LETTERLXXIX.TO MR. S——.
Charles Street, Nov. 29, 1778.
DEAR S——,
YOURS, dated from Madrass, came safe to hand.—I need not tell you that your account pleased me—and the style of your letter indicated a mind purged from its follies, and a better habit of thinking, which I trust happily preceded a steadier course of action.—I know not whether or not Providence may not, in your instance, produce much good out of evil.—I flatter myself you will yet recover, and stand the firmer in your future life, from the reflection (bitter as it is) of your former.—I have no doubt but you received my letter charged with the heavy loss of your great, your noble, friendly benefactress and patroness, the good Dutchess of Q——y: she entered into bliss, July 17, 1777, just two days after you sailed fromPortsmouth.—I have now to inform you, that his Grace followed her October 21st this year; just fifteen months after his good Dutchess, full of years and honors: he is gone to join his Dutchess, and share in the rewards of a righteous God, who alone knew their merits, and alone could reward them.
Thus it has pleased God to take your props to himself;—teaching you a lesson, at the same time, to depend upon an honest exertion of your own industry—and humbly to trust in the Almighty.
You may safely conclude now, that you have not many friends in England:—be it your study, with attention, kindness, humility, and industry, to make friends where you are.—Industry, with good-nature and honesty, is the road to wealth.—A wise œconomy—without avaricious meanness, or dirty rapacity—will in a few years render you decently independent.
I hope you cultivate the good-will and friendship of L——. He is a jewel—prize him—love him—and place him next your heart;—he will not flatter or fear you—somuch the better—the fitter for your friend:—he has a spirit of generosity—such are never ungrateful;—he sent us a token of his affection, which we shall never forget.—Let me counsel you, for your character’s sake, and as bound in honour, the first money you can spare, to send over 20l.to discharge your debt at Mr. P——’s the sadler:—it was borrowed money, you know.—As for me, I am wholly at your service to the extent of my power;—but whatever commissions you send over to me, send money, or I stir none;—thou well knowest my poverty—but ’tis an honest poverty—and I need not blush or conceal it.—You also are indebted to Mr. O——, Bond-street:—what little things of that kind you can recollect, pay as soon as you are able;—it will spunge out many evil traces of things past from the hearts and heads of your enemies—create you a better name—and pave the way for your return some years hence into England with credit and reputation.—Before I conclude, let me, as your true friend, recommend seriously to you to make yourselfacquainted with your Bible:—believe me, the more you study the word of God, your peace and happiness will increase the more with it.—Fools may deride you—and wanton youth throw out their frothy gibes;—but as you are not to be a boy all your life—and I trust would not be reckoned a fool—use your every endeavour to be a good man—and leave the rest to God.—Your letters from the Cape, and one from Madeira, I received; they were both good letters, and descriptions of things and places.—I wish to have your description of the sort and town of Madrass—country adjacent—people—manner of living—value of money—religion—laws—animals—fashions—taste, &c. &c.—In short, write any thing—every thing—and, above all, improve your mind with good reading—converse with men of sense, rather than the fools of fashion and riches—be humble to the rich—affable, open, and good-natured to your equals—and compassionately kind to the poor.—I have treated you freely in proof of my friendship.—Mrs. S——, under the persuasion that you are really a good man, sends her best wishes—whenher handkerchief is washed, you will send it home—the girls wish to be remembered to you, and all to friend L——n.
Yours, &c. &c.
I. SANCHO.