DCXXXV. — To the Same.

My Dear Sister,Lynn, November 9, 1771.

How glad should I be, could I be of any service to one I so tenderly regard! You have a heart susceptible of friendship; and shall it not be a blessing to you, a means of increasing every holy temper, and perhaps of guarding you against some of the dangerous temptations which are incident to youth?

Shall I give you a few advices?

1. Keep that safe which God has given; never let slip any blessing you have received. Regard none who tell you, "You must lose it." No; you may have more or less of joy. This depends upon a thousand circumstances: But you never need lose one degree of love.

2. You never will, if you are a careful steward of the manifold gifts of God. "To him that hath," (that is, uses what he hath,) "it shall be given" still, and that more abundantly. Therefore,

3. Use your every grace. Stir up the gift of God that is in you. Be zealous, be native, according to your strength. Speak for God wherever you are. But, mean time,

4. Be humble! Let all that mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus. Pray for the whole spirit of humility, that you may still feel you are nothing, and may feel those words,

"All might, all majesty, all praise,

All glory be to Christ my Lord!"

I am accustomed to remember a few of my friends about ten o’clock in the morning: I must take you in among them, on condition you will likewise remember me at that time. I never shall think your letters too long.

My dear Molly,