me! I have scarcely laughed these three years. I am here with a very reduced force, having been obliged to make detachments to all quarters. This leaves me weak, while the Spaniards and French within are daily gaining strength; they have patched and pieced until they have now a very considerable fleet. Whether they will venture out, I do not know: if they come, I have no doubt we shall do an excellent deed; and then I will bring them to England myself. How do the dear girls go on? I would have them taught geometry, which is of all sciences in the world the most entertaining it expands the mind more to the knowledge of all things in nature, and better teaches to distinguish between truths, and such things as have the appearance of being truths, yet are not, than any other. Their education, and the proper cultivation of the sense which God has given them, are the objects on which my happiness most depends. To inspire them with a love of every thing that is honourable and virtuous, though in rags, and with contempt for vanity in embroidery, is the way to make them the darlings of my heart. They should not only read, but it requires a careful selection of books; nor should they ever have access to two at the same time: but when a subject is begun, it should be finished before any thing else is undertaken. How would it enlarge their minds if they could acquire a sufficient knowledge of mathematics and astronomy, to give them an idea of the beauty and wonders of the creation! I am persuaded that the generality of people, and particularly fine ladies, only adore God because they are told it is proper, and the fashion to go to church; but I would have my girls gain such knowledge of the works of the creation, that they may have a fixed idea of the nature of that Being who could be the author of such a world. Whenever they have that, nothing on this

side the moon will give them much uneasiness of mind. I do not mean that they should be stoics, or want the common feelings for the sufferings that flesh is heir to but they would then have a source of consolation for the worst that could happen.

Tell me, how do the trees which I planted thrive? Is there shade under the three oaks for a comfortable summer-seat? Do the poplars grow at the walk? and does the wall of the terrace stand firm? My bankers tell me, that all my money in their hands is exhausted by fees on the peerage, and that I am in their debt, which is a new epoch in my life; for it is the first time I was ever in debt since I was a midshipman. Here I get nothing, but then my expenses are nothing, and I do not want it particularly, now that I have got my knives, forks, teapot, and the things you were so kind as to send me.

19. The same to the same.

Ocean, May 17, 1817.

Do not let our girls be made fine ladies; but give them a knowledge of the world which they have to live in, that they may take care of themselves when you and I are in heaven. They must do every thing for themselves, and never read novels, but history, travels, essays, and Shakspeare's plays, as often as they please. What they call books for young persons are nonsense. The memory should be strengthened by getting by heart such speeches and noble sentiments from Shakspeare or Roman history, as deserve to be imprinted on the mind. Give them my blessing, and charge them to be diligent.

20. Mrs. Trotman, of Shelswell, Oxfordshire, to her only Daughter, at School, and about the age of Fourteen.

MY DEAR SUE,-The instructions I have left for your brothers, I desire you to copy; because most of them are of general use to young persons, and therefore I shall only add here what I think the difference of your sex and manner of life requires.

Though you are a year younger than Fiennes, yet I doubt not your sense of my tender love to you, which will make my advice sink deep into your heart.

Whilst you are at school, the rules of the house you live in will sufficiently employ your time; when you return home, beware of idleness, which introduces all manner of sin.

Psalm iii. 4;

v. 3.

Psalm xxxv. 18.

Besides morning and evening prayer, you may generally dedicate some time in the middle of the day for devotion, especially when you have not the advantage of public prayers; and after the example of holy David, not only morning and evening, but at noon-day, present your petitions to God. And that your prayers may have a due effect on your life, employ some minutes before you begin them to put your mind in a proper disposition to address the great Author of your being.

Haggai i. 7.

Prov. iv. 26.

Eccl. xii. 1.

Ps. cxix. 59.

In the morning consider what business or company you are likely to engage in, and what particular temptations are most apt to attend them; against which arm yourself by 1 Pet. v. 8. resolution; resist the devil, and he will flee from you. To give you one in

James iv. 7.

1 Thess. v. 5, 6.

Ephes. vi. 11, 13.

stance: if you apprehend your papa, or any other person under whose direction you live, may tax you with omission of duty, or any indiscretion, the first thought that arises in your heart may very probably be to contrive to conceal your error, though at the expense of truth. This is to be conquered, by considering the baseness of a lie; that it is much less disgrace to be found in a fault to which all, especially young persons, are subject, than to be found a liar, who, when notorious, is never believed, though they speak the truth. But this only in regard to the world; the arguments are much stronger in point of duty The God of truth has pronounced a dreadful doom against such as make a lie; even that they shall for ever be condemned to the lake that burns with fire and brimstone. Avoid, therefore, the first steps that lead to this sin-equivocations! In short, be content sometimes to be found in a fault. I choose to instance this as being the most common vice in young persons; but whatyou can foresee, may in this manner be guarded against, if you furnish yourself with arguments by diligently reading the holy Scriptures, some portions of which should always be added to your morning devotion, and generally some pages from a book of divinity; for the morning hours are not only most in our power, but the fittest season to dress the mind, and arm it against the various chances of the day.

Ps. cxli. 3.
Rev. xxi. 8;
xxii. 15.
Prov. xii. 22.
Col. iii. 9.

Ephes. iv. 25.

ever evil

Ephes. v. 15, 16, 17.

Prov. iv. 23.

Eccles. xi. 6. Prov. vi. 9, 10, 11.

I will suppose you to rise early enough to employ some hours before breakfast in this great end of your being; after which, music, work, or

2 Thess. iii. 10, 11.

other housewifery employment, will fill Rom. xii. 11. your time till noon, when it will become you to dress with as little expense of time as cleanly neatness will permit.

Prov. xxxi. 15, 19, 27.

1 Pet. iii. 3, 4.

Your mid-day devotions must be performed at such times as prudence 1 Tım. ii. 9. directs.

The afternoons are most properly the seasons for conversation and diversion. Among the last I reckon ingenious books, as history, poetry, the most engaging, but the most dangerous, if not read with caution in the choice of which be guided by the opinions of good and wise persons; for though many virtues are set in the fairest light, and many excellent morals taught in many plays, yet are the generality of these sort of writings not proper for a modest mind to hear or read. But what I chiefly warn you against is the modern novels, or pretended secret histories, which are filled with intrigues, or vicious passions, set off with all the charms of eloquence. Romances are generally innocent, but apt to fill the mind with unprofitable thoughts and vain ideas; therefore to be seldom read. Dancing, in proper company, I have always thought one of the best diversions for young persons, because it promotes the health; but then it should be as much as possible confined to good hours. Cards and dice are the least useful, as neither improving the mind or body, and very frequently producing ill-humour. Take one certain rule for all diversions- viz. that they cease to be innocent either by too frequent repetition, or when much time is spent in them at once; for their right use is, by unbending the mind to make it more fit to return to the business of our several callings.