CLXXXV. — To Mrs. Sarah Ryan. 78

My Dear Sister, Newbury, November 8 1757.

In the hurry of business I had not time to write down what you desired, — the rules of our family. So I snatch a few minutes to do it now; and the more cheerfully, because I know you will observe them.

1. The family rises, part at four, part at half an hour after.

2. They breakfast at seven, dine at twelve, and sup at six.

3. They spend the hour from five to six in the evening (after a little joint prayer) in private.

4. They pray together at nine, and then retire to their chambers; so that all are in bed before ten.

5. They observe all Fridays in the year as days of fasting, or abstinence.

You, in particular, I advise, — Suffer no impertinent visitant, no unprofitable conversation, in the house. It is a city set upon an hill; and all that is in it should be "holiness to the Lord."

On what a pinnacle do you stand! You are placed in the eye of all the world, friends and enemies. You have no experience of these things; no knowledge of the people; no advantages of education; not large natural abilities; and are but a novice, as it were, in the ways of God! It requires all the omnipotent love of God to preserve you in your present station. Stand fast in the Lord, and in the power of his might! Show that nothing is too hard for Him. Take to thee the whole armor of God; and do and suffer all things through Christ strengthening thee. If you continue teachable and advisable, I know nothing that shall be able to hurt you.

Your affectionate brother.