, acknowledged Chrift to be their 
 King. The purity of their doftrines, the fimplicity 
 of their manners, and their extenfwe charity, alarmed 
 the heathen priefts, who had, for many years, de- 
 ceived mankind ; and all the Jews were exafperated 
 againft them, becaufe they acknowledged the authen- 
 ticity of the law of Mofes, but refufed to comply with 
 the levitical ceremonies, which they coniidered as 
 abolifhed by the death of Chrift. 
 
 The heathen priefts reprefented the Chriftians as a 
 dangerous fet of people, whole defign was to over-_ 
 turn the eftablifhed religion ; and the Jews accufed 
 them as a body of people guilty of high treafon. in 
 acknowledging Chrift to be their King. Under thefe 
 circumftances, the Chriftians were falllv accufed and 
 often cruelly perfecuted, but perhaps with lefs feve- 
 rity than what is contained in the accounts tranfm it- 
 ted to us. 
 
 Mankind are fond of novelty, and therefore there 
 is great reafon to believe that when Chriftianity firfc 
 made its appearance, many pretended to embrace it 
 who were ignorant of its principles, and unacquainted 
 with God's defign in fending a Saviour into the world. 
 It will not admit of a doubt, that fuch unprincipled 
 converts, mi flaking the nature and tendency of the 
 Chriflian religion, would be guilty of feme grols ex- 
 
 cefles i
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 71 
 
 cedes: fuch as affronting the Pagans in their folemn 
 acls of worfhip, and perhaps fpeaking difrefpeclifully 
 of the emperors. Thefe things however have been, 
 in a great meafure, concealed from us; for it mud 
 be acknowledged, that the primitive ecclefiaftical 
 writers have deftroyed the works of the Heathens, 
 preferring only fuch paifages as feemed mo ft fuitable 
 to their purpofe ; a way of proceeding as fcandalous, 
 as any thing ever praciiied by thePapifts. This part of 
 the conduct of thofe, vulgarly called the primitive fa- 
 thers, leads me to doubt the truth of many things they 
 have written. Do I glory in having anfwered my 
 antagonifl ? Let me firft deliver his arguments to the 
 public. To act otherwife, is fimilar to that of tra- 
 ducing the character of a man, who is not p relent 
 to vindicate his own conduct. It is acting the part of 
 a backbiter, to eflablifh our own importance at the 
 expence of truth. He that is engaged in a good caufe, 
 need not be afhamed of his adverlary. 
 
 Thomas Rowe. 
 
 LETTER XXXIX, 
 
 In Continuation* 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 U T let us now enquire how the Chriflians acted 
 
 B 
 
 when they enjoyed the protections of the civil 
 power. Did they act confident with the genius of that 
 religion which they profeffed ? No: The man of fin 
 was beginning to make his appearance. Conftantine 
 would have acted the part of a generous prince, had 
 he only granted a toleration to the Chriflians ; but from 
 motives of policy, he made their religion the eflablifhed 
 one of the empire, and profcribed all thofe who ad- 
 hered to the ancient rites and ceremonies. The Chrif- 
 ti'an bifhops, having acquired power, made a bad 
 ufe of it indeed : they ridiculed the heathen fuper- 
 ftition ; they treated the Jews as though they were 
 mere Heathens; and, with refpect to their own bre- 
 thren
 
 7» L E T T E R S on 
 
 thren who differed from them in religious fenti- 
 ments, they perfecuted them with the molt unrelent- 
 ing cruelty. 
 
 From that time, 'till manv ages after, perfecutions 
 became an article of the Popifh creed, but never that 
 of a real Chriftian : no; a real Chriftian cannot per- 
 fecute ; but it was the practice of defigned priefts, 
 who, in order to aggrandize themfelves and enrich 
 their families, endeavoured to murder one half of the 
 human fpecics, while they kept the other half in a 
 ftate of ignoiance. 
 
 The ftate of the world, during many centuries, 
 contributed greatly towards eflablifhing clerical power. 
 1 oleration was not granted, and in any of the nations 
 where Popery was publickly profieffed, thole whoop- 
 poled the mofl idle, infignificant, ridiculous ceremo- 
 nies, were immediately put to death. It is true, that 
 no ftatute for burning Proteftants ever took place in 
 England 'till 1405, in the reign of Henry IV. But, 
 notwithstanding there being no law for that purpofe be- 
 fore that time, yet the priefts fupplied the deficiency. 
 
 In 1157. during the reign of Henry II. fome Ger- 
 mans came over to England, who proffeifed a belief 
 in lentiments contrary to thofe embraced by the gene- 
 rality of the people. Thefe perfons, about thirty in 
 number, werefummoned before a convocation of Po- 
 pifh priefts at Oxford, where they were publickly ex- 
 communicated, and every perfon having been prohi- 
 bited from giving them the leaft amftance, they all 
 perifhed for want in the fields. 
 
 When we look back to the times of the reformation, 
 we naturally expert to hear that thole, who had been 
 perfecuted for their religious opinions, would never 
 have become pcrfeculors themfelves : but, as the great 
 and good Dr. Seeker fays, " The old leaven of perfe- 
 " cution was not foon forgot, 'till the fpirit of 
 '•' genuine Chriflianity banifhed it out of the nation, 
 " and enlarged the mmds of men with ufeful know- 
 " ledge." 
 
 Let
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 7* 
 
 Let us, therefore, blefs the Almighty that we live 
 under a government, where every man is permitted to 
 worftiip God according to the dictates of his con. 
 fcience, fo as he gives no offence to the peace of his 
 neighbours. Our holy religion, like its Divine Au- 
 thor, is all purity, benevolence, and mercy; and as 
 primitive Chriflianity was propagated in the world, 
 by the purity of the lives of its profeflbrs, their 
 integrity and innocent manners, fo let us follow 
 their example, and convince the infidel world, that 
 we are the true difciples of Jefus Chrift. 
 
 I am, dear Sir, 
 
 Your fin-cere friend, 
 
 Thomas Rows, 
 
 LETTER XL. 
 
 From a Lieutenant in the Army to a young Lady, the So!e 
 Hcirefs of a Nobleman. 
 
 Dear Lady Barbara, 
 
 TH E precipitate manner in which our regiment 
 was hurried away from Northampton^ pre- 
 vented me from opening to you the dictates of an ho- 
 neft heart ; but the pen muft fupply the deficiency of 
 words. That I have been long enamoured of your 
 many amiable accomplifhments, there can be no 
 reafon to doubt ; and although your elevated rank in 
 life, prevented me from making a declaration of my 
 paflion, yet my fentiments were frill the fame ; there 
 could be no change in my love ; my afFeclions were 
 unalterably fixed ; and your perfon, your mental ac- 
 complifhments, all confpiring together, formed the 
 beloved objecT;. I know that your noble father will 
 never confent to our union; but madam, let me beg 
 you will only conlider, that although I am not a 
 nobleman's fon, yet my father is defcended from an 
 O honourable
 
 74 
 
 LETTERS on 
 
 honourable family; and I myfelf, as a gentleman and 
 a foldier, have the honour to carry the King's corn- 
 mi ttion. 
 
 I have this, however, to fay, that a noble generous 
 mind cannot be confined down to forms ; natural rights 
 are the fame in all ages and nations ; nor can the laws 
 of any country let ihofe rights afide. It was never 
 my intention to make you unhappy, by marrying 
 in an imprudent manner ; but I cannot help thinking 
 that my paternal edate, joined to my commiflion, 
 will be fufficient for both of us. Not that I would 
 defire my dear Lady Barbara to accompany me to the 
 field of battle: God forbid! all that I defire is, that 
 you will let me remain in poffeflion of your heart ; 
 I fay remain in pofieiuon, for, from the whole of your 
 conduct, and your amiable behaviour, I cannot help 
 thinking, there was a time when I was not difagree- 
 2ble. I will cheerfully fubmit to all the fatigues of 
 a campaign, upon condition you will give me your 
 promife to be mine ; and I fhall expect your anfwer, 
 directed to me at Southampton, 
 
 I am, dear Madam, 
 
 Your mod devoted humble fervant, 
 
 Edward Gould. 
 
 LETTER XLI. 
 
 The young Lady's Anfzuer. 
 
 SIR, 
 Received your letter, and mud freely acknowledge, 
 
 I 
 
 that it has been attended with {hocking circum- 
 dances to me. — To fay that I have not fome regard 
 for vou, would be to tell a mod horrid falfhood ; to 
 fay that I prefer you to all others, would be incon- 
 fiftent with female modedy. To difobey my parents, 
 fhocks me much ; and yet, where I have given my 
 heart I mud bedow my hand. To marry at the open- 
 ing
 
 every Occurrence in Life. fg 
 
 ing of a campaign, might make me for ever a mifer- 
 able widow ; and yet I love, and I would be both 
 dutiful and honourable; dutiful to my parents, and 
 honourable to the man who is placed his affections 
 upon me. — But you are going to engage in battle, 
 againft the enemies of your country : well, Sir ; and 
 what will fupport you under all the fatigues of a cam- 
 paign ? Will fafhionable follies anfwer fuch valuable 
 purpofes ? No, Sir, they will not. 
 
 The corruption of humanity, the vices of men, 
 the unbounded delire of acquiring power, and the 
 infatiable third for vain honours, have made war, in 
 fome manner, necefTary ; and yet, the man of huma- 
 nity will conduct himfelf with tendernefs. Does 
 the injured rights of your country require your af- 
 firmance ? remember it is your duty to comply. Are 
 you to be preferred to a high command in the army ? 
 remember that you muft command men as good as 
 yourfelf. God abhors cruelty, and fevere will be the 
 account you muft make, if you treat thofe brave men 
 with cruelty, who are venturing their lives in defence 
 of their country. You may rife to a high command 
 in the army ; but remember that virtue will raife you 
 much higher. You have all my good wifhes; and 
 be affured, I never will give my hand to any one, 'till 
 fuch time as I find you are not worthy of a place in my 
 heart. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 
 Barbara Yelvert'on, 
 
 LETTER XLII. 
 
 From a young Woman in the Country t& her Father in 
 London. 
 
 Honoured Sir 
 
 I Have been now about twelvemonths in this place, 
 and 'till now I concealed my real fituation from 
 you, in hopes it would one day be better; but quite 
 G 2 the
 
 ;6 L E T T E R S o* 
 
 the reverfe has taken place. During the firft month I 
 was here, Mrs. Elwell treated me with tendernels; but 
 Cut is fond of new faces, and, now that. I begin to 
 grow old in her fervice, (he finds fault with every 
 thing, although I never complain. You are my 
 father, and it is my duty to tell you the truth : I am 
 much better in health than formerly ; and thanks to 
 Cod and to you, I can get my living any where, fo 
 that I have no reafon tu ftay here any longer unlefs you 
 deiire it, and your will {hall always be a law to me. 
 Not that I want to leave this place ; but you will 
 perhaps be furprifed to hear, that in the compafs of 
 a few months I have almoft promoted the education 
 of two young ladies, who were little better than 
 reprobates, when I firft took them under my care.— 
 I think that the mo ft proper method for my future plan 
 of life, would be to keep a boarding-fchool ; and 
 you know I am, through your indulgence, in fome 
 meafure qualified for it. I am not averfe to depend 
 on the will of others; but I hope you will coincide 
 with me, that it is my duty to make my c i re um fiances 
 in this life as agreeable as pofFible : that, however, 
 cannot be done while I remain here, and therefore, I 
 hope you will have no obje&ion to my coming to 
 London. In all things I will be directed by you, and 
 I hope to have your anfwer. 
 
 I am, honoured father, your dutiful daughter, 
 
 Elizabeth Arxot. 
 
 LETTER XLI1I. 
 
 The Father's An/ever, 
 My Dear, 
 
 TO be precipitate in any thing, is the. fure fign 
 of a weak mind ; to aft with prudence will 
 ever entitle you to refpect.. Your reafons for leaving 
 your place are to rnefatisfa&ory. but I could with you 
 
 would
 
 every Occurrence in Life. yy 
 
 would do it with honour ; I mean that you would 
 give your lady proper notice, that ilie might procure 
 another teacher for her children : for my own part, 
 I am forry to hear of thefe things; but I have been 
 deceived and fo have you. But what ngnifies this in 
 the common affairs of this world ;. we are not to de- 
 pend upon the capricious will of our fellow-creatures, 
 but we muff do our duty, and leave the event to Pro- 
 vidence : your propofal for going inlo a fchool, is in 
 all refpefts agreeable to me, and the more fo, as I 
 fhall probably have it in my power to aiTift you. Be- 
 fore you leave your lady, I would have vou fpend a 
 few hours with her, and, in the moftdifpaPiionate man- 
 ner, mention to her your reafons for coming away; 
 taking care to a£f. in the moff. delicate manner, fo as 
 not to give any offence, but to be always welcome 
 again. 
 
 With open arms of afFeftion will vou be received 
 by your dear parents ; but let me remind you, that 
 wherever you go you will meet with anliftion. You 
 promifed yourfelf happinefs in the place where you 
 now are: you have been difappointed, and perhaps 
 you may be fo again. The ftate of human nature in 
 this world, is fuch, that no happinefs can take place 
 here below; I mean real happinefs, for comparative 
 happinefs may be found. And now I think I may add, 
 that though there is no real happinefsin thisworld, yet, 
 let our affiiclion be ever fo great, we feldom lofe hope ; 
 God feems to have implanted that in our nature, to 
 fupport us under all trials, and to make us look for- 
 ward to that everlafting country, where happinefs will 
 be complete. Upon the whole, my dear, do juft as 
 you pleafc ; and if you are to remove, let it be as foon 
 as you can, and let me know, that 1 may make ready 
 to receive you in a proper manner. 
 
 I am, your affectionate father, 
 
 William Arnot. 
 
 G3 LETTER
 
 h E 1 T £ R S ox 
 
 LETTER XLIV. 
 
 From a young Gentleman to a Clergyman, on the Study 
 of mftry. 
 
 Rev. Sir, 
 
 IT is row fome years fince you taught me the 
 Greek and Roman daffies, and you know that I 
 was always more fond of the hiftorians than the poets, 
 I find however, that I am no hiftorian ; for I was a 
 few evenings ago in company with fome gentlemen 
 whole friendfhip I would wifh to cultivate ; but fuch is 
 their great and extenlive knowledge, that fome- 
 thing of a fuperior dread refts upon my mind when I 
 fee them make their appearance. They often mention 
 the hiftory of England as a fubject. as well known as 
 the accidence in grammar ; and the Roman hiftory 
 is to them as familiar as a common newfpaper ; they 
 know the laws and conftitutions of the different na- 
 tions in Europe, and with refpeft to the difcoveries 
 made by the moderns in different parts of the world, 
 they can point out the caufes, and form rational con- 
 jectures concerning the confequences. Why, my dear 
 Sir. have not I learned thefe things ? Am I too weak 
 to comprehend them ? Or what plan of reading fhall 
 I purfue, in order to make myfelf as accomplished as 
 thofe amiable perfons ? I have, perhaps, too much 
 time too fpaie ; but Mill 1 can aifure you, that no part 
 of that time fhould be fpent in idlenefs, if you would 
 be fo good as to point out for me a plan, by which I 
 might conduct my ftudies in hiftory in an ufeful, be- 
 coming manner. Learning, without real knowledge, 
 appears to me rather as a curfe than a blefling; and 
 when I find how ignorant I am of many important 
 f«rfts, I bkifh : I am afhamed, and think 1 have never 
 yet learned any thing. This, however, my dear Sir, 
 is not your fault, but my own : perhaps, had I 
 attended more to your instructions, I {hould have had 
 
 no
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 79 
 
 no occafion to afk you for this advice; but, alas! 
 youth and prudence are feldom found united ; 
 gaieties and follies go hand in hand together, and 
 the beft of knowledge is negle&ed, in order to gratify 
 our animal defires. I muft, therefore, beg you will 
 ftill be myfriend; that you will communicate your beft 
 inftru&ionsto me; that you will point out the line of* 
 hiftorical reading, and I can arTure you, I fhall abide by 
 your advice. This is an aft: of charity which I dare 
 fay you will not deny; and be affured that I am, 
 
 Dear Sir, fmcerely yours, 
 
 Thomas Young. 
 
 LETTER XLV. 
 
 The Anfwtr, 
 SIR, 
 
 I Received yours, and am by no means furprifed at 
 what you mention concerning the company with 
 whom you have lately contracted an acquaintance. 
 While you was under my care, all I had to do was to in- 
 ftruft: you in grammar learning ; for, at that time, your 
 tender years would not admit of my pointing out to 
 you either the beauties or the utility of hiftory. How- 
 ever, that I may be your friend to the laft, remember 
 that my care towards promoting your *ntereft, fhall 
 extend to you in the way of my duty as long as I live 
 in this world. I am extremely forry to find that your 
 own good fenfe could not have pointed outto you the 
 proper methods by which hiftory was to be read and 
 underftood. This, however, is generally the cafe 
 with young men, who think themfelves wife before 
 they have learned any thing befides the jargon of a 
 fchool education. We are, indeed, moit wretched 
 mortals; but this is no reafon why we fhould always 
 continue fo. God is the God of order, and he would 
 have us aft; as beings, whole continual dependence is 
 
 upon
 
 So LETTERS om 
 
 upon him, >and to whom we are accountable for every 
 exertion of our rational faculties. 
 
 With refpe£l to the order in which hiftory fhould 
 be read, there are fome few books in our language, and 
 in French, but they are fuch wretched performances 
 that they ferve rather to difguft, than inftiu&. The 
 facred hiftory you have gone over already in your Bible, 
 but I think you ought likewife to read Jofephus; 
 who, although guilty of many errors, yet throws 
 confiderable light on the bible hiftory, and continues 
 his narration down to the deftruftion of Jerufalem by 
 the Romans. When you have finifhed Jofephus, you 
 muft read the hiftory of Great-Britain and Ireland ; 
 Iirft in a large work, and afterwards in a fhort com- 
 pendium, containing the leading facls, which (if you 
 read with care) will bring to your mind every occur- 
 rence. Take great care never to negleft chronology ; 
 I mean the time when fa&s happened. I have often 
 lamented the ignorance of many perfons in that re- 
 fpeft, who could relate every particular in the reign 
 of a prince, and at the fame time could not tell when 
 he lived. 
 
 From the hiftory of England, you muft proceed to 
 that of Rome, which will ferve as an introduction to 
 the hiftory of all the ftates now exifting in Europe : 
 but d© not leave the fubjeft with the removal of the 
 feat of empire from Rome to Conftantinople ; you 
 muft continue it down to the middle of the fourteenth 
 century, when the Greek empire was fubdued by 
 the Turks. If you attend properly to what you will 
 meet with in this latter part of the hiftory, you will 
 •eafily become acquainted with every thing following 
 after it. 
 
 I am, Sir, your fincere friend, 
 
 Edward Talbot. 
 
 LETTER
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 8i 
 
 LETTER XLVI. 
 From the Same, in Continuation, 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 AS a relaxation from general hiftory, it will be 
 heceffary to read biography, or the lives of 
 eminent perfons, of which I have often lamented 
 that we have not one proper collection ; fome being 
 too fmall, and others too large : however, you mufl 
 ufe the bcfl; methods you can ; for in biography there 
 is much that ought to be remembered, and fome- 
 times as much mould be forgotten. In reading 
 the lives of eminent perfons, take great care to 
 avoid being led away by partial reprefentations. 
 Lives are mod commonly written by friends, pre- 
 pouefTed in favour of the party; or they are written 
 by thofe who have efpoufed his fentiments, or ap- 
 proved of his conduct. In fuch cafes, truth is feldom 
 found ; but we mud make allowances for human 
 weakneffes. 
 
 There is another fpecies of hiftory which, if you 
 attend to, will finifh your plan of education, and 
 make you what you reprefent your friends to be. 
 What I allude to, is voyages and travels, the mofl 
 entertaining fubjefts that could be thought of; but, 
 I am forry to fay, they are fo numerous, and that 
 many of the authors relate things which do not feem 
 to be confident with truth. When I was voung, 
 I read mod of the * voyages and travels at that time 
 in print, but many more are now added. We want 
 
 * The beft colieftion of Voyages and Trav e ls we ever faw, 
 and which contains all the late difcoveries in the South-Seas, &c. is 
 that feletled by Mr. John Hamilton Moore, It is publishing in weekly 
 numbers, price 6d. each, and comprehends accurate descriptions of 
 every thing worthy of notice in the known world. By applying to 
 any bookfeller, &c. you may be fupplied with the above work, in 
 numbers or otherwife, adorned with copper- plates, engraved in lupe- 
 rior {file, far beyond thofe of any fimilar publication. Price in two 
 laige folio volumes, neatly bound in calf and lettered, £3 3- f . # 
 
 a judu
 
 %2 LETTERS on 
 
 a judicious collection of them abridged in a proper 
 manner, containing every thing entertaining and in- 
 ftru&ing, without reciting a dry detail of uninterest- 
 ing particulars. 
 
 Thefe I would have you to read, as a relaxation 
 from more feverc ftudies ; but, above all, let me beg 
 you will confider the proper ufe of hiftory. And firft., 
 it will make you acquainted with the flate of human 
 nature in all ages and nations. You will fee, as it 
 were, empires and ftates riling out of obfeurity to gran- 
 deur ; and you will fee them finking fo low, as not to 
 leave any more behind, behdes an empty name. Se- 
 condly, you will become acquainted with the civil 
 rights of mankind, and the principles upon which 
 government is founded. You will learn what raifed 
 nations to grandeur, and what promoted their ruin. 
 You will find that thofe perfons, whom we are apt to 
 confider as heroes, were only illufliious robbers and 
 murderers, who trampled on the rights of their fellow- 
 creatures in order to acquire fame. Laftly, hiftory, 
 in all its different branches, will prefent you with a 
 moft beautiful commentary on Divine Providence. 
 You will difcern the hand of God conducting the 
 affairs of this lower world, and often making the pafti- 
 ons of the word of men fubfervient towards promoting 
 the good of the whole. Nay, I may add, that an 
 attentive perufal of hiftory will point out to vou the 
 necelhty of a future flate of rewards and pur.ifhments; 
 for as vice is often triumphant in this world, and piety 
 and virtue trampled on, fo God, as a juft Being, will 
 in the end render to every man according to his works. 
 Such, my dear Sir, are the ufes to be made of hiftory ; 
 and if you attend to the fubje£t, in the manner I have 
 laid it down, you will be efteemed by your acquaint- 
 ance, honoured by your friends, and reconciled to all 
 that happens in the world. 
 
 I am ; dear Sir, your fmcere friend, 
 
 Edward Talbot. 
 
 LETTER
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 83 
 
 LETTER XLVII. 
 
 From a poor working Man* imprifoned for Debt) ta 
 his Creditor, 
 SIR, 
 
 I Send this by the hands of my wife, whofe afflic- 
 tions exceed that of a widow ; for a widow cannot 
 have any hope of afliflance from the dead, whereas 
 the wife of a poor prifoner muft both wifh and hope 
 for her hufband's deliverance. Read this, Sir, and 
 think a little of my fituation : confined here within 
 the walls of a prifon, for a debt of four pounds con- 
 tracted for necefTaries during along and fevere illnefs, 
 and obliged to lie on the boards ; nor am I able to work 
 at my trade, which you know is of fuch a nature, 
 that it cannot be carried on in prifon. My poor wife 
 has almoft ftripped herfelf naked, to procure me a 
 little fupport ; and having a child at her breaft, fhe 
 cannot go out to work. Ah, Sir! Can imprifoning 
 a man's body pay debts? No: but it may render ther 
 debtor for ever incapable of paying what he owes to 
 his creditors. Would vou, Sir, had you been under the 
 fame affli&edcircumftancesas I was, have confidered 
 yourfelf as guilty, in running into debt for a few of 
 the neceffaries of life ? But fuppofmg I had been either 
 imprudent or extravagant, how can you repeat the 
 Lord's Prayer in fincerity, while, inflead of forgiving 
 a fellow-creature, you are ftarving a whole family ? 
 1 believe you will acknowledge, that you muft either 
 obtain pardon of God, or be caft out of his prefence 
 for ever. And can you expeft that forgivenefs, while 
 you treat a poor family with cruelty? You are, Sir, 
 the father of a family, and how do you know but 
 your own children may one day fuffer what I do now? 
 Nay, how do you know what afflictions may happen 
 to yourfelf before you go out of this world ? God is 
 merciful, and he loves mercy in his creatures. Let 
 me therefore beg you will pity my poor family, and 
 
 grant
 
 S 4 L E T T E R S on' 
 
 grant me a letter of licence for one year, that I way 
 have it in my power to pay you. Here I can pay 
 nothing, but here I may ftarve; nay, I am ftarving 
 already ; and my poor wife, with my helplefs children, 
 are almoft perifhing for bread: furely you muff, have 
 formed fome bad opinion of me, otherwife you would 
 never hove proceeded fo far. Remember what both, 
 you and myfelf have read in our Bibles, and furely 
 you have not forgot the twenty-fifth chapter of St. 
 Matthew's Gofpel. Shew fome companion to an af- 
 flicted father, a difconfolate mother, and three help- 
 lefs infants : fet open the prifon doors where I am 
 confined, that the hearts of the afflicted may ling with 
 joy: treat my poor wife with tendernefs, and let mc 
 beg you will fend me a favourable anfwer. 
 
 I am, Sir, with refpect, 
 
 Your humble fervant, 
 
 James Parry. 
 
 LETTER XLVIIJ. 
 The Anfutr* 
 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I Have jufl received yours, and pe.rufed the melan- 
 choly contents with more concern than I am able 
 to exprefs. It was reprefented to me, that you was 
 an idle drunken fellow, who neglected your family, 
 and fpent more money in alehoufes than would have 
 fupported your wife and children. That was the rea- 
 fon why I took out a writ againft you ; for although 
 I would not be guilty of an ill-natured action to any 
 of my fellow-creatures, yet I cannot believe thofe 
 are worthy of the leaft pity, who have not bowels of 
 compaflion to their children. To convince you, 
 therefore, that I am not the tyrant you have repre- 
 fented me, I have given your wife five millings, and 
 
 (hall
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 85 
 
 fhall this evening fet you at liberty. As for granting 
 you a. letter of licence, it is altogether unnecelfary, 
 for it would be attended with expence ; and, I am 
 certain, you could not pay the debt in one year. 
 You may confide in me, that if you will aft as an 
 honeft man to your family, and not frequent ale- 
 houfes, vou will find me a friend, ready at all times 
 to ferve you. I will give you more time than you 
 can reafonably expect, and much more than you have 
 deferved, if report be true. Call for what you want 
 at the bar in the prifon, and I will be with you about 
 feven o'clock this evening. 
 
 I am. Sir, &c. 
 
 Charles Roberts. 
 
 LETTER XLIX. 
 
 From a young Man, a Carpenter, defirous of Jetting up 
 in Bufinefs, to the Per/on with whom he ferved his 
 Apprenticejhip, 
 
 Honoured Sir, 
 
 OUR tendernefs to me, while I lived with you, 
 encourages me to trouble you with this. To 
 mention your having taught me an ufeful mechanical 
 employment, is faying little, when I reflect on your 
 care for my morals, and your regard for my intereft, 
 during the whole feven years of my apprenticefhip. 
 Virtue, however, cannot go unrewarded ; and, as I 
 am not the only inftance of your benevolence, fo I 
 am fully perfuaded you enjoy more peace of mind, 
 in confequence of having done good, than thoufands 
 of thofe who have acquired what the world calls a 
 fortune, at the expence of a good confcience ; being 
 wounded in the light of God, while they were hated 
 by their fellow-creatures. But now I come to the 
 main purport of this letter. 
 
 H Mr. Beck, 
 
 Y
 
 86 LETTERS on 
 
 Mr. Beck, for whom I have worked upwards of 
 three years, died a few weeks ago ; and, having left 
 no children in his own branch of buhnefs, every thing 
 is to be difpofed of. I am acquainted with all his 
 cuftomers, and they have promifed to employ me, if 
 I can only make interefl; fufheient to purchale his im- 
 plements of workmanfhip, and flock in trade. That, 
 however, is not in my power ; for although I have 
 lived extremely frugal, yet I have not faved anymore 
 than fixty pounds, which is not one fixth of the (ura 
 demanded. Credit, indeed, has been offered me for 
 two years, but I have two objections : firft, I am 
 afraid it will not be in my power to make good the 
 payment in that time : and fecondly, I am r,ot 
 much in love with the executors. The truth is, they 
 are profligates ; and thofe who fpend their own money 
 in extravagance, will ihew but little pity (o me, if 
 I am reduced to a date of difhrefs : I have, therefore, 
 ventured to prefent my cafe to you. Your goodnefs 
 of heart is great, your character is efiabljfhcd, and 
 your fame has been long fpread abroad among the 
 virtuous and the pious. You know I have no fecu- 
 rity to give you, befidcs that of the word and hand- 
 writing of an honeft man ; and, if you will give me 
 your advice and aiTiftance in this affair, it mail ever 
 be acknowledged with gratitude, 
 
 By, Sir, your moil obedient fervant, 
 
 George Booth. 
 
 P. S. As the whole is to be fold by auction, I 
 fhould be glad of your anfwer. 
 
 LETTER L. 
 
 The Anfwer, 
 SIR, 
 
 THREE days ago I received your letter, and 
 would have anfwered it fooner, but I was laid 
 up with a fevere fit of the Gout, which alone pre- 
 vented
 
 EVEfc* Occurrence in Life. £7 
 
 ve nted me ; for you well know, that it was always 
 my practice to anfwer letters, whether I complied 
 with the requcfts contained in them or not. And 
 now, my dear Sir, give me leave to pafs over all the 
 encomiums you have beftowed upon me ; for the time 
 for flattery is over, and nothing lefs than honelt fin- 
 terity will now go down with me. 
 
 There is not a fenhble man in the world, who will 
 blame you for endeavouring to fettle in bufinefs ; 
 and I commend you for not putting yourfelf under 
 the power of Grangers, who might, in an unguarded 
 hour, lead you into a fnare, and procure your ruin 
 in this world. Alas ! Sir, what lavages are hurran 
 creatures to each other! If their neighbours profper 
 they give them alii dance ; if they are unfortunate, 
 they are trampled upon. There is an observation on 
 trade, by an author in the laft century, which has 
 been fmce reduced into the form of a proverb; and, 
 when I (late it to you in proverbial language, you 
 will find that it corroborates the truth of what 1 have 
 faid, M If your neighbour is going up the hill, fct 
 si your fhoulder to him ; if he is going down the 
 4i hill, put your foot upon him." The maxim is 
 fomething more than diabolical ; but, without conn- 
 dering it any longer, 1 fhall proceed to write you an 
 anfwer. 
 
 From what I have heard from you, I find that it 
 will require at leaft five or fix hundred pounds, 
 to enable you to fucce<ed your late mailer. This I 
 am willing to lay down for you ; and I have written 
 a letter to a friend of mine, who will take your bond 
 for the money. But I muff not conclude this letter, 
 without giving you fome advice ; which 1 hope you 
 will not confider as improper, efpecially as it comes 
 from an old man. Your bufinefs will naturally lead 
 you into company, but, my dear Sir, never let 
 drunkennefs mark your characler; never be the 
 drunkards fong. I have known a man, who had no* 
 bufinefs in company, deftroy himfelf by drinking j 
 and I have known a man, who had bufinefs in com- 
 II 2. P an >
 
 88 LETTERS on 
 
 pany, and always went home fober. In company, 
 pay your (hare of the reckoning, but never go home 
 like a beaft. Keep an exacl: account of debtor and 
 creditor every week ; and, while you fpeak with good 
 manners to thofe who are indebted to you, never be 
 afhamed to put them in mind of the neceflity you 
 are under, to difcharge your duty incumbent upon 
 you to your own creditors. You will have working 
 men under you, but never pay them at an alehoufe, 
 for this fhews them a bad example ; it corrupts their 
 morals, and makes them neglect the duty they owe 
 to God and to themfelves. Upon the whole, it is 
 my fmcere defire that God may give you fuccefs, and 
 make you an ornament to your brethren in the trade. 
 
 I am, your real friend, 
 
 Samuel Robinson. 
 
 LETTER LI. 
 
 From a Young Merchant, to the Daughter of a Counfellor 
 at Law, 
 
 My dear Mifs, 
 
 TH E different opportunities I have had of being 
 in your company, your many fallies of wit and 
 humour, joined to the moft unaffected modefty, have 
 entirely won my heart, and I am become your more 
 than humble flave.— - You know T ha«/e been but 
 lately fet up in bufmefs, but the profits anting from 
 the returns have exceeded myhighell expectations. I 
 find the flave trade extremely beneficial : and I doubt 
 not, but that in a few years I fhall acquire a conft- 
 rierable fortune. But fortune is a fmall ccniideration 
 with me. when I reflect on your many and valuable 
 accomplifhments. It is undoubtedly incumbent upon 
 me to look out for a partner for life, and who can 
 I find equal to you? Perhaps you may think that I 
 have an eye to your fortune; but, if fo, you are 
 
 much
 
 every Occurrence iu Life. 89 
 
 much miftaken ; I never heard what it was: and al- 
 though your honoured father fhould think proper to- 
 cut you off with a {hilling, yet that will he nothing. 
 tome. It is your merit 1 covet, your love I folicit; 
 but your fortune, let it be ever fo great, is beneath 
 my notice. 
 
 And now, my dear, what objection can you have 
 to me ? Surely you cannot diflike me, on account of 
 my being engaged in a life of trade. — Trade and 
 commerce fuppoits the intereft. and promotes the 
 glory of the nation. By trade and commerce the in- 
 duftrious poor are honeftly employed, and by thofe 
 they acquire a com iortable fubiiftence. Many of the 
 noble families in England have had their rife from 
 the mercantile world ; and the anceftors of fome of 
 our Dukes, may glory as much in their being the 
 defcendants of Merchants, as others can of having, 
 fprung from illuftrious robbers and murderers^ 
 
 Confident with the nature of my buhnefs, I cannot 
 make you a feU lenient in money ; but, what is much 
 greater, I will attend to the duties of my flation, 
 and, if Providence fhould fmile upon my endeavours^ 
 you will have no reafon to complain. — I don't defire- 
 that any thing fhould be trania&ed in fecret, and 
 therefore fhould be extremely glad if you would 
 (hew this letter to your good father, who knows the 
 affairs of this world too well, for me to give him any 
 information. 
 
 I am, dear Mifs, 
 
 Your lincere admirer, 
 
 Thomas Ashtonv 
 
 LETTER L1I. 
 
 The young Lady's Anfwtr, 
 S I R, 
 
 I Received yours, and have attended to the contents 
 with the utmoft care. I have had no reafon hi- 
 therto to complain of your conduct; but I mud freely 
 H 3 tel*
 
 90 LETTERS on 
 
 tell you, that fome of the arguments you have made 
 life of, to let off your own importance, rather dif- 
 fuade than encourage me to enter into the marriage 
 itate. — You are a merchant; how many thoufands of 
 rrerchants have been bankrupts? You are concerned 
 in the Have trade ; and, let me afk you, if that is 
 confident either with humanity, or the law of God ? 
 Are not blacks, mv dear Sir, the workmanfhip of 
 the fame Divine Being who formed you and mylelf ? 
 In buying them, all thofe of your profeffion are the 
 worft of thieves; in felling them, you are moil cruel 
 murderers. By the firft, you difcover unbounded 
 avarice ; by the fecond, unrelenting cruelty. By the 
 firfr, you trample upon the facred rights of the 
 whole human race; by the fecond, you feek to ac- 
 quire riches, which, in the end, will be accuricd. 
 And fhall I, Sir, give my hand to that man, who, 
 in order to acquire a fortune, tramples upon the 
 rights of humanity ? Can I expect the divine blef- 
 fmg upon a fubfiftence in this life, which has been 
 acquired by iniquitous means? No, Sir: let me love 
 affluence, let me court grandeur; but let innocence 
 and honeft indnfhy be the means to procure them. 
 I mid further tell you. that I am no friend to mer- 
 cantile life : a commiflion of bankruptcy would make 
 me a beggar, and you perhaps fomewhat worfe. 
 Your difintereftednefs concerning my fortune, has 
 but litile weight with me: it may confift in words, 
 but J am a ranger to voir real fentiments. I am 
 glad you have permitted me to fhew your letter to 
 my ever honoured father, and you will foon recieve 
 an anfwer from him. In the mean time, whatever 
 may be my private fentiments, I fhall continue to cor- 
 refrond with you, 'till every point is cleared up ; and 
 be allured that I am 
 
 Your well-wiiher, 
 
 Elizabeth Nares, 
 
 LETTER
 
 every Occurrence in Life. gt 
 
 LETTER LIII. 
 
 The Counfellor's Letter to the young Merchant* 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 MY daughter, who was never' wanting in duty 
 to me, has juffc now fhewn me a letter from 
 you, on the fubje& of marriage. I do allure you, 
 Sir, that is a flate, which, as it is neceffary for the 
 exiftence of fociety, fo no reafonable perfon ought to 
 have any obje&ion to it. I have always found, that 
 thofe who defpife marriage are, in mod refpecls, men 
 of loofe characters; not a&ing from principle, but 
 following the inftinfts of unbridled lulls, grofs paf- 
 fions, and unlawful defires: but it is not fo with me, 
 which leads me to coniider the fubject-matter of your 
 letter, and I (hall do it with as much candour as 
 poffible. 
 
 I think that, as a merchant, you fet too little ftore 
 by money ; for that emblem of riches, is the only 
 article you have to deal in. Your bufinefs as a mer- 
 chant, is not better than that of a lawyer: we feek 
 money, and, when we get it, we keep it ; but what 
 the merchant lays out to-day, he expects it will bring 
 him much more, and thus his (lock is continually 
 fluctuating, i am afraid, that if you defpife money, 
 you will never make any great figure as a merchant ; 
 for a mercantile life is a life of care: and, if you 
 look back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth, you will 
 find many refpe&able names in the order of knight- 
 hood, who, by their attention to mercantile affairs 
 were able in advanced life to retire from bufinefs, 
 and purchafe confiderable cftates. For my own part, 
 I cannot have any objection to your union with my 
 daughter, only that I am afraid, a levity of difpo- 
 tion w'll k-ad you off from bufinefs, and an idle mer- 
 chant is like a drone, in a bee-ive. I have heard an 
 exceeding good character of you, and I doubt not 
 
 but
 
 9 2 L E T T E R S on 
 
 but you are deferving of it; you will therefore be fo 
 obliging as to write to me, and I will confult with my 
 daughter concerning the affair. 
 
 I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 S. Nares, 
 
 LETTER LIV. 
 
 The Merchant's Anfwer. 
 
 Honoured Sir, 
 
 WITH pleafure I received yours, and have con'- 
 iidered what you mention with as much care 
 as I poflibly could. I am extremely glad that, like 
 many gentlemen, you do not defpife the mercantile 
 world. I have often read, that the French and Spa- 
 niards had a flrong averfion to merchandife ; but I 
 know, from experience, that they have thought better 
 fince, and at prefent are as fond of the fweets arifing 
 from it, as either we or the Dutch. Indeed, for my 
 own part, I can fee no other danger arifing from mer- 
 chandife, befides what is the common effefts of Di- 
 vine Providence ; I mean loffes at fea, or, which is 
 perhaps ftill worfe, the wickednefs of men. The 
 firft we fhould fubmit to with refignation, trading 
 that God will, in fome other way, make up the lofs : 
 the lafl we muft likewife fubmit to, becaufe human 
 nature is always the fame ; and, I am forry to fay, 
 that there are too many men in the world, who are 
 utterly anacquainted with honefty, and who have no 
 principle to pay their debts. 
 
 But your grand objection is, my defpifmg money. 
 Let me beg you will excufe an expreffion. made ufe 
 of by a young man in love : for you well know, that 
 all lovers are blind. But the truth is, the expreffion 
 alluded to, fo far from being unguarded, was the 
 effecr. of consideration. I think, I have a fufficient 
 capital to carry on trade, and you know it is too 
 
 much
 
 .every Occurrence in Life. 93 
 
 much the fafhion to court young ladies for their for- 
 tunes. It was, therefore, from a principal of honour, 
 that I did not deiire any money ; well knowing that 
 if my merit fhould, in time, entitle me to any, it 
 would not be denied. Your daughter's merits are 
 fuperior to riches, and her prudence will enable me 
 to make a proper ufe of what little I have. I hope, 
 therefore, the objection is removed, and that you will 
 not obftruci my happinefs, if I can obtain your 
 daughter's confent. You will receive enclofcd a letter 
 for her, in which I have explained, at large, every 
 thing contained in her's ; and, if {he gives me leave, 
 I will wait on her, 
 
 I am, honoured Sir, 
 
 Your moll humble fervant, 
 
 Thomas Askton, 
 
 LETTER LV. 
 
 The Merchant's Letter to the young Lady* 
 
 Lear Mifs, 
 
 I Received yours, with one from your honoured fa- 
 ther ; and, as I have written to him, you will 
 probably fee my letter. In the mean time, I am 
 called upon bv vou. to aniwer a queftion relating to 
 a fubjecl: which I have, perhaps, too lime under- 
 ftood. It was my lot to ferve my clerkfhip to a mer- 
 chant, who had great concerns in the flavc trade, 
 by which he acquired a forcune ; and, as it was fo 
 jpommonly pra&ifed, 1 rijsvej f -rioutty considered it. 
 I am forry to fay, that Ion?; practice, even in bad 
 things, becomes as it wens a (econd nature, and 
 habits are not eafily fhaken off. There are, however, 
 circum fiances in life, which do more towards the 
 reformation of the human conduct, than the bed in- 
 flruclions that can be given. Love opens a large ex- 
 tended
 
 94 LETTERS on 
 
 tended field for improvement, efpecially "where the- 
 beloved object is virtuous. You have taught me 
 more concerning the natural rights of my fellow-crea- 
 tures, than ever I knew before; and to convince 
 you that 1 am a traceable fcholar, I have refolved to 
 relinquifh all connections with the (lave trade, as foon 
 as I can fettle my accounts with my correfpondenrs. 
 Be allured that I am not hard-hearted, and much lefs 
 would I rejoice to fee my fellow-creatures in a flate 
 of flavery. It is a happinefs, I am not confined to 
 one fpecies of merchandise: for I am acquainted with 
 raoft branches, and confequently can adhere to that 
 which is moll beneficial to the community ; looking for 
 nothing more for myfelf, than the jufl reward of my 
 honeft induftry ; and this is what, I think, you will 
 never find fault with. 
 
 And now, my dear, have I not given you the ut- 
 moff. fatisfaftion ? And, the Divine Being is my wit- 
 nefs, that fincerity has guided my pen. Let me add 
 further, that in my addreffes to you, I lock to no- 
 thing of a romantic nature, but could wifh to fpend 
 the marriage life with the fame pleafure as fome do 
 courtfhip. A circumftance which fome would rejoice 
 in, has happened to me •, and although advantageous, 
 is melancholy. My brother James died about fix 
 months ago in the Eaft-Indies, and has left a confi- 
 derable fortune ; but I fhall not turn any part of it 
 into trade, 'till I fee how things go on with my pre- 
 fent capital. I long to hear from you, but much more 
 to call you my own. Nothing, but the duty of my 
 profeflion. fhall f-parate me from your company; and 
 we may be happy, if we are only agreeable, 
 
 I am, dear Mifs, 
 
 Your affectionate lover, 
 
 Thomas Ash TON- 
 
 LETTER
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 95 
 
 LETTER LVI. 
 
 The young Lady's Anfwer. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I Received yours, and 'fhall begin with the latter 
 part of' it, namely, the death of your brother. I 
 am of opinion, Sir, that you have not confidercd that 
 fubje£r. with fo much ferioufnefs as it deferves; but 
 ftill I am unable to enter into the inmoil recedes of 
 the human heart. Do I love my brother? Do I \viffi 
 for a continuance of his life ? And fhall I rejoice in 
 the enjoyment of his fortune ? I will freely acknow- 
 ledge, that under fuch circumftanccs, there are com- 
 monly a variety of pafiions warring againft each other, 
 and it too frequently happens that avarice gets the 
 better of compailion, and we forget our molt beloved 
 relations as foon as we are put in povTefhon of their 
 inheritance. Be not offended, Sir, when I tell you, 
 that the time is not far diftant when you and myfelf 
 will, like your brother, be configned to the filent 
 grave : " where the wicked ceafe from troubling, and 
 " where the weary are at reft." The death of your 
 brother fhould teach you to fet a proper value upon all 
 temporal enjoyments; but not like a popifh reclufe, to 
 neglect the duties of your ftation. 
 
 I have often thought, that thofe who frequently me- 
 ditate on death are beir. prepared for it, and its terrors 
 lofe their force ; the vipers hung is plucked out, in 
 confequence of familiarity. I have no doubt but 
 your brother died trufting for falvation in the merits 
 of a Divine Redeemer, fo that I fhall not fay any 
 thing more on the fubjeft ; for if I did not conhder 
 you as well acquainted with the nrit principles of the 
 Chriflian religion, Ifhouldnot writeto you as a friend. 
 However, I confider you as afting conhftent with the 
 principles you profefs, and, therefore, I fhall open my 
 mind to you without refer ve. 
 
 The
 
 9 6 LETTERS' on 
 
 The letter you fent to my father is, in all refpects, 
 fatisfactory ; and I take it for granted, that you acted 
 upon honourable principles ; for 1 am no ftranger to 
 the mercenary way in which matches are commonly 
 made up. A man may defpife an attachment to 
 riches, and yet he may make a proper ufe of the 
 benefits of Divine Providence. Your refolution con- 
 cerning the flave trade gives me much pleafure, and 
 happy fhall I think myfelf if one word written by me 
 (hould be the means of putting an end to a practice 
 contrary to the laws of humanity, and fuch as will 
 ever bring down a curfe upon thofe concerned in it. 
 I could wifh for the divine blefling ; but how can I 
 expect it while I am rioting on the fpoils of my fellow- 
 creatures ? This objection being removed, I look 
 towards your propofal of marriage, and if you con- 
 tinue to act in the fame manner you have hitherto 
 done, I cannot reafonably object to an union with you. 
 Indeed I am afraid I muft take you for better or worfe ; 
 but 'tis a comfort, I hope I have fortitude fufficient to 
 meet the ftrongeft temptations. My father agrees with 
 what you have propofed, and could wim that you 
 would adhere to your refolution of letting your bro- 
 ther's money remain in the funds, 'till fuch time as 
 you can fully experience the nature of trade, and 
 then you will know the value of money, with the 
 ufes to which it ought to be applied. We expect to 
 fee you here, and perhaps I fhall then have no ob- 
 jections againil giving my hand where my heart is al- 
 ready placed. 
 
 I am, dear Sir, fincerely yours, 
 
 Elizabeth Nare5 4 
 
 LETTER
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 97 
 
 LETTER LVII. 
 
 From a Lady to a Clergyman, on her Hujband and Son 
 being killed in Battle, 
 
 Rev. Sir, 
 
 YOUR difcourfes from the pulpit have often 
 inftrucled me in the way of my duty ; by your 
 pious inftructions I have learned to reduce the princi- 
 ples of my religion to practice; and your example, as 
 a living monitor continually before me, muft never 
 be eradicated from my mind. But, alas ! I am now 
 obliged to have recourfe to the fountain head ; with a 
 heart overloaded with afHict-ion, I apply to God and 
 to you: and will my pious pallor bear with the in- 
 firmities of a weak, a diftrelTed woman? Yes, he 
 will; and he will become my confolatory guide. 
 
 The laft poll brought me an account of the battle 
 of Minden, where my dear hufband and beloved 
 fon were both killed, fighting for the rights of their 
 injured country. Ah, what a ftroke tome! lam 
 left without a hufband, and without a child ; my 
 widowhood muft be fpent in forrow ; nor can any 
 earthly enjoyments give me comfort. Ah, my dear- 
 Sir ! why fhould we fuffer for the ambition of princes ? 
 Shall families be reduced to mifery ? Shall parents 
 -and children be deftroyed, becaufe kings will not re- 
 main contented with thofe poor fpots of earth which 
 Providence has affigned them ? Has my good and 
 gracious God ordered thefe things ? Or do they 
 happen in conference of the unalterable decrees of 
 fate ? I declare, I am loft in amazement when I look 
 at the myftery of Divine Providence ; and as I can 
 only judge of caufes from their effects, I am fome- 
 times induced to become an infidel. Is God unjuft? 
 May my heart never nourifh fuch a thought ! and yet 
 I am, on many occafions, ready to be discontented. 
 What means (hall I ufe, my dear Sir, to reconcile 
 myfelf to the various ways of Divine Providence? 
 My heart is agitated j but I know you will fympathize 
 I witli
 
 98 LETTERS om 
 
 with me, It is difficult to flruggle between duty and 
 natural affections, and God knows I am but a poor feeble 
 creature. Let me beg you will give me your advice, 
 for no mortal ever flood more in need of it ; and 
 whatever you fay will be like balm to bleeding 
 wounds. 
 
 I am. Rev. Sir, 
 
 .5 Your affli&ed friend, 
 
 M. S. 
 
 LETTER LVIII. 
 
 The Clergyman's Anfwer, 
 
 Dear Madam, 
 
 YOURS was delivered at my houfc while, con- 
 fiftent with the nature of my orofeflion, I was 
 attending to the grave the remains or a dear departed 
 friend. Such, my dear madam, is the ftate of human 
 nature in this world, that one melancholy circum- 
 ibance often follows another. Every thing is deceit- 
 ful to thofe who place their confidence in earthly hap- 
 pincfs ; but to thofe who can look beyond the grave, 
 all the troubles of this life are no more than trifles. 
 The account you have fent me of the death of your 
 hufband and fon, is certainly of a calamitous nature ; 
 but there is nothing in it ftrange ; nothing new ; it 
 is what we muft certainly expect, to meet with on the 
 flage of this lower world. " Man is born to trouble 
 " as the fparks fly upwards;" but unfortunately for 
 us poor mortals, we feldom think of afHi&ion 'till, 
 like a difagreeble vihtor, it meets us at our doors, or, 
 perhaps, penetrates into our moft fecret chambers, 
 yea, into our hearts. 
 
 1 am no ftranger, madam, to your unaffected piety; 
 but I am afraid, you have not confidcred what the 
 wife man fays, namely, « : To be humble in the day 
 " of proireritv, and in the day of advei illy to con- 
 « iidcr." 
 
 You
 
 every Occurrence in Life. gg 
 
 You have enjoyed many pleafing days, in company 
 with your hufband : you have brought up a {'on, who 
 was an honour lo his country ; and, fighting in de- 
 fence of that injured country, both hufband and fon 
 are now configned to the iilent grave. And pray, 
 madam, what is extraordinary in all this! Has it 
 not happened in the world before you was born ? And 
 will it not take place when you are dead? You feerrt 
 to find fault with the conduct of princes, for enter- 
 ing into what you efleem unneceifary wars ; but let 
 me put you in mind, that we in humble life, are not 
 capable of penetrating into the cabinets of politi- 
 cians ; we act as fubordinate beings, and the higher 
 affairs of government fhall give us no manner of 
 unearmefs; becaufe many things will frequently hap- 
 pen that we are not able to account for, and this 
 fhould reconcile us to the events of Divine Provi- 
 dence. You fay much concerning the warring paffions 
 in your mind, but you have not faid any thing con- 
 cerning your refignation to the divine will. I am 
 afraid, madam, you have longxlreamed of happinefs, 
 of the mofl uninterrupted pleafures, without confi- 
 dering that the Divine Being often afFects us, in order 
 to humble us. Do you, madam, imagine that you 
 are to live for ever? And is the life of your huf- 
 band more valuable than that of another perfon ? 
 Many brave men have laid down their lives, in de- 
 fence of the rights of their country : families have 
 been diftrefied in confequence ; but Providence hath 
 often fmiled on the furvivors, and the children have 
 inherited the reward of their father's virtues. You 
 muff, not arraign the conduct of Divine Providence, 
 but reft affured in your own mind, that the. Ludge of 
 all the earth will do right. But I am juft called 
 away, and therefore will write again to you as loon 
 
 as pof 
 
 I am, dear madam, 
 
 Your unceic v/cll-wi flier, 
 
 M. A. 
 I a LETTER
 
 too L E T T E R S on 
 
 LETTER LIX. 
 
 From the Same to the Same* 
 
 Dear Madam, 
 
 IN my laffc I took notice of the outlines of yours, 
 and now I fhall endeavour to enter into the fpirit 
 of it. According to the dictates of natural religion, 
 every human being is obliged to- fubmit to the dif- 
 penfations of Providence. This is what reafon: 
 teacheth, and what humanity fhould comply with. 
 Shall God aft as the Sovereign of the univerfe, and 
 (hall we not fubmit to what God has appointed ? Are 
 we to chufe what we would have for ourfelves ? Then 
 we are the governors of the world, and God is no- 
 more than an iniignificant being. I will freely ac- 
 knowledge, that natural religion is, in many refpe&s,. 
 extremely dark ; but flill, when we make a proper 
 ufe of reafon, we cannot be much led aftray. Truth 
 is of a facred nature, and there is no great difficulty 
 in acquiring the knowledge of its nrft principles* 
 But, my dear madam, I have fomething to mention 
 to you of greater weight, than the religion of nature ; 
 I mean, divine revelation. — Human reafon is weak, 
 but God has provided a remedy;. when we were 
 without help, Chrift died for the Ungodly. But he 
 not only died, he rofe again : and, in confequence- 
 of his refurrecltion and afcenfion, he confirmed poor 
 Tinners in the belief of immortality ; he comforted, 
 them againft the terrors of the grave. If you have 
 the leatt regard for theChriftian religion; would you 
 wifh well to your own foul ; would you defire ever- 
 lafling happinefs : then, madam, refign yourfelf to 
 God. Beloved as the objefts are, which have been 
 torn from you ;. yet, if you put your truft in the Di- 
 vine Being, there are flill greater bleflings in (lore 
 for you. You will, in time, enjoy tranquillity of mind,, 
 and, in eternity, everlafting happinefs. 
 
 How
 
 every Occurrence in Life. tm 
 
 How happy, madam, could I perfuade you to look 
 forward to eternity. There you will enjoy your huf- 
 band's and your ion's company ; and there you wilt 
 enjoy the divine favour. 
 
 Refignation to the divine will is a fure fign of hu- 
 mility ; and, if you tiuft in him, the Lord God will 
 be your everlafting protector. Humble yourfelf un- 
 der the mighty hand of God, and he will exalt you 
 in due time. Be not difpleafcd with God, but look 
 upon him as your friend. Indeed the confolations 
 of Chriflianity are far fuperior to any thing I can 
 mention; and, forgetting relations, that will fupport 
 you in your old age. May thefe fentiments make a 
 lafting imprefiion on your mind ; a>nd be aflurcci 
 that 
 
 I am, dear madam, 
 
 Your affeftionate frienc? y 
 
 M. A. 
 
 LETTER LX. 
 
 From a Clergyman to a young Nobleman, 
 
 My Lord, 
 
 WI T H inexpreffible grief have I heard, tl*at 
 you have given yourfelf up to all manner of 
 debauchery ; that you have ruined a young woman, 
 Who might have been ftill virtuous, had it not been' 
 for the temptations which you threw in her way. Is 
 it poflible that the youth, whofe education I fupcr- 
 intended with fo much plcafure. fhould now become 
 an abandoned profligate ? But I know it is true, for 
 I have received information from thofe who would not 
 deceive me. Ah ! my dear lord, have you forgotten 
 all the inftru&ions I gave you ? Yes ; and what is- 
 Hill worfe, and attended with innumerable aggrava- 
 tions, you have defpifed the law of God, and tram- 
 X 3 pled
 
 102 LETTERS on 
 
 pled on the rights of humanity. Was it for this, 
 that I carried you in my arms? that I pointed out to 
 you, in your infant years, the amazing beauties of 
 creation : and taught y© to love God as a friend, 
 rather than to fear him as a fovereign ? 
 
 Let me beg you to call upon me, and I will not 
 fay what anger infpires, what prejudice fuggefts; but 
 the effufions of the fincereft love (hall be poured out 
 upon my once beloved pupil. You muft not be 
 afraidofme, for you will neither find me an angry 
 pedagogue, nor an imperious tyrant, I am no Gran- 
 ger to youthful paflions, and therefore the greater 
 lenity fhould be (hewn : but however decency, mo- 
 rality, and religion, fhould fpeak more powerfully 
 than the fenfes. What is man, my dear lord, if he 
 takes counfel orAy from h's own corrupted heart ? 
 Alas ! I find within myfelf, the fame paflions which 
 have led vou aftray, and which would do the fame 
 with myfelr, were I not directed by confcience and 
 the fear of God. Ah ! what are poor mortals, with- 
 out the divine aiuftance ? Be not afraid to wait on 
 m'e ; my profefhon, as a Minifter of the Gofpel, 
 Teaches me to do all the good thay lavs in my power; 
 and, therefore. I will leave nothing undone to reftore 
 you to your friends, and to reinftate you with tender- 
 nefs in the paths of virtue. Come, my dear pupil ; 
 and, if you will not, 1 will find you out wherever 
 vou are. You may think, you may project, you may 
 act as you pleafe: but I am determined, through the 
 grace of God, that you fhall not be loft. " There 
 " is more joy in heaven over one finner that repent- 
 c: eth, than over ninety and nine juft perions who 
 M need no repentance." 
 
 I am, my dear lord, 
 
 Sincerely yours, 
 
 G. G. 
 
 LETTER
 
 every Occurrence in Life. io$ 
 LETTER LXL 
 
 From the Same to t/ie Same, 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 WITH horror have I fpent the laft night in my 
 bed, when I confidered, that inflead of your 
 calling upon me, you actually denied to be feen r 
 when I came to your lodgings. Am I your enemy ? 
 Have I forgot the obligations 1 am under to your ever 
 honoured father? Would you have me fall upon my 
 aged knees, and beg you will return to your duty ? 
 I will do fo, if you will fuffer me. I know you have 
 a noble, generous foul ; and although, for fome time, 
 you have been contaminated by vice, yet I ftill hope 
 for your reformation. 
 
 Do you imagine I can find fault with you? None 
 but hypocritical devotees take plealure in putting 
 themfelves into a pa : n r ion. Blefled be God ! I have 
 read the Gofpel, which fhould be the rule of your 
 conduct and of mine ; and, in that divine book, I 
 learned that Chrift, with open arms of companion 
 received the chief of fmners. How attentive then 
 ought we to be, not to break the bruifed reed, nor 
 quench the fmoking flax ? I doubt not, but you 
 remember Eufebius, an author whom I often recom- 
 mended to your perufal in your younger years, before 
 you had polluted your mind with the grofleft impuri- 
 ties. That celebrated author tells us, that John, the 
 beloved difciple of Chrift, in his advanced years, re- 
 claimed a young man from the ways of iniquity, 
 and then left him to the care of the bifhop of Ephe- 
 fus. Evangelical duty obliged the holy apoflle for 
 fome time to be abfent ; and, upon his return, he 
 afked the bifhop, what was become of the young 
 man ? The bifhop anfwered, that he was loft ; by 
 which he meant, that he had given himfelf up to 
 loofe abandoned company ; that he had forfaken his 
 God, and was funk into all manner of impurity. 
 
 Bring
 
 io 4 LETTERS o:<r 
 
 Bring me a horfe, faid the holy apoftle ;. and, not- 
 withftanding his great age, he went in fearch of the 
 Unhappy youth, and found him along with a band of 
 robbers in the mountains. He brought the deluded 
 youth back to a fenfe of his duty, and he became an 
 eminent preacher of the Gofpel : nay,' what is more, 
 he fealed his doctrine with his blood ; he was adorned 
 with the crown of martyrdom. And do I not feelc 
 you, my lord, when all your friends have abandoned 
 you? Nay, I will perfecute you, 'till I can once 
 more reconcile you to the paths of virtue. It is now 
 above twenty years fince I firft knew you, and there- 
 fore I ought to have fome afcendancy over you ; yea r 
 more than thofe gracelefs companions, who have 
 done all that lay in their power to pollute your mind, 
 to corupt your morals, and to make you a difgrace to 
 human fociety. At this moment, tears of compaf- 
 fion for you flow from my eyes, and from the nobleft 
 motives \ namely, religion and friendfhip. Come, 
 my dear lord, and dry them up : and then my grey 
 hairs, like thofe of your nobLe father, will go down 
 with peace to the grave. 
 
 I am, dear lord, 
 
 Your affectionate friend, 
 
 G. G. 
 
 I 
 
 LETTER LXIL 
 
 The y&ung Nobleman's Anfwer* 
 Reverend Sir, 
 
 T was about nfne o'clock laft night when I re- 
 ceived your letter ; and at that time I was juft 
 waiting to attend one of thofe unhappy creatures 
 who had been feduced by me (if poffible) as wicked 
 as myfelf. I read your letter (do not fay with fcorn) 
 perhaps to be remembered for ever, becaufe it in- 
 duced me to lookback to the firft. Is there fuch a 
 
 thing
 
 everv Occurrence in Life. 105 
 
 thing as Divine Providence, to conduct the affairs 
 of this lower world? Yes, there mull be, or my 
 eyes would never have been direcied to my Bible, 
 while L was meditating on unlawful pleafure. My 
 Bible! ah, why do I mention that facred book? 
 the title to eternal inheritance, but defpifed by a 
 poor unworthy wretch as I am. Yes, Sir, in the 
 agitation of mind I laboured under, a neglecied Bible 
 prefented itielf to my view. That book you flrft 
 taught me to read, and would to God I had never 
 forgotten what its precepts contain. But I have 
 finned, and what fhall I fay unto that God, " in 
 " whom I live, move, and have my being !" Gra- 
 cious heaven ! What condition is my mind in at pre- 
 fent! A guilty confcience tears me in pieces; di- 
 vine mercy prefents me with a gleam of hope ; one 
 moment I look upon my fins as unpardonable, the 
 next I remember that Chrift died for the ungodly. 
 Shall I lay violent hands on myfelf, like the Romans 
 of old ? Alas ! I am not the author of my own be* 
 ing ; nor has any man any right to take that away 
 which is not in his power to reftore. Self-murder I 
 Ah ! my God, may I never die a Roman death. But, 
 alas ! my paffions ; how fhall I keep them under 
 proper reftaint? I abhor myfelf, and repent in duft 
 and afhes. 
 
 Tender, indeed, are the expreflions made ufe of 
 by my dear tutor •, but how fhall a poor, unfortunate, 
 infatuated prodigal, reduce them to practice ? Diffi- 
 cult as that taik may be, I will endeavour to comply 
 with your injunctions. The grace of God will direct 
 me: but I have trampled upon his grace. My dear 
 Sir, is there fuch a place as hell ? Yes, there is, for 
 I have hell in my bofom. Ah ! where fhall I fly 
 from myfelf ? Ruined innocence! afflicted parent! 
 defpairing youth, and finking old age, all confpire 
 again ft me, and call aloud for the divine vengeance! 
 If ever you had the lead regard for me, let me beg 
 you will call upon me once more ; and, I can allure 
 you, you will not be denied. Indeed you would 
 
 nevec
 
 io6 LETTERS on 
 
 never have been denied, but for guilt. Guilt creates 
 (in, and thus doth Satan reward his vaffals. I will 
 be implicitly obedient *, I will, if poffible, perform 
 what you prefcribe. May God direct your pen, and 
 may humanity take place in your heart. 
 
 I am, reverend Sir, 
 
 Your penitential and affectionate friend, 
 
 L. 
 
 LETTER LXIII. 
 
 The Clergyman's Anfzver, 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 REfrefhing as a fhower of rain defcends upon the 
 parched ground, during the fultry month of 
 July ; cheerful as it is for the merchant to find that 
 his fhip, reported to have been loft, has got fafe 
 into the harbour ; and comforting for a parent to hear 
 of his prodigal fon, returning to his duty: fuch was 
 your letter to me. Was I ever your enemy ? Hea-. 
 ven forbid: but now your repentance, which I hope 
 is fincere, will comfort my declining years, and 
 make the winter of age refemble the beauties of 
 fummer. 
 
 You defire me to point out to you the line of 
 duty, confident with your pr.efent circumftances, as 
 the effect, of your former conduct. My advice ! Y'es ; 
 and my advice (hall be given with the fame fincerity 
 as if I were to appear the next moment before the 
 tribunal of that unerring Being, who will do juftice 
 to all the children of men. 
 
 You have detached yourfelf from thofe companions 
 who firil feduced you from the paths of virtue; but 
 you mufl pity, not hate them : nay, the moment 
 you find that any of them become fenfible of their 
 folly, you mud point out to them thofe pleafures 
 
 which
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 107 
 
 which arife from fincere and genuine repentance. 
 Spend two or three hours every day, in reading 
 books on moral, divine, and entertaining fubje&s ; for, 
 unlefs you mix thefe together, you will be apt to ac- 
 quire a melancholy habit ; and religion, the mod 
 pleafant thing in the world, will create difguft, and 
 your befl efforts will be rendered ineffe&ual. Take 
 an exacl; furvey of your eflate, and pay off your debts 
 as foon as poflTible ; and this you ought to do, that 
 you may have it in your power to be generous. 
 When thefe debts are paid off, let me beg you will 
 then give fomething to relieve the necemties of the 
 poor ; and, for God's fake, never fhut your hand, 
 where you fee an apparent object of diftrefs. You 
 have feduced a young woman ; let me beg you will 
 fettle an annuity on her, to enable her to live above 
 proflitution. This is a duty you owe to God, to 
 your confcience, to the community at large, and to 
 the injured woman. The blood of Chrift cleanfeth 
 from all impurities ; but, that we may become wor- 
 thy of that ineftimable blefling, we muft exert our 
 utmoft efforts, in making atonement for our former 
 faults. Spend fome hours every day, in cheerful 
 company ; but always take care that no expredion is 
 made ufe of, by which religion is defamed, or the name 
 of God wantonly traduced. When this happens, 
 withdraw quietly, and fay nothing. The repetition 
 of blafphemous or indecent expreflions, wears off 
 from the mind all regard for God and his law ; and 
 fuch is the corrupted ftate of human nature, that the 
 poifon is infenfibly drunk in, and poor mortals are 
 ruined, before they fo much as know that their con- 
 duel leads them towards a dangerous precipice. Well 
 might the Pfalmifl: fay, " Lord what is man, that 
 " thou art mindful of him!" 
 
 It is long fmce you turned your back upon divine 
 ordinances; to publick worfhip you have been a 
 ftranger : will you take the advice of one, who fir ft 
 ■taught you there was a God, and that you had an 
 immortal foul ? Yes, I think you will, and it fliall 
 
 be
 
 loo" LETTERS o>r 
 
 be in the words of the prophet; " Return and feek 
 << the Lord, until he come and rain down righteouf- 
 * 4 nefs upon you.'* A regular attendance upon pub- 
 lic worfhip,. nourifheth the fear of God in the foul ; 
 and the more we attend to it, the greater pleafure do 
 we take in religious duties. Be tender and compaf- 
 iionate to your tenants; always remembering, that 
 let your ftation in this world be ever fo elevated, yet 
 you are dill the fervant of God : he exacts fpeciai 
 obedience from you, and he will reward or punifh 
 you, according to your actions. Upon the whole, if 
 you attend to what I have faid, you will find the truth 
 of thofe emphatical expreilions, " Wifdom's ways 
 «* are ways of pleafantnefs, and all her paths arc 
 •* peace." 
 
 I am, my dear lord, with great fincerity, 
 
 Your affectionate friend, 
 
 G. G. 
 
 LETTER LXIV. 
 
 Frem a Merchant retired from Bufinefs to a Clergyman* 
 On RELIGION. 
 
 Rev. Sir, 
 
 IT is long fince I wifhed to have it in my power to 
 retire from bufinefs ; but the entanglements of 
 trade, joined to the earneft defire I always had to 
 leave the world with a fair character, kept me confined 
 to the compting-houfe, to Lloyd's, and to the Ex- 
 change, 'till the fixtieth year of my age. I have been 
 now about fix months in the country, and although I 
 have conftantly attended public worfhip, yet I am 
 afraid my heart is often abfent ; I worfhip God in 
 words, while, I doubt, my affections are not fixed 
 upon him, as a Being of infinite benevolence, able to 
 
 fupply
 
 every Occurrence in Life, 109 
 
 fupply all my wants. I am forry to fay, that beauti- 
 ful as the country appears, yet I have been fo long 
 accuftomed to London, that I often wifh to return. 
 But what can I do in the place of which 1 took a for- 
 mal leave? And, perhaps, you will fay, that it is 
 much more proper that I fhould be looking forward 
 to eternity, and preparing myfelf for the enjoyment 
 of everlafting happinefs, in the prefence of my God 
 and my Redeemer. 
 
 Alas, Sir! how Chocking it is to be confined many 
 years to bufmefs ! It leads us to forget God and eter- 
 nity; and we enter, in old age, upon the practice of 
 religious duties with relu&ance and dilcontent. Why 
 thofe jarring paflions in the mind of a poor mortal ? 
 Is there no contentment in this life? Can nothing re- 
 concile us to thofe circumftances in which Providence 
 has placed us ? Pombly there is; but I muff, trull to 
 your directions, and, as J have always experienced your 
 friendfhip, I hope you will afiift me on the prefent 
 occafion ; and let me beg you will let me hear from 
 you as foon as poffible. 
 
 I am, Rev. Sir, 
 
 Your iincere friend, 
 
 T. B> 
 
 LETTER LXV. 
 
 The Clergyman's Anjwzr, 
 SIR, 
 
 RELIGION does notconnft in wearing a black, 
 a brown, a white, or a fcarlet habit. The ut- 
 moft receffes of a cloifter cannot change the human 
 paiTions. Merchandife, if conducted in a proper 
 manner, can never lead the mind from the practice of 
 virtue ; nor can folitude alone make us happy, unlefs 
 we retire with fuitable difpofitions. I am afraid you 
 have fpent your bed days in the purfuit of trifles, 
 and now you offer to God the remains of a decayed 
 conftitution, and a weakened mind. The meaning 
 K is
 
 tto LETTERS on 
 
 is this; you have fpent youth and manhood to acquire 
 money in the bufy world, and when you could enjoy 
 the pleafures of life no longer, you retired to the 
 country to offer the mattered remains to God. Is this 
 an acceptable facrifice ? No, my dear Sir; and let 
 me tell you in hncerity, that I am not in the lead fur- 
 prifed that you mould find no happinefs in the coun- 
 try. God is every where prefent, and he will dwell 
 with the meek and lowly in heart. You mud either 
 bring your mmd down to your prefent fituation, or 
 you muft embrace a fituation fuitable to your mind: 
 the firft may be a hard taflt; the fecond may be. eafily 
 complied with, but as it will rather be confidered as 
 improper for you to return to a life of trade, I fhall 
 prefume to give you what advice I can, and you may 
 depend on it, that what I write mall be dictated by an 
 honeft heart, which wifhes well to your intereft. 
 
 Walk much into the fields, and rerlecl; on the wif- 
 dom and good of that Divine Being, who gave 
 life to inanimate matter; who clothes univerfal na- 
 ture with unexampled grandeur ; who fent his fon to 
 die forfinners ; and who daily bears with our provo- 
 cations. Look back to the mercantile world as a ftate 
 in which you have wafted much time ; examine your 
 heart, whether you have ever done injury to your 
 neighbours : and if fo, make a jufl recompence. 
 Spend one hour every day in reading books of devo- 
 tion, and another in fuch as will enliven your mind>. 
 Do not confine yourfelfmuch to your clofet, but ra- 
 ther court focial friendfhip and agreeable company. 
 Look forward to eternity, but (till cohfider, that God 
 looks upon it as highly criminal in any one to confider 
 religion as of a diiagreeable nature. Thofe who love 
 God, will wifh to be in his company as foon as poffi- 
 ble, but they will wait with patience his appointed 
 time. Be innocent ; be virtuous ; be pious; be cheer- 
 ful, my dear friend, and you will be happy. 
 
 I am, Sir, yours fincerely, 
 
 CD. 
 LETTER
 
 every Occurrence in Life. mi 
 LETTER LXVI. 
 
 From a Lady in the Country to her Niece in London, 
 
 Dear Sophia, 
 
 I Received yours a few days ago, and fhould have 
 been extremely happy had not what you folemnly 
 afferted turned out to be a fuifchood. Alas, my dear! 
 you may imagine youvfelf capable of playing the hy- 
 pocrite with me, but you cannot deceive God ; nay, 
 you cannot always deceive the world. If there is an 
 omnifcient eye on your conduct, above, fo you will 
 find feme here below : this is but too true, of which 
 I will give you an inflance. 
 
 Yeflerday Mr. Bailey from London, whom you 
 well know, called upon me, and informed me, that 
 you keep company with Mr. Harris, whom you know 
 to be a rake, and a man of no fortune, and one whole 
 debauchery has brought fhame upon his family and 
 ruin upon himfelf. He has already promiled mar- 
 riage to feveral young ladies ; he has deceived fome, 
 and ruined others : he is, in all refpe£ts, a villain ; 
 and therefore if you perfift in keeping company with 
 him, your character, foul, and body, will be ruined. 
 
 And did I watch with care over your infant years 
 when your mother died, that you fhould givcyourfelf 
 up to a ruffian ? Did I inftruct you in the principles 
 of virtue and religion, and do you now trample upon 
 and defpife every thing facrcd ? Have I fecured you 
 a fortune, and is that to be fquandercd away by a 
 lawlefs ruffian ? Ah, my dear Sophia.! bring not my 
 grey hairs with forrow to the grave. The money I 
 laved for you was but a fecondary object, with me ; it 
 was to promote your happinefs in time and eternity 
 that I fpent fo many years in conducting your educa- 
 tion. Have you no bowels of compafiion for me ? 
 And if fo, have you none for yourfelf ? Will you 
 give over all manner of intercourfe with that danger- 
 ous perfon, and come and refide with me ? Do not 
 imagine that I want 10 make you unhappy ; God 
 Ka forbid j
 
 112 LETTERS on 
 
 forbid ; for only place your affections upon a deferv- 
 ingobje.cr, and with pleafure will I give my conlent 
 to your union. I muff infill on an aniwer to this, and 
 happy fhall I be to find that you have complied with 
 my retjueft. 
 
 I am your loving aunt, 
 
 S.3. 
 
 LETTER LXVII. 
 
 The young Lady's Anfwtr. 
 
 Dear Aunt, 
 
 THE perufal of your letter has filled me with 
 forrow, fhame. and confuf.on. Two days have 
 elapfed fince 1 received it, ad during the whole of 
 that time, my mind has been agitated with the moft 
 violent paflions : but frill, Madam, I am not a hypo- 
 crite, although my conducl may have given juft rea- 
 sons for your being offended. I am forry to tell you, 
 that Mr. Harris infinuated himfelf into my company, 
 before I was acquainted with his real character: pru- 
 dence and youth are feldom united, and I began to 
 place my affections on an obje£t who had nothing to 
 recommend him befides an exterior appearance. Some 
 days before I received your letter, I was put in mind 
 of my danger by a worthy gentleman, who often vi- 
 iitsat my uncle's, and it was my determined refolu- 
 tion to break off with him as foon as poffible ; and 
 although it is no eafy matter to remove the affections 
 from what they have been improperly placed on, yet 
 I truff in the Divine Being I have done it. 
 
 And row. Madam, will your humanity draw a 
 veil over youthful follies? If you do not To, their I 
 am ruined for ever; but I hope not. By you I was 
 fir ft taught to addrefs my Maker: Your conduct, made 
 leligion amiable tome, and will you now forfake me 
 when I have complied with your requeft and returned 
 
 to
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 113 
 
 to my duty? The diffipations of public entertainments, 
 and the blandifhinents of drefs, have no charms fur 
 me, when I confider the fuperior pleafures arifing 
 from practical duties. Let me therefore beg, Madam, 
 that you will once more receive me into your affection- 
 ate arms, and your will fhall direct my conduit. I 
 intend coming to you next week, but you mud not 
 upbraid me, on account of my former conduct: I am 
 lorry for it, and what can I lay more. My heart is 
 not fo corrupted as you thought it was : no, Madam ; 
 I have not forgot my God, my Redeemer, my Saviour. 
 Stretch out to receive me your benevolent r.rms of 
 compafhon, and then you will, by the cords of love, 
 draw a young creature out of the pit of defhuclion, 
 and make her happy. 
 
 I am, dear aunt, your affectionate niece, 
 
 S. B. 
 
 LETTER LXVIII. 
 
 From a young Man zcho had run away from his Apprm- 
 ticefaip to his Father, dcfiring him to intercede with his 
 Majler. 
 
 Honoured Sir, 
 
 I Have been juft reading the parable of the prodigal 
 fon, and, from that affecting patTage in Sacied 
 Scripture, I am encouraged, with fome hopes, that 
 you will forgive my folly, and once more endeavour 
 to reconcile me to my juftly offended mailer. Asa 
 parent, you cannot feel more for the irregularity of 
 my conduct than I domyfelf. "Without reafon, with- 
 out provocation, 1 left the belt of mailers, who al- 
 ways treated me with tendernefs ; and perhaps I have 
 almoit broken my dear parents hearts : but does God 
 forgive finners ; and v/ill not you and my mailer fhew 
 fome compaflion to an unhappy youth, who is willing 
 K 3 to
 
 ii4 LETTERS on 
 
 to return to his duty? Although I deferted mymaf- 
 ter's fervice, yet I never injured him, by purloining 
 any part of his property: it was an unguarded frolic 
 that led me away, a fenfe of duty has brought me to 
 repentance. Alas ! I fee nothing lefs than mifery before 
 me; I am almofi ftarving, having been obliged to make 
 away with my watch and fome of my fhirts : I hope, 
 however, my character is not yet ruined ; and if I am 
 to be forgiven, then my life, through the divine af- 
 fidance, fhall be new ; it fhall be my confbnt ftudy 
 to do my duty, and by my afTiduous attention to bu- 
 finefs, make complete fatisfaftion for my folly. Let 
 me beg you will write to me, and let your mcffage 
 contain an acknowledgment of forgivenefs. 
 
 I am, honoured Sir, flill yourfon, 
 
 T. P. 
 
 LETTER LXIX. 
 
 The Father's Letter to his Son's Majler, 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 YOU will fee from the enc'ofed, written by a pro- 
 digal fon, what I mull: feel on the prefentme- 
 lancholy occafion ; but you are a father, and I doubt 
 not but you will rather bear with me, than exercife 
 that coercive authority over an unhappy youth, which 
 you have a right to do. 
 
 If you knew how I am filled with fhame for my 
 unhappy fon's conduft, you would coniider me as a 
 real objtft of pity. What a mocking circumftance, 
 to fhake off from us the fear of God and neglect incum- 
 bent duties. To make fome allowance for the pafhons 
 of youth, who, in Scripture, are juftly compared with 
 the wild afs'scolt, is confiftent with humanity; but 
 it is extremely difficult to aft under fuch circumftances, 
 m as to bring young men back to a fenfe of their 
 
 duty,
 
 every Occurrence in Life. n^ 
 
 duty, and at the fame time fupport the dignity which 
 is the exclufive right of every mailer. But God re- 
 members we are dull; he knows our weaknefs, and 
 where we are merciful he generally bellows his blef- 
 fing. 
 
 1 his confideration, my dear friend, leads me to the 
 main purport of this letter, and that is to beg for- 
 givenefs for an unhappy fon : not that I defire to 
 draw a veil over any part of his conduct., for I know 
 that will not admit of an cxcufe, much lefs of a de- 
 fence : facts fpeak for themfelvcs, and my unhappy 
 boy (lands condemned by the evidence of his own 
 confcience, and by his lettertome, which I have fent 
 you ; and will you. my dear friend, receive into your 
 favour a young offender ? Will you give him an op- 
 portunity of entering once more upon a line of duty ? 
 Will you yet train him up as an ufeful member of fo- 
 ciety ? And will you have companion upon an af- 
 flicted parent ? To obtain fo much is more than 1 dare 
 expect, and yet I am encouraged to hope for it. To 
 enforce the rigours of the law is fometimes juft, but 
 mercy is always godlike : it is his darling attribute, 
 and it fhines with the moil diflinguifhed luftre when 
 one mortal extends it to another. May not I, therefore, 
 hope, that a gentleman of your humanity will fo far 
 fympalhize with me, as to receive into your favour a 
 once foolifh, but now a penitent youth, who has fo- 
 lemnly promifed to make every reparation in his pow- 
 er; and thus you will fhew you rfelf to be greater by 
 thisinflance of your benevolence, than if you had ac- 
 quired the fortune of a Nabob. 
 
 I am, dear Sir, yours, &c. 
 
 S. P. 
 
 LETTER
 
 n6 LETTERS on 
 
 LETTER LXX. 
 
 The M after' s Anfwer to the Father's Letter, 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 A Severe fit of illnefs has confined me above three 
 weeks to my bed, but notwithftanding all my 
 bodily pains, I could not delav one moment in fend- 
 ing an anfwer to your affe&i'ig letter. Indeed, Sir, 
 you have affected me too much ; but 1 (hall not con- 
 fider parental tendernefs as bordering upon weaknefs. 
 Love, or Cupid, was painted as blind by the ancients : 
 and the meaning pointed out was, that lovers cannot 
 fee fault in the beloved object. Well: and if lovers, 
 who are no otherwife related than by affection, cannot 
 fee faults, what muff be faid of thofe parents who, 
 after giving their children a religious education, fhall 
 live to fee them defoifing their higheir. honour, reli- 
 gion ; rebelling againft the God that made them, and 
 trampling under foot the blood of their Redeemer. 
 This is emphatically expreffed by the evangelical pro- 
 phet Ifaiah, " Hear, O heavens! and give ear, 
 <; O earth ! I have nourifhed and brought up children, 
 44 and they have rebelled againft me ; the ox knoweth 
 '< his owner, and the afs his matters crib; but Ifrael 
 «' doth not know, my people doth not confider." 
 Your fon's conduct has affected me as much as it could 
 any perfon, except yourfelf : he is not, however, fo 
 criminal as you may be apt to imagine; and I hope 
 I fhall always be able to make a proper diftinction 
 between voluntary tranfgrefhons, and youthful indif- 
 cretions. With pleafure do I hear that he isfenfible 
 of his folly, and with open arms will I receive him 
 into my favour. Nothing that has palled fhall ever 
 be mentioned ; nay, I will be rather more indulgent 
 to him than ever, that he may be allured to the prac- 
 tice of virtue ; for love operates upon a tender mind, 
 but fear was made for a Have. Inclofe this letter to 
 your for), and let him know, that I will meet him in 
 
 a few
 
 I 
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 117 
 
 a few clays at our houfe, on condition that he will 
 not afk me pardon, feeing I have already forgiven 
 him. Indeed I have forgiven him with pleafure, as 
 one of the bed things I could do in this world j be- 
 caufe it may be the means of promoting his happinefs, 
 both in time and in eternity. 
 
 lam, dear Sir, your fincere friend, 
 
 C. B. 
 
 LETTER LXXI. 
 
 The Father's Letter to his Son. 
 
 Dear Billy, 
 
 Have loft no time in bringing about a reconcilia- 
 tion with you and your matter; but happy for 
 myfelf, that good man was as ready to forgive as you 
 was to offend. What indulgence ! what tendemefs t 
 and will not this make fome impreflion on my dear 
 unfortunate child? If the goodnefs of God'leads 
 men to repentance, (hall not your mafter's kindnefs 
 have a ftrong effecV on you ? Ah, my dear Billy ! 
 A new life is the only proof of a genuine repentance ; 
 for in vain do mortals pretend to be forty for their 
 fins, unlefs they forfakc them. It is not an eafy 
 matter to form a juft notion of the enormous guilt ; 
 and we are fo much inclined to partiality, or rather 
 to ourfelves, that while we confefs one folly, we con- 
 ceal ten. Of this I have a ftriking inftance in your 
 letter, and which afflifts me much :° you fay, "that 
 <; although you defcrted your mafter's fervice, yet 
 f you never robbed him." Alas, my dear Billy! 
 what fort of a confeflion was this? Have you not 
 wafted that time which was your nufter's property? 
 Every hour of your time, except, that portion which is: 
 appropriated to fome particular purpofes, is your maf- 
 ter's : you have no right todifpofe of one moment of 
 it without his confent. Be not miftaken, Billy ; for 
 
 thofo
 
 1x8 L E T T E R S on 
 
 thofe who are moft fenfible of their guilt, are moft 
 entitled to forgivenefs : but you are forgiven, as vou 
 will fee by the enclofed ; and if this has no effect on 
 your mind, I am certain nothing will. But ah! how 
 pleafant will you find a new life : pity your parents; 
 but above all, pity yourfelf. I will do every thing to 
 make your life agreeable, only difengage yourfelf 
 from wicked companions; remember that when the 
 iear of God wears off from the mind, the deftruftion 
 of the man is not far difhant. You have every favour 
 fhewn you which you can defire, and therefore im- 
 prove the blefiing to a proper advantage. Come, my 
 dear child, to your afflicted parents ; come to your 
 worthy, your benevolent mafter. I have fent you mo- 
 ney, and if you don't think it fufficient, you fhall have 
 more when you return.* 
 
 From your affectionate father, 
 
 S. P. 
 
 LETTER LXX1I. 
 From a young Woman, zoho had married without the 
 Confent of- her Parents, to her Father, 
 Honoured Sir, 
 
 IT is, parhaps, my misfortune that I was born a 
 woman, and fubject to all the paflions peculiar to 
 my fex. There was a time when I imagined it could 
 never happen that any part of my conduct would give 
 offence to an indulgent parent, who has brought me 
 up with fo much tendcrnefs. But, alas ! 1 may juftly 
 fay, that it is not in poor frail mortals to direct their 
 fleps; we often pretend to be fortified againit the 
 force of temptation, but, like the unthinking nfh, 
 no fooner is the tempting bait prefented, than we 
 fwallow it and are ruined. Not that I have any rea- 
 fon to confider myfelf under fuch circumftances ; for 
 whatever might have been youthful indifcretions on 
 
 * To young Men. &c. who are not become peifeft in the Rules 
 of Arithmetic, &c. wc would recommend Mr. JDaiidfon's Arithmetic 
 and Meafurement) imprczed by examples and plain Denw>'Jl rati ens, 
 price 2s 6d. 
 
 the
 
 every Occurrence in Life. iiq 
 
 the part of Mr, Ofborne, he is quite different now ; 
 and I doubt not but he will be obedient to you in 
 every thing lawful and juft, and that he will be a 
 tender hufband to me. 
 
 You have often told ire, that if I married with 
 your coufent, you would give me ar. much money as 
 would enable my hufbancl to let up in bu fin els : but 
 I have not done fo. Alas! Sir, it is the fir ft time 
 I was guilty of a breach of your commands; and I 
 hope it will be the laft. And will you not forgive one 
 whom you have often called your beloved daughter? 
 Am I to be difcarded for ever, by my dear and ho- 
 noured father ? I hope it is not in your nature, and 
 that you will once more receive me into your favour. 
 Permit me, therefore, with my dear hufband, to fall 
 on our knees before you, to implore your forgivenefs, 
 and beg ycurbleffing. You have bowels of compaf- 
 fion, let my prefent afflictions plead in my favour. 
 You are my father, and we have a father in heaven 
 who forgives our fins as foon as we beg for mercy. 
 Shall I not then receive the fame favour from my 
 earthly parent, which the Divine Being fhews to re- 
 penting finners? Yes, my father, I will come to your 
 doors with my hufband ; and, perhaps, in the mean, 
 time, you will give fome encouragement. 
 I am, honoured Sir, 
 
 Your loving daughter, 
 
 A. B. 
 
 LETTER LXXIII. 
 
 The Father's Anfwer. 
 My dear Child, 
 
 THERE are times when mankind are apt to 
 be fired with refentment, and I believe this 
 never appears in amoreftriking light than when chil- 
 dren are difobedient to their parents. The care I 
 employed, and the money I fpent in giving you an 
 
 education
 
 J20 LETTERS on 
 
 education fuitable to your ftalion in life, gave me 
 reafon to hope that you would never marry without 
 my confent ; and little did I ever imagine you would 
 give your hand to the man whom I knew to be a li- 
 bertine : but all this is over, and I am tortured with 
 anxiety. I will not, however, be fo uncharitable as 
 to fuppofe, that the man who has been once a liber- 
 tine, fhould always remain fo : no, I will always 
 hope the bed, efpecially where there is a profeffion of 
 repentance. My bowels of companion for you are the 
 fame as ever, and I am willing to receive both you 
 and your hufband into my favour, in hopes that every 
 youthful indifcretion will be fucceeded by a fr.rict. ad- 
 herence to duty, and the practice of virtue and religion. 
 
 But (till, prudence directs me to act. in a manner 
 which perhaps you may not approve ; and if fo, you 
 will difconcert the whole of that plan which I have 
 formed to promote your happinefs. According to 
 your letter, Mr. Ofborne has forfaken his youthful 
 follies ; a circumftance which will ever give me plea- 
 fure ; but I muft infiit on feeing fome further proofs 
 of it. A fudden reformation is feldom a lafting one, 
 and the corruption of the human heart is unfearcha- 
 ble. He may have interefred views, and as foon as 
 he gets money into his hands, he may become the ~ 
 fame libertine as before : I would, therefore, have 
 him to work one year at his trade, as a journeyman ; 
 and if his conduct during that time is confident with 
 the character of an honed man, then I will fet him up 
 in bufinefs, and it fhall be in a reputable ftation. 
 
 In the mean time, if you approve of this, both 
 he and yourfelf may call upon me; my forgivenefs 
 you have, and if my blefling is of any fervice to you, 
 it. fhall be cheerfully beftowed. Be not afraid, my 
 dear, for I am willing to do more for you than I have 
 promifed ; and left you fhould want money, I have 
 fentyou fomethingenclofed toafnft you in your pre- 
 fent neceflities. 
 
 I am, your ever affectionate father, 
 
 C. B. 
 LETTER
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 121 
 
 LETTER LXXIV. 
 
 From a young Woman, a Servant in London, to her Pa- 
 rents in the Country, 
 
 Ever honoured Parents, 
 
 I Shall ever acknowledge, with gratitude, the obli- 
 gations I am under to the Divine Being, for be- 
 llowing upon mefuch pious and virtuous parents; but, 
 I hope, my conduct will never induce you to repent 
 of your tendernefs. With gratitude I received your 
 kind prefent, and you may be affured that I fhall ufe 
 it in the manner you have directed ; but, in the mean 
 time, I havefomething to mention, which I hope wilL 
 not give offence. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Wood, a young man in oar neigh- 
 bourhood, who fervcd his apprenticefliip to a carpen- 
 ter, and has lately fet up for himfelf in bufinefs, has 
 paid his addreffes to me ; and his character is that of 
 a fober, indudrious perfon, who bids fair to obtain 
 an honefl living in the world. His late mader died 
 a few months ago, and he has procured mod of his 
 cudomers ; and his attention to bufinefs, thews him 
 to be one of thofe who have no afpiring notions, be- 
 yond what is confident with integrity. 
 
 My fervitude in this family has been aseafy as I 
 could wifh ; but I think, with fubmifiion to you, 
 that the offer made by Mr. Wood fhould not be de- 
 fpifed, unlefs good reafons are fhewn. The young 
 man's behaviour to me has been moded, decent, and 
 affable. He has given me fome few p relents, but 
 they are fuch as are confident with the mod rigid 
 ceconomy. We are frequently together on Sundays ; 
 and, fo far as I can form any notion, an union with 
 him would make me happy. I will not, however, 
 be precipitate, but in all things be direfted by you ; 
 and although my affections may be in fome meafure 
 fixed, yet I hope I fhall have fortitude fufricient to 
 comply with your commands,— Your advanced years 
 L call
 
 122 LETTERS on 
 
 call For the utmoft: exertion of my powers, to ailift 
 you under the decays of nature; and I think that, if 
 I was properly fettled in the world, it would be in 
 my power to promote fuch a defirable undertaking ; 
 and, I am certain, Mr. Wood would not have any 
 objections. Upon the whole, I leave it to your con- 
 sideration ; and fhall be directed by you, in whatever 
 you order. 
 
 I am, my very honoured parents, 
 
 Your affectionate daughter, 
 
 M. L. 
 
 LETTER LXXV. 
 
 The Father's Anfwtr. 
 
 Dear Child, 
 
 WE received your letter, and, you may be af- 
 lured, it made a deep impreilion on our minds. 
 It was always our intention to promote your interefr. ; 
 and it was with that view, in compliance with 
 your requefr, we fufiered you to fettle in London. 
 That you fhould place your afie&ions on a young 
 man, of the fame age with yourfelf, is no ways fur- 
 prifmg ; it is natural, and, fo far as is reafonable, 
 oucdit to be complied with. The character you have 
 given us of Mr. Wood is extremely agreeable, and 
 we doubt not but it is true. We cannot, however, 
 be deaf to any thing, in which your intereft is in the 
 leaft concerned, and therefore we could wifh that you 
 would act with caution. One ftep of an imprudent 
 nature, may make you unhappy in this life; and, 
 from a variety of circumftances, deprive you of eter- 
 nal felicitv. Mr. Wood may be as virtuous as you 
 have repreiented him : but he is not my fon, although 
 vou are my daughter. Providence fmiles upon a pru- 
 dent conduct ; but thofe who are precipitate in their 
 choice, generally end their lives in mifery. 
 
 The
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 123 
 
 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wifdom ; 
 and, we doubt not. but that fear has been long fvnee 
 implanted on your mind, fo as to bring forth the 
 fruits of moral and religious obedience. It is not our 
 intention to make you unhappy, but we would beg 
 you would not truft to your own knowledge ; which, 
 perhaps, may be often directed by ungovernable paf- 
 fions; but commit your whole cafe to that Power, 
 whofe providence fuperintends the affairs of this 
 lower world. — May every ble fling attend our dear 
 child, for offering to make fome provifion for us in 
 our advanced years. — It is an aft of gratitude which, 
 we hope, will never be reduced to practice. That. 
 God, who hasrrirefetved us hitherto, will do fo 'till 
 our decayed bones are configned to the lilent grave. 
 
 The God we worfhip now, 
 
 Will keep us till we die : 
 Will be our God, while here below, 
 
 And ours beyond the iky. 
 
 Upon the whole, my dear, aft in a proper manner, 
 and then you may expect, the divine blelhng. 
 
 We are, dear child, 
 
 Your affectionate parents, 
 
 C. and D. L, 
 
 LETTER LXXVI. 
 
 From a young Man, a Blackfmith, to his Sweetheart, 
 
 Dear Betty, 
 
 I Am forry that you treated my fmcerepropofal with 
 difrefpeft ; but, 1 have been informed, that you 
 object to my trade. Alas ! my dear, it is our duty 
 to continue in that ftation in which Providence has 
 placed us j and if my trade may happen to be de- 
 L 2 fpifed
 
 i24 LETTERS on 
 
 fpifed by the vain and the thoughtlefs, I am certain 
 it is more ufeful and honourable to my fellow-crea- 
 tures, than many of the employments in life, which 
 enable fome of the worft of the human race to parade 
 the ftreets in their carriages, and keep their country 
 houfes, at the expence of the honeft and induftri- 
 ous. — Confider, my dear, the order of Providence ; 
 2nd reflect, that an honed fubhftence, acquiied by 
 mduftry with a good conscience, is far fuperiorto the 
 wages of iniquity, or that of rioting on the fpoils of 
 our departed relations. Am I to labour hard, to fup- 
 port mv wife and children ? It is my duty ; for this 
 purpofe I was fent into the world, and, whatever may 
 happen tome, I am determined to<lifcharge my duty 
 as an honeft man : nor am I afraid of povertv, for 
 while I labour for a fubhftence, I may naturally ex- 
 pert a blefling. 
 
 To be plain with you, I am fo far from being 
 afhamed of my employment, that I often blefs the 
 Almighty, that his providence directed me to it. My 
 parents died while I was young: I found refuge in a 
 workhoufe, where I learned to read my bible ; and 
 Jrnce I was bound out apprentice, I have, at my lei* 
 fure hours, acquired the knowledge of writing and 
 accompts. It is now two years fince I have worked 
 as a journeyman ; and in that time I have faved 
 twenty pounds, befides furnifhing a room. I have 
 not yet money enough to fet up in bufinefs ; but my 
 labour will be fufficient to fupport us both. You 
 will never have occasion to look for me in a public 
 houfe; if I am not at home, you will find me at 
 work : this is an honeft declaration ; and, God 
 knows, I fay no more than what I intend to perform. 
 —And now, my dear, where are your objections ? 
 Is my face fullied by my labour ? much better 
 it would be fo, than by guilt. God will blefs 
 honeft induftry, while a iecret curfe will lie hidden 
 in the midft of ill-gotten riches. Let me beg you 
 will think more favourably of me; and, be afTured > 
 that if you will give me your hand and heart, you 
 
 (hall
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 125 
 
 fhall have mine in return : nay, you {hall have my 
 love, my induftry, my integrity, and all that I can do 
 for you in this world. — Let me beg you will favour me 
 with an anfvver ; and, as 1 know your good nature, 
 I hope you will not be cruel. 
 
 I am, dear Bett, 
 
 Your fincere lover, 
 
 John Fa r r i e r , 
 
 LETTER LXXVIL 
 
 The Anjwer* 
 Dear Jack, 
 
 YOU are really become a preacher; and, while 
 I read your letter, I imagine myfelf in the 
 church: but I will not jeft with you ;. and although I 
 have nothing to do with other perfons notions, yet I 
 love religion, and I hope I fhall always fear God. I 
 will freely acknowledge, that I was led to defpife 
 your honeft employment, in eonfequence of lorne 
 hints thrown out by fome of my fellow fcrvants, one 
 of whom was married a few days ago to a footman, 
 who has nothing to f up port her. 1 had not then con- 
 iidcred what was for my interefr, nor do I know that 
 an union with you will promote fo delirable an end. 
 Your fentiments are fine, and your promiies are fair; 
 but, alas 1 how foon are we deceived? lam really 
 ferious, and would beg of you to confider what yon 
 are about.. If I comply with your requefl and am 
 miferable, you will be lo alio; for whether afflictions 
 may be the efFe£f. of your mifconduQ:, my extrava- 
 gance, or the common lot of Providence, yet you 
 muft (till feel for me, or you cannot feel at all. Un- 
 der fuch difficult circumftances, how {hall I act? 
 May Divine Wifdom direclme. I have written to my 
 poor mother, concerning your propofal ; but, with 
 her fincere prayers for my welfare, fhe has left me 
 L 3 entirely
 
 126 LETTERS om 
 
 entirely to my own choice. Will you, Jack, acl as 
 in the fight of a God, who can neither deceive nor be 
 deceived ? Will you be what you profefs in your let- 
 ter ? If fo, my hand and heart are at your fervice, 
 and I will be yours through the remainder of this life : 
 but remember, I give up my liberty on thefe condi- 
 tions ; and, if I am deceived, I {hall be no worfe 
 than many who have gone before me. To convince 
 you of my fincerity, I have obtained leave to fpend 
 the afternoon with you on Monday next at my aunt's ; 
 for I never thought Sunday a proper time for court- 
 fhip. Perfevere in the virtuous resolutions you have 
 formed ; and, be affured, that nothing fhall be wanting 
 on my part to make your life as agreeable and happy 
 as can be expected in this world. 
 
 I am, dear Jack, 
 
 Yours fincercly, 
 
 E. B. 
 
 LETTER LXXVIII. 
 
 From a young Gentleman entering into Holy Orders, to art 
 aged Clergyman* 
 
 Reverend Sir, 
 
 IT was your pious difcharge of your duty, that firft 
 made religion amiable to me ; and it was by your 
 advice 1 went to theuniverfity. The time is near 
 approaching when I muft enter into holy orders; 
 but, previous to that period, I would defne to men- 
 tion to you fomething which appears to me to be of 
 the utmofl importance. I know your ability to give 
 me information; I have long been acquainted with 
 your benevolent difpohtion ; fo that I fhall make no 
 apology for troubling one, who thinks every trouble 
 a favour, where an opportunity prefents itfelf of do- 
 ing good. 
 
 When
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 127 
 
 When I firft entered on the ftudy of divinity, I re- 
 folved to perufe the moft reputed authors, who have 
 lived fince the fecond century, efpecially fuch as have 
 written on controverfial fubjects ; for although I 
 fhould never defire to engage in controverfies, unlefs 
 in the caufe of virtue and piety, yet I have found 
 that polemical writers, with all their heat of temper, 
 often throw much light on difputed paffages in the. 
 Sacred Scriptures : and the firft thing I would defire 
 to be informed concerning, is, how far are national 
 churches, or civil eftablifhments of religion, confif- 
 tent with our holy religion ? According to what I read 
 in the New Teftament, our Saviour and his apoflles 
 lived in a poor defpifed ftate in this world.— They 
 fought no temporal emoluments ; they were flrangers 
 to what the world calls riches and honours ; they 
 went about doing good ; and their reward was, all 
 the cruelties which malice could invent. At prefenr, 
 it is true, many of our clergy are poor and affli&ed ; 
 but, at the fame time, we all know, that many of 
 them have ten times more than enough ; that they are 
 wallowing in luxury, while their worthy brethren of 
 the fame order are ftarving. 
 
 The fecond thing that troubles me much, is, how 
 fhall I be able to difcharge the paftoral duty, without 
 giving offence ? Nay, how fhall I conduft myfelf, fo 
 as to make religion appear amiable to the people com- 
 mitted to my care ? 1 am jealous of myfelf; but as you 
 have been in the miniftry of the gofpel fifty years, 
 you are able to give me advice, and that fhall regu- 
 late my conduft. 
 
 I am, reverend Sir, 
 
 Yourmoft obedient fervanr, 
 
 A. B # 
 
 LETTER
 
 i£8 LETTERS ow 
 
 LETTER LXX1X. 
 
 The Anfzver, 
 On Civil EJlabliJhment of Religion* 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 DURING our Saviour's miniftry on earth, he 
 often told his difciples that his kingdom was 
 not of this world ; and this was neceffary, becaufe 
 they had very carnal notions of religion: nay, it is 
 plain, that when he took leave of them, previous to 
 his aicenfion, that they imagined he was to return in 
 a few days, and reftore the kingdom of Ifrael. They 
 firmly believed, that the end and defign of his coming, 
 was to fubdue all nations; and that he was able to do 
 fo they could not doubt, after the many miracles they 
 had been witnelfes of : but no fooner had God en- 
 lightened their minds, than they viewed things in a 
 different light, and preached the gofpel in its fpiritual 
 purity. 
 
 During the apoftolic age, many of the chriftian 
 converts imagined, that Chrift was foon to return 
 from heaven, and judge all nations ; and yet we do 
 not find, that the apoftles gave them any reafons to 
 hope fo : on the contrary, they were defired to wait 
 with patience ; and St. Paul told the Theflalonians,, 
 that the man of fin muffc firft be revealed. Some of 
 the primitive converts believed, that by the man of 
 fin was meant one of the Roman emperors ; and as 
 moil of thofe were wicked men. they often fixed up- 
 on one after another. Before the reign of the empe- 
 yor Conftantine the great, the Chriftians had their 
 meetings in mod cities and towns, and they daily in- 
 creased in number; fo that when Conftantine afcend- 
 ed the throne, he found that, confident with policy, 
 it was his intereft to abolifh Paganifm, and eftablifb 
 Chriftianity on its ruins. 
 
 It is certain, that before that period, Chriftianity 
 was greatly corrupted; its teachers had forfaken the 
 
 fimpiicity
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 129 
 
 fimplicity of their predecerTors, who worked with their 
 hands for a fubfidence ; the heathen priefts had large 
 Salaries from the Rate ; and although the chridian 
 teachers condemned the doctrine taught by thofe ido- 
 laters, yet they had no objection againft the emolu- 
 ments : then it was that the chriftian teachers began 
 to meddle with civil power, or, as we in this age 
 -call it, politics. They began to exercifea coercive au- 
 thority over all thofe who refilled to embrace Chrif- 
 tianity, and even went fo far as to excommunicate 
 the civil governors, when they differed from them in 
 opinion. The beaft. with feven heads and ten horns 
 was now beginning to rife out of the errors that had 
 taken place in the church, and this beaft wasnourifh- 
 ed by thofe priefls who pretended to be teachers of 
 the Gofpel. But flill, as things are at prefent, there 
 can be nothing more beneficial to human fociety, than 
 civil eftablifhments of religion ; and I may venture ta 
 afRrm, that had we none of thofe we fhould foon be 
 little better than Barbarians. As to the inequality 
 of livings among us, it is much to be lamented; per- 
 haps Providence may, in time, point out fome fort of 
 redrefs ; but at prefent we ought to be humble, and 
 fubmit to our ftations. In many refpedts, our church 
 is the beft conftituted in the world ; but like all others, 
 it wants fome reformation. This, however, is not in 
 your power or mine to bring about ; and we may live 
 content, without accepting of more livings than 
 one, if that acceptance fhould be contrary to the 
 dictates of our consciences. If the money appropriated 
 for the fupport of the Gofpel by our pious anceflors, 
 was equally diftrihuted among the clergy, none would 
 be too rich, nor any too poor ; then would the clergy 
 be enabled to refide on their benefices; religion 
 would flourifh ; nor would any enter on the facred 
 office, but fuch as had the glory of God, and the 
 good of their fellow-creatures at heart. There would 
 be no temptation for the gay and the thoughtlefs, to 
 run their heads againfl pulpits, to pretend to take care 
 of the fouls of men, while they leave that duty to be 
 
 performed
 
 130 L E T T E R S on 
 
 performed by others, for lefs than a tenth part of the 
 wages. But I am tired of the fubjett, and for the 
 prefent fhall conclude, with my prayers to God, that 
 he will direct you and blefs you. 
 
 I am, Sir, fincerely yours, 
 
 
 LETTER LXXX. 
 
 From the Same to the Same, 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 I Come now to your fecond query, namely, how 
 fhall you difchargethe paftoral care? Your queflion 
 is indeed a ferious one, and I wifh I was able to give 
 you a fatisfa&ory anfwer ; but if I fail in doing it, 
 you muft impute it to my want of knowledge in 
 fuch an important affair, which I need not be afhamed 
 to acknowledge •, feeing the great apoflle Paul ex- 
 claims, " who is fufficient for thefe things?" To be 
 a paflor, dear Sir, is to be the fhepherd to watch over 
 the fouls of men ; to point out to them their flate by 
 nature; to convince them of the necefhty of repent- 
 ance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jefus 
 Chrift; to guard them againft temptations; to build 
 them up in the moft holy faith, and to prepare them 
 for eternal happinefs : and how great are all thefe 
 things ! But that Divine Being, who fent us out to 
 labour in the vineyard, is able to fupport us ; nay, he 
 will do it if we feek his afhftance. 
 
 And firflletme beg you will fet Chrifl before you 
 as a pattern. For us men and for our falvation, he 
 left his father's glory, and fubmitted to poverty, to 
 death, and to the grave. — For us he lived, toiled for 
 our eafe, and for our fafety he bled. He went about 
 doing good to miferable offenders, and on the crofs 
 he prayed for his enemies : this fhould lead us to 
 deny ourfelves many of the comforts of this life, that 
 
 . ! \YC
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 131 
 
 %vemay be able to relieve the wants of the poor, to 
 dry up the tears of the widow, and do fomething to 
 provide for the orphan. Believe me, my dear Sir, 
 our fpiritual inftrudtions will have little weight with 
 thofe who are in want, if wefhut our bowels of com- 
 panion againft them : they will never believe we are 
 in earneft, while we have a guinea concealed in our 
 pocket. Be extremely careful in what manner yoa 
 reprove your people for their vices ; for unlefs reproof 
 is mixed with tendernefs, it will defeat its own inten- 
 tion, and the reproved perfon will confider you his 
 enemy, fo that all your inftruftions will be loft. 
 Take great care what company you keep ; for let your 
 intentions be ever fo innocent, you will have all eyes 
 upon you, and the fmalleft deviation from this rule, 
 will lay you open to much cenfure. Endeavour to 
 make yourfelf perfonally acquainted with all your 
 people, and keep a lift of their names and ftations in a 
 book. 
 
 When you vifit thofe who have families, put them 
 in mind of the duty they are under to their children, 
 in giving them a religious education : tell them that 
 their fervants muft not be treated as if they were beafts 
 of burden, but as rational creatures, who have preci- 
 ous and immortal fouls. Inculcate focial religion, 
 but let all your exhortations be delivered in a cheerful 
 manner ; never quarrel concerning thofe tythes which 
 the law has given you a right to, and this will melt 
 their hearts to do you juftice. If you aft in this man- 
 ner, you will be confidered as the father of your peo- 
 ple, and the work of God will profper in your hand. 
 
 lam, &c. 
 B. A. 
 
 LETTER
 
 i S 2 LETTERS ox 
 
 LETTER LXXXI. 
 
 From a young Trade/man in dijireffed Circumjlances, t* 
 another of Age and Experience. 
 
 Dear Friend, 
 
 YOUR knowledge of the world, joined to 5'our 
 goodnefs of heart, and adorned by the moft ex- 
 alted piety, encourages me to feek your advice in a 
 cafe of real diftrefs. You know I have not been full 
 live years in bulinefs, and although the beginning pro- 
 mised fair, yet, alas ! I have been deceived. So does 
 the fun fhine upon us in the morning ; we take our 
 pleafure in the fields for a few hours, we are overtaken 
 by a fudden ftorm, and the day concludes in thunder 
 and lightening. 
 
 To fpeak in plain words, the many bankruptcies 
 which have lately taken place in the commercial 
 world, have brought me to the brink of temporal mi- 
 fery : two-thirds of my property have been fraudu- 
 lently taken from me, and I fee no profpeel: before me, 
 befides a prifon or the gazette : the former is dreadful, 
 the latter is difgraceful . Under fuch unhappy circum- 
 ftances, how fhall I acl ? I have not been indolent or 
 extravagant, but by an ill-timed and ill-placed confi- 
 dence, I have been injured. 
 
 A good character is what I flrove to preferve ; a 
 good confeience is what I ftill enjoy: but the world 
 is often deaf to all our pretenfions to integrity. No 
 fooner are we fallen than we are trodden under foot, 
 our misfortunes are confideredas crimes; we are de- 
 fpifed by fome, hated by others, but pitied by few. Ah ! 
 Sir, when fhall we learn to do as we would be done 
 by ? When fhall we love our neighbours as ourfelves ? 
 It is the great misfortune in trade, that every failure 
 is confidered as criminal, although the perfon accufed 
 is often innocent. I know you have abilities to give 
 me advice, I know you have a tender companionate 
 heart, and your charity will fhine with a diflinguifhed 
 
 luftre
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 13* 
 
 luftre, if difplayed on the prefent melancholy occafion; 
 and by your advice, perhaps, my ruin may be pre* 
 vented. I have fent this by my poor affli&ed wife, 
 and will wait on you as foon as I receive your orders 
 for that purpofe. In the mean time, 
 
 I am your fincere, 
 
 Though afflicted friend, 
 
 Thomas Elmsley, 
 
 LETTER LXXXII, 
 
 The Anjwtr. 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 I Was extremely ill when I received yours, but not- 
 withftanding the violence of my diforder, I thought 
 it my duty to lend you an anfwer as foon as poflibie. 
 The narrative of your misfortune is plain, fimple, 
 and ai tiefs, and fo far as I am able to judge, I believe 
 it to be true. I may add that my own loffes, occafioned 
 by the many recent failures, have been great; but 
 then you will anfwer, that I am more able to bear 
 with them than yourfelf; it may be fo, and therefore 
 my advice, as well as*my am fiance,, is at your fervice. 
 In all failures, the following methods are generally 
 embraced; bankruptcy, compoiition, or flight : as for 
 imprifonment,. a man cannot be faid to embrace it, 
 unlefs he intends to injure his creditors, and forfeit 
 his .title to a {hare of the rights of common fociety. 
 The bankrupt laws were contrived for the eafeof the 
 debtor, and the benefit of the creditor ; but \ am 
 forry to fay, that the expence attending the commif- 
 fion often injures both : but that is not the worft, for 
 fuch is the cruelty of men to their fellow-creatures, 
 that the perfou who has once been a bankrupt, finds 
 M his
 
 134 LETTERS on' 
 
 his character traduced wherever he goes, and as long 
 as he lives. 
 
 To run away when a man is involved in diftrefs, 
 may be confidered as confident with felf-prefervation ; 
 but, alas ! who can ever wipe off the blot ? who can 
 blot out the flain ? To fubmit to imprifonment is a 
 thoufand times better •, for a harfli creditor will fome- 
 iimes relent, and give his captive debtor that liberty, 
 which the letter of the law has denied him. Compo- 
 fition is much better than bankruptcy, becaufe it points 
 out the honefiy of the debtor, and faves the creditors 
 much expence. I am forry, however, to fay, that it 
 does not always ferve to fupport the chara&er of the 
 injured, the unfortunate perfon. If he is once more 
 enabled to procure a fubfiftence, it is expe&ed he 
 ihould pay the remainder of his debts, which may 
 not be in his power, although he will embrace that 
 happy opportunity as foon as he can. However, a 
 compofition is what I would by all means advife you 
 to, and I ihall do every thing in my power to get it 
 conducted in aproper manner. I will give up at pre- 
 fent my claim upon you, and poflibly when every thing 
 is fettled, you may find your affairs lefs intricate than 
 you imagine. Let me fee you as loon as you can, and 
 although I am aged and infirm, yet I will be your 
 friend. 
 
 J. Barnard, 
 
 LETTER LXXXIII. 
 
 from a Country Trade/man, defiring a Correfpondence 
 with another Tradefman in London, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 IT is now upwards of two vears fmce my appren- 
 ticefhip was expired, and luring thai time. 1 
 been fhopman to my mailer. It was my refclution to 
 
 have
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 135 
 
 have continued fhopman to him fometime longer, 
 but I found feveral things very difagreeable, which 
 1 do not mention, becaufe they are only family affairs, 
 and no way connected with trade. But I had another 
 reafon for leaving his fervice. namely, an opportu- 
 nity of fetting up in bufinefs, by the death of Mr. 
 Bevan, of this town, and with whom you was well ac- 
 quainted. You know he has left no children, and his 
 widow, having (ufficient to fupport her, is going # to 
 retire from bufmefs. The offer fhe has made me of 
 her fhop, is fair and reafonable, and I (hall fettle with 
 her as ibon as my mother arrives to advance me what 
 was left by my father. It is true, I know not yet how 
 much it amounts to, but I have fufficient to purchaie, 
 the ftock in trade, the fixtures, furniture, Sec. Hav- 
 ing faid thus much in general, I fhall now proceed to 
 open my particular bulinefs with you. 
 
 You have known me now about nine years, (o that 
 you cannot be a ftranger to my character, efpecially 
 as I tranfafted molt of my matter's bufmefs with whom 
 you had connections many years ; and I fuppofe you 
 will continue your correipondence with him as long 
 as he continues in trade. 
 
 I cannot at prefent fend you a lift of fuch goods as 
 I (hall want, but if you agree to ierve me with what 
 I want in your way in London, you may truft that my 
 payments will be regular ; for 1 have laid down a 
 plan of regular ceconomy, and I know that moil of 
 thofe who frequent the fhop are very good cuftorners. 
 It will not be proper for me to come to London, 'till 
 I have found an honefl fhopman, in whom I can con- 
 fide during my abfence, and then you may depend 
 on feeing me. Wherever this letter will find you, I 
 fhall be glad of an anfwer, and then I will fend ydu 
 fome orders if neceffary. I hope to hear of the welfare 
 of your family, that they are all in good health, and 
 a comfort to you in your declining years. 
 
 I am, Sir, yours refpeftfully, 
 
 E. Johnson-. 
 
 Hi LETTER
 
 136 LETTERS e*f 
 
 LETTER LXXXIV. 
 
 The Anficer. 
 
 S I A\ 
 
 J Received yours, and am glad to hear you have fo 
 fair a prolpect of entering into bufmefs. To fti- 
 mulate you on to induftry, you have an excellent ex- 
 ample in the conduct, of Mr. Sevan, whom you are 
 to fucceed. ile had been many years in trade, but 
 never failed in his payments : nor rlo I fuppofe he 
 hath died worth much more than will fupport his fa- 
 mily. He fought to live by his (hop ; he did much 
 good, but never defired to acquire an opulent for- 
 tune ; for he often laid, that thofe who were mofl 
 eager to procure riches, mud either act. difhonelcly ; 
 or what was, and ftill is, generally the cafe, they foon 
 become bankrupts. Trade requires patient induftry ; 
 and a fair character is a thoufand times fuperior to au 
 eftate acquired by taking advantage on the unwary. 
 
 The correipendence you defire to fettle with me, 
 is cheerfully complied with, and you may depend on 
 the articles you order being the beft that can be pro- 
 cured ; for I would wifh iuccefs to every young be- 
 ginner, who conduces himfelf with integrity, and 
 acts upon honourable principles. Such were mer- 
 chants and tradefmen in the reign of Oueen Eliza- 
 beth, when large fortunes were acquired, when many 
 of the nobility married the daughters of citizens, 
 when manufactures were encouraged, and when bank- 
 ruptcies feldom took place. I do not mention thefe 
 things, as if I imagined you would ever neglect, your 
 buhnefs; but it is a conftant maxim with me, never 
 to write a lingle letter concerning fecular affairs, 
 without inferting in it fomething of a moral ten- 
 dency. This is a duty we owe to our fellow-crea- 
 tures, and it is a duty we owe to God, by making a 
 proper ufe of the talents he has favoured us with. 
 
 However
 
 every Occurrence in t Life. 137 
 
 However, as it fhall be my ftudy to promote your in- 
 fcereft, fo far as it can be done in a way of trade, fp 
 I thought you would not be offended with what was 
 well meant, for my fincere wifh is to fee every virtuous 
 young man happy. You may fend your orders as foon 
 as you pleafe, and they fhall be punftually executed 
 by my fon ; for my infirmities will, I believe, oblige 
 me very foon to retire from bufinefs. 
 
 I am, Si 
 
 Yours fincerely, 
 
 S. Vere. 
 
 LETTER LXXXV. 
 
 From a young Woman, a Servant in London, to her 
 Brother in the Country, 
 
 Dear Brother, 
 
 I Am glad to hear of your marriage, beeaufe I know 
 that Betty was always a good girl ; and, I dare 
 fay, will make you an excellent wife. My lafl place 
 in London, was not fo agreeable as I could have 
 wifhed; but, ycu know, we mud lay our accounts to 
 meet with difficulties, and the more we prepare for 
 them, the more they become light and eafy to us, I 
 have now got into a good family, where there are 
 three young ladies. They Have a great regard for me, 
 and have already made me forae valuable prefents, 
 among which are three {ilk gowns : one of thofe, 
 with forae other things, I have feat to my fitter; and 
 tell her, I fhall fend her the nevvefl pattern of cotton, 
 for a gown, that I can find. 
 
 , I hope you will remember, that the low circum- 
 stances in which wc were left by our parents, Ihould 
 teach us' to provide For old age, as far as lays in our 
 power. No doubt but you will have children, and it 
 will be a ihocking confederation, to think of leaving 
 M 3 them,
 
 138 LETTERS on 
 
 them, as we were, unprovided for. To be fure, 
 afevere Fever can, at any time, remove us from this 
 world; but the confederation oflhat fhould never make 
 us flothful, but be eager in doing our duty, always 
 expecting the divine bleiTing. I could wifh to have a 
 letter from my filler ; for as I approve of your choice, 
 fo I would wifh to live with you and her in a ftate of 
 friendfhip. 
 
 I am, dear brother, 
 
 Your affectionate fitter, 
 
 Sarah Lee. 
 
 LETTER LXXXVI. 
 
 The Sijler's Anfwer. 
 
 Dear Sifter, 
 "T T T E received yours, and I return you many 
 VV thanks for your valuable prefent, which ex- 
 ceeds every thing I ever had or could expect. Your 
 brother is induftrious, and every one here fays I have 
 made a good choice. I am not afraid but we (hall do 
 well, as both our characters are good. I have faved 
 five pounds in my lafl place, which, with thirty 
 pounds faved by your brother, have enabled him to 
 buy tools and materials for his bufmefs. We have 
 alfo furnifhed a fmall houfe, confirming of a fhop, 
 two rooms, and a garret, with other conveniences. 
 We have a little garden behind the houfe, and in the 
 garden are fome fruit trees. Upon the whole, our 
 fituation is agreeable, although it was with a trem- 
 bling heart, that I entered into the marriage ftate. 
 Your brother's tendernefs to me has been fuch, that 
 I begin to blefs the day I gave him my hand. When 
 our labour for the day is over, we fpend the evenings 
 in agreeable converfation, and fometimes we read 
 part of a book* I wonder you do not think of mar- 
 rying,
 
 every Occurrence in Life. i%g 
 
 rying, as there can be no doubt but many offers have 
 been made you ; but I have fuch an opinion of your 
 good fenfe, that I firmly believe you muft have had 
 reafons for objefting them. We long to hear from 
 you as often as you can fpare time to write ; and that 
 you may enjoy health and profperity, is the fincere 
 
 prayer of 
 
 Your affectionate fitter, 
 
 Elizabeth Lee # 
 
 LETTER LXXXVII. 
 
 From a young Woman, Apprentice to a Milliner in Lon- 
 don, to her Friend, a Teacher at a Boarding-School, 
 in the Country, 
 
 Dear Mifs, 
 
 I Called at your father's lafl week, and he has given 
 me a proper direction to you. I heard you had 
 been fome time ill ; but, fo far as I can learn, you 
 have got the better of your diforder, and I fhall once 
 more fee you in London. You know, that when we 
 were at fchool together, I often wifhed to have gone 
 into the fame employment as you have obtained, but 
 my father would not permit me ; and you know, that 
 although he is a tender parent, yet he is not a judge 
 of female education. Had it not been for the infhuc- 
 tions I received from you, I fhould certainly have 
 been loft ; but thanks to God, and to your friendfhip. 
 You know, that the character of milliners, in the 
 vulgar acceptation, do not ftand high in the eftima- 
 tion of the public ; but, I think, this muft arife 
 from fome fort of wrong prejudices. That many 
 young women have been feduced from milliners 
 fhops, cannot be difputed ; but does that prove, 
 that no virtuous perfons can be left behind ? Cer- 
 tainly it does not j otherwife it would naturally fol- 
 low,
 
 i 4 o LETTERS on 
 
 low, that becaufe there are many fraudulent practices 
 committed. by tradeffnen, fo the mofl virtuous are not 
 to be milled : for my own part, I hate luch uncha- 
 ritable thoughts : and. I think, the more we are fur- 
 rounded by temptations, the more we fhould be upon 
 our guard. To put uurfelves in the way ^of harm, is 
 certainly blameabie, but that is what I have not done. 
 It was my father's pleafure : and, as I know he wifhed 
 me well, I could not difpute his commands. Upon the 
 whole, I fhall endeavour to do my duty, trufting in 
 Almighty God, that he will preferve me from the 
 power of temptation. Let me beg to hear from you, 
 and be aflurcd 
 
 I am, dear Mifs, 
 
 Your fincere friend* 
 
 Mary Bailey* 
 
 LETTER LXXXVIII. 
 
 The Anfzver, 
 
 Dear Mifs, 
 
 I'.ved yours with that pleafure which always 
 atces place where virtuous friendfhip exifts. " I am 
 gla to hear that you called on my parents; but, 
 ah my dear, I am not the perfon I was when you 
 h < (aft. I was then healthy and full of fpirits, 
 
 i ;ks, hke a milk-maid; but, ah! my 
 
 i k 'be change ! I am ho\v afflicbed with a 
 
 _.:i cough, which prevents me from reft day 
 a nigl , I Lave a molt emaciated body : my co- 
 lour is [uifegone; and, to add to my affliction, I 
 ('■ of relief. Yen will be ready to afk 
 nie, fi i whence did all this affiiQaon'fpring ? That, 
 is what I cannot anfwer. Sometimes I im- 
 pute it to damp fheets, while you and myfelf were at 
 t had that teen the cafe, 1 would have 
 concluded that you would have fuflered the fame, as 
 
 • V.'Q
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 141 
 
 we lay together in one bed. Again, I have fome- 
 times imputed it to the negligent manner in which I 
 changed my drefs, after dancing with the young ladies. 
 But ftill I may be miftakcn ; and, as my father has of- 
 ten told me, we receive the feeds of death when we 
 are born. 
 
 The moment we begin to live, 
 We all begin to die. 
 
 And now, my dear Mifs Bailey, what do you think 
 areiny fentiments, under fuch a complication of difor* 
 dens? May yours, my dear, be the lame. I am all re- 
 fignation. Notwithstanding the profpeft of being 
 agreeably married, and fettled in the woild ; notwith- 
 standing all the hopes generally formed by youth, yet 
 I begin to look forward to a bleffed immortality. I 
 have fo much eafe in my mind, that o:\uh, which to 
 fome appears the king of terrors, to me is like an amia- 
 ble accompiifhed bridegroom. And why fhouid it be 
 otherwife ? We naturally wifh to take poueflion of a 
 temporal eftate, and why then fhouid not we long for 
 an eternal one ? In the one we arefubjecl to marcy dis- 
 appointments, lofles, and vexations; in the other, all 
 is compofureand ferenity. Not that I know I am dy- 
 ing: but I know the Judge of all the earth will do right: 
 to his will I fubmit, and rejoice in his favours. 
 
 I know, my dear, that your charms, accomplifh- 
 ments, graceful appearance and fituation in life, will 
 foon expofe you to many fnares ; but leek God, and 
 keep yourfelf as much as poflible out of the way of 
 temptation. Remember, that the more powerfully 
 you oppofe evil and refill temptation, the greater will 
 your reward be in heaven. May the Almighty pro- 
 tect my dear friend, and keep her in the paths of 
 piety and virtue, is the fincere prayer of, 
 
 Dear Mifs, yours affectionately, 
 
 Mary Allison, 
 
 LETTER
 
 142 LETTERS on 
 
 LETTER LXXXIX. 
 
 From an aged Lady to a Clergyman, 
 
 Reverend Sir, 
 
 "\ZO\J know I have always taken your advice, even 
 X in the moll difficult cafes, and you never yet 
 lie reived me in any thing whatever. As the dew 
 cii tills its rcfrefhing drops on the vegetable creation to 
 impart life, fo did your counfels, your admonitions, 
 and your inftruftions operate upon my mind. I pre- 
 i : you are no ftranger to the contents of my bro- 
 th 's La ft: will, in which he left his fortune to his 
 cL ighter, on condition fhe fhould marry with my con- 
 tent. In cafe (lie did not. her whole fortune was to 
 be at my difpofal, and I was empowered to give it to 
 whomsoever I pleafed. Now, Sir, fhe has entered 
 into the niarriage ftate with a rake, who will foon 
 fquander away all that her father acquired by many 
 years honeft induftry ; and, therefore, I am determined 
 to give the money to an hofpital. I think it would be 
 much better to fupport the lick and the lame, than to 
 contribute towards the indulgence of diflipated youth 
 in the gratifying unlawful defires, and the indulgence 
 of irregular paiiions. You may object, perhaps, that 
 this aft of mine will reduce them to a ftate of beggary ; 
 but, pray Sir, do not ihofe deferve to fuffer who have 
 acted imprudently ? Should they not have confulted 
 me before they ventured upon the brink of deftruc- 
 tion, and plunged themfelves without the imalleft 
 hopes of fuccefs, into a ftate of ruin altogether irre- 
 trievable ? 
 
 I would, however, be direfted by you, but I dare 
 fay you will not do any thing contrary to my inclina- 
 tion. I think my propofal is right ; and thofe who 
 act inconfi (lent with prudence, fhould feel the effefts 
 of their folly. L et me beg you will fend me an an- 
 iwer, and be affined, that 
 
 I am freer, ly yours, 
 
 Elizabeth Bertie. 
 LETTER
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 143 
 
 LETTER XC. 
 
 The Anfwer. 
 Madam, 
 
 I Received yours, and however wife you may be In 
 your own conceit, yet I think you have not con- 
 iidered things in a proper manner. It was always my 
 opinion, that whatever a father died poffeffcd of, was 
 the unalienable property of his children ; and, how- 
 ever human laws may give a fanftion to the validity 
 of dying wills, yet I cannot think that natural rights 
 can be fet afide : but fuppofing your brother fhould 
 have, in conformity with the worft of all cuftoms, 
 claimed the power of depriving his daughter of her 
 right by nature; yet I cannot fee how you can be 
 juftified in carrying his will into execution. Has he 
 a&ed inconfiftent with the principles of humanity? 
 And mult, you, under the ftale pretence of complying 
 with the will of the deceafed, add one perjury to ano- 
 ther? Has your brother projected a fcheme to injure 
 his child ? And are you obliged to fee it put into ex- 
 ecution ? No, Madam ; this is beneath your cha- 
 racter as a woman, and altogether inconfiftent with the 
 duty of aChriftian. I acknowledge, that in many 
 cafes the will of the dead ought to be complied with, 
 but never when- inconfiftent with reafon and re- 
 ligion. God does not require that we fhould con- 
 form to the cuftoms of this world, any further than is 
 confident with the dictates of a good confcience ; 
 and, be affured from me, that it is much more honour- 
 able on many occafions, to fet afide the will of the 
 dead than to comply with it. You mention giving 
 the money left by your brother to an hofpital : I am 
 afraid that is one of the worft refolutions you ever 
 yet formed in your mind. To give money to hofpi- 
 tals at the expence of families- who have a right to it'by 
 nature, is robbing Peter to pay Paul. In other words, 
 it is like the thief who ftole goods from the parifn un- 
 der
 
 144 LETTERS on 
 
 der a pretence of » Sieving the poor. Upon the 
 whole, Madam, whatever imprudent fteps your niece 
 may have taken, yet let me beg you will not only re- 
 flore to her what was left by her father, but that you 
 will do it in fuch a graceful manner, as to make a laft- 
 ing impreflion of gratitude on her mind, that fhe may 
 honour both you and religion. 
 
 I am, Madam, yours, &c. 
 
 Thomas Green, 
 
 LETTER CXI. 
 
 From a young Woman., Teacher at a Bear ding-School, to 
 her Father. 
 
 Honoured Sir, 
 
 IT was with pleafure that I accepted of this place, 
 having always had a ftrongdefue to cultivate the 
 minds of young peribns; and, I can affure you, that 
 my governefs has treated me with every mark of ten- 
 dernefs : but as there can be no happinefs in this 
 world, without fome mixture of grief, afflictions 
 and difappointments, fo I have Found enough of thofe 
 iince 1 came to refide at this place. You know I am, 
 but at the beft, tender in my constitution, and there 
 'are no lefs than forty-fix young ladies in the fchool. 
 Befides myfelf, there is but one other teacher; who al- 
 though well enough acquainted with fome parts of fe- 
 male education, yet fhe knows not the grammar of the 
 French language, fo that all the drudgery of that is 
 thrown upon me. — This is more than I am able to 
 fuftain; and although I am forry to put you to any 
 trouble, yet I mufl Freely tell you, that unlcfs I am 
 removed from this fchool, I fhall Fink under my af- 
 flictions. You know I had once an offer from Mrs. 
 Dawfon ; and, if fhe is not provided with a teacher, 
 I will accept of her place, and wait on her as foon as 
 Mrs. Allen has procured one in my room. 
 
 Let
 
 'Evert Occurrence in Life. 145 
 
 Let me beg to hear from you, as foon as you have 
 mailed on Mrs. Dawfon, and, in the mean time, give 
 my duty to my dear mother, and my love to my niter. 
 I am, honoured Sir, your ever dutiful daughter, 
 
 Mary Blake. 
 
 LETTER XCII. 
 
 The Father's Anfwer, 
 Dear Child, 
 
 1 Received yours, and, as I was indifpofed at thatime^ 
 I got Mr. Fermor to enquire of Mrs. Dawfon, 
 whether (lie had procured a teacher, and I have the 
 pleafure to inform you fhe has not ; I may add fur- 
 ther, that flie is ready to receive you with open arms 
 of affection, and fhe is now preparing a room for you. 
 She has but few fcholars, fo that your life will be 
 eafy, and you know the fituation is extremely agree- 
 able. So far as 1 am able to judge, Mrs. Dawfon is 
 a very agreeable woman; but whether or not I am 
 deceived, your own experience will difcover. You 
 may reft fatisfied, that I fhall never contradict you 
 in your choice of places ;' for if you are happy, fo am 
 I. I have fuch an opinion of your piety, virtue, and 
 good fenfe, that I think you would never deiire t® 
 leave a place, unlefs you had good reafons for doing 
 fo ; and as you have more to go through with Mrs. 
 Allen than is confident with your ftrength, fo I would 
 by all means advife you to come away as foon as 
 poflible. However, I would defire you to part on 
 good terms; and as for what money is due to you., 
 let that be only a fecondary consideration. Take 
 what you are offered, and, however fmall, do not 
 complain. We fhall be ready to meet you at the inn, 
 and be allured, that, 
 
 I am your ever affectionate father, 
 
 George Blake. 
 N LETTER
 
 i 4 6 LETTERS on 
 
 LETTER XCIII. 
 
 From a young Gentleman in London to a Clergyman in 
 the Country, 
 
 Reverend Sir, 
 
 I Doubt not but you have heard of the unhappy 
 fate of Mr. Young, fon of your neighbour, and 
 once your pupil. It is not above two years fmce he 
 came from Jamaica, with a considerable fum of mo- 
 ney, and fent for me to fpend the evening with him 
 at a cofFee-houfe near the Royal-Exchange. Former 
 friendfhip foon induced me to comply with his re- 
 queft ', but, to my great furprife, I found him totally 
 changed from what he was when he left England. 
 Inflead of a fober, virtuous young man, I found him 
 one of the mod impious, abandoned rakes I ever 
 yet met with. He (poke with contempt of religion, 
 and feemed to take a peculiar pleafure in blafpheme- 
 ing the name of God. I told him, that he muff, not 
 for the future expect to fee me, becaufe evil commu- 
 mentions cerrwpt good manners. He laughed at my 
 iimplicity, in believing the gofpel revelation ; and 
 plainly told me, that religion was incontinent with 
 the character of a gentleman. However, I did fee 
 'him again: but, alas! where? In Newgate, and 
 may I never forget the dreadful fcene which pre- 
 ferred itfelf to my view: a young gentleman, who 
 had received a liberal education, the heir to a landed 
 eitate, confined to a difmal cell with fetters on his 
 legs, and the book of God, too long defpifed, in his 
 hand. Ah ! thought I, let us defpife religion ever 
 fo much while in a (late of health, we are glad to 
 feek its confolafions when death approaches. This 
 unfortunate young man had fpent all his money in 
 gaming and debauchery ; after which, he commit- 
 ted a foigery on the Bank, and was apprehended at 
 Dover, in attempting to make his efcape abroad, 
 lie was brought to his trial, and, being found 
 
 guilty,
 
 every Occurrence in Lite. 1*47 
 
 guilty, lcceived fentence of death. He fent forme 
 to vifit him; which I did, as often as I could fpare 
 time, 'till the evening before his execution, when 
 his father and mother were taking leave of him,, 
 The fcene was too (hocking for me to bewitnefs to, 
 and therefore I retired, to lament the corruption of 
 human nature. I was informed next dav, that he 
 died a fincere penitent; and, therefore, I hope you 
 will adminifter all the confolation you can to bio 
 afflicled parents. 
 
 I am, reverend Sir r 
 
 Yours fmccrely, 
 
 G. B. 
 
 LETTER XCIV. 
 
 The Clegy man's Anfwer, 
 
 Dear Sir 9 
 Am no ftranger to the melancholy affair which 
 
 1 
 
 you communicated to me in your lad; and I 
 have complied with your requefl, in faying all I pof- 
 fibly could to alleviate the diitrefifes of the afflicted 
 parents. But I have fomething to fay to you, which 
 I hope will be attended to with ferioufnefs. Yon 
 have feen the unhappy, the fhameful, the ignomi- 
 nious end of a young gentleman ; who, along with 
 yourfelf, was brought up in the paths of virtue, 
 and heaven forbid it fhould ever be your c?Se ; but 
 let him that ftandeth, take heed left he fall. You 
 have as ample a fortune as your late unhappy friend 
 enjoyed: you are furrounded by the fame tempta- 
 tions ; and you are liable to fall into the fame fnares. 
 This, Sir, fhould teach you to be continually upon 
 your guard, not tru fling in your own ftrength, but 
 flill exercihng the powers which God hath given you, 
 If finners entice thee, confent thou not : let no pre- 
 tended friend perfuade you to go to a public place, 
 N 2: where.
 
 i 4 S LETTERS om 
 
 where you may be in danger of having your morals 
 corrupted, and your foul ruined. Reflect often on 
 what you faw, when you vifited the cells of New- 
 gate ; confider the dreadful fcene which pre fen ted it- 
 ielf to your view, when you faw the afflicted parents 
 take leave of a condemned fon ; think of the fhame 
 which, in the opinion of the vulgar, he has brought 
 upon his family; compare the pleafures arifing from 
 the practice of religious duties and a ftrict attendance 
 to bufinefs, with the torturing, agonizing pains of a 
 guilty cpnfcieoce ; and, above all, confider the dread- 
 ful account you muft make at the judgment-feat of 
 Chrift, if you proftitute your talents, and trample 
 upon every {'acred obligation. • 
 
 However, I doubt not but you will continue to 
 perfevere in what will promote your honour and 
 happinefs ; which is the fmcere prayer of 
 
 Your affectionate friend, 
 T. F. 
 
 * The Malefaflors R.egi/!er, or the New Nezogate and Tyburn 
 Calendar : containing the authentic lives, trials, executions, 
 and dying fpeeches of the moft notorious MaiefoSors, who 
 have iuflered death in Great-Britain or Ireland, fince the year 
 1700 down to the prelent time, will be of great fervice in 
 guarding the rifmg generation againft thofe temptations fo com- 
 monly thrown in their way. It is publifhed in weekly Numbers, 
 at Six-Pence each, adorned with new Copper-Plates, and may 
 be had of ALEX. HOGG, No. 16, Pater-nofter-Row, and of 
 all the bookiellers. Be particular in ordering the New Work, 
 (which is dedicated to Sir John Fielding*) left an old publication 
 fhould be offered infteadof it. This work abounds with moral 
 refle&ions of the moll falutary tendency, to young perfons ia 
 particular. 
 
 LETTER
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 149 
 
 LETTER XCV. 
 
 From a young Gentleman to a Lady, defiring her to make 
 an Elopement with him to Scotland* 
 
 Dear Mifs, 
 
 I Told you, when I was laft in your company, that 
 my father would never confent to my marriage 
 with you, unlefs your fortune was equal to mine. 
 In this he afts like old perfons in general, whofe 
 paflions being dead to every thing but avarice, they 
 never pity young ones, who have placed their affec- 
 tions ©n each other. They are cruel to the la ft de- 
 gree ; but there is a way to fruftrate all their fchemes 
 and make ourfelves free, by an elopement to Scot- 
 land. There we can be married, and then my fa- 
 ther will foon be reconciled to the match, for he can- 
 not deprive me of my fortune. 1 have reafon to be- 
 lieve that my perfon is not difagreeable to you, and 
 that you will confent to an union of hearts, which 
 alone can make me happy. If you will comply with 
 my requeft, I will have a poft-chaife ready for you 
 to morrow evening, at the back of the garden wall, 
 and we will fet off together, without being difcovered 
 by any perfon whatever. I hope you wiil have no 
 objection to what I have propoied ; for, I can affure 
 you, it is not poflible for me to love any but yon, 
 As you will probably meet the bearer in the park, he 
 will give you this, and you will find an opportunity 
 offending an anfwer. 
 
 I am, dear Mifs, 
 
 Your finccre. lover/ 
 
 S. T. 
 
 N 3 LETTER
 
 15* LETTERS o:> 
 
 / 
 
 LETTER XCVL ' 
 
 The young Lady's Anfw:r, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I Had once the misfortune to read fome wild romances ; 
 but I do not recolleft that any thing related in 
 them is of fo extravagant a nature, as what I find con- 
 tained in your letter. Indeed, I am at a lofs in what 
 light to confider it ; either it is the ravings of a road- 
 man, or written by the hand of one whole condudr. to 
 his parents can give him but little reafon to expe6t 
 happinefs in this world. You mention your fortune 
 being fuperior to mine ; and if, by fortune, you mean 
 riches, perhaps it may be fo : for I can allure you 
 that I never afked my father whether he could give me 
 one Angle pound on trie day of my marriage. Indeed, 
 my father always gave me leave to place my affections 
 on whatever object I thought proper, fo as the perfon 
 had a 4 regard to the fear of God, and practifed reli- 
 gious duties. He told me, that if I did fo, I fhould 
 enjoy fuch happinefs as the world could not deprive 
 me of, and much more than what is annexed to what 
 is vulgarly called fortune. But whatilrikes me moft 
 is, your romantic fcheme of going to Scotland to get 
 married, by which you would probably make the re- 
 mainder of my life miterable, and bring down your 
 own father's grev hairs with forrow to the grave. And 
 do you think, Sir. that I would for your fake difturb 
 the peace of your family, and make your parents re- 
 ferable ? No : I love the marriage ftate ; nay, I 
 honour it ; but if ever I enter into it. it muft be upon 
 fuch principles as fhall promote my happinefs in this 
 world, as far as is confident with the ftate of human 
 nature. I would have you to confider thefe things pro- 
 perly ; and if you will not, then make an elopement 
 as foon as you pleafe, but I hope it fhall never be with 
 me. Confider, Sir, that the young woman whofe 
 imprudent conducl difturbs the peace of a family, is 
 
 feldom
 
 I 
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 151 
 
 feldom forgiven ; and although you tell me, that 
 pur father cannot deprive you of your fortune, yet 
 be allured, that no part of my conduct fhall ever be 
 the means of making him unhappy. I fincerely wifh 
 that you may be preferved from ruin, and become 
 an honour to your parents and yourfelf. 
 
 I am, Sir, your, well-wifher, 
 
 M. C. 
 
 LETTER XCVII. 
 
 The young Gentleman's Anfzuer. 
 
 Dear Mifs, 
 
 Received yours, and. if I was enamoured of you 
 _ before. I am much much more fo now. Your merits 
 have riveted my affeclions to the beloved ob- 
 ject, and your prudence has made me a Have. I am 
 aihamed when I confider that I have not made a 
 proper uie of my knowledge ; but was rufhing on 
 without thought to my deftrutlion, 'till you awakened 
 my attention, and cautioned me againfl the dreadful 
 impending danger which hung over my head ; 
 where, "my dear, did you learn fuch fentiments ? or 
 rather, why have I forgot what was taught me in my 
 vouth. Your refuting to accompany me to Scotland, 
 will, I hope, in time be attended with the moft bene- 
 ficial confequences, as will appear from what I am 
 juft going to mention. Finding that I could neither 
 fubdue my paffion, nor prevail upon you to comply 
 with my unguarded requeft, I fhewed your letter to 
 my father, who, fo far from afting the part of a ty- 
 rant, declared he would even intercede with you in 
 my behalf. But I hope you will not put him to that 
 trouble, but will confent to be mine, and then I fhall 
 be happy. My mother is equally agreeable, a cir- 
 cumltance that would never have taken place, had you 
 been fo imprudent as to make an elopement with me 
 
 from
 
 t 5 2 LETTERS o* 
 
 from your parents. Let me, therefore, beg you will 
 not any longer keep me in a ftate of anxiety ; but, 
 fetting all forms and ceremonies afide, confent to be 
 mine, and you will be treated with the utmofl tender- 
 nefs by all my family; you will be united to relations 
 as virtuous as your own, and I hope you will have 
 no reafon to repent. 
 
 I am, dear Mifs, 
 
 Your fincere lover, 
 
 S. T. 
 
 I 
 
 LETTER XCVIII. 
 The young Lady's Anfzoer, 
 SIR, 
 Received yours, and am glad to hear that you hav« 
 
 made a proper ufe of the few fimple hints I pointed 
 out to you : it is not for my own fake that I mention 
 this ; for although it is natural for every young perfon 
 to defire a happy fettlement in life, yet I can afiure 
 you, fo far as I am able to judge of my own 
 heart, I can fafely fay, that I defire no more than 
 the neceffaries of this world: if Providence gives 
 me more, then I mufl act. as a faithful fteward, and, 
 with it, endeavour to fupply the wants of my fellow- 
 creatures. It gives me no final 1 pleafure to hear that 
 what I wrote has been the means of reconciling you 
 to your parents ; and from this you may learn, that 
 when human aftions are conducted with prudence, 
 there is at lead fome profpeft of fuccefs. As to 
 what you have propofed to me concerning marriage, 
 I freely tell you* that I cannot have any reafGn- 
 able objections to it, efpecially as you was never dif- 
 agreeable to me, and you have now obtained your 
 parents confent. I leave the remainder to yourfelf, 
 and, when your parents think proper to appoint a. 
 day, I will meet you at the church. And now, Sir, 
 
 what
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 153 
 
 what would you have me to fay more ? Perhaps I have 
 laid too much, but that gives me but little uneafinefs, 
 while I know that my intentions are right, and that as 
 long as I act confident with the principles of religion 
 and virtue, I may have reafon to expect the divine 
 bleiiing. 
 
 I am, Sir, yours, &c. 
 
 M. C. 
 
 LETTER XCIX. 
 
 From a young Gentleman of Fortune, to an amiable young 
 lVoman 9 zvhofe Parents had left her deftitute* 
 
 Dear Madam, 
 
 TH E many agreeable hours I have fpent in your 
 company at Lady AfhurnVs can never be for- 
 gotten'; but that is no more than what many befides 
 myfelf well know, and can be witnefs to. But 
 whatever impreffions your charms may have made on 
 others, my affe&ions are fixed in fuch a manner, that 
 nothing can alter them. Your merit, had you no- 
 thing elfe to recommend you, has made me a {lave; 
 and it is you only that can make me miferable or 
 happy. But when beauty, learning, virtue, and 
 pieLy, are all united in one object, how can the whole 
 force be refilled? Such, my dear Mifs, is your real 
 character, and now you may judge of my prefent fitua- 
 tion. How often have I pitied the wretched notions 
 of thofe who, having ample fortunes, pay no regard 
 to merit but eftimate the happinefs of the marriage 
 ftate, in proportion to the thoufands the bride is pof- 
 fefled of. It is different with me, my fortune is my 
 own, and I fhall confider myfelf as more happy in 
 the enjoyment of you 5 as a partner for life, than if 
 ten thoafand pounds were added to my fortune. , I 
 think that the man who has fufheient tofupport him ac- 
 cording
 
 154 LETTERS on 
 
 cording lo his rank in life fhould not wifh for more ; 
 but I have fufficient, and yet I wifh for more, that is, 
 my dear, I wifh for yourlelf : an union with you, 
 will be confidered as the greateft We fling I can enjoy 
 in this life, and as foon as you will permit mc, I will 
 wait on you. 
 
 I am, dear Madam, 
 
 Your fincere lover, 
 
 George LyTTLEToy* 
 
 LETTER C. 
 
 The young V/oman's Anfwer. 
 SIR, 
 
 I Was on a vifit when your letter arrived at this place,. 
 or I would have anfwered it fooner *. but now, as 
 I am difengaged for a few hours, I (hall deliver my 
 fentiments in fuch a manner, that you will have no 
 reafon to accufe me of ingratitude. Had I nothing 
 but grandeur in view, I mud have considered your 
 propofal as the highefr, honour that could have been 
 conferred upon me ; nay, I" flill treat it with proper 
 refpecr., although duty to God, to vour family, and 
 to myfelf, obliges me to Mate my objections without 
 referve. What you lay concerning the difference be- 
 tween truth and the common cuftoms of the world, is 
 in my opinion true, but who can deviate from the 
 fafhion without acting with impropriety. Suppofing 
 me to be the accomplifhed perfon I am reprefented 
 in your letter, yet I have great reafon to fear, that 
 none of thefe accomplifhments will make any great 
 figure in the eyes of a cenforious world ; nor does it 
 appear from your letter, that you have ever mentioned 
 it to your mother. If you really loved me, would 
 you wifh me to be miflrefs of your family, and at the 
 fame time defpifed by all your relations ? Would you 
 not be forry to hear every perfon with whom you are 
 
 acquainted
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 155 
 
 acquainted, tell you that you had married a poor beg- 
 garly girl with no fortune ? And would not even 
 your Servants refufe to be obedient to me, who at 
 prefent am in little better than a flate of fervitude ? 
 Confider thefe things, Sir, and then I believe you 
 will neither defire to injure me, nor difhonour your- 
 ■fcif. 
 
 I am, Sir, refpe£lfully yours, 
 
 Sophia Benson* 
 
 CL 
 
 LETTER 
 
 The young Gentleman's Reply* 
 
 3ear Madam, 
 
 ALthough I can, by no means, approve of the 
 objections you have ftarted in your anfwer to 
 my propofals, yet I acknowledge myfelf to have been 
 extremely negligent in not mentioning that I had 
 obtained my mother's confent, who defires to fee me 
 happily united with you ; fo in that refpetr. you may 
 make yourfelf quite eafy : and my good mother 
 has defired you to write to her, as fhe is not able to 
 call on you. As to what the world may fay, with 
 refpeft to difparity of circumftances, I think it is be- 
 low your notice ; and as for your being in a Irate of 
 fervitude, if it be fo, it is the order of Divine Provi- 
 dence, and who fhall find fault with it? If God 
 thought proper to remove your pi rents in your in- 
 fancy, forget not that he has ever fmce extended his 
 benevolence to you. You have not been left defti- 
 tute of friends ; but this is not to be wondered at, 
 it would be rather furpriling if it was otherwife. 
 Who could not admire a human form, adorned with 
 every female excellence ? It would be one of the 
 greateft marks of ftupidity I ever knew. But I mufl 
 it 111 have fome hopes that you will comply with my 
 requeft, and that you will write to my mother, who 
 
 defires
 
 i 5 6 LETTERS on 
 
 delires to hear from you. I have fent you fome trifles^ 
 which I hope you will accept of •> but I want to giv« 
 you a heart. 
 
 I am, dear Madam, yourfincere lover, 
 
 George Lyttleton. 
 
 LETTER CII. 
 
 From the young Woman to the Mother of the young 
 Gentleman, 
 
 Honoured Madam y 
 
 I Am forry to hear that you are fo infirm, as not to 
 be able to come abroad as ufual ; but as I know 
 you are prepared either to live or die, fo I think you 
 may make yourfelf happy ; for while we a£t confluent 
 with our duty, and put our trufl in the Divine Being, 
 we are fure of acceptance before him, and of a lhare 
 of his favour throughout eternity. So far as I can 
 learn, you are no ftranger to the propofal your fon 
 has made to me : and, if you have feen my anfwer, 
 you will be able to judge of my objections. That 
 Mr. Lyttleton has merit there can be no doubt ; but 
 why mould a poor orphan difhonour his family ? Left 
 deflitute, and expofed to all the hardfhips of this 
 life, I became an object of Providence, and hi- 
 therto God has been with me. I have no right to 
 expett any gentleman for a hufband, without injuring 
 my peace of mind, and making me miferable for 
 ever. From you, madam, I have received my pious 
 inftruftions ; and, I think, I cannot make you a 
 more proper return, than to defire you will diituade 
 Mr. Lyttleton from thinking any more of me, for I 
 am not worthy of his notice. An humble ftation 
 fhould fatisfy a poor perfon, and thofe who afpire at 
 
 grandeur,
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 157 
 
 grandeur, are often plunged into ruin. That God 
 may fupport you under your prefent afflictions, is the 
 fmcere prayer of, 
 
 Honoured Madam, 
 
 Your moft obedient fervant, 
 
 Sophia Benson, 
 
 LETTER CHI. 
 
 The Anjzver* 
 
 Dear Mifs^ 
 
 J Have not had a pen in my hands thefe fix months, 
 but with cheerfulnefs I'anfwer yours, although 
 my eyes are weakened fo much, that I can fcarce ice 
 how to write. 1 have for feveral years attended to 
 your behaviour, while I vifited your lady; and your 
 unaffected piety, joined to an amiable form and a 
 cheerful difpofition, made a deep impreflion on my 
 mind. Before my fon propofed marriage to you, I of- 
 ten wifhed that Divine Providence would direel him 
 to place his affections on fo worthy an object as you 
 are. Alas! my dear, you little think what value I 
 fet on riches : with refpeft to thefe things, I was once 
 as poor as yourfelf; but fortune fmiled upon me, 
 and made my life as eafy and agreeable as I could 
 have wifhed, and much more fo than I had reafon 
 to expect:. I had not the benefit of your education, 
 which I look upon as far fuperior to what the world 
 calls a fortune, efpecially when I find it adorned 
 with the mod exalted conduct. And now, my dear, I 
 plead in behalf of my fon : will you confent to call 
 me mother? If you do fo, I fhail leave this trami- 
 tory world with fome degree of pleafure ; being con- 
 vinced, that your good fenfe and circumfpect behaviour 
 O will
 
 1,3 LETTERS on 
 
 will, at all times, prevent my fon from running in%» 
 extravagancies, and that you will be his comfort 
 through life. 
 
 I am, dear Mifs, yours fincerely, 
 
 Elizabeth Lyttleto^. 
 
 LETTER CIV. 
 
 The -young Woman's Reply* 
 
 Honoured Madam, 
 
 I Received yours, and fincerely thank you for the 
 contents ;. only that I lament to hear, that you 
 are in fuch a bad flate of health. Alas ! how often 
 have I thought of the fentiment of an ingenious 
 poet : 
 
 e < Every beating pulfe we draw 
 
 ** Leaves but the number lefs." 
 
 But does the foul, dear madam, periih with the 
 body? No ; life and immortality have been brought 
 to light by the gofpel, and death is no more than a 
 paffage out of one flation into another. Life is at befl 
 but a pilgrimage, or a journey through this world ; 
 and death is the paffage to open to us an eternal flate 
 of exiftence. On this pleafing fubjeft, I have read 
 many of the eaflern tales, but none of them gave me 
 much pleafure. Allegory is indeed of great anti- 
 quity ; but where the immortality of the foul is not 
 Supported bv rational arguments, it becomes flat to 
 me, and I look to divine revelation. It is certain, 
 that not only the prophets of old, but even our Sa- 
 viour himfelf made ufe of allegory or parables, to 
 convey knowledge to the minds of his hearers j but 
 
 this
 
 b every Occurrence i\ t Life. 359 
 
 this is a fubjeft I will not innft. on * ; only that every 
 thing of an allegorical nature, fhould be read with care 
 and attention. 
 
 Having laid thus much, it is proper that I fhould 
 fay fomething concerning the objections I made to 
 Mr. Lyttleton's propofals: but then, what can I fay? 
 The united wifhes of a mother and a fon, are more 
 than I am able to contend with ; let me therefore de- 
 fire you will do J u ft as you pleafe. I am no flranger 
 to many of your Ion's virtues; and to have the leafh 
 nay, the molt aidant relation to you, fliall ever he 
 efteemed my higheil honour. I have written to Mr, 
 Lyttleton, and, I hope, every thing will be conducted 
 under the direction of Divine Providence. May God 
 preferve your valuable life ; and happy fhall I think 
 myfelf, if ever I live to call you a mother. 
 1 am, honoured Madam, 
 
 Yours in dutv. &c, 
 Sophia Benson'. 
 
 LETTER CV. 
 
 From Mifs Btnfon to Mr. Lyttktbn. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 IPIave read in a book, which I hope I fhall never 
 defpife, that to thofe to whom much is given, 
 from them much will be required. This I will apply 
 to you, in the moll finking manner I am able to ex* 
 prefs. A letter from your mother now lavs before 
 me; and fuch has been her care of your education, 
 that the neglect of duty on your part, will, at the 
 termination of human exiflence, rife up in judgment 
 again ft you. 
 
 * The only Chriftian allegory is Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progrefs, 
 ■which has been long in the higbeft repute among Proteftants of all 
 denominations, as the beft book, on the fubjett ever written. Tins 
 book Mr. Mafon has lately improved with raoft excellent notes, ex- 
 plaining difficult paflages, and with a fet of molt beautiful copper- 
 plates, the price is only 4s. Be careful therefore to order The Pil- 
 grim's Progrcfs with Mr. Mafon' s notes. 
 
 O 2 Let
 
 i6o LETTERS on. 
 
 Let me judge, as a woman, concerning your pro- 
 pofals ; and. upon that footing, I mufc declare them 
 to be advantageous. Let me confider myfelf as a 
 young woman who fhould know fomething of pru- 
 dence, and then I think it is my duty to be upon ray 
 guard. Let me look upon myfelf as a Chriftian ; and, 
 under that character, I would not chufe to have my 
 peace of mind, difturbed, but to acl as an accountable 
 being.— However, to be plain with you, if I give 
 you my hand, you mult alio have my heart ; and 
 £hail 1 give my heart to a man, who, perhaps, may 
 afterwards defpife me ? Gracious heaven forbid ! 
 But I mufti fubmit. Will you take a forlorn orphan 
 into your arms, and make her miftrefs of your for- 
 tune? Yes, you will anfv/er ; but is fhe to be efteemed 
 and refpected ? To convince you of my fincerity, I 
 declare that I am willing to comply with your requefr, 
 but confider that I am no more than an helplefs wo- 
 man ; and, if you do not treat me as a wife, I can 
 only look up to that Being who has fupported me hi- 
 therto. I fnall ftill hope the bed; and as 1 have 
 fubmitted to be yours, fo I hope you will be mine, 
 and make up to me all thofe deficiencies occafioned 
 by the lofs of my parents, before I knew what it was 
 to repeat the words, Father and Mother. 
 I am, Sir, yours fincerely, 
 
 Sophia Benson* 
 
 LETTER CVI. 
 
 From a poor Man to one. of the Governors of Chrijf s. 
 kojptial. 
 
 A 
 
 Honoured Sir, 
 
 Lthough I have lived many years in your neigh- 
 . bourhood, and often worked for your family, 
 yet I never prefumed to trouble you 'till now. 
 wife died about three weeks ago, and has left me 
 with (even children, I am determined, that thofe 
 
 pledges
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 161 
 
 pledges of our conjugal felicity fhall never have a 
 ftep-mother ; but, alas! it is almoft impoffible forme 
 to bring them up in a proper manner. I was adviied 
 to get my iecond fon into the Blue-coat-Hofpital ; but, 
 alas! I know of no gentleman to apply to but you. 
 In the lift of thofe who have a right to prefent, I fee 
 your name inferted : but, perhaps, you are already 
 engaged ; and if fo, then all my hopes muft for this 
 time vanifh. Perhaps it may be otherwife ; perhaps 
 you may confider my family, as not unworthy your 
 notice; andyoumay, in companion to an afTlifted pa- 
 rent, " lift the burden from the foul oppreiTed !" I 
 could wifh to bring up my children in the fear of 
 God, and in ufeful knowledge ; and I can allure you, 
 that for that purpofe I work hard from morning to 
 evening. If you will afiift me in this difficult affair, 
 with refpe£fc_to my poor boy, you will remove part of 
 the burden I now labour under. You will lay me 
 under a lading obligation, and it fhall ever be ac- 
 kowledged with gratitude. 
 
 lam, honoured Sir, with great refpecr, 
 Your mod humble fervanr, 
 
 Thomas Brassing to w. 
 
 LETTER CVIL 
 the Anfwer*. 
 
 S T R r 
 
 I Was extremely ill with a fit of the Gout when I 
 received your letter, fo that I could not anfwer it 
 fooner ; but now having obtained a fhort refpite. I 
 fhall, with pleafure, give you all the fatisfaclion thar 
 lays in my power. I have often taken notice of yoQr 
 induftry, in providing for your family ; and although 
 I will not fay that ever I contributed towards your 
 fubfiflence, yet I am certain fome gentlemen have ; 
 fo that you may reft futisfied, you have not been for- 
 gotten,. 
 
 O3 &
 
 LETTERS e 
 
 It gives me great pleafure, that your letter came 
 to me before I had difpofed. of my right and p relent a- 
 tion, and your Ton fhall have it. This, however, is 
 but trifling, for I would be glad to do fomething for 
 the iefl: of your family. Your eldeft daughter is now 
 fit to go to fcrvice ; and, if you will permit her to 
 eome into my family, fhe fhail be treated in the molt 
 tender manner. I have fome thing in view for the 
 younger children: and let me beg you will attend to 
 your duty, as the father of a family, and as an honelt 
 man. Virtue - is its own reward, and piety hath the 
 promife. When exhaufted with labour, in the even- 
 ing,. call your children together, and read to them at 
 lealt two chapters in the bible, and teach them to ad- 
 drefs their Maker in praver. Take care never to con* 
 tract debts, but live conhitent with the nature of your 
 eircumllances. Have you little? Be content with it. 
 Are you profperous in life? Reflect that you muft 
 give account to God, in what manner you have dif- 
 poied of his benefits. Upon the whole, be allured, 
 that as long as you act confident with the principles 
 ef virtue, lo long you will find me your friend ; and 
 may prudence direct you in every thing that can ferve 
 towards promoting your interefL 
 
 Yours, 
 
 Edward True man. 
 
 LETTER CVIII. 
 
 From a decayed Trade/man to a Director of the Eoft- 
 India Company, 
 
 Honoured Sir, 
 
 IT is in the deepelt humility, that I addrefs this to 
 you ; for although we were brought up together 
 at the fame fehool, yet Providence has made fuch a 
 valt difference in our temporal circumftances, that I 
 fhould not be furprifed, if you had forgotten there 
 were ever fuch a perfon as myfelf. But notwithltand- 
 ing all that difference, yet I feel myfelf endued with 
 
 courage
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 163 
 
 courage fufncient tofolicit your affiftance, in an hour 
 of diurefs. Your family were diftinguifhed for that 
 benevolence, which is the highefl ornament of hu- 
 man nature, and I have no realon to believe that you 
 are worfethan they. A bright example generally im- 
 prefTes its marks upon the defcendants, virtue grows 
 up from the original root, the tinfel of affluence is 
 thrown afide, and the poor are encouraged to approach 
 within the veil. 
 
 When I fir ft fet up in bufmefs, I had fome hopes of 
 fuccefs ; and, during the firll ten years I kept a fhop, 
 I paid my bills regularly, nor was any order returned 
 without being duly honoured. But, alas! a dreadful 
 reverfe of fortune took place. My brother, who was 
 of an unfettled difpofition, propofed going to the Eaft- 
 Indies; and, as he had no friend but me to truft to, 
 I advanced him more money than was confiftent with 
 the nature of rny'circum Prances to grant. The confe- 
 quence was, he died at the Cape* and every thing was 
 loft. Finding myfelf reduced to the utmoft ftate of 
 diftrefs, I called a meeting of my creditors, and gave 
 them up my all. At prefent I am ftarving ; and all 
 I would defire, is to be admitted to be a common por- 
 ter in the Eaft-India houfe. This would procure 
 bread for my wife and myfelf; but, unlefs you would; 
 be fogood as toafftft me, I muft lofe it for ever. 
 
 As an affli&ed perfon, as a man whofe misfortunes 
 have not been occafioned by any thing that can refleft 
 difhonour on himfelf, let him be permitted to come 
 before you as an humble fupplicant ; my life has been 
 innocent and inoffenfive; I have done my duty to 
 my family ; and, if I have been unfortunate, it is in 
 confequence of what I conlidered to be a good-natured 
 action. Let me beg you will fend me an anfwer^ 
 which will greatly oblige, 
 
 Honoured Sir, your moft obedient, 
 
 But diftreffed fervant, 
 
 George Pritchard, 
 
 LETTER
 
 164 LETTERS on 
 
 LETTER CIX. 
 
 The Anfwer. 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 I Received yours, and am much concerned to hear 
 you are reduced to fuch diftrened circumftances,. 
 I am forry, that a multiplicity of bufinefs prevented 
 me from calling on you; for I can allure you, what- 
 ever you think to the contrary, I have never yet for- 
 gotton either you or your family. 
 
 With refpeft to your requeft, of being admitted a 
 common porter in the Eaft-India houfe, I am afraid. 
 vou have not attended to the nature of that bufinefs. 
 It is not enough to call it laborious, it is fomething 
 more ; and I am certain, that if you have nothing elfe 
 to truft to, it will never fupport you and your wife.. 
 Upon a common average, it does not exceed nine 
 fhillings per week ; and what is that, when all forts 
 of provifions are fold at the moll exorbitant prices? 
 But not to keep you in fufpenfe, I have fomething in 
 view for you, which joined with a compliance of 
 your requeft, will, I think, fupport you through old 
 age. I have procured you the place of porter in one- 
 of the tea warehoufes, and I employed a friend to 
 take a chandler's fhop for you, where your wife may 
 conduct the bufinefs : and what part of the houfe you 
 do not want yourfelves, you may let out in lodgings. 
 
 With refpeft to what you imagine to have been loft 
 by your brother's death, you may make yourfelf quite 
 eafy ; as I fhall procure for you, all that was due to 
 him. And now, my dear Sir, what can I fay more ? 
 Call upon me as foon as you can ; and, be aflured, 
 you (hall never be in want of a friend while I live. 
 
 Your humble fervant, 
 
 John Harrison, 
 
 LETTER
 
 every Occurrence in Life. i6j 
 
 LETTER CX. 
 
 From a young Man, zvho, in a State of Drunkennefs, in~ 
 lifted t&bt a Soldier, to his Majler, a Trade fman in 
 London* 
 
 Honoured Sir, 
 
 HAD I attended to your in ft.ru c"l ions which you 
 tenderly gave me from time to time, you would 
 not have, been troubled with this letter ; but repent- 
 ance comes when, perhaps, it is too late. On Satur- 
 day laft, I unfortunately got into company with fome 
 drunken fellows, who kept me up all night, and 
 in the morning we were all laid hold of by a recruit- 
 ing party, who had contrived to put money into our 
 pockets while we were fb flupid with intoxication, 
 that we neither knew where we were nor what we 
 were doing. What a poor thoughtlefs wretch have I 
 been! I have defpiied the beft advice that could be 
 given; my conduct will be the death of my poor mo- 
 ther, and I am now the moft miferable creature in the 
 univerfe. — I am afhamed to fend you this, and yet 
 perhaps you will pity me. I find you are ac- 
 quainted with Captain Weft, who commands the 
 recruiting party ; and, if you would but fpeak to him 
 in my favour, fo as to procure my difcharge, I will 
 never-for the future keep fuch compnny ; I will at- 
 tend to my bufinefs, and be directed by your in fl ruc- 
 tions. When I think of what I have done, 1 abhor 
 myfelf, and am afhamed to look any of my friends 
 in the face. I am not yet attefted, but the captain 
 threatens to fend rae to the Savoy, which terrifies me 
 much, becaufe I may immediately be fent abroad. 
 Pardon, dear Sir, this fir ft fault I have committed, 
 and I (hall for ever be your faithful fervant ; and by 
 my future conduct convince you., that your comoaf- 
 fion on an unworthy object, has not been beftowed in 
 vain. Let me beg to hear from you, for I am afraid 
 
 every
 
 1 66 L E T T E R S on 
 
 every moment of their taking me before a juftiee, and 
 then it will be difficult to procure my enlargement.. 
 
 I am, honoured Sir, 
 
 With fincerity, yours, &c 
 
 George Hawkins. 
 
 LETTER CXI. 
 
 The Anjwtr, 
 
 George, 
 
 WHAT I have long expecled has now happened,, 
 and while I deteft your unhappy conduct, I 
 ftill pity you. Like the prodigal fon in thegofpel, you 
 wasdelirous of filling your belly with the hulks which 
 the fwine fed on ; and having divefted yourfelf of 
 the fear of God, you joined yourfelf to a company of 
 wretches who glory in their fhame. All the iniiruc- 
 tions I gave you, have been like water fpi It on the 
 ground, and I look upon your ruin as completed. 
 Suppofmg I was to interfere in your favour, whatrea- 
 fon have I to expeft you will ever change your con- 
 duel:? No, George, I am afraid you are too much 
 attached to your gracelefs companions, ever to return 
 to your duty. As young men proceed gradually from 
 virtue to vice, fo evil habits are not gafily fhaken off. 
 You may make profeflions under your oppreft calami- 
 tous circumitances, and difregard them as foon as you 
 are fet at liberty. 1 have often told you, that if ever 
 you gave yourfelf up to company in alehoufes, you 
 would fink into the grofleft vices; you would negleft 
 your bufmefs, and live to be defpifed by all thole who 
 wifhed to promote your intereft. 
 
 But, George, that you may have nothing to plead 
 in your defence, if ever you mould plunge yourfelf 
 in the fame unhappy condition again, 1 have pro- 
 cured your difchargej and I will ftill employ you on 
 
 condition
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 167 
 
 condition that you fpend the evenings at home ; for 
 it is my fixed refolution, that no drunkard fhall refide 
 in my houfe. I know that I am accountable for my 
 conduct to my fervants,^ and you rauft acknowledge, 
 you never yet faw any thing in my behaviour from 
 whence you could take an evil example. I have paid 
 the money for you to the captain, and if you behave 
 as I would have you, I will never demand one (hil- 
 ling from you. 
 
 I am your fincere friend, 
 
 John Bellamy, 
 
 LETTER CXII. 
 
 From a Merchant in London, to one of the Boys belonging 
 to Chrijl's Hofpital, on his going into the Naval Service* 
 
 Dear Charles, 
 
 WHEN you was left an orphan, I got you ad- 
 mitted into Chrifl's Hofpital, where you have 
 received an education to qualify you for the fea. It 
 gives me great pleafure to find that you have not fpent 
 your time in idlenefs, and therefore I have procured 
 y.ou a good place on board one of his majefty's fhips of 
 war. I may add, that I have recommended you to the 
 captain ; for whenever I begin a good work, I al- 
 ways endeavour to fee it completed. But frill, I 
 have not yet done : I mud continue my inftru£tions, 
 as long as you receive them with docility and cordi- 
 ality, while your mind is untainted by vice, I fhall 
 retain fome hopes of promoting your intereft. 
 
 You are now got into a fmall wooden world ; but, 
 fmall as it is, you will find in it all the paflions, and 
 all the vices that are to be found in the kingdom at 
 large. The consideration of thefe things, induces 
 me to put you in mind of the neceflity you are under 
 to be upon your guard. Let not any of thofe on 
 
 board
 
 i68 LETTERS on 
 
 board frighten you from your duty : be not afhamed 
 of religion, for thofe who honour God, he will ho- 
 nour; and thofe that defpife him, fhall be lightly 
 efleemed. You will frequently hear blafphemous 
 oaths repeated; but, in fie ad of being contaminated 
 by the pernicious infection, confider, that if you feek 
 afliftance from God, you will have great reafon to 
 expect his gracious protection, in keeping you from 
 being led away by the dream of pernicious tempU- 
 tion. — Are you not daily furrounded by innumerable 
 dangers? The enemy and the lea both war again ft 
 you ; and, as death prefents itfelf to you on every 
 fide, furely you ought to be prepared for it ; for as 
 death leaves you, judgment will find you. I was 
 fome time at fea in my youth, and I have reafon to 
 blefs God, that no temptation could ever force me to 
 blafpheme his name. The pleafure I enjoyed was in- 
 expreflible, and although often mocked by my grace- 
 lefs companions, yet they refpe&ed me at iaft. I have 
 fent you a few good books, which I hope you will 
 perufe at your leifure hours ; and may God Almighty 
 direct you, and keep you in his fear, that you may 
 enjoy his favour. 
 
 I am your fecond parent, 
 
 Thomas Hanbury. 
 
 LETTER CXIII. 
 
 From a Sailor on board one of the King's Ships to his 
 Wife. 
 
 On hoard the Terrible, in Plymouth-Sound, 
 My dear Molly, 
 
 WE have been here fome time waiting for the 
 admiral, whom we expeft every day ; and 
 in the mean time, we are taking in frefh water and 
 
 provifions
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 169. 
 
 provifions. Although I happened to be impreffed, 
 yet, whatever many perfons may think, I can allure 
 you, that if a feaman will do his duty, he need not 
 be afraid of any thing. We have plenty of victuals, 
 a^nd good wholefome beer ; and although, when at 
 fea, our provifions are falted, yet as foon as we arrive 
 at a port, all forts of freih provifions are brought u&. 
 I have fixteen pounds to receive, which will be paid 
 you on applying to Mr. Brown, our agent at the 
 Navy-Office; and you may expeft to hear again from 
 me, as foon as an opportunity offers. Our captain, 
 who has behaved like a man of courage and honour , 
 has written to a merchant in London, to get dear little 
 Tommy into the Blue-coat- Hofpital, where he will 
 receive a good education. As for the two young ones, 
 you will do for them as well as you can, and I will 
 fend you money as often as I can. I (hall not fpend 
 any thing, but for the moil neceflary articles, and 
 we are in great hopes of picking up i I iw of our 
 enemy's (hips. 
 
 Let me beg the children may be kept at a day 
 fchool, 'till they can read their Bible, and fhift 
 for themfelves: this is all we can do for them; 
 and when we come to a death-bed, we (hall have the 
 pleafure to reflect, that our time in this life has not 
 been fpent in vain. 
 
 I am your affectionate hufband, 
 
 John Mizzen. 
 
 LETTER CXIV. 
 
 The Anfwer* 
 
 Dear Hujband, 
 
 I Received yours, and blefTed be God you are well. 
 The children fned tears over their father's letter, 
 and prayed that Providence would once more reftore 
 P you
 
 i 7 o LETTERS on 
 
 you to them. I was paid fixteen pounds by Mr. 
 Brown •, and fuch was his generofity, that he gave 
 me back, the fees. Tommy is to be admitted into 
 the Bluc-coat-Hofpital at Eafter; and as for the young 
 ones, I fhall take all the care of them you can defirp 
 or wifh. Betty is already in the teftament, and Polly 
 has juft begun her fpel ling-book : they are good 
 children, and they go to church every Sunday. I have 
 bought them new ltufF gowns, and fuch other things 
 as they were in want of; for you know I muft make 
 the bcfl ufe of the money. I have three days warn- 
 ing every week, at the houfe of a gentleman in the 
 neighbourhood; and he has promifed to get Betty into 
 tile charity-fchool. Thus you fee every thing is as 
 well »s could have been expected, nay, blefled be 
 God it is no worfe. I hope the Almighty will pre- 
 ferve my dear from all thofe dangers which he is con- 
 tinually expofed to; and reftore him at laft to the arms 
 pf an affectionate wife, and three amiable children. 
 JSuchis the prayer of one who muft love you for ever. 
 
 Elizabeth Mizzen. 
 
 L E T T E R CXV, 
 
 ■From a young Woman gone to Service in London to her 
 Lover in the Country, 
 
 Dear Billy, 
 "| Would have written to you before, .but our people 
 A have had fo many vifitors, that I could not fpare 
 time; but now having an opportunity. I fhall in 
 cofipliarace with my proinife, begin to keep up that 
 friendfhip by writing, which was begun while we 
 were in the country. The people I am fettled with 
 have treated me with civility; nor can I fay that they 
 exact more from me, than I am able to perform, 
 •liut ftill I am. not altogether pleafcd with my fituation :
 
 every Occur" re mce in Life. vfi 
 
 you know it was my con flan t practice to get up in the 
 morning by fix o'clock, and retire to reft by ten i pi 
 the evening ; then I was fit for all the duties of my 
 flation ; but, alas! what a change has taken placer' 
 Here we breakfaft at noon, dine at {even in the after- 
 noon ; then our gentry go out to fpend the evening, 
 and feldom return 'till three in the morning. 
 
 This is what I little expe&ed ; and I am afraid, 
 that, if I continue much longer in this place, rtiy 
 health will be injured, for I have already caught cold, 
 and I have not an opportunity of taking any thing 
 for it. I wifh you would confult with my mother 
 what is beft for me to do ; for although 1 am rathev 
 unwilling to leave my place, yet I know fhe would 
 not defire me to continue in it, upon the fuppofitiofl 
 that I fhould receive any injury. Let me hear from 
 you as foon as pofiible, and be allured, that 
 
 I am fmcerely yours, 
 
 MafTy Ballard, 
 
 LETTER CXVI, 
 
 The Arifwtr, 
 
 Dear Polly, 
 
 I Received yours, and the account you give me of 
 your (ituation, affects me mere than I am able Ti£ 
 exprefs ; but it is what I expected, for when 1 was in 
 London, I found my own circumftances exactly iimi- 
 lar to*what you have reprefented. You know I faici 
 every thing to diftuade you from going to London, 
 but you was fixed in your refolution, fo that I did 
 not chufe to contradict you. It is certainly the duty 
 of every young perfon to fee as much of the world as 
 poiTible ; but fudden changes are feldom attended 
 with beneficial confequences. I waited on your mo- 
 ther, and fhe is defirous you would return as foon as 
 you can; and my father is going to fet me up in a 
 P 2 farm,
 
 i;2 LETTE R S on 
 
 farm, fo that I cannot fee what reafon you can have 
 to withhold your hand from me any longer. I will 
 meet you on the road, and I doubt not but we fhall 
 be extremely happy, for it is my defign to make you 
 To. 
 
 I am, dear Polly, 
 
 Your fincere lover, 
 
 William Bzech. 
 
 LETTER CXVII. 
 
 From a young Gentleman in London to his Guardian in 
 the Country. 
 
 On DUELLING. 
 Honoured Sir, 
 
 WHEN I left your family to refide in the Tem- 
 ple, I promifed that I would confult you in 
 all cafes of a difficult nature; for as your good advices 
 were never yet withheld from thofe who wanted them, 
 fo I doubt not but you will be ready on every occafion 
 to affift me. I was a few evenings ago in company 
 with fome young gentlemen, and a difpute arofe con- 
 cerning the merits of an aftrefs, in which I took no 
 part ; but one of the gentlemen challenged the other, 
 and next morning they fought a duel in Hyde-Park. 
 The confequences were not fatal; but the next time 
 I faw them, I endeavoured to diffuade them from fuch 
 a practice, as inconfiftent with moral duty, andtotally 
 oppofite to the Chriftian religion. But how great was 
 my furprife, when I found them treating all I faid 
 with ridicule, and even contempt : they told me, 
 that I had not the fpirit of a gentleman, whofe duty 
 it is to refent every injury, even at the expence of 
 his own life. Strange thought I : am I not commanded 
 to forgive injuries; and as my life was not given by 
 myfelf, fo I can have no right to fport with it, at the 
 expence of injuring my confcience and offending my 
 
 God.
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 373 
 
 God. However, they flill infift, that if I refufe to 
 fight a duel when another injures my honour, or 
 traduces the character of the perfon whom I refpecl:, 
 then I fhall be conlidered as a coward, and driven 
 as a poltroon out of every polite circle. Let me beg 
 to hear from you as loon as you receive this, for I am 
 led into a ilate of doubting, to which I was aftranger 
 'till now. 
 
 I am, honoured Sir, 
 
 Yours dutifully, 
 
 C B a 
 
 LETTER CXVIII. 
 
 Tht Anfzetr* 
 
 Ikar Sir, 
 
 ALTHOUGH I was much engaged in bufinefs 
 when your letter arrived, yet I would not delay 
 one moment in fending you an anfwer. Little did I 
 imagine that ever you could have any douBts in your 
 mind, concerning the horrid practice of duelling ; 
 but I am lorry to find from your own account, that 
 by the keeping bad company you are in the high 
 way to ruin. To believe the obligation of a moral 
 or religious duty, and at the fame time to trifle with 
 it as a matter of fpeculation, ferves only to, point out 
 that there is no wickedneis but men will praclife, 
 if by perverhon of reafon they can flifle the agonizino- 
 pains of a guilty confcience. Whenever I hear of a 
 perfon beginning to doubt of ihe truth of morrd al- 
 ligation, I give him up as loft. The change indeed is 
 not fudden, but gradual ; and ruin is generally the 
 confequence. The young man who has received a 
 virtuous education, and contracts an acquaintance wiih- 
 rakes, whofe time is fpent in extolling plays, and ri- 
 diculing religion; their convention" wears grarkw 
 
 P>. 
 
 o 
 
 ally
 
 i74 LETTERS Otf 
 
 ally off from his mind, every virtuous fentiment ; and 
 the crimes he would have fhuddered at before, while 
 he continued in a regular courie of duty, appear to 
 him as no worfe than trifling follies. He mocks 
 at religion with his profane companions ; he confiders 
 himfelf as fet at liberty from every tyrannical reftraint; 
 he rejoices that religion is no more than a fable, while, 
 at the fame time, he is forging chains to confine him- 
 felf down to everlafting mifery. Be affured, my dear 
 Sir, I have feen inftances of thefe things ; and unlefs 
 you detach yourfelf from your gracelefs companions, 
 you will become a difhonour to your family ; you will 
 bring infamy upon yourfelf in time, and promote 
 your everlafting ruin in eternity. I fhall contider the 
 remainder of your letter in my next, and in the mean 
 time, 
 
 I am, dear Sir, 
 
 Your fincere well-wifher, 
 
 Georce Parval. 
 
 LETTER CXIX. 
 
 From the Same to the Same, 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 I Come now to the fecond part of your letter, 
 namely, that which relates to duelling, or, in other 
 words, genteel murder. Don't be furprifed at the ex- 
 preffion, for whatever you may think to the contrary, 
 I am very well convinced that it deferves no better 
 name. Every Chriftian is commanded to forgive in- 
 juries, and to love his enemies; to do as he would be 
 done by ; and to confider it as more noble to fubdue 
 the firft emotions of anger, than to give vent to ungo- 
 vernable pafhons, to expofe his own foul and body to 
 danger, or deprive his friend of his life. Does a 
 lufiian challenge you to fight? tell him that you muft 
 
 net
 
 every Occurrence in Liee. i 7 ^ 
 
 not fight, unlefs called to it in the way of duty. 
 Confider whether it is not more honourable to fub- 
 mit to trifling affronts, than to plunge a fvvord into 
 the heart of your neighbour. You mention honour, 
 and honour is the hobby-horfe of every one who is 
 unacquainted with it. It is like a proflitute pretend- 
 ing to have modefty, or a thief to have honefty. 
 True honour, Sir, confifts in doing our duty in pri- 
 vate life, and then extending the influence of our 
 example to the community at large. It is the duty 
 of a man of honour to forgive an injury ; it is the cha- 
 racter of a profligate to refent it. Am I to hazard 
 my eternal falvation, becaufe I am called a fool or a 
 blockhead? No, Sir: our Saviour was called by the 
 moft opprobious names, while he was goina about 
 doing good, and mocked when he laid down his life 
 for a guilty world. How different the character of 
 the duellift! I have often wifhed that we had a law 
 amongft us, obliging every perfon who fends a chal- 
 lenge to another, to pay a fine of five hundred pounds, 
 or be committed to the houfe of correction for one 
 year; nay, I would have the duellift, who kills his 
 friend, hanged up in chains on the fpot where the 
 murder was committed, and all his perfonal eftate 
 confifcated for the benefit of the poor. Let me be?, 
 Sir, that I may hear no more from you on this fub- 
 je£t: keep no more company with fuch wretches as 
 you have defcribed : attend to what I taught you in 
 your tender years, and then you will have reafon to 
 blefs me for this advice. 
 
 I am, dear Sir, 
 
 Your afle&ionate guardian, 
 
 George Parval, 
 
 LETTER
 
 i 7 S L E T T E R S otf 
 
 LETTER CXX. 
 
 From a young Gentleman to a Friend. 
 On M EMORY. 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 I Have often wondered how you can remember every 
 thing you read ; £or n o fooner do I perufe a work 
 than I forget it. You have often told me, there is. 
 fuch a thing as an artificial memory ; but as I did 
 not rightly comprehend your meaning, I took no fur- 
 ther notice of what you faid, which probably has in- 
 duced you to look upon me as one who paid no re- 
 gard to your in ftruftions. I hope, however, you will 
 think more favourably of me, and continue that 
 friendfhip which we contracted fome years ago. In- 
 deed it grieves me much to think that I have read 
 authors, whom I often hear quoted in company, but 
 can feldom repeat a fingle paffage in them. I tell 
 my companions that I have read fuch and fuch a 
 book, but when, they defcend to particulars, I am 
 loft in ignorance and darknefs. What, my, dear 
 friend, is this owing to ? Or why fhould I read 
 to forget? Let me beg you will give me your opinion 
 on this fubjeel, for I cannot bear the thoughts of go- 
 ing through the world as an animal being, without 
 memory, refle&ion, or judgment. I am afraid I have 
 not made a judicious choice of books, but have read 
 whatever prefented itfelf to me without order or me- 
 thod. Whatever you diclate (hall be facredly, ad- 
 hered to by me ; and happy (hall I confider myfelf, 
 if I can but enjoy thofe pleafures which many do, in 
 "confequence of their remembering the beautiful paf- 
 fages in thofe authors they have read. 
 
 I am, dear Sir, yours refpectfully, 
 
 A. .B. 
 
 LETTER
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 177 
 
 LETTER CXXI, 
 
 The Anfzuer, 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 I Received vours, and am not much furprifed at 
 the complaint you have made with refpett to the 
 want of memory, efpecially as vou have not adhered 
 to any fixed plan of reading. Reading every book 
 juft as it comes to hand, , is like a perfon fwallowing 
 down twenty different forts of victuals in a day. The 
 one creates a foulnefs in the ftom'ach, which gene- 
 rally ends in a Confumption ; the other difcompofes 
 the rational faculties, and makes learning itfelf (one 
 of the greatefl ornaments of human life) a nuifance, 
 inftead of a real advantage. In perufing books of 
 hiftory, you muft take memorandums of the moffc 
 ftriking incidents ; and thefe you mud arrange in 
 fuch a manner, as to be able to refer to them on 
 every occafion. In poetry, confider the fubjeft mat- 
 ter the author has in view ; and having read a paf- 
 fage two or three times over with care and attention, 
 you will remember it at your leifure hours, and be 
 enabled to repeat it in converfation. I am forry we 
 have not in our language fo much as the plan of a 
 common-place-book, to affift the memory •, for fuch 
 as have been publifhed under that title do not deferve 
 the name. During the fourth century of Chriftianity, 
 it was common to repeat the acts of our Saviour and 
 his apoftles in veife, which made a lafting impreffion 
 on the minds of the hearers ; and this feems to have 
 been the practice in latter times, for we are told in 
 the life of Grotius, that he compofed the principles of 
 the Chriftian religion in verfe, and had them fung in 
 the ftreets of the raoft capital cities in Holland. I 
 have often wifhed that until fuch time as we can pro- 
 cure the plan of a common-place-book, this practice 
 was to be a little more attended to; for a man will 
 remember many things written in agreeable verfe, 
 
 which.
 
 i 7 8 LETTERS on 
 
 which in profe would be forgotten. Language is the 
 fame, whether in profe or in verfe ; and translators 
 may make ufe of either, i'o as they do no injury to the 
 original.* I (hall at all times be ready to give you 
 what inftruclions lay in my power ; but you mud ex- 
 cufe me when I tell you, that unlefs you think while 
 you read, your reading will be but of little fervice. 
 I am, dear Sir, yours fincerely, 
 
 H» Bowe>;» 
 
 LETTER "CXXIL 
 
 From a young Man, a Soldier in the Militia, to his 
 Father in Yorkfnire* 
 
 Honoured Sir, 
 
 I Had not an opportunity of feeing you fmce I was- 
 drawn into the militia ; for the regiment marched 
 within a few days after. We are now encamped, and 
 I can allure you that whatever little difficulties we. 
 may have to druggie with, yet when I confider every 
 thing, I have no reafon to complain. Had I refufed to 
 engage in defence of the injured rights of my country, 
 I might have remained in Yorkfhire as an idle drone ; 
 but now I have fome comfort, in confidering that I 
 am engaged in the way of my duty. We have prayers 
 andafermon every Sunday in the camp, and our colo- 
 nel has ordered a Bible to be given to each of us. 
 Nothing but regularity takes place; and as for curling 
 and fwearing, which you always cautioned me againfl 
 
 * We would beg leave to recommend to young people in par- 
 ticular, the following work, which forms a valuable epitome of 
 divine revelation, The Hijlory of the Bible in Verfe, as contained in 
 the Old and New Teftaments, with o:cafional notes, including a 
 concife relation of the facred hiftory from the creation to the time s 
 of our Lord and Saviour Jefus Chrift and his apofties : and com- 
 prehending all the memorable tranfactions of upwards of tour 
 thoufand years. By John Fellows. It is now publilhing in 16 Six- 
 penny numbers, adorned with beautiful copper-plates elegantly en- 
 graved, or in 4 neat pocket volumes, price only 10s. neatly bound'. 
 
 we
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 179 
 
 we know nothing of it. Why then, Sir, fhould I 
 complain ? The great and good colonel Gardener, 
 who had a paternal eftate of his own, cheerfully laid 
 down his life for the rights of his country ; and al- 
 though I am only a private foldier, yet if I do my 
 duty, may I not expecl: that my reward will in pro- 
 portion be equal to his ? Upon the whole, I think 
 ■that thefe three years fervitude may be attended with 
 the mod beneficial confequences, if I improve them 
 in a proper manner. Give my duty to my mother and 
 love to my niters, and beg they will continue to re- 
 member me. 
 
 I am, honoured Sir, 
 
 Your dutiful fori, 
 
 John Miles. 
 
 LETTER CXXIII. 
 
 The Father's yinfwer.. 
 
 Dear jfacky, 
 
 I Received yours, and am glad to hear that you are 
 fo well reconciled to the hardships of a life, the 
 mod honeffc and honourable that you could have em- 
 braced. I have often wondered, why people fhould 
 find fault with a military life. The life of a Chrif- 
 tian is compared to that of a foldier; for the apoftle 
 Paul tells us, that he had fought the good fight of faith. 
 Many of the mod eminent perfons among the primi- 
 tive Chriftians were foldiers, andfome of them cheer- 
 fully laid down their lives for the truth, as it is re- 
 vealed to us in the Sacred Scriptures. The father of 
 the great St. Auflin was a foldier ; Conftantine the 
 great was a Roman general, before he embraced the 
 Chriflian religion ; and Jovian, the emperor, did 
 notconfider it as a difhonour to look up to the Di- 
 vine Being for fuccefs, before he engaged in any mi- 
 litary exploits. Religion, my dear boy, is the grand 
 
 ornament
 
 i3o LETTERS on 
 
 ornament of human life, and where can you make it 
 appear with a more beautiful, a more diftingui {hing 
 lull re, than in faithfully difcharging the duties of a 
 military life? There is one thing, however, I mult 
 caution you agamft ; namely, a connection with thofe 
 in the camp whom you will find given up, as it were, 
 to all forts of wickednels. My dear lad, never for- 
 get that you are an accountable being, and therefore 
 the more profanity you hear in company, you ought 
 to be the more on your guard. Glorious indeed 
 mufl the character of thole perfons appear in the 
 fight of Heaven, who by putting their truft in the 
 providence of God, and feeking his affiflance, have 
 been able to refill the force of temptation. May every 
 blefling attend my dear fon, and when he has ferved 
 his country according to the appointed time by law, 
 may he be reftored to his indulgent parents, is the fin- 
 cere wifh of a father who loves him. 
 
 George Miles. 
 
 LETTER CXX1V. 
 
 From a young Woman, who had been /educed, to her 
 aged Father in the Country, 
 Ever honoured Father, 
 
 BU T, alas ! why do I make ufe of fuch a facred 
 name ? I have trampled upon all your com- 
 mands, and have forfaken both you and my God. I 
 have brought my mother's grey hairs with forrow to 
 the grave ; and although there can be no doubt but 
 {he is in a ftate of happinefs, yet how can I forgive 
 myfelf for the trouble I gave her, when, confident 
 with my duty, I mould have been her comfort. Ah! 
 Sir, why was I born ? Was it to diihonour you, or 
 to ruin my own precious and immortal foul ? Yes, 
 Sir, and I am afraid both foul and body are ruined. 
 But is there no mercy with my God ? Can I expeft 
 
 no
 
 every Occurrence in Life. i8t 
 
 no forgivenefs from a once indulgent parent. In an 
 unguarded moment I complied with the defires of a 
 villain, and, confident with the whole of his character, 
 no fooner had he in all refpe£ts completed my ruin, 
 than he triumphed over my weaknefs. But will my 
 dear father fhut up the bowels of his compaflion againft 
 a guilty, though a penitent daughter ? Did not you once 
 love me, while in a ftate of the pureft innocence ? 
 And will you not be my friend in a ftate of diftrefs? 
 Remember, Sir, that I am ftili your child let my offence 
 be ever fo great. Take me once more into the arms 
 of your parental affettion, and the whole of my life 
 fhall be one continued aft of obedience. I have none 
 but you to apply to, and let me beg your anfwer may 
 not drive me to defpair. 
 
 I am, ever honoured Sir, 
 
 Your ami&ed daughter, 
 
 Mary Wilson. 
 
 LETTER CXXV. 
 
 The Father's Anfwer* 
 
 Dear Child, 
 
 IS there joy, my dear, in heaven over one finner that 
 repenteth, more than over ninety and nine perfons 
 who need no repentance ? Has God fent the fon of 
 his love to die for mortals ? Has he fet open the 
 gates of falvation for finners ? And mud I refufe ex- 
 tending my compaffion to a beloved though an of- 
 fending daughter ? Gracious God forbid ! may never 
 fuch a fentiment take place in my mind. It was my 
 principal ftudy to bring you up in the fear of God ; 
 and although you have once yielded to the force of 
 temptation, yet I know we are all frail creatures ; and, 
 therefore, as we expe£t mercy from the Divine Being, 
 fo we ought to do as we would be done by. Let not 
 
 Q the
 
 1 82 L E T T E R S on- 
 
 the confideration of any thing that has happened' 
 induce you to confider me as your enemy ; no, my 
 dear, I am your real friend. I am your father, and 
 I have arms of companion extended to receive you. 
 Let me therefore beg you will come to me, no faults 
 fhall be remembered : and in confequence of your 
 mother's death, you fhall be miftreis of my houfe, 
 for I will never give you a ftep-mother. Do not, my 
 dear, mention defpair, for in fuch cafes, I am afraid 
 there is but little hope of pardon. Come to my in- 
 dulgent arms, and I fhall never think of your having 
 been guilty of a fault. I have been guilty of errors ; 
 I muft look up to the Divine Being for pardon, and 
 why then fhould I not pardon you ? Yes, my dear. I 
 do it with a cheerful heart ; and let me beg to fee you 
 as foon as you receive this, becaufe every thing is 
 ■prepared for your reception, and you will find your 
 life agreeable. 
 
 I am, dear child, your affectionate father, 
 
 John Wilson. 
 
 LETTER CXXVI. 
 
 The young Woman's Anfcoer to her Father, 
 
 Ever honoured Sir, 
 
 YOU have often told me in the days of my inno- 
 cence, that thofe who intend to aft uprightly, have 
 reafon to expeft the divine favour ; and altho' I may 
 be juflly confidered as unworthy of it, yet a circum- 
 stance has taken place, which I hope will be for my 
 advantage, and give fome comfort to my aged parent. 
 Mr. Serle, the curate of our pariih, was a few even- 
 ings ago in company with Mr. Brown, by whofe 
 vile insinuating arts I was firft feduced ; and the wor- 
 thy clergyman reprefented his guilt to him in fuch 
 lively colours, that next morning he brought a licence, 
 and we were married. I have great reafon to hope 
 that Mr, Brown will make a good hufband, for he is 
 
 now
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 10*3 
 
 now convinced of his folly, and only waits for your 
 bleiTmg. He is in a good way of bufinefs, and there- 
 fore I think riiyfelf extremely happy. We (hall wait 
 upon you in a few days, fo that I mud beg you 
 will not upbraid him with any thing that is paif, : 
 as a reparation has been made for the injury done 
 mej let all be forgotton, that I may {till have an 
 opportunity of living in the world in a creditable 
 manner. Receive us, my dear father, with open 
 arms of affection; and then you will have ihe plea- 
 ting reflection in your mind, that you have, by one 
 act. of generality, relcued an unhappy couple from 
 
 I am, ever honoured Sir, 
 
 Your affe&ionate daughter, 
 
 Mary Brows, 
 
 LETTER CXXVIL 
 
 From a Father of a young Family to a Gentleman of 
 confiderable Rank* 
 
 Honoured Sir, 
 
 ABOUT ten years ago, when I married, you 
 acled to me the part of a real friend, and by 
 fetting me up in bufinefs, enabled me to provide for 
 my family; but, alas! a variety of circumitances 
 have fince that time, andr indeed very lately, taken 
 place, that without your advice, and the a Alliance of 
 worthy generous perfons, I fhall become a mofr. mi- 
 ferable object, and my children be left unprovided 
 for. The truth is, my wife died about two months- 
 ago, and the affliction 1 have been under on that me- 
 lancholy occalion has preyed fo much on my ip'rits, 
 that I did not attend properly to bufinefs, 'till forced 
 to it by neceflity, and then I found my affairs very 
 much embarrailed. My wife did not keep a proper 
 account of what articles fhe fold on credit, fo that it 
 O2 is
 
 184 LETTERS on 
 
 is not in my power to recover many things due to me ; 
 and you know my fmall place in the Cuftom-Houfe 
 prevented me from giving a conftant attendence to 
 my fhop. I fee nothing lefs than mifery before me ; 
 I am too poor to become a bankrupt, even if I had 
 an inclination to be fo ; but all the horrors of a prifon 
 prefent themfelves to my view. What can I do, Sir, 
 in a prifon? There I fhall be buried from the world ; 
 there I cannot work, and while 1 am there my poor 
 children will flarve. I dare not folicit you, for any 
 pecuniary gratification, having received much of that 
 already; but ftill, in Chriflian charity, I may beg 
 you would advife me how to act. I have fent enclofed 
 the (late of my affairs ; and, upon the fevered fcrutiny, 
 it will be found that 1 have not made ufe of a fmgle 
 falfhood. I would call upon you, but cannot without 
 yourpermilTion, which I hope, from your well known 
 good nature, you will not refufe to grant. 
 
 I am, honoured Sir, 
 
 Refpeafully, although afBi&ed, 
 
 Sincerely yours, 
 
 Richard Prick. 
 
 LETTER CXXVIII. 
 
 The Anfzoer. 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 I Received your letter, and the contents have afTe&ed 
 me much. I was in hopes that you and your wife 
 had conducted things in fuch a prudent manner that 
 a fufHcient provifion would have been made for your 
 family. It was in order to promote fo defirablc an 
 end that I procured you a place in the Cuftom- 
 P*oufe; but now 1 find that all my endeavours to ferve 
 you have been of no manner of ufe. Remember I 
 
 do
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 185 
 
 do not accufe you of criminality ; for when I give 
 advice I am always tender, left the advice itfelf mould 
 defeat its own intention, and make the man unhappy 
 whom I thought it my duty to ferve. The enclofed 
 ftate of your affairs is melancholy indeed; for I find 
 you have neither a capital to carry on bufinefs, nor 
 fufficiency to pay vour debts, and your place in the 
 Cuftom-Houfe will not fupport you under fuch cir- 
 cumstances. You afk for my advice, and that fliali 
 be readily granted; I only wifh it could be attended 
 with beneficial confequences, fo as to preferve you 
 from ruin and promote the intereit of your family.. 
 The accounts you have fent me of your wife's neglect 
 i-n keeping properaccounts, fhould have been attcnded- 
 to long fince : for furely you mult have had occafion 
 to make up payments before, and had you attended 
 in a proper manner to your books, you would have 
 found where the mi (lakes lay, before it was too late to. 
 rectify them. I would have you to fummons a meeting 
 of your creditors, and as I am one I fhall attend. 
 Give, up, without referve, all you have to them, and 
 I (hall endeavour to procure you time for the payment 
 ol the remainder. Whatever is fpent at the meeting 
 1 will pay for, and I will repurchafe all you have, in 
 order to fet you up again in bufinefs. My conduct in 
 fuch an important affair will influence the reft of the 
 creditors, and then I doubt not of feeing you as well 
 fettled, in bufinefs as ever. 
 
 I am, Sir, yours, 
 
 A. B.. 
 
 L E T T E R CXXIX. 
 
 From a young Man imprifoned for Debt, defying to be. 
 reconciled to an aged Aunt, whom he had of ended. 
 Honoured Madam, 
 
 LOOK with companion to the fubfeription of this 
 letter, written from a difmal prifon by a wicked 
 young man, on whole education you fpent bothtimeand: 
 Q 3 pains,
 
 186 L E T T E R S on 
 
 pains, although he has not treated you with that gra- 
 titude which was his duty. The truth is, dear aunt, 
 my eyes are now opened, and with fhame I fee my 
 folly, my mifery, my ruin. To whom, while I am 
 ftarving with cold and hunger, can I apply but to you. 
 Is there no mercy for a penitent prodigal ? I am wil- 
 ling, nay, defirous to return to the paths of virtue ; 
 but am I to receive no favour? be honoured with no 
 fort of proteftion ? nor treated with common hu- 
 manity ? I read yefterday the parable of the prodigal 
 fon, who in conlecruence of his contrition, his fenfe 
 of his former follies and his refolution of amendment, 
 was received with open arms of reconciliation by his 
 father. And why, my dear aunt, will not you pity 
 me ? I am as much afhamed when I reflect on my 
 former conduct in life, as you can be to hear my ac- 
 tions repeated : but when God offers pardon to re- 
 penting finners, whyfhould wewithholdourcharitable 
 afliftance from each other? Confider me, although 
 fenfible of my folly, yet in the high road to deftruc- 
 tion. From the morning to the evening, and even 
 during the whole of the night, I hear nothing befides 
 curfing, fwearing, blafphemy, and obfcenity. While 
 I think of my duty as a fmcere penitent, I am tempt- 
 ed, in order to avoid the imputation of fingularity, 
 to approve of what is faid by thofe who have not the 
 fear of God before their eyes. Extend your benevo- 
 lence, dear aunt, in order to extricate me from this 
 wretched ftate of confinement, which cannot be called 
 better than hell upon earth. The remainder of my 
 life fhall convince you of my fmceriry, and the bleffmg 
 of him who was ready to perifh will be your everlaft- 
 ing portion. 
 
 I am, honoured Madam, 
 
 Your unhappy nephew, ' 
 
 George Wall is. 
 
 LETTER
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 187 
 
 LETTER CXXX. 
 
 The Anfwer. 
 
 Unhappy George, 
 
 I Received your letter, and read it with that atten- 
 tion which the ferious nature of the fubject pointed 
 out to me ; and although you feem to imagine that 
 I am unaffected with your prefent miferable fituation ; 
 although you think me devoid of bowels of compaf- 
 fion, yet in both you are mi (taken ; for I know how 
 to forgive the follies, the vices of youth ; to receive 
 with the utmoft cheerfulnefs the returning prodigal, 
 and to point out to the fmcere penitent a line of fub- 
 fequent duty. Your being arretted and thrown into 
 prifon, is what I expected long before the melan- 
 choly event took place. That your mifery is great 
 I cannot doubt, I wifh I was as well convinced of the 
 fincerity of your repentance. Profeflions of virtuous 
 refolutions made during a ftate of confinement are 
 feldom fincere, and as feldom do they take place in 
 the conduct of the perfon who has been fet at liberty. 
 Afflictions may have brought you to a fenfe of your 
 pad follies, but under that affliction has any amend- 
 ment of life taken place ? Affliction may have in- 
 duced you to defpife the conduct of your abandoned 
 companions; but, if fet at liberty, would not you 
 chufe to herd with them again ? You declare that it 
 is horrid, to be a conftant ear witnefs to the blafphe- 
 mous exprefhons made ufe of in prifon ; but, if at li- 
 berty, would not you join yourfelf to wretches, who, 
 divefted of the fear of God, make ufe of the fame 
 exprefhons ? I am afraid you would : however, as I 
 would not be cenforious, but give all the encourage- 
 ment in my power to the perfon who declares himfelf 
 afhamed of his former conduct, fo I have fent an or- 
 der for the payment of your debts ; and you will re- 
 ceive as much as will equip you in a proper manner, 
 to fee me : but let me beg you will leave your 
 
 oaths
 
 188 LETTERS on 
 
 oaths and blafphemy in the prifon, and when you 
 come out of fight of London, forget every place whore 
 your manners were contaminated, and where you was 
 firft feduced fiom your duty to God, to your country, 
 your friends, and yourielf, 
 
 I am your affectionate aunt, 
 
 Arabella Walker. 
 
 LETTER CXXXI. 
 
 From a Farmer in the Country to his Landlord in 
 London, 
 
 Honoured Sir, 
 
 FOR a gentleman of your rank to comply with a 
 hngle requeft made by a poor man, whofe fa-. 
 mily have received many benefits from you, is a great 
 favour indeed, if complied with; and if neglected, 
 it fhall be fubmitted to with becoming refignation. 
 The hi ft thing I have to mention is, that the crop 
 this year has been exceedingly barren, .fo that it will 
 not be in my power to pay the rent before Chriftmas, 
 In that relpect, I doubt not but you will fympathize 
 with me, and write to your fteward to grant me. 
 time : but I have another thing to mention ; my fori 
 Jack, whom you have often treated with tenderncfs, 
 has fome thoughts of going to the Eaft-rndies, and 
 I fhould be under many obligations, if you could 
 procure him a proper place ; he knows but little of 
 the nature of the fervice, but your knowledge and< 
 your benevolence are capable to direct him. I would 
 have fent him to London for your advice, but as it 
 will be fome time before the Eaft-India fhips fail, fo 
 I (hall have time to receive your anfwer. I mnft add. 
 further, that there are but two years remaining of. 
 my leafe, and your fteward has intimated to perfons 
 in the neighbourhood, that the rent is to be raifecL 
 I hope this is not true, for your ever honoured father 
 
 told
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 189 
 
 told me, that while I afted as an honeft man, my 
 rent fhould never be raifed, nor fhould I be turned 
 out of the pofleffion of that farm which my father 
 enjoyed, and where I fir ft drew my breath. I doubt 
 not, Sir, but you will confider what I have faid in a 
 proper manner, and whatever you prefcribe fhali be 
 obeyed by me. 
 
 I am, honoured Sir, 
 
 Yours in all humility, 
 
 Thomas Hodges. 
 
 LETTER CXXXII. 
 
 The Anfwer. 
 
 Farmer Hodges^ 
 
 YOU have prefented me with no lefs than three 
 requefts, and I fhall comply with them as far as 
 lays in my power; I mean the fecond, for with re- 
 fpe£l to the fir ft and the laft, I can do as I pleafe. 
 Now, Sir, in regard to the feafon ; I am no ftranger 
 to it, and fo far am I from exacting your rent at the 
 appointed time, that I will give you fix months 
 longer to pay it than you have defned. Your fecond 
 requeft, with refpect to your fon, may be attended 
 with fome difficulty, and yet I doubt not but I fhall 
 accomplish it. I would have him to go out in the 
 ftation of a writer ; and, if the climate fhould agree 
 with his conftitution, he will bid fair to procure a 
 confiderable fortune. Heavens grant it may not be 
 the wages of iniquity ! A curie attends ill-gotten 
 riches, and the avaricious man often reads his guilt 
 in his punifhment. When you fend your fon to Lon- 
 don, I fhall give him proper inftructions, and I doubt 
 not of procuring him a very good place. Laftly, you 
 feem to think that my ft.eward will advance your rent 
 on the renewal of your leafe : be not uneafy on 
 .that account ; my fteward is my fervant, and he can- 
 not
 
 190 LETTERS on 
 
 not do any thing to injure you without my confenf, 
 which be allured fhall never be granted. I refpect 
 what you mention concerning my dear father ; but 
 confider that I am an accountable being as well as he. 
 My father has left me a pious example ; butinftead 
 of confining myfelf to it in a flavifh manner, I hope 
 to afpire beyond it. Let parents teach their children ; 
 but let children endeavour to become both wifer and 
 better than their parents. Upon the whole, I am your 
 fincere friend: and as a proofof that hone ft friendfliip, 
 I havefent fome fmall prefents to your children. 
 
 Yours, 
 
 CtJARlfcS TuftNfc*. 
 
 LETTER CXXXIII. 
 
 From a young Trade/man in London to his Uncle in 
 the Country, 
 Honoured Sir y 
 
 ALTHOUGH I brought your difpleafure upon 
 me, for marrying before the expiration of my 
 apprenticefhip, yet as my wife is one of the moffc 
 virtuous, prudent young women that ever lived, fo I 
 doubt not but you will forgive me. Ever fmce I fe£ 
 up in buhnefs, although much pinched for want of a 
 little money to carry it on. yet I have not contracted 
 one milling of debt beiides what I can pay; and if 
 my capital was a little more enlarged. I fhould be 
 able to undertake feveral confiderable jobs, which I 
 would endeavour to conduct with prudence, and I 
 doubt not but I fhould be well paid. You often ge- 
 neroufly promifed, that if ever I married to voar fa- 
 tisfaftion, you would give me lomething to aiud me : 
 and furelv, Sir, if I have difpleafed you, the event 
 has juftified my choice : and perhaps my circumftances 
 are much better, and my life more happy, than if I 
 had married a wife with ten thoufand pounds. I 
 
 have
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 191 
 
 have loft no time; I keep no company but, where my 
 bufinefs requires it ; my wife is not one of thofe who 
 will take part in the fafhionable follies of this world ; 
 and then may I not expefta bleffing on our endeavours? 
 I muft not beg any thing from you ; but let me hope, 
 that I may yet have the happinefs to be reconciled 
 to your favour. To pardon the guilty (if I have 
 been fo) is the darling attribute of the Deity; and 
 I doubt not but you, who have praftifed a courfe of 
 religious duties, will yet countenance a young man, 
 whom you once treated with tendernefs. 
 I am, honoured Sir, 
 
 Your affectionate nephew, 
 
 S. M. 
 
 LETTER CXXXIV. 
 
 TheAnfwer. 
 Dear Sammy , 
 
 IT is true, that when you married fo young I was 
 much offended, for this juft reafon, that I ima- 
 gined you had completed your own ruin, which was the 
 more furprifing to me, becaufe you had been always 
 virtuous before. It is, however, with peculiar plea- 
 fure, I hear that you have been fuccefsful ; and to 
 convince you of my tendernefs, I have defired Mr. 
 Hogg, to advance you as much money as you can 
 reafonably defire, to enable you to carry on bufinefs. 
 Confider, that if God in his providence has bleffed 
 you with a virtuous partner for life, you will have 
 much to anfwer for, if you do not attend to your duty. 
 When Appelles, the famous painter, drew the figure 
 of an artift, he always represented him with tools in 
 his hands ; thereby infinuating in a ftriking manner, 
 that the man who has been brought up to bufinefs, 
 fhould never be idle. A tradefman mould be induf- 
 trious, but he fhould not place his confidence in his 
 induftry. <f I will do every thing that is right," fays 
 
 a great
 
 192 LETTERS on 
 
 a great man, I* but I will look to heaven for a 
 " blefling." In vain, my dear Sammy, do we rife 
 Toon or fit up late, unlefs God beftows his blefling, 
 and commands his life-giving favour. Riches pro- 
 cured without a dependance on Divine Providence, 
 have a fecret curfe lodged within them : they may 
 give a man the enjoyment for fome time of the afflu- 
 ence of life, but they will never convey peace of 
 confcience, or make him happy in eternity. Bein- 
 duftrious in your bufinefs; be tender to your wife ; 
 and be indulgent to your children : but (till remem- 
 ber, that riches will never make you happy, unlefs 
 the divine favour is (lamped upon them. You will 
 meet with lofies, but they are the unavoidable lot of 
 every man in trade ; and as you know I am no ftranger 
 to bufinefs, fo I think this advice coming from one 
 of fome experience, fhould not be defpifed : but as I 
 am obliged to be abfent a few days from my family, 
 I fhall fend you what I further intended in my next. 
 I am, dear Sammy, your affectionate uncle, 
 
 S. M. 
 
 LETTER CXXXV. 
 
 From the Same in Continuation, 
 
 Dear Sammy, 
 
 I Have received a letter from Mr. Hogg, who in- 
 forms me, that he has paid the money I ordered, 
 and taken your bond, which I (hall fufFerto remain in 
 full force, 'till I fee in what manner you conduct 
 yourfelf, and if your conduct is to my fatisfaftion, 
 the bond fhall be cancelled *, and perhaps when lam 
 no more in this world, you will find that I never ne- 
 glected your intereft. But this leads me to what I had 
 further to fay on a fubjeft which I think is important. 
 There is nothing more common among tradefmen in 
 London, than to keep their country houfes, and make 
 parties of pleafure in their coaches and four on Sun- 
 days.
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 193 
 
 days. This was not always the faftiion, for I can re- 
 member the time, when merchants and tradefmen 
 went to church twice every Sunday, and fpent the 
 evenings at home with their families. 
 
 Can any thing be. more rational than that of fetting 
 apart fome of our time for the worfhip of the Supreme 
 Being ? Is he not the God of creation and providence ; 
 and has he not a right to our fervices? We cannot 
 add to his perfections, but we can fhew ourfelves to be 
 his humble followers, by complying with every com- 
 manded duty. I would therefore advife you, when 
 the bulinefs of the day is over, to fpend fome time 
 with your family in cheerful converfation, and never 
 to frequent public houfes, unlefs you are obliged to 
 do it in the way of bufinefs. On every Saturday 
 evening fettle your books, that you may know how 
 much you are indebted, and what you have to anfvver 
 the demands of your creditors. On Sunday morning 
 call your family together, and put them in mind of 
 the obligations they are under to attend divine worfhip ; 
 go together to the church, and let your own example 
 teach your fervants to behave in a decent, reverend 
 manner: and further, never let your example lead 
 them to the fields, to fpend the afternoon in extrava- 
 gance anddiihpation ; but ftill give them leave to fol- 
 low their own inclinations, for I am fully convinced, 
 your example will work more powerfully upon them, 
 than either exhortations or inft.ruct.ions. Vilit your 
 neighbours in a friendly manner, and even invite 
 them to your own houfe ; but in this be cautious, for 
 too much company is the ruin of bufinefs. By aftin^ 
 confident with thefe prudential rules, you may expert 
 as much fuccefs as is confident with the order of Di- 
 vine Providence, and further you have no reafon to 
 hope. 
 
 I am, dear Sammy, 
 
 Your affectionate uncle, 
 
 S. M, 
 
 R LETTER
 
 194 LETTERS on 
 
 LETTER CXXXVI. 
 
 From a young Man, fettled as a Clerk to a Banker in 
 London, to his Father in the Country. 
 
 Honoured S/r, 
 
 THANKS be to God and to you, that I am 
 now agreeably fettled : it vas my with always 
 to be Co, and now it has taken place. 1 have hxi.y 
 pounds a year allowed me, and I board at thehoufe of 
 your old friend Mr. Walfon, who treats me with every 
 fori of indulgence. He would be glad to fee you in 
 London, but I oft&n tell him that I have no hopes 
 of your coming, becaufe of your having been lo long 
 afflicted with the Gout. My bufinefs is indeed labori- 
 ous, and much is intruded to my care, in confequence 
 of the iecurity I procured by your letter of recommen- 
 dation; but I take pleafure in doing my duty, which 
 I hope will not difpleafe you. I (hall, I hope, at- 
 tend to the inftruftions you have given me from time 
 to time; and although my dear father's bones mould 
 be configned to the lilent grave, yet I have no doubt 
 of meeting with him in heaven. I keep no company 
 in the evenings, but retire to my lodgings, and fpend 
 the time either in converfation or reading. This courfe 
 of life has become fo pleafing to me, that I know not 
 what I coulH exchange for it. I am rather forry that 
 before I left the country, I did not make myfelf bet- 
 ter acquainted with accounts, but that I fhall endea- 
 vour to do at my leifure hours.* 
 
 I am, honoured Sir, your dutiful fon, 
 
 John Mason 1 . 
 
 * Bctt'fzvorth's New Tables of Tntcrcjl are the bed ever yet contrived 
 for the a in it a nee of bankers and tradefmen in general, incafdingup 
 their accounts ; and bv ballancing the inteieit, to point out the dif- 
 ference between debtor and creditor. Mr Bettefworth is alio the 
 author of another httle book, exceedingly well calculated for fhop- 
 kecpes, and entirl d. '• The Univerful Reckoner." Psice is. The 
 Tables, of Intereft are price only is. 6d. adorned with a view of the 
 Bank of England. 
 
 LETTER
 
 evlry Occurrence in Life. 193 
 
 LETTER CXXXVII. 
 
 The Father's Anfwer. 
 
 My dear Jackcy y 
 
 WI TH pleafure I received yours, and if I have 
 not anfwered it by the firft return of the poft, 
 you muft impute it to the real caufe ; namely, x my 
 being obliged to be abfent about the fale of iome 
 cattle, which might have been t ran faded by our man 
 John, had not a difpute arifen from his ignorance of 
 what he was about. The plan you have laid for 
 the regulation of your con duel:, is perfectly con- 
 fident with what I pointed out to you, while you wa* 
 under my care : and while you adhere to it, I fhall 
 have no doubt but you will make a moft diftinguifh- 
 ing figure in this world. You are now intruded with 
 your mailer's property, nay, with the property of 
 thofe who have trufted their property with him. 
 Confider the honour ariling from the confeioufnefs of 
 integrity, and fhudder at the thoughts of injuflice. 
 Human laws may inflict a fmall punifhment for tha 
 breach of truft, but how can you think of anfwering 
 to the Divine Being, if you have robbed your mailer 
 of his property ? It is nothing to me, to tell me that 
 your bondfmen will make good the lofs, while your 
 character is ruined and your eternal welfare at ftakc. 
 But flill I hope better things of my dear fon : he has 
 received a virtuous, a pious education, and why fhould 
 I imagine he will ever a£r, otherwife ? Remember, 
 my dear boy, that if you do your duty without null- 
 ing in your own merits, God will be vour friend i n 
 time ; and, although you have no right to claim it, 
 he will reward you in eternity. Above all things, 
 let me beg you will keep from bad company. Mil- 
 ton compares chaftity to the fweet perfumes of a 
 flower-garden, and lewdnefs to the noxious {lea:irs 
 ariling from corrupted bodies in fepulchres. Attend 
 R 2 to
 
 i 9 5 L E T T E R.S on 
 
 to virtue and religion, and you will be an object 
 of the divine care in time, and of his favour when 
 timefhall be no more. 
 
 I am, your affectionate father, 
 
 W. Mason. 
 
 LETTER CXXXVIII. 
 
 .From a young IHdozv in the Country to her Brother in 
 London, 
 Dear Brother, 
 
 WHILE my hufbandwas alive I had a friend 
 to confult, but now that he is taken from 
 me, whom fhall I go to but you? You have often 
 told me, that in all cafes of diftrefs your advice fhould 
 not be wanting, and certainly I ftand much in need 
 of it at prefent. You know that my hufband left me 
 in very embarraffed circumflances ; and now that I 
 have got things fettled, and paid every one his own, I 
 find myfelf with much lefs than is able to fupport 
 me. I can neither beg nor work, and what then 
 fhall I do ? Mr. Smith, whom you are well ac- 
 quainted with, and who loft his wife about two years 
 ago, has made propofals of marriage to me ; but I 
 cannot give him an anfwer 'till I hear from you. 
 You are the only friend I have in this world, and 
 whom elfe can 1 confult? So far as I can learn,. 
 Mr. Smith has a fair character, and he is in reputa- 
 ble circumflances : he can have no felf-intereft in 
 view, while he folicitsmy hand ; for he knows I have 
 nothing to give, nor any thing to lofe, urtlefs it be 
 that peace of mind which has conftantly fupported 
 me under all my afiH&ions. Under thefe circum- 
 flances, dear brother, give me your advice what to do ; 
 and, I do allure you. it fhall regulate my conduct. 
 
 Your loving lifter, 
 
 Mary Aickin". 
 LETTER
 
 every Occurrence in Life. tgj 
 
 LETTER. CXXXIX. 
 
 The Brother's Anfzucr* 
 
 Dear Sifter, 
 
 EVERY time I receive a letter from you, I pe- 
 rufe it with as much cheerfulnefs as an alder- 
 man of London does the news-papers, when he reads 
 that the flocks have rifen ten per cent, for the day. 
 You know I have been long acquainted with Mr. 
 Smith, and I am convinced he is fuch a one as will 
 never be a difhonour to you, if you confent to give 
 him your hand. The multiplicity of bufmefs which 
 I had to go through with, prevented me from wafting 
 on you, but flill I -never forgot you : you are my 
 iifler, and I will love you while I am in this world. 
 1 think the propofal made to you ought to be ac- 
 cepted of, left a better fhould never offer, fori be- 
 lieve few men will be found more worthy of your 
 notice than Mr. Smith : he is a man who has always 
 attended to bulinefs ; he has a tender and corhpaf- 
 iionate heart, and who more proper to be a huiband 
 to my filter ? I would have you by all means to com- 
 ply with his requeft, becaufe f think it will be for 
 your intereft: nor would I have you to keep him 
 long in fufpence, for he may alter his fenfiments, in 
 confequence o,f fome other objects prefenting them- 
 felves to his view. As you have alieady been mar- 
 ried, foyou know fomething of that ftate, and I doubt 
 not but Mr. Smith and you will be happy m the en- 
 joyment of each other. I will wait upon my. dear filler,. 
 and give her away in marriage, becaufe fhe is to be the 
 wife of my friend. JViay every blelhng attend you ; 
 and may God Almighty, in his infinite wifdom, di- 
 rect you to that which will in the end promote your 
 intereftj isthe fmcere prayer of 
 
 Your affectionate brother, 
 
 George Empson, 
 
 R3 LETTER
 
 198 LETTERS or* 
 
 LETTER CXL. 
 
 From a Gentlewoman, on the Death of her Hujhand, 
 
 Reverend Sir, 
 
 I Have been often advifed by you, during my younger 
 years, to prepare myfelf for affliction, for fooner 
 or later it would take place. Marriage made me hap- 
 py, in my own opinion ; and if happinefs could be 
 found in this world, I believe I enjoyed as much of 
 has moft of thofe with whom I am acquainted. My 
 hufband treated me with tendernefs ; I became the 
 mother of an amiable progeny; my children had (and 
 ftill nave) virtuous inclinations : but my Gcd has ta- 
 ken my hufband from me ! How tender was his love ! 
 how delightful his converfation ! how engaging his 
 friendfhip ! Perhaps I have done fomething to incur 
 the divine difpleafure, and God has iingled me out as 
 an object of his anger. All my faculties are difcom- 
 pofed ; for I once thought that my happinefs was to 
 remain for ever uninterrupted. What vain creatures 
 we are, never Jo take advice 'till it is too late! Had 
 I prepared myfelf to meet with afflictions, I fhould 
 not have been afflicted when that melancholy event, 
 the death of my hufband, took place. I am now a 
 real object, of your pity, and I know that, like your 
 Divine M after, the wretched never folicitcd your af- 
 iiftance in vain. My fon George is bound apprentice 
 to a Linen-draper in London, but the other children 
 are ftill at fchool. My hufband has' left you fomc 
 books and a ring, which you will receive as foon as 
 you arrive at this place, which I hope will be next 
 week. In the mean time, let me beg to hear from 
 you ; for every word of confolation will help towards 
 fupporting me under my prefent affli&ion, and per- 
 haps make a ftate of widowhood eafy. 
 I am } reverend Sir, 
 
 Your unhappy friend, 
 
 Anne Hale. 
 
 LETTER
 
 every Occurrence in Life. ig§ 
 
 L E T T E R CXLI. 
 
 9 The Anfzocr. 
 Dear Madaa, 
 
 HA D I not been convinced of the propriety of 
 that advice you allude to, I would never have 
 given it. I lincerely pity you, but not perhaps on 
 i'uch principles as you may expect. ; and remember, 
 that while I find fault it {hall be with tendernefs, as 
 the only means of producing the defired effeft. And 
 now, Madam, as you placed your confidence in things 
 of a perifhing nature, you muft not be furprifed at 
 finding yourfclf miftaken. You loved your hufband ; 
 it was your duty : but how could you, confident with 
 your knowledge in other refpefts, imagine he was to 
 live for ever? Let me beg you will confider things in 
 a proper light, and not find fault with that Divine 
 Being, who is all love to poor linful creatures, and 
 only feparates them for a time, that they may be for 
 ever happy in eternity. Your hufband lived in the 
 fear of God, and died in the firm perfuafion of a blef- 
 fed immortality. He is waiting for you in a ftate of 
 everlafting happinefs; and the time is but fhort 'till 
 you fhall meet him. unlefs, by your afting in an im- 
 prudent manner, you fhould deprive yourfclf of the 
 divine favour. You feern to think that you have 
 done fomething to offend the Almighty : alas ! have 
 you not done many things to offend him ? Can you 
 recolletl one fingle aftion in the courfe of your life 
 hitheito. that has not been tinftured with fin ? Self- 
 knowledge leads to humility, and to refignation. It 
 teaches us to confider ourfelves as what -we really are, 
 poor miferable creatures ; while the belief of Chrifti- 
 anity infurcs to us the hope of a blefied immortality. 
 Suppoling God had taken yourfelf inftead of your 
 hufband, would not you have been forry to leave be- 
 hind you the pledges of a matrimonial con t raft, of con- 
 jugal fidelity ? Suppofing God had been plcafed to 
 remove you both at the Tame time, how calamitous 
 
 would
 
 aoo LETTERS on 
 
 would have been the cafe? how diftrefled the fituation 
 of your children ? Left to the partial care of intereit.- 
 ed relations, their education might have been ne- 
 glected; they might have been treated with cruelty, 
 exnofed t.) many hardships, and at laft. become pelts 
 of hun-.an focietv : but quite the reverfe has taken 
 place ; your hufband was well prepared for a future 
 ftate, and God took hiin only a little before you. 
 You mutt, however, refle&, that your duty to your 
 children is now double what it was before. You was 
 lately a mother ; but now you come in the place of 
 both father and mother. Spend much of your time in 
 reading the Sacred Scriptures, and learn to acquire 
 their true and genuine fpirit. Make ufe of a practi- 
 cal commentary * ; but never meddle with religious 
 difputes. I fhall, if able, call on you next week j 
 and, in the mean time, 
 
 Am, dear Madam, your fmcere friend, 
 
 Samuel Leighton, 
 
 LETTER CXL1I. 
 
 From a young Gentleman on the Death of his Sweetheart 
 to the Clergyman zo ho attended her. 
 
 Reverend Sir, 
 
 IT is with a trembling hand and an affected heart, 
 that I write to vou on the prefent melancholy oc- 
 cafion. Mils Bates is no more : fhe died in my arms 
 about three hours after you left us yeiierday, and file 
 has left me a miferable being indeed. I had promifed 
 myfelf every thing in her love and friendfhip, but 
 now I am left difconfolate, and my mind is fo much 
 agitated, that I am like one deprived of reafon. 
 
 * The Bishop's Bible, in only 60 numbers, printed for AI.EX. 
 KOGG, is the molt approved Family Bible, and contains a com- 
 plete fyftem of divinity, and may be had of all the bookfellers. The 
 price, elegantly bound, is only thirty-fix (hillings. It mayalfobe 
 had in numbers, one 01 two at a time. The notes are ftiort but 
 pious, and replete with gofpel fimplicity, 
 
 I need
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 201 
 
 I need not mention to you. who was long acquainted 
 with her, the numerous qualifications fhe was pofleffea 
 of, beyond the generality of her fex. Her learning 
 was extenfive, in French, mufick, and all forts of 
 needle-work ; fhe was a pattern of virtue to all the 
 young perfons with whom fhe was acquainted ; and 
 fuch was her piety and love of religion, that many 
 clergymen thought it an honour to fpend fome hours 
 in her company. Under many and great afrlittions, 
 lhe was cheerful 'till fhe left this world ; all which 
 being joined to one of the fitieft figures that ever was 
 feen, rauft have rendered her an object of love to 
 every young man with whom fhe was acquainted. 
 But all was exceeded by her humility. 
 
 Long had fhe fill'd each youth with love, 
 
 Each maiden with defpair; 
 And tho' by all, a beauty own'd, 
 
 Yet knew not fhe was fair. 
 
 My parents aue drowned in tears, on account of my 
 refolution of going abroad; and what can I do ? Shall 
 I give my hand to one inferior to her? And is it pof- 
 fible ever to find her equal ? No, Sir, I will retire 
 from the place of my nativity, and fhut myfelf up 
 from the fociety of men. My life is now become a 
 burthen tome, and where (hall 1 find reft, God only 
 knows. Let me beg to hear from you, and in the 
 mean time, 
 
 I am, reverend Sir, yours fincerely, 
 
 George Fletcher. 
 
 LETTER CXLIII. 
 
 The Anfzver. 
 SIR, 
 
 I Am no ftranger, as you well know, to the virtues 
 of the young woman whom you mention. I have 
 fpent many agreeable hours in her company, and I 
 
 have
 
 202 LETTERS on 
 
 have often blefledthe divine goodnefs that ever I be- 
 came acquainted with her; but it is long fince I con- 
 fidered her as in a dying condition. This, however, 
 fliould give you much comfort in many refpecls : you 
 placed your affections on a worthy object, which was 
 much to your honour ; and (he treated you accord- 
 ing to your merits. She was all tendernefs, and yet 
 it does not. appear to me, that you have profited by 
 the example which fhe fet before you: if fo, would 
 you repine at thedifpenfalions of Providence, and by 
 leaving your native country make your worthy parents 
 rfiiferable P Suppofing you had been mairied to Mifs 
 Bales, God might have taken her from vou. and then 
 perhaps you would have been more miierable than, 
 you are at prefent. Let me perfuade you, if poflible, 
 to attend to your duty in the flation in which Provi- 
 dence has placed you, and then you will be a comfort 
 to your parents in their old age, and perhaps you may 
 -meet with a partner for life, as accomplifhed as Mifs 
 Bates; but if not, full refign yourfelf to the will of 
 heaven. 
 
 .1 am, Sir, your fincere friend, 
 
 John Powel, 
 
 LETTER CXLIV. 
 
 From a Widow Lady to a worthy a?ed Gentleman, 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 TH E care you took of mv morals in my tender 
 years, will ever be remembered with gratitude ; 
 and I impute to your tendernefs, all that happinefs I 
 enjoyed in the marriage ftate. Your advice and your 
 example difplayed virtue as an amiable objecl:, and 
 fhewed religion in her native colours. With refpe£l 
 to the lofs of my hufband, it is what I long ex- 
 pected, and I often praved for that refignation 
 which I now enjoy; but ftiil I am much at. a lofs 
 how to fpend my time. I fomedmes long for eter- 
 nity,
 
 every Occurrence in Life. 203 
 
 nity, and yet I am afraid of death. To confider mv bo- 
 dy as confignedto be food for worms, is ■{hocking, and 
 yet it mull be. Death! how dreadful the thoughl ; and 
 yctitmuft take place. But what is death when compared 
 to eternity, that unknown world, where we know 
 not in what manner we fhall be employed ? Shall we 
 once more know our departed friends ? I have often 
 wifhed that God had made thefe things plainer to us ; 
 but here let me be filent, and acknowledge that the 
 Judge of all the earth will do right. 1 mould, how- 
 ever, be glad to hear from you as often as you can 
 fpare a few minutes ; for I am fo infirm, that I cannot 
 call on you. 
 
 I am, dear Sir, yours fincerely, 
 
 Arabella Acton, 
 
 LETTER CXLV. 
 
 The Anfzoer, 
 Madam^ 
 
 I Received yours, and fhall, with the greater!; cheer- 
 fulnefs, comply with your requeft. You feem to 
 be much afraid of death and eternity, and yet it does 
 not appear to me that you have formed a proper no- 
 tion of either. 
 
 Deatli is no more than a temporary feparation of 
 the foul from the body, to be again joined together 
 at the general refurreftion, when Chrift fhall come 
 to judge the world in righteoufnefs. I will admit, 
 that the pafTage to death and the grave, is often 
 gloomy and dark. Our acquaintance with the world 
 fixes, as it were, our affeftions on temporal obje&s, 
 and we are unwilling to part with them. The pains 
 of a death-bed are often fo great, that our minds are 
 difcompofed, and we are even unable to confider 
 what fhould be the grand obje£t in view. And let 
 me afk you, Madam, what the confidetation of thefe 
 things fliould iuggcfi to us ? I anfwer, a proper be- 
 haviour
 
 204 LETTERS ox 
 
 haviour while in this world, that we may at all times 
 be prepared to meet the king of terrors (as death is 
 commonly called) not as any enemv, but as a friend, 
 who is to deliver us from mortal concerns, and make 
 us happy for ever. 
 
 We are all under the fentence of death, as the cri- 
 minal who is confined in the cells of Newgate. As 
 the children of Ilrael were not to take porTeflion of 
 the land of Canaan, '(ill they had eroded the river 
 Jordan ; fo we are not to enter into heaven, 'till we 
 pafs through death. The body r it is true, will lay 
 tome time in the giave. from whence it will be raifed 
 in themoft glorious manner, to join the immortal foul; 
 but of this in my next. 
 
 I am, Madam, 
 
 Yours fincerely, 
 
 Edward Goodman. 
 
 LETTER CXLVI, 
 From4he Same to the Sam;, 
 
 Madam 
 
 TH E next fubjeel: in your letter is eternity, and 
 an awful fubjeel; it is. To enter into an un- 
 known world, to dwell in the regions of fpirits, is 
 fufficient to fill our minds with folemn reverence! 
 But happy for us poor mortals, divine revelation 
 comes to our afliflance, and indeed under the moll 
 neceffary circumftances. The Heathens had confufed 
 notions concerning a future ftate, nor was it very 
 clearly revealed to the Jews, who believed that all 
 the faithful after death were carried by angels into 
 Abraham's bofom. Chrift. by his death, refurre&ion, 
 and afcenfion, has brought immortality to light ; and 
 in the New Teftament we have pointed out to us the 
 enjoyment of an eternal inheritance in the heavens, 
 where we (hall, to ufe the words of the apoflle, u know 
 
 « even
 
 Every Occurrence in Life, 
 
 205 
 
 " even as we are known." By which I underPtanc^ 
 that we {hall know our departed relations, in the fame 
 manner as we were known by them here below. In 
 eternity we fhall have no days nor nights, no change 
 of feafons; all will be one uninterrupted (late of hap- 
 pinefs. We {hall then forget our former afflictions ; 
 and, to ufe the beautiful language of Scripture, 
 * ; God will wipe away all tears from our eyes." And 
 is not this, Madam, a ftate to be pioufly wifhed for ? 
 Would you chufe to remain under all the miferies of 
 a tumultuous world, while the gofpel prefents to you 
 an uninterrupted ftate of happinefs? You are now, 
 like every human being in the world, in fome mea- 
 fure under the dominion of fin ; but in heaven or 
 eternity, you will be beyond the power of fin. You • 
 will fee that benign Saviour, whom you worfhipped 
 in this world ; the fmiles of his favour will encircle 
 you around, and you will look down upon fubl unary 
 things as unworthy of your notice. You will then 
 know more than the wifeft man that ever yet lived in 
 the worl4 ; for Jehovah will be your everlafting light, 
 and your God will be your glory. What a pleating 
 thought ! what a delightful lubjecT: is eternity, to a 
 mind properly qualified for it ! It contains all that can 
 fatisfy a rational and immortal foul. There our ideas 
 will be enlarged ; there our mental faculties will be 
 fixed on the nobleft objects ; and there we {hall ever 
 be with our God. Letthefe fentiments, Madam, fink, 
 deep into your mind : and confider, that although 
 you are in a ftate of widowhood, yet you have an 
 everlafting friend in that Being, who will never leave 
 you, and doubt not but you will confider what 1 have 
 (aid as the advice of a friend. 
 
 lam, Madam, yours fincerely, 
 
 Edward Goodmam, 
 
 FORMS
 
 ( 206 } 
 
 FORMS of CARDS and NOTES of 
 C O M PLIMENTS. 
 
 IN the forms of cards or notes of compliments, the 
 difference is merely circumftantial, refpecling the 
 characters of the parties ; and they fhould be plain, 
 eafy, and fhort, but comprehenfive. 
 
 M IS S DA L E prefents her compliments to Mifs 
 White, and would be glad of her company this even- 
 ing at Sadler's- Wells, 
 
 Tuefday 5 o'clock. 
 
 MISS WHITE'S compliments to Mifs Dale, 
 and will meet her this evening, according to her in- 
 vitation. 
 
 Tuefday 6 o'clock* 
 
 MRS. FERMOR's compliments to Mifs Davis, 
 and hopes {he is better of her cold. 
 
 Monday 9 o'clock, 
 
 MISS D A V I S's refpedful compliments to Mrs. 
 Termor, and has the pleafure to inform her that fhe is 
 quite recovered. 
 
 Monday n o'clock, 
 
 MISS
 
 Forms of Cards of Compliments. 2oy 
 
 MISS JOHNSON'S tomplimcnts to Mifs Howard, 
 and would be glad of her company this evening at a 
 private concert. 
 
 Saturday 2 o'clock. 
 
 MISS HOWARD'S compliments to Mil's Johnfon, 
 and will wait on her this evening with pleafure. 
 
 Saturday 4 o'clock* 
 
 LORD WILDFIRE'S compliments wait or, 
 Mifs Vaughan, would be glad to meet her this even- 
 ing at the opera. 
 
 Thurfday 10 o'clock* 
 
 MISS VAUGHAN's compliments to Lord 
 Wildfire, but cannot do herfelf the honour to meet 
 him this evening, being previoufly engaged, 
 
 Thurfday 12 o'clock. 
 
 N, B. All other complimental cards and notes 
 may be written in the fame manner, taking cave 
 always to remember the (rations of the perfons to 
 whom they are addrefled, and to vary the circum- 
 ftances as occafion may require. 
 
 THE
 
 ( «„8 ) 
 
 THE 
 
 UNIVERSAL PETITIONER. 
 
 PETITIONS fhould contain a date of the peti- 
 tioner's cafe in the mod mod-eft terms, and then 
 the reqireft muft be made in humility. All peti- 
 tions to the King fhould be figned by fome nobleman 
 or gentleman at court, and if a privy-counfellor the 
 better. In petitions to all other perfons, they mould 
 be figned by lb me perfon acquainted with thofe to 
 whom they are addreffed. The addreffes of thefe 
 petitions mould be plain, fliort, and exprefiive, ac- 
 cording to the rank of the perfons, viz. 
 
 To his Moft Sacred Majefty, 
 
 To the King's Moll Excellent Majefty; May it 
 pie afe your Mzjef.y. 
 
 To his Royal Highncfs the Prince of Wales; May 
 it pUjfe your Royal Highnefs. 
 
 All the other branches of the Royal Family muft 
 be addreffed by the title of Royal Highnefs. 
 
 The nobility arc addreffed in the following manner: 
 
 To his Grace the Duke of R. May it picafe your 
 Grace. 
 
 To the mod Noble the Marquis of B. My Lord. 
 
 To the Right Honourable the Earl of M. My Lord. 
 
 To the Ri^ht Honourable the Lord Vifcount W. 
 
 o 
 My Lord. 
 
 To the Right Honourable Lord L. My Lord. 
 All the Ladies of Noblemen are addreffed accord- 
 ing to the titles of their hufbands. 
 The fon of a Duke; Lord 7. C. 
 
 The
 
 The Universal Petitioner. 209 
 
 The fon of a Marquis; Lord John C. But the 
 Marquis muft be fo in his own Right. 
 
 The elcleft ion of an Earl takes his father's feconcL 
 title; the younger ones are called, The Honourable 
 John C. 
 
 The fon of a Vifcount takes his father's fecond 
 title ; and the younger ones are (tiled, Honourable, 
 
 All the fons of Barons, are ftiled Honour oik. 
 
 The daughters of Dukes, Marquilies, in their own 
 right, are called, Lady Mary B. &c. 
 
 The daughters of Barons are called, The Honour' 
 able Miff B. &c. 
 
 The title of Right Honourable is given to all Privy- 
 Counfellors, although they may happen to be Com- 
 moners; and the fame title is given to the Lord- 
 Mayors of London, York, and Dublin, and to the 
 Lord Provofts of Edinburgh and Glafgow ; to the 
 Lord Prehdent of all the judges of the Court of Sef- 
 fion in Scotland, and to the Lord Advocate. 
 
 Archbifhops are called, Mojl Reverend ; a,nd Biihops 
 Right Reverend. 
 
 The reft of the Clergy. The Reverend, 
 
 Generals and Colonels in the Army, and Admirals 
 at Sea, Honourable ; unlets they are Noblemen, and 
 then according to their rank. 
 
 All Ambanadors, and the Lord Lieutenant of Ire- 
 land, Excellency, 
 
 Juftices of the Peace, Worjhip. 
 
 Chancellors of Univerfities, Worjlilpjul. 
 
 In all other inftances, fuch as Knight, Baronet, and 
 Efquire, the different addrefies are well known 
 
 (£f Thefe addrciTcs may alfo be obferved in fuper- 
 fcriptions of letters, &c. making the cjrqumftanUal 
 variations. 
 
 S From
 
 210 The Universal Petitiokek. 
 
 From the Widow of an Officer, to obtain the Pen/ion, 
 
 To the King's mojt excellent Majejly, 
 
 The humble Petition of A. H. 
 
 Shczvetk, 
 
 THAT the hufband of your Maje fly's petitioner, 
 had the misfortune to be mortally wounded in 
 battle, of which wounds he died, leaving your Ma- 
 jelly's petitioner a difconfolate widow, with four 
 young children. With refpect and humility, your pe- 
 titioner preiumes to approach the throne, to obtain 
 thepenfion generally beitowedon the widows of mili- 
 tary officers, that fhe may be enabled to bring up her 
 children ufeful members of fociety. 
 
 And your Majefly's petitioner, as in duty bound 9 
 Jhall ever pray, A. H. 
 
 Recommended by 
 
 From a Man condemned to work on the River Thames, to 
 the King, 
 
 To the King's Mofl Excellent Majefty. 
 The humble Petition of A. B. 
 
 Sluzceth, 
 
 THAT your Majefly's petitioner had the mis- 
 fortune to get into bad company, and by the 
 evil example and advice of my wicked companions, 
 committed felony, for which I was juflly condemned 
 by the laws of my country, to work on the River 
 Thames. Here I have been confined near two years, 
 and during the whole of that time I have not fo much 
 as given offence. I am fincerely penitent for the 
 
 crimes
 
 The Universal Petitioner. 211 
 
 crimes I have, committed, and if your Majefty will be 
 graciouily pleafed to extend your royal mercy, 
 
 Your petitioner, as in duty bound, Jhall ever 
 pray. A. B. 
 
 Recommended by 
 
 From a Naval Officer, to be admitted a Clerk in the Of- 
 Jice at Chatham. 
 
 To the Right Honourable, the firjl Lord Commiffioner of 
 the Admiralty. 
 The humble Petition of A. B. 
 Sheweth, 
 
 THAT your lordfhip's petitioner has ferved on 
 board one of his Majefly's (hips upwards of 
 fix years, and continued in the faithful difcharge of 
 his duty, 'till he was wounded in an engagement at 
 fea. As the half pay is not fufRcient to fupport a 
 wife and three children, with an aged mother, and 
 there being at prefent a vacancy in the office at Chat- 
 ham, he has prefumed to folicit your lordfhip's aflift- 
 ance to get him admitted into it. 
 
 And your petitioner, as in duty bound } fhall ever 
 pray. A. B. 
 
 Recommended by 
 
 From a young Man, to be admitted into the Excife. 
 
 To the Right Honourable, the frji Lord CommiJ/ioner of 
 
 the Treafury. 
 
 The humble Petition of A. B. 
 
 Shezveth, 
 
 THAT your lordfhip's petitioner, by the death 
 of his parents, is left deftituteof every friend, 
 only that he has had the benefit of a liberal education. 
 
 He
 
 212 The Universal Petitioner, 
 
 He has been advifed by a worthy friend, to apply to 
 your lordfhip for a fmall place in the Excife, in the 
 London department, or any where elfe where your 
 lordfhip (hall think proper. Your lordfhip's petitioner 
 will give fecurity for the truft repofed in him. 
 
 And, as in duty bound, Jhall ever pray* A. B. 
 
 Recommended by 
 
 N. B. Petitions for places in the Cuftoms, Stamp- 
 OfHce, Poft-OfRce. &c. may be all written in the fame 
 manner. 
 
 From a young Man, to be admitted a Clerk of the Bank* 
 
 To the Governor and Directors of the Bank of England* 
 
 The humble Petition of A. B. 
 
 Sheweth, 
 
 THAT your petitioner's father had the honour 
 to be many years converfant in the mercantile 
 world, but by loffes at fea, he died infolvent, leaving 
 your petitioner little better than deflitute of the necei- 
 faries of life. Under thefe unhappy circumflances, 
 he has pre fumed to trouble you with this petition, fo- 
 liating your afliftance and intereft to get him admitted 
 as one of your junior clerks : I am willing to give 
 whatever fecurity is required, and if fo happy as to 
 fucceed, 
 
 Shall, as in duty bound, ever pray. A. B. 
 Recommended by 
 
 N. B. Petitions to the Eaft-India. South- Sea-Houfe, 
 &c, may be written in the fame fly le, 
 
 '■ Frcm
 
 The Universal Petitioner, 213 
 
 from a decayed Trade/man iv tkt Governors of Chrijl's* 
 HofpitaL 
 To the WoyJupfut, the Governors of Chrijl's Hofpital, 
 'Ik* humhU Petition of A. B. 
 Shezotth, 
 
 r T" 1 H A T your petitioner has carried on trade as a 
 JL fhoemakef in the city of London upwards of 
 twenty years; but Kaving a numerous family of chil- 
 dren all unprovided for, he has preiumed to appty 
 in behalf of a promifmg fori, to be admitted into 
 your mo ft. excellent charity ; and if fo happy as to 
 fucceed, 
 
 SkaU, as in duty found, ever pray, A. B« 
 
 Recommended by 
 
 N. B. Petitions for the governors of other founda- 
 tions of a fimilar nature, may be written after the 
 fame precedent. 
 
 From a reduced Trade/man, to be admitted a Letter' 
 
 Carrier in the PoJl-OJice. 
 
 To the Right Honourable the Pojlmafier General, 
 
 The humble Petition of A. B, 
 
 Shezoeth, 
 
 THAT your petitioner had the misfortune to 
 be brought up to a trade which has fo much 
 decayed of late, that it will not fupport him, and 
 befides he is almofl lame in one of his hands. Re- 
 duced to the utmoft flate of diftrefs, he has prefamed 
 to prefent this to your lcrcifhip, humbly begging to 
 be admitted as one of the letter carriers ; and if fo 
 happy a* to fucceed, 
 
 Your Petitioner, as in duty bound) will ever pray, A.B. 
 
 Recommended by 
 
 From
 
 ai4 The Universal Petitioner. 
 
 From an hontji Working-Man, to be admitted an Eajl- 
 India Porter, 
 
 To the Chairman and Directors of the Honourable United 
 Fafi- India Company. 
 
 The humble Petition of A. B. 
 
 Shezocth, 
 
 THAT your petitioner has lived honcftly as a 
 porter, but his matter dying lately, he is now 
 out of all manner of employment, and his wife with 
 three young children are almoft ftarving. Under 
 thefe circumftances of diftrefs, he has prefumed to ad- 
 drefs himfelf to you, to be admitted as a labourer in 
 one of your warehouses, which joined to his wife's in- 
 duftry, who takes in warning, would be the means of 
 procuring them an honed fubfiftency. 
 
 And, as in duty bound, your petitioner Jliall 
 
 ever pray, A. B. 
 
 Recommended by 
 
 From a decayed Citizen to be admitted an Under-Ma rfhal's 
 Man, 
 
 To the Worjhipful Sir Thomas Bale, Knight and Alder- 
 man of London, 
 
 The humble Petition of A, B. 
 
 Shetoeth, 
 
 TH AT your petitioner is a freeman of the city 
 of London, where he carried on bufinefs many 
 years, but by fickneftes in his family*- he is reduced 
 to the loweft ftate of diftrefs. One of the places of 
 Deputy Martial-Men being vacant, he has prefumed 
 
 to
 
 The Universal Petitioner. 215 
 
 to intercede with your worfhip for your vote; and if 
 fo happy as to fucceed, 
 
 Shall, as in duty bound, ever pray, A. B. 
 
 Recommended by 
 
 From a poor Man, to get his Daughter admitted into the 
 Afylum, 
 
 To the Right Honourable the Countefs of B . 
 
 The humble Petition of A. B. 
 
 Shezoeth, 
 
 THAT your lady {hip's petitioner has been long 
 unable to follow his bufinefs, occafioned by a 
 fall he received from a fcaffold while he was repair- 
 ing a houfe ; and during that time, he has had little 
 more to fupport himfelf, and fix young children, be- 
 fide what his poor wife earned by taking in wafhing. 
 It was intimated to me, that you have a prefentation 
 to the Afylum ; and if you could get my youngeft 
 girl admitted on that charitable foundation, it mighfc 
 be the means of bringing her up a ufeful member of 
 fociety. 
 
 And your petitioner, as in duty bound, Jhall ever 
 pray. A. B. 
 
 Recommended by 
 
 From a Soldier lately difcharged, to be admitted a Chelfea 
 Penfioner. 
 
 To the Honourable Major General. 
 
 The humble Petition of A. B. 
 
 Shezoeth, 
 
 THAT your petitioner ferved fixteen years in 
 ycur regiment, and about four years ago was 
 difcharged with a fair character. Since that time 
 
 your
 
 2i6 The UniversalPetitioner. 
 
 your petitioner has worked as a labourer ; out a. 
 
 wound which he received at the battle of B , has 
 
 broke out a frefh, and he is now rendered unable to 
 procure a fubfifter.ee. He is now in a manner flarving, 
 and all he has to beg is, that your honour would get 
 him ad'ujtted either as an in or out penlioner of 
 Chelfea-Hofpital. 
 
 And your petitioner, as in duty bound, Jh a 11 ever 
 pray. 
 
 A.B. 
 Recommended by 
 
 From a Sailor lately di/ckarged, to be admitted into Green* 
 zvick-HofpitaL 
 
 To the Right Honourable Vice- Admirable B , 
 
 The humble Petition of A. B. 
 
 Sheweth, 
 
 THAT your petitioner ferved eighteen years on 
 board the Royal Navy, in feverafc different 
 fhips of war ; but having been wounded by a* fall from 
 rhe deck into the hold, he was discharged as incapable 
 of fervice. To obtain a fubfiflence, he has for fome 
 years fold oranges in the Greets; but finding all foxts 
 of infirmities coming upon him, he has prefumed to 
 apply to your honour to be admitted to Greenwieh- 
 Hofpital, where he may fpend the remainder of his 
 days in peace. 
 
 And your petitioner, as in duty hund, Jkall ever 
 pray, 
 
 A B, 
 
 Recommended hy 
 
 Frm
 
 The Universal Petitioner. 217 
 
 From a poor Man who had been impreffed, praying for a 
 D if charge. 
 
 To the Right Honourable the Earl oj S ■ ■, frfl Lord 
 Commijfioner of the Admiralty, 
 
 The humble Petition of A. B. 
 
 Sheweth, 
 
 THAT your lordfhip's petitioner not being able 
 to procure employment in the country, came 
 to London with a wife and two young children, and 
 next day was impreffed on board the Revenge tender, 
 where he is now confined. Your petitioner never was 
 at fea, and he labours under a nervous diforder, 
 which renders him incapable of ferving his Majefly, 
 and therefore he has prefumed to apply to your lord- 
 fhip in humility for his difcharge. 
 
 And, as in duty bound, he fliall ever pray. A. B. 
 Recommended by 
 
 From a decayed Citizen of London, to be admitted one of 
 the Bridge Majlers. 
 
 To the worthy Livery of London. 
 
 The humble Petition of A. B. 
 
 Sheweth, 
 
 THAT your petitioner has lived from his in- 
 fancy in your city, and has fervedall the offices 
 of the ward to which he belongs ; but by many lodes 
 in trade and long ficknefs in his family, he is re- 
 duced lb low as to be really deflitute of bread, without 
 a friend to affift him in his advanced years. There be- 
 ing a vacancy for the place of one of your Bridge- 
 Mafters, he has prefumed to apply to you for your voles 
 and intereft; and, if fo happy as to fucceed, will 
 make it his ftudy to difcharge his duly with the great- 
 eft integrity. 
 
 And your petitioner, as in duty bound, fhall ever pray . A. B. 
 
 Recommended by 
 
 T From
 
 218 The Universal Petitioner. 
 
 v 
 
 From a Sailor, to be admitted on the Cheft of Chatham, 
 To the Honourable the Cowmiffioners cj the Navy , 
 
 The humble Petition of A. B. 
 
 Shezveth, 
 
 THAT your petitioner ferved as a feaman up- 
 wards of twelve years, but was difcharged 
 from the hofpital as incurable of the RheumatHm, 
 which made him incapable of going any more to fea, 
 or indeed of following any employment. Deftitute 
 of every comfort of life, and having been a faithful 
 fervant to his Majefty, all he begs is to be admittedan 
 cut-penfioner on the cheft of Chatham. 
 And, asinduty bound, your petitioner will ever pray. A. B. 
 Recommended by 
 
 From a poor Widow, folic iting for a Penfion from the 
 Parift. 
 
 To the M after, Church-Wardens, and Overfeers of the 
 Parijh of . 
 
 The humble Petition of A. B. 
 
 Shewcth, 
 
 TH A T your petitioner's hufband was an honeft 
 induftrious man, and lived many years in credit 
 in the parifh, where he ferved every office, and paid 
 Icot and lot; but dying in diftreiTed circum fiances, 
 owing to his bufmefs having fallen off fome years 
 ago, (he. is left utterly deftitute. In this unhappy 
 fixation fhe has prefumed to addrefs herfelf to you; 
 and as fhe has a little work to do, when able to go 
 through with it, (o fhe fubmits to you, whether the 
 allowance of two fhillings per week would not be 
 better than going into the workhoufe. Your peti- 
 tioner
 
 The Universal Petitioner. 219 
 
 tioner humbly hopes that her cafe will be taken into 
 confederation. 
 
 And fie, as in duty bound) will ever pray, A. B. 
 
 Recommended by 
 
 From an unfortunate young Proflitute, to be admitted into 
 
 the Magdalen. 
 
 To the Right Honourable the Prefident and Governors of 
 
 the Magdalen- Hofpital. 
 
 The humble Petition of A. B, 
 
 Sheweth, 
 
 THAT your petitioner had the misfortune to be 
 feduced by a young gentleman, and having 
 loft her character, fo that no perfon would give her 
 either aiTiftance or employment, fhe added one fin to 
 another, and became a common proftitute. Almoft 
 confumed by a loathfome diforder, and fenfible of 
 her folly, fhe defires to return to the paths of virtue, 
 but has no way of getting cured unlefs you would 
 take her under your protection ; and, if you admit 
 her into your hofpital, 
 
 She will, as in duty bound, ever pray, A. B. 
 
 Recommended by 
 
 From a Perfon afflicled with the Rheumatifm t to be ad- 
 mitted into an Hofpital. 
 To the Prefident and Governors of the Middlefex-HofpitaL 
 The humble Petition of A. B. 
 Shezoeth, 
 r T^HAT your petitioner is a journeyman carpenter, 
 i and has always behaved as an hone ft induilri- 
 ous man, but of late has been fo much afflicted with 
 the Rheumatifm, that he is rendered incapable of get- 
 ting his bread. Unfortunately he applied to fome of 
 the advertifing doctors, who have made him much 
 worfe than he was before. Senhble of his follv in 
 T 2 acting
 
 S20 The Universal Petitioner. 
 
 afting fo inconhftent with reafon, he has prefumed to 
 apply to you, to be admitted into your hofpitalj and 
 
 if he is fo happy as to deferve your notice, 
 
 He will, as in duty bound, ever pray, A. B. 
 
 Recommended by 
 
 From a young Man afflicted with the Venereal Difeafe, to 
 the Prefident and Governors of the Mifericordia-Hof- 
 pital. 
 
 The humble Petition of A. B. 
 Sheweth, 
 
 r 8 1 HAT your petitioner having one evening got 
 JL intoxicated, along with fome gracelefs compa- 
 nions, went to bed with a common proftitute, who 
 communicated to him the Venereal difeafe ; and, to 
 obtain a cure, he had recourfe to fome of thefe per- 
 fons called Quacks, who have almo'l ruined him, 
 Under thefe unhappy circumftances, he has prefumed 
 to beg to be admitted into your hofpital, where he 
 hopes to obtain a pei feci cure ; and if fo happy as to 
 fuccecd, 
 
 Shall, as in duty bound, ever- pray, A. B. 
 
 Recommended by 
 
 From a Widow to the Jujlice at the Quarter-Seffions, to 
 procure a Licenfe to keep a Public- Houjc. 
 
 To the WorfJiipful the jfufiices of the County of Middle/ex, 
 
 The humble Petition of A. B. Widow, 
 Sheweth, 
 
 THAT your petitioner's hufband lived in credit, 
 and carried on bufvnefs for fome years with 
 good fuccefs : but having unfortunately engaged in 
 the building fcheme, he ruined himfelf and died in- 
 folvent, leaving your petitioner a helplefs widow 
 with four young children all unprovided for. It has 
 been intimated to me, that I might keep a public- 
 houfe, if I could but obtain a licenfe, which is in 
 your worfhip's power to grant; and I have fuch an 
 
 opinion
 
 For a Lease of an House. 221 
 
 opinion of your benevolence, that I do not think you 
 would do any thing to prevent a poor widow from pro- 
 curing a fubftftence. Let me be^ you will take the 
 premiies into conhderation. 
 
 And your petitioner, as in duty bound, Jh all ever 
 pray. A. B. 
 
 Recommended by 
 
 USEFUL FORMS in LAW 
 
 Executed by the mo ft eminent Attorneys, and by which our 
 Readers may fave thofe exorbitant Charges ufually 
 made for fuch necejfary Injlruments. Care t however 
 mujl be taken, that the Paper upon which the follow- 
 ing Precedents are copied, is Jhamped agreeable to the 
 Acls of Parliment relative thereto. 
 
 Agreement for a Leafe of an Houfe. 
 ARTICLES of AGREEMENT, indented, made, 
 and agreed upon, the lft day of September, in the 
 year of our Lord 177 Between John Law/on of the 
 one part, and Stephen Pozvel of the other part, as 
 follows, viz. 
 
 TH E faid J. L. in confederation of the rent, 
 covenants, and agreements, in the leafe here- 
 after mentioned, to be referved and contained on the 
 tenant's part to be paid and performed," doth hereby 
 for himfelf, his executors, adminiftrators, and afiigns, 
 covenant, promife, and agree, to and with the faid 
 S. P. his executors, adminiftrators, and afligns, in 
 manner following (that is to fay) that he the faid 
 jf. L. his executors, adminiftrators, or afiigns. fhall, 
 and will, on or before Midfummer-day next enfuing 
 by a good and fufficient indenture of leafe, grant, 
 demife, and let, unto the faid S. P. his executors,' 
 adminiftrators, and afligns, ALL that me flu age, or 
 tenement, and yard behind the fame, and other the 
 appurtenances thereunto belonging, fituate, lying, 
 
 and being in— , in the parifh of , now or 
 
 T 3 late
 
 222 For a Lease of an House. 
 
 late in the poffeflion of the faid J. L. TO HOLI> 
 the fame from Midfummer-day aforefaid, for the 
 
 term of or years, from thence next enfuing, 
 
 at the option of the faid parties, on his or their giv- 
 ing to, or leaving for each other at leafl months 
 
 notice before the end of the faid years, AT 
 
 and under the yearly rent, or fum of pounds* 
 
 payable quarterly ; the firft payment whereof is to 
 begin and to be made at or upon Michaelmas-day next 
 enluing; AND that the faid J. L. his executors, or 
 afligns, fhall, and will, on or before Midfummer-day 
 aforefaid, at his and their own proper cofts and 
 charges, repair, or caufe the aforefaid premifes, with 
 their appurtenances, to be put into good and fufficient 
 tenantable repair and condition. 
 
 Item, THE faid S. P. in confideration thereof, 
 doth hereby for himfelf, his executors, adminiflrators, 
 and afligns, covenant, promife, and agree to and 
 with the faid J. Z.his executors, administrators, and 
 afligns, that he the faid S. P. his executors, admini- 
 strators, and afligns, fhall, and will, upon the faid 
 premifes being put into fuch repair as aforefaid, at or 
 by the time aforefaid, take, and accept of and from 
 the faid 7. Z. his executors, adminiflrators, or afligns_, 
 the aforefaid indenture of leafe, grant, and demife of 
 the faid premifes, for the term, and at the rent pay- 
 able in manner aforefaid. and alfo execute a counter- 
 part thereof unto the faid J. Z. his executors, admi- 
 niflrators, or afligns* 
 
 AND for the true performance of all and every the 
 covenants and agreements aforefaid, each and either 
 of the faid parties hereto doth bind and oblige him- 
 felf. his heirs, executors, and adminiflrators, untcv 
 him, his heirs, executors, and adminiflrators, in the 
 
 penal fum of pounds, of lawful money of 
 
 Great-Britain. In witnefs whereof we have hereunto 
 fet our hands and feals the day and year above written. 
 Signed, jealed, and delivered, 
 
 in the prefence of us, J. L 
 
 J. B. S. P 
 
 T. W. F09
 
 For a Covenant Servant. 223 
 
 For a Covenant Servant, to a Buckle- Maker , for Jour 
 Years. 
 
 ARTICLES of AGREEMENT, indented, made, and 
 agreed upon, the 4th day of September, in the year 
 of our Lord 177 Between Richard Dawfon of r 
 &c. of the one part, and Edward Wild, of, &c. for 
 and on the behalf of Charles Wild, an infant, fon> 
 of the faid Edward Wild, of the other part, &c. 
 
 FIRST, the faid R. D. doth for himfelf, his ex- 
 ecutors, adminiflrators, and afligns, hereby co- 
 venant and agree to and with the faid E. W. andC. W, 
 to take into his fervice the faid C. W. and him 
 to teach and inflru£l in the trade or bufinefs of a 
 Buckle-Maker, which he now ufeth, for the term of 
 four years, to be computed from the date hereof, 
 during all which time he fhall or will find, provide, 
 or caufe to be found or provided for the faid C. W, 
 fufficient meat, drink, wafhrng, clothes, and lodging, 
 fitting and neceffary for him. And alfo pay or caufe- 
 to be paid unto him, at or after the rate o f 
 a week, weekly, for and during the firfl three years of 
 
 the faid term, and a week, weekly, for and during 
 
 the laft year of the faid term, if he fhall fo long live, 
 continue with, and do him the faid R. D. true, juft, 
 and faithful fervice in his trade or bnfinefs aforefaid. 
 
 Item. The faid E. W. and C. W. for themfelves, 
 feverally, and each of their feveral executors, and 
 adminiflrators, do, and each of them doth hereby for 
 himfelf, and herfelf, covenant and agree, to and 
 with the faid R.D. his executors, adminiflrators, and- 
 afligns, that the faid C. W. fhall, during the faid 
 term of four years, work, and do the faid R. D. 
 true, juft, and faithful fervice in his trade or bufinefs 
 aforefaid, on his being found or provided with the 
 feveral necellaries, and paid the feveral weekly pay- 
 ments
 
 224 A Deed of Gift. 
 
 merits in [manner herein before particularly men- 
 tioned. 
 
 AND for the true performance of the feveral co- 
 venants, and agreements aforefaid. each and either 
 of the faid parties hereto doth hereby feverally bind 
 and oblige himfelf, herfelf, and tbemfelves, his, her, 
 and their heirs, executors, and adminiftrators, refpec- 
 
 tively, in the penal fum of pounds, of lawful 
 
 money of Great- Britain, firmly by thefe prefents. In 
 witnefs, &c. 
 
 Signed, fealed, and delivered, 
 in the pre/en cc of us. 
 
 A DEED of GIFT. 
 
 TO all people to whom thefe prefents fhall come, 
 I, William Thompfon,do fend greeting. Know 
 ye, thatl the faid William Thompfon, oftheparifh, 
 of St. Mary, Iflington, in the county of Middlefex, 
 Gardener, for and in confideration of the love, good- 
 will and affection which I have and do bear towards 
 my loving filler Sufanna Wiifon, of the fame parifh 
 and county, widow, have given and granted, and by 
 thefe prefents do freely give and grant unto the faid 
 Sufanna Wiifon, her heirs, executors, or admini- 
 ftrators, all and lingular my goods and chattels, now 
 being in my prefent houfe, known by the name of 
 the Black Lion ; of which thefe prefents I have deli- 
 vered here, to the faid Sufanna W r ilfon, an inventory 
 figned with my own hand, and bearing date, to have 
 and to hold all the faid goods and chattels in the faid 
 premifes or dwelling houfe, toner the faid Sufanna 
 Wiifon, her heirs, executors, or adminiftrators, from 
 henceforth, as her and their proper goods and chat- 
 tels abfolutely without any manner of condition. In 
 witnefs whereof, I have hereunto put my hand and 
 
 feal,
 
 A WILL. 225 
 
 feal, this day oF September, one thoufand feven 
 
 hundred and 
 
 William Thompson. 
 
 Signed, feakd, and delivered^ 
 in the preftnee of us, 
 
 N. B. Provided the particulars are fever ally men- 
 tioned, this inflrument may include the giving away of 
 houfe, land, corn, or cattle, if not entailed. 
 
 A WILL. 
 
 In the Name of God, Amen. The day of 
 
 September, one thouland feven hundred and — — — 
 
 I George Parker, of the city of London, Watch- 
 <x Maker, being very fick and weak of body, but 
 of perfect mind and memory, thanks be given unto 
 God : therefore calling unto mind the mortality of 
 my body, knowing that it is appointed unto all men 
 once to die, do make and ordain this my lad will 
 and teftament ; that is to fay, principally ; nd firft of 
 all, I give and recommend my foul into the hands of 
 Almighty God that gave it, and my body I recom- 
 mend to the earth, to be buried in decent chriftian 
 burial, at the difcretion of my executor-.; nothing 
 doubting, but at the general refurre&ion I fhall re- 
 ceive the fame again, by the almighty power of God. 
 And as touching fuch worldly efiate wherewith it 
 hath pleafed God to blefs me in this-life, I give, 
 demife, and difpofe of the fame in the following 
 manner and form. 
 
 Firfl, I give and bequeath to Elizabeth, my dearly 
 beloved wife, the fum of three hundred pounds of 
 lawful money of England, to be raifed and levied 
 out of my eftate, together with all my houfhold good% 
 debts, and moveable effeds, 
 
 Aifo,
 
 226 A WILL 
 
 Alfo, I give to my well-beloved daughter Mary 
 Parker, the fum of five hundred pounds of lawful mo- 
 ney of England, to be raifed and levied out of my 
 eftate, and paid to her by my executor, hereafter 
 named, on the day of her marriage, or when (Ire be- 
 comes twenty- one years old. And alfo that my exe- 
 cutor (hall pay her fifty pounds, lawful money of 
 England, on the firft day of every year, until fhe 
 ciaims the above five hundred pounds, according to 
 the intent and meaning oFthis will. 
 
 Alfo, I give and bequeath to my well-beloved fon 
 Thomas Parker, whom I likewife conftitute, make, 
 and ordain my fole executor of this my lalt will and 
 teftament, all and fmgular my lands, mefTuages, and 
 tenements, by him freely to be poflefled and enjoyed. 
 And I do hereby utterlv difallovv, revoke, and dif- 
 annul, all and every other former teflaments, wills, 
 legacies, bequefts, and executors, by me in any ways 
 before-named, wille !, and bequeathed : ratifying and 
 confirming this, and no other, to be my laft will and 
 teftament. In witnefs whereof I have hereunto fet 
 my hand and feal the day and year above written. 
 
 George Parker, 
 
 Signed, fealed, publified, pro- 
 nounced, and declared, by the 
 faid George Parker, as his 
 lajl will and teftament, in the 
 prefence of us the fubfer iters* 
 William Johnfon. 
 Samuel Adams. 
 Thomas Wilfon, 
 
 N. B. There are a variety of circumfances, by which 
 
 perfons may be induced to add fomething in addition to 
 
 their wills ; and when that takes place, the following 
 
 Codicil, or Schedule, mujl be joined by a feal at the bot- 
 
 tcm, and it will remain in equal force as part of the will. 
 
 A Codicil,
 
 A Letter of Attorney. 227 
 
 A Codicil, or Schedule to a Will. 
 
 BE it known to all men by thefe prefents, That 
 I, George Parker, of the city or London, Watch- 
 Maker, have made and declaied by my laft will and 
 
 teftament in writing, bearing date the day of 
 
 September, one thouiand feven hundred and 
 
 I, the faid George Parker, by this prefent Codici 7 , do 
 ratify and confirm my faid laft will and teftament, 
 and do give and bequeath unto my loving godfon 
 George Ellifon, the turn of forty pounds, of good 
 and lawful money of England, to be paid to him, the 
 faid George Ellifon, by my executor, out of my eitate: 
 and my will and meaning is. that this Codicil, or 
 Schedule, be adjudged to be a part and parcel of my 
 laft will and teftament ; and that all things therein 
 mentioned and contained, be faithfully and truly per- 
 formed, and as fully and amply in every refpeft, as 
 if the fame were fo declared and fet down in my 
 faid laft will and teftament. Witnefs my hand this 
 
 day of September, one thoufand feven hundred 
 
 and 
 
 George Parker. 
 
 A Letter of Attorney, to receive Houjhold Goods. 
 
 KNOW all men by thefe prefent?, That I, F. G. 
 of , in the county of Micldlefex, Gent. 
 
 for divers good caufes and considerations me hereunto 
 moving, have made, ordained, conftituted, and ap- 
 pointed, and by thefe prefents do make, ordain, con- 
 
 ftit.ute, and appoint R. P. of •, in the faid 
 
 county, Plaifterer, my true and lawful attorney for 
 me, and in my name, and to my proper ufe and be- 
 hoof, to afk, demand, take, and receive, of and from 
 
 W, H. of , in the faid county of Middlefex, 
 
 Gent, the feveral goods and chattels herein after par- 
 ticularly
 
 228 A Warrant of Attorney. 
 
 ticularly mentioned; that is to fay, two large pier 
 looking glaffes, with gilt frames, a large Turkey car- 
 pet, a feat hep-bed and boliler, two marble flabs and 
 brackets, one large mahogany table, &c. And upon 
 receipt of the faid goods and chattels, or any of them 
 forme, and in my name, to give and execute to the 
 faid W. H. proper acquittances or difcharges for the 
 fame: and in cafe the laid IV. H. on demand to be 
 made l.y my faid attorney as aforefaid, fhall and do 
 refufe to deliver to my laid attorney the faid goods 
 and chattels, or any part thereof, I do, in fuch cafe, 
 hereby authorife and impower my faid attorney, in 
 my name, and for my ufe, to commence and profe- 
 cute one or more attion, or actions at law, in trover, 
 and converfion, or otherwife, againfr. the faid IV. H. 
 as to my faid attorney fhall feem meet, or he may be 
 advifed, for the recovery of the faid goods and chat- 
 tels ; giving, and by thefe prefents granting, to my 
 faid attorney, my full power and authority, in, about, 
 or concerning the premifes, and whatfoever my faid 
 attorney fhall lawfully do, or caufe to be done, in or 
 about the premifes, I do hereby warrant, ratify, and 
 confirm to all intents and purpofes whatfoever. In 
 witnefs, &c. 
 
 Sealed, &c. 
 
 A Warrant of Attorney , to receive and pay Debts. 
 
 KNOW all men by thefe prefents, That I, H. H. 
 of , in the county of Middlefex, Gent. 
 
 now one of the fa&ors in the ferviceof the honour- 
 able Eaft-India company at Bengal, have made, con- 
 ftituted, and appointed, and by thefe prefents do 
 
 make, conftitute, and appoint J. A. of 
 
 London, Gent, my true and lawful attorney for me, 
 and in my name, and to my ufe, to afk, demand, 
 and receive, of and from all and every perfon or per- 
 fons whatfoever, all and angular debt and debts, fum 
 
 and 
 
 I
 
 A General Power, £?r. 229 
 
 and fums of money, which now are, or (hall here- 
 after, grow due to me; and upon receipt thereof, or 
 of any part thereof, for me, and in my name, to 
 make, give, and execute, proper receipts and dif- 
 charges for the fame ; and on non-payment thereof, 
 or of any part thereof, one or more action or actions, 
 fuit or luits at law or in equity for me, and in my 
 name, to commence and profecute : and alfo to pay any 
 fum or fums of money purfuant to my order, direction, 
 and requeft, and generally to do, perform, and exe- 
 cute all and whatibever fhall be neceffary or requifite 
 in or about the premifes, as fully and effectually, to 
 all intents and purpofes, as I myfelf might or could 
 do, if perfonally prefent ; and all and whatfoever my 
 faid attorney fhall lawfully do or caufe to be done, by 
 virtue of thefe prefents, I do hereby promife and agree 
 to ratify, allow, and confirm. In witnefs, &c» 
 Sealed, &c. 
 
 A general Power to receive Debts. 
 
 KNOW all men, by thefe prefents, that I, W. W. 
 of, &c. Gent, have made, ordained, autho- 
 rifed, conftituted, and appointed, and by thefe pre- 
 fents do make, ordain, authorife, conftitute, and ap- 
 point T. T. of, &c. Grocer, my true and lawful at- 
 torney for me, and in my name, and to my ufe (if 
 the money or other thing to be received, is for the ufe of 
 the perfon in whofe favour the letter of attorney is given 
 in difchargt of a debt, Sec. then fay, " but for the 
 " ufe of him the faid T. T.") to afk, demand, fue 
 for, recover, and receive of G. G. &c. (the perfon s 
 names of whom the money is to be received, if more than 
 cue) ali fuch fum and fums of money, debts and de- 
 mands whatfoever, which now are due and owing 
 unto me the faid W. W. by and from the faid G. G. 
 &c. and in default of payment thereof, to have, ufe, 
 and take all lawful ways and meant, in my name or 
 otherwife for the recovery thereof, by attachment, 
 U arreft,
 
 230 To receive Wages, &c. 
 
 arrefl, &c. or otherwife, and to compound and agree 
 for the fame ; and on receipt thereof, or any part 
 thereof, acquittances, or other good and fufiicient dis- 
 charges for the fame for me, and in my name, to 
 make, feal, and deliver: and further, to do all law- 
 ful a£ts and things whatfoever concerning the premifes, 
 as fully in every refpeft as I myfelf might or could do 
 if perfonally prefent, and an attorney or attorneys un- 
 der him, for the purpofes aforefaid to make, and at his 
 -pleafure to revoke, hereby ratifying, allowing, and 
 confirming, all and whatfoever my faid attorney fhall 
 in my name lawfully do, or caufe to be done in and 
 about the premifes, by virtue of thefe prefents. In 
 -witnefs whereof, &c. 
 Scaled, &c. 
 
 To receive Wages and all other Debts, from a Seaman to 
 his Wife. 
 
 KN O W all men, by thefe prefents, that I, C. C. of, 
 &c. Mariner, have made, ordained, authorifed, 
 conftituted, and appointed, and by thefe prefents do 
 •make, ordain, authorife, conftitute, and appoint, my 
 loving wife J. C. my true and lawful attorney forme, 
 and in my name, but to and for my ufe, to afk, de- 
 mand, fue for. recover, and receive, of and from all 
 and every perfon and perfons whatfoever, as well all 
 fuch fum and fums of money as now are, or which 
 fhall, or may at any time hereafter become due and 
 owing to me, for wages from any fhip or fhips, to 
 vhom 1 now do or may hereafter belong : and alfo 
 all other fum or fums of money now due, or which 
 hereafter may become or grow due to me, by any ways 
 or means whatfoever ; and on non-payment, to have 
 and to ufe all lawful means, in my name, for the re- 
 covery thereof, by attachment, arrefl:, or otherwife. 
 In witnefs whereof. 1 hereunto fet my hand and feal this 
 ill day of September 177 
 Signed, fealed, c#d delivered, 
 in the prcfence oJus i 
 
 To
 
 To receive Interest on Stock. 231 
 
 To receive Money due on a Bond in Part of Difcharge of a 
 Debt, due from the Grantor to the Grantee, 
 
 KNOW all men, by thefeprefents, That I. K. K. of, 
 &c* Efq; have made, ordained, authorifed, con- 
 llituted, and appointed, and by thefe preiems do make, 
 .ordain, authorife, conflitute, and appoint P, P. of, 
 H£c. Taylor, my true and lawful attorney for me. and 
 in my name, but for the ule of him the (aid P. P. (in 
 part of difcharge of a debt due from me to him) to alk, 
 demand, fue for, recover, and receive of A. A. of, 
 £3c. E-fq; the fum of - - ■■ ■- — pounds due unto me, 
 in and by one bond or obligation, bearing date the 
 
 -— — day of , in the penalty of 
 
 pounds, for payment of the faid fum of money ; and 011 
 non-payment thereof, to have, ufe, and take all law- 
 ful ways and means for the recovery thereof, and of 
 every part thereof, in my name, or otherwife, by at- 
 tachment, arrelt, or otherwife. In witnefs whereof 
 I hereunto fet my hand and feal this lft day of Sep- 
 tember 177 
 
 Signed, fealed, &c. 
 
 From two to one, to receive the Intereft of certain South* 
 Sea Annuities. 
 
 KNOW all men, by thefe prefents, That we A. B, 
 oftheparifh of , in the county of , 
 
 Mercer, and B. C. of the parifh of , in the 
 
 fame county, Grocer, do make, ordain, conflitute, 
 
 and appoint, C. D % of the faid parifh of , 
 
 Taylor, our true and lawful attorney for us, and in 
 our names, from time to time, to afk, demand, and 
 receive all dividends, intereft, and produce, now due, 
 or hereafter to grow due or payable to us, for and 
 
 upon pounds South-Sea annuity {lock, lately 
 
 transferred to us, and {landing in our names in the 
 books of the South-Sea companv : and alio for us, 
 and in our names, to give receipts and difcharges for 
 all fuch dividends, intereft, and produce, of the afore- 
 U 2 faid
 
 S3 2 To DISCHARGE A PARISH, &C* 
 
 faid ■ pounds annuity flock, on payment 
 
 thereof, as the fame {hall from time to time be receiv- 
 ed by him the faid C. D. hereby ratifying and con- 
 firming whatfoever our faid attorney fhall lawfully do 
 orcaufe to be done, in or about the premifes, by vir- 
 tue of thefe prefents. In witnefs, &c. 
 Sealed, &c. 
 
 To difcharge a PariJJi of a Baf.ard Child, given to the 
 Church-wardens and Overfeers of the Poor. 
 
 WHEREAS jtf.Jrof, &c. in the county of 
 D. Spinfter, before one of his Majefty's juf- 
 tices of the peace for the faid county of D. hath fwom 
 that (he is great with child, and that the above named 
 R. R. is the father of fuch child or children fhe now 
 goes with: Now the condition of this obligation is 
 fuch, That if the above bound R. R. and the faid 
 £. F. and G. H. or either or any of them, their or 
 either, or any of their heirs, executors, or admini- 
 strators, do and fhall from time to time, and at all 
 times hereafter, fully and clearly acquit, exonerate, 
 and difcharge, or otherwife well and fufficiently 
 fave and keep harmlefs, and indemnify as well the 
 above named W, D. and J. S. church-wardens and 
 overfeers of the poor of the parifh of L. aforefaid, 
 and their fucceflbrs for the time being, and every of 
 them : asalfo all the inhabitants and parifhioners of 
 the faid parifh of L. which now are, or hereafter fhall 
 be, for the time being, church-wardens and overfeers 
 of the faid parifh, and every of them, of and from 
 all, and all manner of expences, damages, cofts and 
 charges whatfoever, which fhall or may, in any man- 
 ner, at any time hereafter arife, happen, come, 
 grow, or be impofed upon them, or either or any of 
 them, for or by reafon or means of the faid M. F.'s 
 being now great with child, as aforefaid, or for or 
 by reafon or means of the birth, maintenance, edu- 
 cation, and bringing up of fuch child or children, 
 that the faid M, F> now goes with, and fhall be de- 
 livered
 
 Lease of an House. 233 
 
 livered of, and of and from all a&ions, fults, trou- 
 bles, charges, damages, and demands whatfoever, 
 touching and concerning the fame: then this obliga- 
 tion to be void, or elfe to remain in full force. 
 
 Leafe of an Houfe in London for feven Years, zoith the 
 ufual Covenants, 
 
 THIS Indenture made, &c. between A. B. of 
 &c. of the one part, and C. D. of, &c. of the 
 other part ; witneffeth, That for and in confideration 
 of the yearly rent, covenants, and agreements, herein 
 after contained on the part and behalf of the faid C. Z). 
 his executors, adminiflrators, and affigns, to be paid, 
 done, and performed. He the faid A. B. hath demifed, 
 fet, and to farm let, and by thefe prefents doth de- 
 raife, fet, and to farm let, unto the faid C. D. All 
 (here infert the premifes demifed, with a particularde* 
 
 Jcription thereof) fituate, Handing, and being in 
 
 ilreet, in the parifh of f in the county of 9 
 
 and adjoining on the fouth part thereof to the premifes 
 lately in the tenure or occupation of H. A. together 
 with all cellars, follars, chambers, rooms, yards, gar- 
 dens, lights, eafements, ways, paffages, waters, water- 
 courfes, profits, commodities, and appurtenances what- 
 foever, to the faid mefTuage or tenement, and premifes 
 belonging, or in any-wife appertaining. To have 
 and to hold the faid mefluage or tenement, and pre- 
 mifes, herein before mentioned, or intended to be 
 hereby demifed, with their and every of their appur- 
 tenances, unto the faid C. D. his executors, admini- 
 flrators, and affigns, from the feaft day of the Nativity 
 of St. John the Baptifl;, now next enfuing the date of 
 thefe prefen ts, for and during, and unto the full end 
 and term of feven years from thence next enfuing, 
 and fully to be complete and ended. Yielding and 
 paying therefore yearly, and every year during the 
 laid term of feven years, unto the faid A. B. his exe- 
 cutors, adminiflrators, and afligns, the yearly rent or 
 U 3 fum
 
 234 Lease of an House. 
 
 fum of- r-pounds, of lawful money of Great> 
 
 Britain, at the four mofb ufual feaft days, or times of 
 payment of rent in the year ; that is to fay, the feaft 
 day of St. Michael the Archangel, the birth of our 
 Lord Chrift, the Annunciation of the Bleffed Virgin 
 Mary, and the Nativity of St. John the Baptift, by even 
 and equal portions ; the firft payment thereof to begin 
 and be made on the feaft day of St. Michael the Arch- 
 angel now nextenfuing. And the faid C. D. for himfelf, 
 hisexecutors,adminiftratorsanda{rignSj doth covenant, 
 promife, and agree, to and with the faid A, B. his 
 executors, adminiftrators, and afligns, by thefe pre- 
 sents in manner and form following ; that is to fay, 
 That he the faid C. D. his executors, adminiflrators, 
 and afligns, or fome or one of them fhall and will 
 yearly and every year during the faid term offeven 
 years, hereby demifed, well and truly pay, or caufe 
 to be paid, unto the faid A. B. his executors, admini- 
 strators, or afligns, the faid yearly rent or fum of 
 
 pounds, hereby referved in the manner and propor- 
 tions, and on the days and times above limited and 
 appointed for payment thereof, according to the true 
 intent and meaning of thefe prefents. And alfo fhall 
 and will, at his, their, or fome or one of their own 
 proper cofts and charges from time to time, and at all 
 times hereafter during the faid term hereby granted, 
 when, where, and as often as need or occafion fhall 
 be or require, well and fufficiently repair, f upport, up- 
 hold, fuftain, maintain, pave, purge, empty, cleanfe, 
 Scour, glaze, amend, and keep the faid mefTuage or 
 tenement, and premifes hereby demifed, and every 
 part thereof, with the appurtenances thereuntobelong- 
 ing, in, by, and with all manner of needful and necef- 
 fary reparations, Supportations, glazings, pavings, 
 purgings, fcourings, cleanfings, emptyings, andamend- 
 ments wnatfoever; and the laid mefTuage cr tenements 
 with the appurtenances hereby demifed, fo well and 
 Sufficiently upheld, fuftained, maintained, repaired, 
 paved, purged, emptied, cleanfed, Scoured, glazed, 
 amended, and kept at the end, or other Sooner deter- 
 mination
 
 Lease of an House. 235 
 
 mination of this leafe, which fhall firft happen, fhall 
 and will peaceably and quietly leave, furrender, and 
 yield up, unto the faid A. B. his executors, admini- 
 ftrators, or affigns, together with all fuch fixtures and 
 things as are mentioned, or fet forth in the fchedule or 
 inventory thereof here under written, in as good plight 
 and condition as the fame now are (reafonable ufe and 
 wearing thereof, and all inevitable accidents by fire 
 which may happen to burn down and confume the 
 premifes or any part thereof, in the mean time only 
 excepted). And further, that it fhall and maybe 
 law'ul to and for the faid A. B. his executors, admi- 
 niflrators, and affigns, with workmen and others, or 
 without, twice or oftener in every year during the time 
 hereby granted, at all convenient times in the day time, 
 to enter and come into and upon the faid demifed pre- 
 mifes, and every or any part thereof, there to view, 
 fearch, and fee, whether the fame be well and fuffi- 
 ciently fupported, upheld, fuftained, maintained, re- 
 paired, purged, emptied, cleanfed, fcoured, glazed, 
 and amended, as the fame ought to be, according to 
 the true intent and meaning of thefe prefents ; and of 
 all the defefts, defaults, decays, lacks, and wants of 
 reparations, and amendments, which upon every or 
 any fuch view or views fhall be found, to give or leave 
 notice or warning in writing at the faid demifed pre- 
 mifes, or feme part thereof, unto or for the faid C. D. 
 his executors, adminifhators, or affigns, within the time 
 or fpace of three months from thence next following, 
 within which faid time or fpace of three months after 
 every fuch notice or warning fhall be given or left as 
 aforefaid ; the faid C. D. for himfelf, his executors, 
 adminiftrators, and affigns, doth covenant, promife, and 
 agree, to and with the faid A. B. his executors, ad- 
 miniftrators, and affigns, by thefe prefents from time 
 to time during this demifc, well and fufficiently to re- 
 pair and amend the fame accordingly. Provided 
 always, that if it fhall happen that the faid yearly 
 
 rent of- pounds, or any part thereof, fhall be 
 
 behind or unpaid for the fpace of 28 days, next over 
 
 or
 
 £36 Le.ase of an House. 
 
 or after any of the feafl days, or times of payment 
 on which the fame ought to be paid as aforeiaid, being 
 lawfully demanded ; or if the faid C. D. his executors, 
 adminiflrators. or affigns, and each and every of them, 
 do not in and by all things well and truly obferve, per- 
 form, fulfil, and keep, all and fingular the covenants, 
 grants, articles, and agreements, in thefe prefents con- 
 tained, which on his and their parts and behalfs are 
 or ought to be oblerved, performed, fulfilled, and 
 kept, according to the true intent and meaning of thefe 
 prefents, that then, and from thenceforth, in any fuch 
 cafe, and at all times then after, it fhall and may be 
 lawful to and for the faid A. B. his executors, admi- 
 niflrators, or affigns, into the faid mefTuage or tene- 
 ment and premifes hereby demiied, or into any part 
 thereof in the name of the whole, wholly tore-enter, 
 and the fame to have again, repoffefs, and enjoy, as in 
 his and their firft and former eftate ; and the faid C. D. 
 his executors, adminiflrators, and affigns, and all others 
 the occupiers of the faid premifes, thereout and from 
 thenceforth utterly to expel, put out, and amove,, 
 this indenture or any thing herein contained to the 
 contrary thereof in any wife notwithflanding. And 
 laflly, the faid A, B, for himielf, his' executors, ad- 
 miniflrators, and affigns, doth covenant, promife and 
 agree, to and with the faid C. D. his executors, ad- 
 miniflrators, and affigns, by thefe prefents, that he the- 
 faid C. D. his executors, adminiflrators, and affigns, 
 paying the faid yearly rent herein before referved af 
 the place, and on the feveral fcafl days and times be- 
 fore limited, and appointed for payment thereof, and 
 obferving, performing, paying, 'fulfilling, and keep- 
 ing, all and fingular the payments, covenants, grants, 
 articles, provifoes, conditions, and agreements, in thefe 
 prefents contained, which on his, and their parts and 
 behalfs, are or ought to be obferved, performed, ful- 
 filled, and kept, according to the true intent and mean- 
 ing of thefe prefents, fhall and lawfully may, peace- 
 ably and quietly have, hold, occupy, poflefs, and enjov, 
 the laid dcmifed premifes, with their and every of their 
 
 appurtenances,
 
 An Indenture, &c. 237 
 
 appurtenances, during the faid term of" years 
 
 hereby granted, without the lawful let, iuit, trouble, 
 moleitation, denial, or evi&ion, of or by the faid A. B. 
 his executors, adminiftrators, or afligns, or any of 
 them, or of, or by any other perfon or perfons what- 
 soever, lawfully having, or claiming to have, any 
 right, title, or intereft, in or to the faid demifed pre- 
 mifes with the appurtenances, or in, or to any part 
 or parcel thereof, by, from, or under the faid A. B. 
 his executors, adminiftrators, or afligns, or any of 
 them, or by, or through his, their, or any of their 
 'means, confent, or procurement, In witnefs, &c. 
 
 T 
 
 INDENTURE for an APPRENTICE. 
 
 HIS indenture witneiTeth, That T. H. fon of 
 
 R. H, of in the county of , 
 
 hath put himfelf, and by thefe prefents doth volun- 
 tarily and of his own free will and accord put himfelf 
 
 apprentice to A, B. citizen and of , to 
 
 learn his ait, trade, or my ft cry, after the manner of an 
 apprentice, to ferve him from the day of the date 
 hereof, for and during the full term of feven years 
 next enfuing ; during all which time he the faid 
 apprentice his faid mailer fhall faithfully ferve, his 
 fecrets keep, his lawful commands every where gladly 
 obey. He fhall do no damage to his faid mailer, nor 
 fee it to be done by others, without letting or giving 
 notice thereof to his faid mafter. He fhall not wafte 
 his faid mailer's goods, nor lend them unlawfully to 
 others. He fhall not commit fornication, nor con- 
 tract matrimony within the faid term. At cards, dice, 
 or any unlawful game, he fhall not play, whereby his 
 faid mafter may be damaged. With his own goods, 
 or goods of others, during the term, without licenfe of 
 his faid mafter, he (hall neither buy norfell. He fhall 
 not abfent himfelf day nor night from his faid mafter's 
 fervice, without his leave; nor haunt alehoufes, taverns, 
 or play-houfes: but in all things behave himfelf as a 
 
 faithful
 
 £38 A B O N D. 
 
 faithful apprentice ought to do, during the faid term. 
 And the faid matter (hall ufe the utmoft of his endea- 
 vours to teach, or caufe to he taught, and inftru&ed, 
 the faid apprentice in the trade and myftery he now 
 profefleth, occupieth or followeth ; and procure and 
 provide for him the faid apprentice fufficient meat, 
 drink, apparel, wafhing, and lodging, fining for an 
 apprentice, during the faid term. And for the true 
 performance of all and every the faid covenants and 
 agreements, either of the faid patties bind themfelves 
 unto the other by thefe prefents. In witnefs whereof 
 they have interchangeably put their hands and feals* 
 this -day of in the ■ — >' ear > & c » 
 
 Witnefs, T J. H £ 
 
 *** If an apprentice be enrolled and indented, he cannot 
 fueout his indenture, except upon proof of unmerciful vfage, 
 want of victuals, and other necefaries, or his mafter's 
 being neglectful of teaching him his trade. But if there 
 are no enrollment and indenting, an indenture may be 
 fucd out without fieuing caufe. 
 
 A BOND. 
 
 KN O W all men, by thefe prefents, That I, John 
 Harrifon, of the parifh of St. Luke, in' the 
 county of Middlefex, Gentleman, am held and firmly 
 bound to Thomas Morgan, of the faid county of Mid* 
 dlefex, Efq; in the penal fum of four hundred pounds 
 of good and lawful money of Great-Britain, to be paid 
 to the faid Thomas Morgan, Efq: cr to his certain at- 
 torney, his executors, admini lira tors, or afligns ; for 
 the true payment whereof I bind myfeif, my heirs, 
 executors, and adminiilrators, firmly by thefe prefents, 
 fealed with my leal. Dated this firfl day of Septem- 
 ber; in the feventeenth year of the reign of our Sove-
 
 Promissory Note of Hand. 239 
 
 reign Lord George the Third, by the grace of God, of 
 Great-Britain, France, and Ireland, King, defender of 
 the faith, and fo forth, and in the year of oar Lord 
 one thoufand feven hundred and . The con- 
 dition of this obligation is fuch, That if the above 
 bounden John Harriion, his heirs, executors, or admi- 
 niftrators, do well and truly pay. or caufe to be paid 
 to the above named Thomas Morgan, his executors, 
 adminiftrators, or afligns, the full fum of t.vo hun- 
 dred pounds, of good and lawful money of Great- 
 Britain, on the firft day of September next enfuing the 
 date hereof, with lawful intereft : then this obligation 
 to be void, or elfe to remain in full force. 
 
 Signed, fealed, and delivered, 
 in the prefence of us, being 
 Jirji duly Jiampt, 
 
 A PROMISSORY NOTE op HAND. 
 
 London, September 1,177 
 
 SI X months after "date I promife to pay to Mr. 
 David Wilfon, or order, the fum of feventy-fix 
 pounds five Ihillings and four-pence, for value re- 
 ceived. 
 
 « ' Thomas Eastoj?. 
 
 £76 5 4 
 
 N. B. Mr. Wilfon, before this note can be negoti- 
 ated, muft indorfe it, as it is only payable to order, 
 not to bearer* 
 
 Am
 
 340 Bill of Exchange, &c. 
 
 An INLAND BILL op EXCHANGE.. 
 SIR, Sheffield, September 3, 177 
 
 THREE months after date (fight, or at fight) 
 pleafe to pay to Mr, Churchill, or order, the 
 fum of feventy-fix pounds three fhillings and fix-pence 
 (with or without advice) and place the fame to the ac- 
 count of 
 
 . Your humble fervant, 
 
 £ 76 3 6 Accepted. C. J. * 
 
 — David Baker. 
 
 To Mr, Charles Johnfon, Merchant, 
 in Mincing-Lane, London. 
 
 N. B. A Bill of Exchange cannot be negotiated before 
 it is accepted by the party upon whom it is drawn s and, 
 at the fame time, it mufi be indorfed by theperfon in whofe 
 favour it is drawn, and alfo by all thofe who fh all receive 
 it afterwards. 
 
 * This is the common mode of acceptance. 
 
 A MEMORANDUM, 
 
 Neceffary to complete afudden Agreement. 
 
 MtmPf\ X 7E C. D. and H. L. do hereby mutually 
 V V agree to, &c. for abide by the aforefaid 
 articles of agreement) and in witnefs whereof we do 
 hereunto fet our hands, this third day of September, 
 177 
 
 Witnefs^. B. J ^ 
 
 N. B. Each party muft have a duplicate of the above 
 Memorandum, which fhould be the cafe, alfo refpefting 
 vtofl other inflruments in law. 
 
 %* Care mujl betaken to avoid dating any i?iftrument 
 in Sunday , other wife the law will deem it illegal. 
 
 FINIS.
 
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 ALEX. HOGG, at No. 16, Pater --hejhr- Row >, 
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 DICTIONARY of ARTS & SCIENCES; 
 
 Or, An CJniverfal Syftem of ILeful Knowledge. 
 Containing a full Explanation of every Art and 
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 Difficulties attending a thorough Knowledge of them 
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 %•* This New Work being divided into 50 Num- 
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 may be fupplied with one or two Numbers at a Time, 
 price only 6d each, containing all the fet of beautiful 
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 Eiegantly printed from the moft efteemed Edition 
 of John Field, (a good Copy of which can-not be pur- 
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 pital Frontifpiece by Taylor; 
 
 PASHAM's POCKET BIBLE: 
 
 Containing the O/Vand New Tejiaments, with Nates. 
 * ,* This Bible is the fmalleit. ever printed in the 
 Engli(h Language, and may be moft conveniently ufed 
 feparute, or as a Companion to Pajhatn's fmall Edi- 
 tion sf Dr. Watts's Pfalms and Hymns, price few'd 
 >2s. or elegantly bound in Morocco — i6s» 
 
 — -VIII. 
 
 Beautifully printed on a fine Writing-paper, and in 
 the Compafs of about half an Inch when bound, 
 being the fmalleft Edition ever Printed. 
 The Pfalms and Hymns of If a a c Watts > D.D» 
 
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 %* To prevent Miftakes, the Public are entreated 
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 The P I L G R I M's P R O G R E S S 
 
 From this World to that which is to come. 
 
 Delivered under the Similitude of a Dream. Wherein in dis- 
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 and fale Arrival at the deiired Country. 
 
 By JOHN B U N Y A N.
 
 ALEX. HOGG, No. 16, Pater-Nojler-Ronu. 7 
 
 The whole embellifhed with a more fuperb and 
 
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 %* The Public are requefted to order the Pilgrim's 
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 QJJARLES' EMBLEMS: 
 And, S C H O O L of the H E A RT. 
 
 Both written by the fame Author, and embellifhed 
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 %* The Public are requefted to obferve, that the 
 above \? the only complete Edition of paries' Em- 
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 or neatly bound in Calf, — — 12s, 
 
 Embellifhed with an elegant Frontifpiece and en- 
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 The GOSPEL MAGAZINE, 
 And Moral Miscellany. 
 
 To be continued Monthly. Price 6d. Containing 
 the Life of the Rev. Dr. Young, and a Variety of Ori- 
 ginal and Select Pieces on Religion and Chriftian 
 Morality. Calculated for all Denominations. Any 
 odd Numbers, to make up Sets, may be now had, 
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 J 774> »77S» »77 6 , *777» and 1778, at 7s. per Vo- 
 lume, half bound, or neatly bound in Calf and Let- 
 tered. — — — — 8"s» 
 
 — xir. — 
 The ENGLISH LETTER-WRITER; 
 
 Or, Whole Art of General Correspondence. 
 
 Confiding of a Series or" the mod Important, Inftru&ive, and 
 Interefting entire new letters, on every Occurrence in 
 Life. By which any Pcrfon, who cm u-fe the Pen, may wrtee 
 Letters on every SubjecT, with Propriety and Elegance of Stile, 
 particularly on Trade, Affection, Love, Courtfhip, Marriage, 
 Friendship, Inftruftion, Hiftory, Induftry, Prudence, Gratkude, 
 
 r.enerofitv.
 
 8 NEWBOOKS printed for 
 
 Generofity, Misfortunes, Virtue, Vice, Piety, Wit, Mirth, FoUy, 
 Morality, Education, Happinefs, Sicknefs, Death, Immortality, 
 Oeconomy, Arhuence, Poli tenets, Fidelity, Duty of Parents, 
 Children, and other Relations, Mavte/s, Miftrefles, Officers, 
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 with the UNIVERSAL PETITIONER, comprehending the 
 greaceit Variety of Original Petitions, adapted to every Situation ; 
 with Directions for prefenting them in a proper Manner. Including 
 alfo A New Enc lish Grammar. Likewife general Induc- 
 tions for carrying on Epistolary Correspondence 5 and 
 neceffary Rules for addrefiing Perfons of all Stati :ns. To the 
 whole are alfo added. Precedents of Leafes, Bonds, Indentures-,- 
 Letters of Attorney, Wills, Mortgages, Wills and Powers, &c. Sec. 
 
 By the Rev. GEORGE B R O W N, M. A. 
 
 N. B. This is, without exception, the belt and moll extenfively 
 Usef ul Letter-Writer, that was ever offered to the Public- 
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 a fingle Sentence having been taken- from any printed Book j 
 and this little Work being introduced into our Schools, has been 
 found of the greater* Utility to the rifing Generation— Pleafe 
 to afc. for Brown's English Letter-Writer, which con- 
 tains a greater Variety than any other Book of the kind, and the 
 Publi/her avers, that the flighted Comparifon will ihew its great 
 Superiority. Embelli h?d with a beautiful original Frontifpiece, 
 Price only is. 6d. fewed, or neatly bound — 2s, 
 
 XIII. 
 
 The NEW YOUNG MAN's COMPANION; 
 Or, Youth's Faithful Guide. 
 
 Containing a new Introduction to all the various Branches of 
 ufeful Knowledge and Learning, ranged in an eafy and familiar 
 Manner, whereby the different Departments of Trade and Buli- 
 nefs are rendered plain and intelligible to every Capacity. AmongiV 
 many other Articles of Importance are the following : An Ad- 
 drefs to young Men and Youth in general,- pointing out the 
 proper Way to Profperitv and Happin?fs, by which alone they 
 can become Rich and RefpccTable. The true Art of Reading, 
 Writing, as well as Speaking. with Propriety and Correctnefs. 
 The beft Inductions for writing the different Hands, and mak- 
 ing Pens, Ink, &c. with fundry Sets of Copies, Moral Sentences, - 
 Set. A new curious Method of fee ret Writing, for marking Goods, - 
 &c. Forms of Notes, Bills of Exchange, Receipts, fee. Compen- 
 diums of Meafuring, Gauging and Dialling; alio of Geography, 
 of Chronology, and of Adronomy. Directions in Farriery, ln- 
 {tructions in Gardening and Botany. Tables of the Kings and 
 Queens, &c. fee And marry other important Matters. 
 
 Bv the Rev. GEORGE BROWN, M. A. 
 Author of the E N G L I S H LETTE R-W R1TER, 
 (N. B. Be careful to a(k for Brown's New Young Man's 
 Companion.) Adorned with an elegant Emblematical Fron- 
 
 tifpiece, Price only is. 
 
 XIV.
 
 ALEX. HOGG, No. 16, Paler-Nofter-Ronu. 9 
 
 The F A R M E ' r7 WIFE; 
 
 Or, Complete Country Housewife. 
 
 Containing full and ample Directions for the Breeding and 
 Management of Turkic*, Fowls, Geefe, Ducks, &c. Induc- 
 tions for fattening Hogs, pickling of Pork, and curing of Bacon. 
 How to m.ike Saufages, Hogs Puddings, &c. bull inftru&ions for 
 making Wines from various Kinds of Engli/h Fruits, and from 
 Smyrna Raifins. The Methods of making Cyder, Perry, Mead, 
 Mum, Chciry Brandy, &c. Diredions reTpe&ing the Dairy, 
 containing the belt Way of making Butter, and likevvife Glouctf- 
 terfiiirt, Ghejhire, Stilton, Sage and Cream Chcefe. How to 
 pickle common Englifh Fruits and Vegetables, with other ufeful 
 Receipts for the Country Houfekeeper. Full Inftru&ions Sow 
 to brew Beer and Ale, of all the various Kinds n.ade in this 
 Kingdom. Ample Directions refpecYmg the Management of Bees, 
 with an Account of the Ufe o," Honey. To which is added, 
 the Art of Breeding and Managing Song Bird.. Likewlfe.a 
 Variety of other Particulars, well worthy the Attention of Wo- 
 men of all Ranks rending in the Country. Embelliihed with a 
 beautiful Frontispiece, Price --- --- is. 6d. 
 
 NECESSARY FOR ALL FAMILIFS, 
 
 The Complete ENGLISH PHYSICIAN} 
 Or, an Univerfal Library of Family Medicines. 
 
 Containing a new and approved Selection o 1 ' etiicacijus Pi?- 
 fc-iptions and Remedies, made Ufe of by the Faculty, for the 
 Cure of all Diforders to which the Human Body is liable. Toge- 
 ther with plain and eaiy Directions for the Ufe and Application 
 cf tbofe Rcnsedies, with fa/ety, in private Families. The whole 
 calculated to adminifter the moil valuable AiMancc in the Pre- 
 vention and Cure of every Difeafe and Malady, incident to both 
 •Sexes. Including important Obfervations, from the molt eminent 
 Authorities, on proper Regimen and Simple Medicines. Alfo, 
 other medical Remarks, worthy the Attention of Mankind in ge- 
 neral ; ending to reltore Health and preveat Illnefs through every 
 Stage of Life. Likewife Obfervations on the Methods ufed by the 
 Humane Society, for the Recovery of Perfons apparently Drown- 
 ed ; and an effectual Cure for the Scurvy, to which Diforder 
 the Englifh Nation are fo peculiarly fubjec~t. 
 By GEORGE ALEXANDER GORDON, M. D. 
 
 Embellifhed with an elegant Frontifpiece, by SAMUEL, 
 Price — - — — — 2 s. 
 
 *** To prevent Imposition, the Public are particularly requeu- 
 ed to ark for Dr. Gordon's English Physician, which con- 
 tains more neceflary Information than books of fix times the 
 Price. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 A New Little Work, neceffary to be penned by every young 
 Man and Woman in the Kingdom, who wiih Co act upon Princi- 
 ples of Honour. 
 
 The
 
 10 NEWBOOKS printed for 
 
 The LOVER's NEW GUlDEj 
 Or, A Complete Library of Love. 
 
 Giving fujl Instructions for Love, Courtfhip, and Mairiage ; 
 whereby every Part of thofe laudable, and really important. 
 Concerns is rendered perfectly eafy to all Capacities. 
 
 By CHARLES FREEMAN, F.fq; and Others. 
 
 This New Little Book, which is appropriated folely to the 
 above laudable Piirpofes is by far the completer* Work on the Sub- 
 ject ever published, and will be round of the utmoft Service, in 
 removing thole difagreer.ble EmbarrrdTments which many Perfons 
 are under in making honourable Proposals. 
 
 Emhellifhed with a beautiful Frontifpiece, elegantly engraved, 
 
 Price only -- — -- is. 
 
 %* Pleafe to ?.fk for Mr. Freeman's New Guide; Printed 
 for A i. ex. Hogg. 
 
 PRICE'S New BOOK of COOKER V, the compleateft and 
 molt approved Work of the Kind, and containing more Improve- 
 ments, and a greater Variety than Books of a much larger Price, 
 (Adorned with an ufeful Frontifpiece, and various other Prints, 
 displaying fundry modern Bills of Fare, and the Order in which 
 the Diihes mould he placed on the Taule.) 
 
 ANEWBOOK of COOKERY; 
 Or, Every Woman a Perfect Cook. 
 
 Containing an extenftve Va-iety of approved Original Receipt* 
 in all the Branches of Cookery and Confectionary, viz. Boiling, 
 Roafting, Broiling, Frying, Stewing, Halhing, Baking, Fricafi'ees, 
 Ragouts, Made-Difhes, Soups, Sauces, Game, Poultery, Pud- 
 dings, Pies and Tarts, Cakes, Cuftards, Cheefecakes, Creams, 
 Syllabubs, jellies, Pickling, Preferring, Candying, Potting, 
 Collaring, Englifh Wines, &c. To which are added, The beft 
 Instructions for Marketing, and fundry Modern Bills of Fare; 
 alio Directions for Clear-ftarching, and the Ladie's Toilet, or, 
 Art of Preserving and Improving Beauty} likewife a fmall Col- 
 lection of Phyfical Receipts for Families, &c- The whole cal- 
 culated to aflift the prudent Houfcwife in furniihing the cheapeft 
 and moft elegant fet of Diihes in the various Departments of 
 Cookery, and to inftruct Ladies in general in many other Parti- 
 culars of great Importance. 
 
 By Mrs. ELIZABETH PRICE, of Berkley-fquare. 
 N. B. Be careful to ?.flc for Price's New Book of Cookery, 
 Price only ... . is 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 Calculated equally for the Ufe of Pigeon Fanciers and Pigeon- 
 
 The COMPLETE PIGEON FANCIER* 
 Or, A New Treatife on Domeftic Pigeons. 
 
 Containing the moft valuable Information concerning the Na- 
 ture, Properties, and Management of all their various Species ; 
 Directions for Building Pigeon-Houfes, cr Dove-Cotes ; necefTary 
 Instructions for flocking and managing the Pi^eon-Houie, or 
 
 Dove-
 
 ALEX. HOGG, No. 16, Pater-Nojler-Ro<w. u 
 
 Dove-Cote, with an Account of thofe Pigeons which are moil ad- 
 vantageous, and an Abftracl of the Laws relating to Pigeons j the 
 beft Methods of preventing Pigeons from leaving their Habita- 
 tions, Sec. 
 
 Among the other Species defcribed in this Work are the 
 following, viz. Powters, Carriers, Horfemen, Dragoons, Cioppers, 
 Fantails, Tumblers, Runts, Trumpeters, Jacobines, Capuchins, 
 Nuns, Turners, Barbs, Mahomets, Turbirs, &c. &c. &c. 
 
 By D A N I E L G I R T O N, of the County of Bucks. 
 
 Embellhhed with 12 Copper-plates, Price only is. 6d. 
 
 XIX 
 
 The cheapell and moft extenfiveiy ufeful Book on the Subject, 
 ever offered to the Public. 
 
 The UNIVERSAL RECKONER; 
 
 Or, Every Tradefman's Infallible Guide. 
 
 Containing, New and Complete Tables, moft carefully caft up, 
 and exhibiting at one Point oi View the Value or Amount of any 
 Quantity of Goods in Trade or Merchandife, from one Farthing 
 to Twenty Shillings, not only by the Pound, Ounce, Yard, Ell, 
 &c. but alfo by the long and fhort Hundred, half Hundred, &c. 
 To which are added, Tables for cafting up Wages, by the Day, 
 Week, Month, and Year : And a valuable Catalogue of Weights, 
 Meafurcs, &c. &c. 
 
 By JOHN BETTESV/ORTH, Mailer of che Mari- 
 time School, Chelfea. 
 
 Price bound in Leather, only — — is. 
 
 XX. 
 
 New and Correcl Tables of Interest. 
 
 Calculated on an enlarged Plarf, and in the moft exadt Manner, 
 from il. to ioool. for one Day to 100 Days, and for 1 to 1a 
 Months, at 2, 2^, 3, fe, 4, 4^, and 5 per Cent. Including 
 Rules and Directions for cafting-up Intereft at any Rate, by the 
 fame Tables. This is the only Book of the Kind which compre- 
 hends the Intereft at one View, of" 1 to 2d. in a regular and ac- 
 curate Manner. Containing alfo another valuable Improvement, 
 viz. Intereft at 2 per Cent. Together with Tabltwof Brokerage, 
 and for valuing Annuities. 
 
 By JOHN BETTESWORTH, Accomptant, Author of the 
 Ur.iverfal Reckoner. 
 
 Price bound in Leather, only (it being the cheapeft book of the 
 
 — L-xxi. — 
 
 King's Frauds of London detected. Jn entire New Work, 
 In which all the new invented Frauds, Artifices, Cheats, Se- 
 ductions, &c. at this time pra&ifed in London, are expofed 
 in fuch a Manner, that every honeft and unwary Reader will 
 ke furhciently guarded againit thofe deligning Mifcreants, who 
 Continually under different Characters infVft the Metropolis. Em- 
 boli ifhed with a curious Frontifpiecs, and a Variety of other 
 New Copper-plates. The Whole containing more in Quantity 
 than any other Book of the Kind ; 
 
 The
 
 12 NEW BOOKS printed for ALEX. HOGG. 
 
 TheFRAUDSof LONDON detedled; 
 
 O r A Waming-Piece ag.inft thofe Iniquitous Practices. 
 Containing a ja.t, true aad accrate Account of the many 
 atrocious Artifices, Tricks, Seductions, Impolitions and Decep- 
 tions, which are daily committed in and about London (in or- 
 der to deceive the innocent unwary Countryman, and unfuf- 
 pecrin^ Stranger) by Bawds, Bullies, Duffers, Fortune-Tellers, 
 Gamblers, Hangers-on, Houfebreakere, Jilts, Intelligencers, Kid- 
 nappers, Lottcry-olfice-ke-pers, Mock. Auctioneers, Money- 
 Droppers, Pimps, Pretended Friends, Procurers, Pickpockets, 
 Sharpers, Swindlers, Shoplifters, Street Robbers, Way-layers, 
 [©n-hunters, Whores, &c. &:. Interfperfed with feafonable 
 Reflections, whereby the foregoing Rogues and Cheats are fully 
 expofed to public View. And enriched with Obfervations, and 
 falutary Hints to both Sexes in Town and Country, cal- 
 culated for the Benefit of Mankind in General. 
 
 By RICHARD KING, Efq. 
 
 * # * To avoid Imposition, pleafe to order King's Fr a l ds of 
 London detected j and be allured that all fimilar Publications, 
 offered under this Title, are fpurious, unlefs figned by the Author 
 and Publisher, Rich. King, Alex. Hogg. 
 
 Price only — — - is. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 True and Lawful MATRIMONY. 
 
 Wherein the legality of the Marriage of their Royal Highnefles 
 the Duke and Durchefsof Glocefter is fairly evinced, and clearly 
 demonitrated. With a few Explanatory Notes fubjoined. 
 Marriage is honourable in all, Heb. xii. 4. 
 
 In large Octavo, Price only — -- IS 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 ARITHMETIC and MEASUREMENT, 
 
 Improved by Examples and Plain Demonstrations. 
 Suitable to ali Artifts, but more efpecially thofe who are em- 
 ployed in Bu-ikii.ng, Gardening, Surveying Land, &c- To whick 
 is added, the Ufe of an Inftrument, called a Tangent Rule, for 
 taking any given Diftance within a Quarter of a Mile. 
 By WILLIAM DAVIDSON, Architect and Land Surveyor. 
 Price neatly bound -- -- — 2s. 6d. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 Infcribed to the Right Worihipful Sir John Durbin, Knight, 
 Mayor of the City of Bristol. 
 
 Poetical E flays. By a Clergyman* 
 
 Neatly printed in Quarto, price - - 2S. 
 
 *#* Very g°°d Allowance on the above Books is made to 
 thofe <who fell them again. 
 
 Cr ALEXANDER HOGG likewife fells Bibles, 
 Common Prayers, School Books, &c. &c. 
 Wholefale and Retail. Books Bought or Exchanged. 
 Alio Books Bound, in the various Modes of Bind- 
 ing, on the loweft Terms.
 
 NEW BOOKS printed for ALEX. HOGG. \j 
 
 ■xxy.. 
 
 A NEW EDITION, 
 
 {Dedicated to the Rev. Mr. JOHN RYLAND, of 
 
 Northampton) of 
 
 GRACE TRIUMPHANT^ 
 A fecred Poem in Nine Dialogues ; 
 
 Wherein the utmoft Power of Nature, P.eafon, 
 Virtue, and the Liberty of the Human Will, to 
 adminifter Comfort to the Awakened Sinner, are im- 
 partially weighed and confidered. 
 
 By JOHN FELLOWS, 
 
 Author of the Hiftory of the Bible, in Verfe, &c. &cV 
 Price, -fewed in blue Covers, — is. 6& 
 
 -XXVI. 
 
 A Fair and Impartial E N QJJ I RY 
 Into the Rife, Propagation, Doctrine, Pifcipline, 
 and Practice of the 
 
 CHURCH of R O M E ; 
 
 In a Series ?f 
 Familiar Dialogues Between a FATHER and a SON, 
 
 By JOHN F E L L O W S, 
 Author of the Hiftory of the Holy Bible in Verfe ; an4 
 - Grace Triumphant, a Poem. 
 
 h\ a neat Pocket Volume, price 2S. 6d. fewed, or 
 neatly bound only — — $s* 
 
 •XXVII. 
 
 A C O L L E C TI O N out of the 
 BOOK of PSA L M S. 
 
 Suited to every Sunday in the Year. To which is 
 prefixed an EfTay on Piaimody. 
 By the Rev. WILLI A M 'ROM AINE, M. A, 
 
 The fecond Edition, being a very fmall one. Price 
 in -bUie Coders is. 6d. or neatly bound 2«. 
 
 F thta-efc
 
 *4 tsEW BOOKS panted for 
 
 ■XXVIII.. 
 
 ARITHMETIC MADE EASY 
 
 In the firft four Fundamental Rutee. With a Col- 
 lection of Ufeful Tables. Submitted to the earlieft 
 -Capacities, and principally defigned to revive the 
 negledted, but ufeful Exercifes of that Science. To 
 which are added, for Illuflration, Examples and 
 Proofs under every Rule; upon an Entire New Plan. 
 
 By JGHN BETTESWORTH, 
 .Author of the Unwerfal Reckoner, and of the New 
 and Correct Tables of Intereji ; being the moil com- 
 plete and correct Books of the Kind extant. 
 
 • # * On Account of the great Utility and Cheap- 
 nefs of this Lktle Work, all the Monthly Reviewers 
 have earneftly recommended it to the particular No- 
 tice of Schcolmallers, who would find their Account 
 in introducing it into their Schools, fo that every 
 Scholar might be poiTe/Ted of fo valuable a Compendi- 
 um of -the four Fundamental Rules of Arithmetic, 
 
 Price only -*-.' «— 3d, 
 
 xxix.. 
 
 FANATICAL DIVINITY EXPOSED, 
 
 And the Gofpel of Chrift vindicated ; 
 
 Or, Remarks on a Sermon, occafioned by the Death 
 of the Rev. John Parfons, late Rector of St. Martin's, 
 Birmingham, and preached by the Rev. William Toy 
 Ycung, Curate of the faid Parilh ; with a Dedication 
 to the Author of Pietas Oxonienfis. 
 
 By ALUMNUS. 
 %* The above Remarks will be found highly inte- 
 reiling to the Religious World in general, particularly 
 t thofe refiding in Birmingham, and its vicinity. 
 
 Elegantly printed in large Oclavo, price is. 
 
 Neatly
 
 ALEX. HOGG, No..i6,Ptf//r-»*/*r^w. f$ 
 
 XXX.- 
 
 Neatly bound in Red, and Emhellimed with a Ca~ 
 gital Frontifpiece, and a Variety of falh ion able-He ad; 
 T'reffes for the prcfent Year ;. 
 
 (To be continued Anninlly) 
 
 H A R R I S's ORIGIN A L 
 
 BRITISH L A. D I E S 
 
 COMPLETE P O C K E T 
 
 MEMORAN D U M B O O K'i 
 
 For the Prefent YEA R, 
 
 Containing a greater Variety of ufeful Articles,, 
 than any other Bookr of the Kind. But the reputa- 
 tion of this Ladies Pocket Book is fo firmly eitablilhed,, 
 that every Thing faid in its .Favour muit appear fii- 
 pertfaous. The. Proprietor, however, carneltly in - 
 treaty the Public to obferve, That all Publication* 
 oiiered under the Title of Harris's Ladies Pocket Mook y 
 are fpurious, milefe bearing the Names of the Printer 
 and Publisher, J. W. Fash am, and Alex. Hocg. 
 
 Price, bound with Pockets, &c. only !?»• 
 
 v 
 
 XXL- 
 
 The EXPOSITORY WORKS 
 And other REMAINS of 
 
 ARCHBISHOP LEIGH T O N. 
 
 Containing, I. His Practical Commentary upon the 
 Firft Epiftle General of St. Peter. 11. His Meditation^, 
 critical and praclical, on fcyeral of tiie PiaJm:.; 'II. 
 Lectures on various Schjeob. And IV. Letters on fe- 
 vcral Occasions. The Whole carefully corrected and 
 revifed, with a recommendatory Preface and. complete- 
 Index, 
 By the Rev. HENRY FOSTER, A.M... 
 
 In two handfome Volumes, in Octavo, adorned with, 
 an elegant Head of the Author, engraved by Col/yer, 
 lorice, neatly bound, — — 14^- 
 
 The above Work being comprized in 24 Weekly 
 Numbers, any Perfon may be ferved with one or more . 
 at. a. Time, . Price Six-pence each.
 
 *$ N E W BOOKS printed foe 
 
 ■XXXIT.. 
 
 THE 
 
 TOWN and COUNTRY JESTER^ 
 
 Or, A Neiv Fund of Genuine Wit and Good Humour. 
 
 Containing the raoft complete, rational, merry, 
 diverting, and humorous collection of agreeable en- 
 tertainment for winter evenings and a leifure hour, 
 ever before published in the Engliih language. 
 
 Among the originals which chiefly cempofe this 
 
 work, and which are the productions of the firft ge- 
 
 niufes of the present age, will b* foend the greateft 
 
 and bell feletted variety of Good Sayings, Witty Jefis* 
 
 Bon Mots, Repartees, jokes, Fans, Bulis, Quibbles, 
 
 Tales, Stories, Adventures, Narrations, Anecdotes, 
 
 Waggeries, Double Entendres, Hob Nobs, Whims* 
 
 Frolics, Humbugs, Witticifms, Fables, Smart Obfer- 
 
 vations, Ingenious Flights, &c. Likewife excellent 
 
 ms, RebufTes, Riddles, Merry Poems, &c 
 
 ttal Lilt of the hell Toafts and Sentiments-, 
 
 biic and private Companies by Persons 
 
 •f bora Sexes. Together with 
 
 The Complete ENGLISH SONGSTER, 
 Being a choice Collection of all the moil efleemed 
 new Songs, now fung at Vauxhall, Ranelagh, the 
 London Theatres, and. other Aflemblies, throughout 
 the kingdom. 
 
 N. B. This New Jell Book may, without referve, be 
 put in the hands of young people, Ladies, &c. as every 
 thing indelicate and ofrenfive is carefully avoided, 
 Embeliimed with a laughable and elegantly humorous 
 Erontifpiece newly invented, price only is. 
 
 .XXXIII.. 
 
 A New Edition, being the fmalleft ever printed, and 
 with fome additional Hymns. never before given, of 
 
 The Rev. Mr. WHITEFIELD's HYMNS. 
 LI fed at the Chapel in Tottenham-Court-Road, 
 
 The Tabernacle near Mocriields, &c. 
 Neatly bound, price ■ > zi 
 
 NE\v:
 
 MBit. HOGG', No. i5, Fater-nofir-Row. if? 
 
 XXXIV. - 
 
 NEW PUBLICATION ON GARDENING;. 
 
 Adorned with an elegant Frontifpiece, finely engraved;, . 
 
 The New GARDENERS CALENDAR^. 
 
 Or, Every Man a Complete. Gardener*. 
 
 Comprehending a regular and full account of thV 
 particular Work and Bufinefs neceflary to be perform- 
 ed during every month of the Year, in the Kitchen 
 Garden, Flower Garden, Shrubbery, Fruit Garden., 
 Orchard, Green-Houfe, Hot-Houfe, &c. &c. With 
 a general Catalogue of the Produce of each rdpe&ive 
 Month ; and valuable Directions refpecting the culti- 
 vation of Soil and Situation, and concerning the rki& 
 ing, grafting and tranfplanting of Trees, Quick, for- 
 Hedges, Sec. agreeable to the newefi and, laoft ap = 
 proved methods as practifed by the molt eminent Gar- 
 deners in this kingdom. To which are added, proper 
 Directions for killing all forts of Vermin that infeft 
 Gardens, Houfes, Barns, Fields, &c. Ufeful Rules 
 forjudging of the weather, founded on experience,; 
 And-likewife A New EfTay on the Myftery and Ma- 
 nagement of Bees, in which the belt Inftructions are 
 given with regard to their Breeding, Gatherings 
 Swarming, Hiving, &c. 
 
 By.WILLIAM T H O M P'SO NJ. 
 Gardener to- the Late Duke of Ancafter. 
 
 Qenini 
 
 By the Publication of this Ne-w Book of-Gar~ 
 vg, which contains many modern improvements in. - 
 that ufeful and agreeable Art, the public will derive: 
 'a. valuable acquisition ; and as the Author has pur- 
 pofely ftudied cheapnefs, he has put it in the power of. 
 gerfons in every Situation to purchafe Hit Neiv Gar- - 
 <&&&% Qalcndan$ frtie- only one Shilfytg^
 
 I a NEW BOOKS, printed* ft fc 
 
 XXXV. 
 
 NEW FAMILY PRAYERS, 
 Dedicated to the. Rev. Dr. Rome, Vice-Chancello: 
 or the Univerfity of Oxford, and Chaplain in Or- 
 dinary to the King. 
 
 THE NEW- 
 UNIVERSAL PRAYER-BOOK; 
 
 Or, A Complete Syitem of 
 
 FAMILY DEVOTIONS: 
 
 Designed for the Ufe of PROTESTANTS of al! 
 Denominations. 
 
 Containing Forms of Prayer for every Morning znd~ 
 Evening in the Week, with, fuitable Meditations and- 
 Reflections. Alio, Particular Prayers and Thankf- 
 giving for every Occafion and Circumltance in Life. 
 Likewife, A Practical Difcourfe upon the Nature and 
 Inltitution of the Chrifrian Sabbath, Including an 
 Introduction, recommending the Practice of Family 
 Worship and Social Religion. 
 
 By the Rev. JOSEPH \VORTKINGTON, L.L. Di 
 La:e of Qneen's-CoUege, Cambridge. 
 
 %* It is prcfamed the many fimilar Performances- 
 already offered to the World under the Titles of Ma r 
 xuais, Forms cf F:\ycr, kc. go no: at a-I let afide the 
 Uecejay of pa billing a Book of Family Prayers upon 
 the above Plan. y which will be found entirely original, 
 and nor cc njpHed from any former Books of Devotion. 
 The Author has kept Divine Revelation alone in 
 View, and m^int^ined throughout the whole the molt. 
 rv ;rai ancf*enlargfed Principles, in order that his La- 
 bours oay be failed to pious Christians of evsry De- 
 i rnitia ion ; for an unwarranted Attachment to any 
 particular Opinioas, is what he has cautiously avoided. 
 The Size in which this Work is printed, it is hoped, 
 will alfohs erteemed a great P.ecomrneudation. It fs 
 larger and much more convenient for Ufe in Families, 
 ^taii the common f ml I Slzi in whichmoflother Books 
 i.f the Kind are printed, 
 
 iLi^gantty printed on fu perii ne Paper, in large O.C' 
 ivrc,. ovUe.as. £d. fewed, or neatly bcand js. 
 
 Bedic&red^
 
 MLEX. HOGG, No. 16, Pater-nofier-Ro™. itf. 
 
 XXXVI. 
 
 Dedicated to the ARCHBISHOPS and BISHOPS of th» 
 CHURCH of ENGLAND. 
 
 Adorned with an elegant Frontifpiece, reprefenting the Infti- 
 tution of the Lord's Supper by our blefTed Saviour himfelf, and 
 other Emblems of our glorious Redeemer's Death j 
 
 THE U N 1 V E R SAL 
 
 "WEEK'S PREPARATION 
 
 For a worthy receiving of the Holy Sacrament of the: 
 LORD'S SUPPER, 
 
 Recommended and enjoined by the Church of England, 
 IN TWO PARTS. 
 
 Parti. Containing the True Nature- and. Institution of the 
 Lord's Supper, with an earner* invitation to that blefled Ordi- 
 nance. Alio fuitable Meditations and Prayers for every Day 
 (Morning and Evening) throughout the Week; and Forms of- 
 Self Examination and Confeffion. of Sins. To which is added. 
 
 A NEW COMPANION at the ALTAR, 
 Giving fuitable Inftrudiions to the Communicant while engaged 
 in the moft lUcrnn Act of his Devotion : likewife Meditations 
 and Prayers to be ufed on Sunday Evening after partying of the 
 Sacrament. Part. II. Containing Remarks, Meditations, Praters, 
 Thankfgivings and Ejaculations tor every Day in the Week, fol- 
 lowing the Celebration of the Holy Communion at the Lord's 
 Table. ■ Together with an EPITOME of the WHOLE DUTY 
 of MAN, under the different Heads j and the Thirty-nine Ar- 
 ticles of Religion, which- are entirely omitted in every other Book 
 of this Kind.. 
 
 By the Rev. JOSEPH WORTHINGTON, L.L.D, 
 Author of the New Univerfal Prayer-Book. 
 
 A Comparifon of this New Performance, with other Bsofcs 
 ef the Kind, is particularly defired, when the Preference will 
 <jueftionlefj be given to real Merits 
 
 To prevent.Miftakes, pleafe to order " The Univerfal Week^S 
 Preparation,, by the Rev. Dr. Worthington." 
 
 Price, the. T-\y.°. Parts bounjUogether, only *-» is.
 
 m 
 
 N E W BOOK S prirtfed 5 foi* 
 
 XXXVU.' 
 
 The HORSEMAN'S SURE GUIDE; 
 
 Or, Every Man his Own; Farrier. 
 
 Containing every thing relating to the Art of Far- 
 riery, and the proper Management of Horfes. Being 
 a new and much more complete Book of Farriery and 
 Horicrnanmip, than any hitherto publimed. Of the 
 great Variety of Articles comprized in this New Pub- 
 lication, we can here only mention the following ge- 
 neral heads. A practical Treatife on all the vari- 
 ous accidents and diforders to which horfes are liable, 
 wherein are given a full explanation of the moft erH- 
 cacius and approved methods of curing the feveral 
 £>iftempers, &c. and ufeful cautions and,obfervat:oii3 
 concerning their Symptons ; by which any perfon 
 may manage his own Horfes, and cure their diforders 
 in the belt manner, without applying to a Farrier 
 Likewife, Important Advice refpecting the buying 
 and choice of Horfes; fetting forth there real quali- 
 ties, and guarding the reader againfl all their ble- 
 miihes, particularly thofe cf the eyes, legs, wind, &c. 
 Together with the berfl Infractions for Riding, which 
 alone will be abfolutely furrkient, v/ith a little prac- 
 tice,, to make- any perfon ride in a graceful manner, 
 and perform a journey with eafe and pleafure. To 
 which are added, Ample Directions for the treatment 
 of port chaife and other travelling Horfes after violent . 
 excrcife;.A lift of the materials, medicines, oint- 
 ments and drugs, which a Gentleman Farrier mould 
 weep by him : Acd many other ufeful particulars wor- 
 thy the perufal ui ail peribns concerned in Horfes. 
 
 By JOHN MAPLES, of North- Alkr ton. 
 
 The whole b-^ingthe refu-Jt of many Years obfervation 
 and fuccefsful practice upon the A uthor's own horfes, .. 
 %* It is prefumed, that an attentive perufal will 
 foon convince every Render of the fuperior excellence 
 of this New Work, which is offered as a valuable im- 
 provement on every former publication of. the kind. 
 
 Embeiliihedwith anew and moil elegant Frontif- 
 jdece, price only .— •— • is, 
 
 Very.
 
 ALEX. HOGG, No. 16, Pater- nofier- Row. « 
 
 ■XXXVIII. 
 
 Very neceffiiry to be hung up in Rooms, Hall's, 
 Schools, Academies, Univeruties,.Veitries of Churches, 
 Chapels, Meetings, &c. 
 
 A NEW SYST E M O F 
 SACRED GENEALOG Y, 
 
 With Chronological Dates of the Pofterity of Adarr*. 
 to the Nativity of our Lord Jefus ChrifL Licluding 
 the Collateral Branches and Intermarriages: Deline- 
 ated from the Holy Bible, and illuftrated with ufeful 
 Tables of References, &c. &c. &c. To which is ad- 
 ded, a beautiful View of the Garden of Eden, ele- 
 gantly engraved. 
 By the Rev. Mr. RICHARD LEECH. 
 
 * # * The great Utility of giving the above a Place 
 in every ChriiUan Family, muft be obvious to Perfons 
 in general, as it naturally muft have a happy Ten- 
 dency to make young People, in particular, familiarly 
 acquainted with the facred Volume of I'nipiration. It 
 alfo might be exceedingly ufeful in being hang up as- 
 above mentioned. 
 
 Price in Sheets 7s. 6d. or fitted upon Rollers as a 
 Map> — — — -10s. 6cL 
 
 ■XXXIX.. 
 
 The S C H E M E of 
 
 CHRISTIAN and PHILOSOPHICAL 
 
 NECESSITY Averted; Or, 
 
 Predeftination Rationally Maintained. 
 
 In Oppofition to Mr. John Wefley's Tract on that 
 Subject. With a DilFertation concerning the Senfi- 
 ble Qualities of Matter ; and the Doctrine of Color 
 in particular.. 
 
 By AUGUSTUS T O P L A D Y, 
 Lace Vicar of Broad Hambury. 
 
 In Oclavo> fewedin Boards, Price — 3s, 
 
 Alfo bv the fame Author, 
 
 Moral and Political MODERATION, 
 
 Recommended in a FAST-SERMON, delivered 
 U St,. Mildred's in the. Poultry,. Price 6d. 
 
 The
 
 2*2 NEW BOOKS printed for 
 XLI.— 
 
 THE 
 
 NONCONFORMIST'S MEMORIAL. 
 
 Being an Account of the Mini fie is, who were 
 ejef-ed or fJer.ced after the Reiror^tion, particularly 
 hy the Aft of Uniformity, which took place on Bar- 
 Augufl z.-, 1662. Containing a conciiV 
 View of their Lives an j Characters, their Principles^ 
 bufferings and Printed Works, with the Heads of a 
 great Number of thofe eminent Divines. 
 
 Originally Written by Dr. C A L A M Y. 
 v abridged and corrected, and the Author's Ad- 
 ditions infeited, with many other Particulars, and 
 pew Anecdotes, 
 By the Rev. SAMUEL PAL M E R. 
 
 In two large Octavo Volumes, price in boards 143. 
 
 or neatly bound, 16?. 
 
 N. B. The above Work being divided into 27 weekly 
 Numbers, any Perfon may begin and have one or more 
 Numbers at a Time, price Six-pence each, 'till the 
 Whole is completed. 
 
 •XLII. 
 
 JBIOGRAP HI A EVANGELIC A: 
 
 Or, An Hiftorical Account of the Lives and Deaths 
 of the mofl eminent and evangelical AUTHORS 
 ©r PREACHERS, both Britifh and Foreign, m the 
 feverai Denominations of Proteftants, from the be^ 
 ginning of the Reformation in the Days of Wicklffi, 
 to the prefent Time. 
 
 vol. r. 
 
 In large Octavo, ernbeliiihed with 15 Engravings, 
 Price fewed 6s. 6d. or neatly bound — 7- • fa ~* 
 By the Rev. ERASMUS MID DLETO N, 
 Lecturer of St. Bennet's Gracechurch-Street ; 
 And of St. Helen's, Biihopfgate-Street. 
 *** To accommodate many purchafers, the above 
 Volume is divided into 13 weekly Numbers, price 
 6d. each. The whole work is intended to be com- 
 prized in 5.2 Numbers, making 4 handfome Volumes. 
 
 A. New
 
 ALEX. HOGG, No. ,6, ■Pafer-m/er-Xcv,. 
 
 -xliil- 
 
 A New and Elegant Edition of 
 
 BUN Y A N's HOLY WA R 
 
 Is now publilhing in the 
 
 GOSPEL M A G A Z I N ] 
 
 Or, Treafury of Divine Knowledge. 
 
 To which is added, the Life of Mr. Joint Banyan, 
 which is printed to accompany and bind up with th< 
 Holy War, explained and ill Pirated with Notes in 
 the fame Manner as thofe written fox the Pilgrim' J 
 Progrefs, Idy Mr. MASON, Author of the Spiritual 
 Treaiury, &c 
 
 Tne Holy War, (adorned with a Set cf elegant 
 Copper-plates, and defigned to bind up feparate in a 
 handfome Volume in large Oeraro) was bzgar. in the 
 Gofpel Magazine for Sept. s 779, and is continued in" 
 the following Number,. This beautiful Edition is 
 not intended to be pubiiihed in Numbers, and can 
 only be had with the Qofuei Magazine. 
 
 The above Life or Mr. frunyim is enriched with 
 explanatory Noces, and is calculated alio to accom- 
 pany the Pilgrim's Progrefs with Mafon's Notes. 
 
 ■XLIV.. 
 
 T^he HEADS and ■ PO RTR A I T S 
 
 Of Clergymen, Ministers, and otiier eminent Cha- 
 racters, Friends to Religion and Virtue, formerly 
 pubiiihed in the Gofpel Magazine, may be had price 
 3d. each, a few remaining firft impreffions on French 
 paper being ftill in hand. Amongft other celebrated 
 names of equal worth and reputation, cunftitutir-g 
 this Biographical Collection of Portraits, which are 
 univerfally elteemed good Likeneifes, we mail here 
 only mention the following : 
 
 Dr. YOUNG, 
 
 JAMES HERVEY, M. A. 
 Bp. BEVER] D G E, 
 Dr. WA T T S, 
 Bp. W 1 L K I N S, 
 
 Col. GARDENER, 
 Bp. HALL, 
 M AT THE W HEN RY f 
 Dr. DODDRIDGE, 
 Judge HALE, &c, &c. 
 
 Mi
 
 c 4 NEW BOOKS printed for ALEX. HOGG. 
 
 •XLV.- 
 
 Mrs. ANN TARTRIDE begs Leave to inform 
 young Women in general, that the following., which 
 is the cheapeil Book of Cookery according to the pre- 
 fent Talk ever before Printed, is nowpubliihed foiely 
 for their Benefit and Advantage. It would make a 
 moft valuable, though cheap Prcfent, from every Mif- 
 strefs to her Maid Servant. 
 
 The UNIVERSAL COOK; 
 
 Or, Young Woman's Befl C-uide, 
 
 In the Whole Art of Cookery. Giving particular 
 Directions for Boiling, Roafting, Frying, Broiling, 
 and Stewing; and the moil approved Methods of 
 making Hafhes, Gravies, Sauces, Soups, Fricaflees, 
 and RagonPts. 
 
 Together with the Whole Art of Paitrv: and the 
 choiceft Receipts for Cakes, &c. To wii-cli are ad- 
 •ded, Proper InftruCtions for the Arrangement of 
 Dimes, for every Monti, in the Year. 
 
 By Mis. ANN" PARTRIDGE, of Gieat George-Street. 
 
 Embellifhed with a fuitable Frcntifpiece, elegantly 
 engraved, price only . -— — 6d„ 
 
 A'. B The Public arc requeued to be particular in gi- 
 ving their Orders for any Becks, in the above General 
 Catalogue, left any old and imperfefi Articles JhcuU-be 
 eblrudtd u$on them, either through Miftake or Defga, 

 
 o~... University of California 
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 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1388 
 Return this material to the library 
 from which it was borrowed.
 
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