great additions to my sorrows; first, to be deprived of the dutiful behavior and godly exhortations of James, and then of Molly, who is the most dutiful child as ever was, of the same happy way of thinking and behavior as her dear father, and beloved by all. Thank God, she is very happy in her husband.
As to my dear Aby, I may, in all probability, expect to have comfort in him while I remain on this side the grave; for, thank God, he is a youth of a happy temper, very dutiful, sober, chaste, honest, and sincere, hearkening to good counsel. He was, the 18th of last March, twenty-one years old. He hath left off the thoughts of following the Law, and doth intend, God willing, to follow merchandising, of which he has had a little insight. The Lord direct them all, and give them grace to walk in the steps of their dear father, who was charitable and just, one whose heart never coveted more than a moderate portion of worldly goods, the which God granted him by his industry to attain. He hath left to each of his children a moderate living; the Lord grant they may make a good use of it.
My dear brother Peter is very often attacked with the gout, and could not possibly be with me in my affliction. His son Peter is such a worthy youth, that he hath attracted the love and attention of all considerate men.
The Lord preserve you and yours, and reward all your Christian offices to me and mine, and shower his most precious blessings on you in this world, and at the last crown you with heavenly joys, is the prayer of her who with sincerity styles herself, dear brothers,
Your most afflicted and affectionate sister, and servant to command,
