Page images
PDF
EPUB

awkward. But, of all things, learn to be correct, and never omit a careful perusal of what you have written, which, whoever neglects, must have many inaccuracies; and these are not only a reflection on the writer, but a rudeness to the person to whom they are written. Never be ashamed of having found something amiss, which you confess that you did, by mending it, for in that confession you cancel the fault: and if you have not time to transcribe it, let it pass; for a blot is by no means so bad as a blunder; and, by accustoming yourself to correct what is amiss, you will be less liable to future mistakes.

SPECIMENS OF LETTER WRITING.

LETTER I.

From a young Lady, in answer to a Letter she had received from her Mother, advising her to persevere in the Christian Duties in which she had been instructed.

Dear Mother,

I AM at a loss for words to express the joy I felt at the receipt of your letter; wherein you are pleased to acquaint me, that nothing ever gave you greater pleasure and satis faction, than the account I have given you of the conduct I observe in my spiritual affairs; and that I may still add to that comfort, which shall ever be my study when an opportunity offers itself, I presume to continue the information.

my

When I have endeavoured to discharge my duty to that Divine Being, to whom I am indebted for my existence, I repair to my toilet; but not with an intent to clothe body (which I know must sooner or later fall into corruption) with vain attiré, but with such as is decent or innocent; regarding fine robes as the badges of pride and vanity, and endeavouring to keep those enemies to our sex in particular, at too great a distance ever to dare an attempt upon my mind.

When public prayers and breakfast are over, I apply my thoughts to the duties of the school; and divide the time appointed for them as equally as I can, between, the se veral branches of education I am engaged in, both before and after dinner.

When the school is finished for the day, accompanied by

a young lady, who is my bed-fellow and of a like disposition, I retire to my room, where we improve ourselves, by reading.

Having finished our reading, and supper and prayers being over, I then retire alone to my room, to take an impartial view of the actions of the day: and, with bended knees and humble heart return unfeigned thanks to that Being who has protected me against those temptations with which the enemy to mankind is ready to allure us: for I am persuaded, it was not my strength or virtue that withstood the temptations, but his assisting grace that enabled me to overcome them; and conscious of having done amiss, I sue for pardon; and lay not my body to rest, till I have sought peace to my soul, through a Redeemer.

If at any time I am permitted to pay a visit (which liberty your indulgence has allowed) 1 take care to time it properly, for there are certain times when visits become rather troublesome than friendly: wherefore I avoid them when much company is expected, or when I am certain that family affairs will not admit of sufficient leisure to receive them; the former on my own account, the latter on my friends': for much company assembled together serves rather to confuse our ideas than enliven them. Therefore, when I am so unfortunate as to ill-time a visit, I withdraw as soon as civility and ceremony will permit me; and choose rather to prolong those visits which are likely to promote my real good.

I am, dear Mother,

Your most dutiful daughter.

LETTER II.

From a young Lady at School to her Mother, requesting a Favour.

Dear Mother,

THE many instances you have given me of your affection, leave me no room to believe that the favour I presume to ask will be unpleasing. If I were in the least doubtful of it, I hope my dear mother has too good an opinion of my conduct, to imagine I would ever ask any thing that I thought would give her the least dissatisfaction. The holidays are near at hand, when all of us are to pay our personal respects and duties to our parents, except one; whose friends (her parents being dead) reside

at too great a distance for her to expect their indulgence in sending for her; besides, were they to do so, the expense attending her journey would be placed to her account, and deducted out of the small fortune left by her parents.

This young lady's affability, sense, and good nature, have gained her the friendship and esteem of the whole school; each of us contending to render her retirement (as I may justly call it) from her native home and friends, as comfortable and agreeable as we possibly can.

How happy should I think myself above the rest of my female companions if you will give me leave to invite her to spend the holidays with me at home! And I doubt not but her address and behaviour will attract your esteem, amongst the rest of those she has already acquired.

Your compliance with this request will greatly add to the happiness I already enjoy from repeated indulgences and favours conferred on one, who will always endeavour to merit the continuance of them.

I am, with duty to my Father,

Dear Mother,

Your most dutiful daughter.

LETTER III.

From a young Lady to her Father, who lately embarked for the East Indies, in the Company's Service, but who was detained at Portsmouth by contrary winds.

My dear Father,

I FLATTER myself you are too well convinced of my steady adherence to my duty and affection, ever to imagine I will omit the least opportunity that offers of writing to you.

I beg my dear Father may not be offended if I say that it gives me a secret satisfaction to hear you are still within the reach of a post letter; and though I cannot have the pleasure of a paternal embrace, yet I rejoice in the expectation of receiving the wished-for account of your health's continuance, which, to me, my dear mother, and brother, is the greatest blessing that Providence can possibly bestow upon us.

O Sir! though the interval of time since I received your blessing ere your departure from us may seem short to some, to me it seems an age.

Oh, may the Divine Being be your protector against the

many dangers of that boisterous element you are obliged to traverse! May he direct such gentle and favourable breezes that may conduct you to your destined port! May he add to this a happy and successful voyage; and to crown all my wishes, grant you a speedy and safe return.

I have nothing worthy of notice to advise you of, but that we are all in the same good health you left us, and are in great expectations of the same confortable account in your answer to this, from,

My dear father,

Your most dutiful daughter.

LETTER IV.

From a young Woman just gone to Service, to her Mother at Home.

Dear Mother,

'Tis a fortnight this very day that I have been at Mr. Johnson's; and I begin to find myself a little easier than I have been. But, indeed, I have suffered a great deal since I parted from you, and all the rest of my friends. At our first coming hither I thought every thing looked strange about me; and when John got upon his horse, and rode out of the yard, methought every thing looked stranger and stranger; so I got up to the window and looked after him, till he turned into the London road (for you know we live a quarter of a mile on the farther side of it) and then I sat down and cried, and that always gives me some relief. Many a time have I cried since; but I do my best to dry up my tears, and appear as cheerful as I can.

Dearest mother, I return you a thousand thanks for all the kind advice you were so good as to give me at parting, and I think it over often and often. But yet, methinks, it would be better if I had it in writing, that would be what I would value above all things; but I am afraid to ask what would give you so much trouble. So with my duty to you and my father, and kind love to all friends, I remain ever Your most dutiful daughter.

My dear Child,

LETTER V.

The Mother's Answer.

I AM very sorry that you have suffered so much since we

parted, but it is always so at first, and will wear away in

time. I have had my share too, but I bear it now pretty well, and I hope you will endeavour to follow my example in this, as you used to say you loved to do in every thing. You must consider, that we never should have parted with you had it not been for your good. If you continue virtuous and obliging, all the family will love and esteem you. You will get new friends there; and I think I can assure you, that you will lose no love here, for we all talk of you every evening, and every body speaks of you as fondly, or rather more fondly than ever they did. In the mean time keep yourself employed as much as you can, which is the best way of wearing off of your place; and be always ready to assist your fellowany concern. Do all the business servants, where you can, in their business. This will both fill up your time, and help to endear you to them, and then you will soon have as many friends about you there, as you used to have here. I do not caution you against speaking ill of any body living, for I know you never used to do it; but if you hear a bad story of any body, try to soften it all you can, and never tell it again, but rather let it slip out of your mind as soon as possible. I am in great hopes that all the family are kind to you already, from the good character I have heard of them; but I should be glad to see it confirmed by your next, and the more particular you are in it the better. If you have any time to spare from your business, I hope you will give a good share of it to your devotions; that is an exercise which gives comfort and spirits without tiring one. My prayers you have daily, I might have said hourly, and there is nothing that I with more earnestness, than that my dearest child well. You did not mention any thing of your health in pray for your last; but I had the pleasure of hearing you were well, may do by Mr. Cooper's young man, who said he called upon you in his way from London, and that you looked as fresh as a rose, and as bonny as a black bird. You know James's way of talking. However I was glad to hear you were well, and desire you will not forget to mention your health yourself in your next letter. your brothers their kind love to you. Heaven bless you, Your father desires his blessing, and my dear child and continue you to be a comfort to us all, and more particularly to

Your affectionate mother.

« ՆախորդըՇարունակել »