and heartily wish, that I knew how to say any thing that would be agreeable. I was extremely pleased to hear from Mrs. Clark, that you continue upon such happy terms with Mr. Banks. I know, madam, that you have both so much good nature, and good sense, and, as far as I have observed, so much tenderness for each other, that I feel confident you have yet much happiness in store*.

You oblige me, madam, when I write, to assume a grave air, and, as you are pleased to call it, to give you a little good advice. I have really nothing to do upon this occasion, but to refer you to your own reflections. You know, madam, we are, generally speaking, most happy in all our affairs, when we are most regular and exact in those duties which we immediately owe to our God; and, as I have frequently heard you observe, closet devotion is one of the noblest means of preserving and maintaining the divine life.

I believe, madam, this is a subject you are peculiarly attached to; and therefore, if you please, we will discourse a little further upon it. It would indeed be a very dangerous thing to rest in this duty, as if it comprehended the whole of christianity; but yet I cannot but look upon it as a very important agent; because it exerts a happy though silent influence upon all our conversation. As for instance: when we are frequently upon our knees before God in prayer, and there lamenting our guilt and our ingra

* Mr. Banks was then steward to the Duke of Bedford, and however "clear in his high office," there is reason to infer, that the balance matrimonial was not so tenderly adjusted.

titude, and acknowledging what dreadful things we have deserved at his hands, we shall grow into an humble opinion of ourselves, and consequently, as our pride is humbled, we shall not be so ready to take fire at the transient affronts and provocations that may be offered. We shall scarcely know how to be severe upon the little injuries we receive from our fellow creatures, when we have been confessing before our God, that we have offered him the highest indignities, and begging that he would not be severe upon us. Besides, when our hearts are melting under the impressions of the Redeemer's love, which they frequently are in these touching duties, we shall be anxiously inquiring what we may do to express our gratitude; and then reason will suggest, that we cannot do it more effectually than by endeavouring to recommend religion to others, and especially those we immediately converse with, by a meek, obliging, condescending behaviour. And then again, by frequent acts of particular humiliation and repentance, of which the closet is the proper scene, our consciences will contract such a holy tenderness, that even the least failing of our lives will make a deep impression upon the mind; and the frequent return of solemn seasons of worship will put us upon inquiring, what we have to say to our God upon such an occasion. And so by reflecting every evening upon the errors of the past day, we shall learn to avoid those of

the next.

You will pardon me, madam, that I am thus particular in mentioning the advantages of a well regu

lated closet devotion. I am far from suspecting that you neglect it in general; but since you will oblige me to give you advice, which I am sensible does not become my age and circumstances, it shall be this, to have some fixed time for this duty every day, and never to break in upon it, unless there be a very urgent necessity. I cannot but insist upon this circumstance, because I know, that, if we are not upon our guard, business and diversions are apt to take up too large a share of our time, and oblige us either wholly to omit our devotions, or, what to the most valuable purpose is much the same thing, to hurry them over in a very hasty and contracted manner. If such negligence be too frequent, as indeed it must be without some such method as I propose, religious impressions wear off, and we do not know how to return to our duty with the life and spirit we desire. Such an indisposition for private devotion is almost unavoidably attended with the visible decay of practical piety, which may prove a great hinderance to us in our way to heaven, and give us bitter reflections for weeks and months. Perhaps, madam, your own experience can reflect this picture; I am sure I know one whose can.

As for the particular season for this duty, it must be left to our own prudence. I suppose, in a general way, we should choose that time in which we find our spirits commonly most lively, and when we are most secure from interruption.

Methinks, for the particular manner in which secret devotion should be conducted, we had best consult

our own taste and the present temper of our minds. Sometimes we shall choose one pretty long prayer; and sometimes a greater number of shorter ones. Generally speaking, extemporary prayer seems preferable to forms; but now and then we may find the compositions of others of considerable use.

Reading the Scriptures is, no doubt, a very important part of secret devotion. And, if you will permit me to give you my sentiments upon this branch also, I should rather, with submission, advise you to pitch upon some select passages of the Old Testament, particularly the writings of David and Solomon, and some of the Prophecies, than to confine yourself to read straight on throughout the whole volume. Certainly, the whole of the New Testament cannot be studied too much, especially the life and discourses of our Saviour, and the practical part of the epistles. I believe, however, you will find it best not to run over many chapters at a time, but to select a few verses, and dwell upon them in your thoughts, intermixing pious reflections and ejaculations as you proceed. And really, madam, the Scriptures thus read, will afford infinitely more satisfaction than the most rational, elegant, and pathetic, human composition.

Not that other books are to be neglected. A great number will accidentally fall into your hands; and as I know, madam, that you love reading, they will prove an agreeable amusement when company and the cares of the family do not require your attendance. There are other portions of closet devotion, particularly meditation and self-examination; and perhaps, if it will not be intrusive, I may send you a few

scattered thoughts about them some other time. As for what I have already said, you perceive, madam, it is advanced with the utmost freedom. I should not have had the boldness to proceed so far, if I had not had your express command, which I never dispute. However, I must absolutely insist upon it, that you do not show this letter to any body in the world. If indeed Mr. Banks should insist upon seeing it, which I hope he will not, I know you must accede, for it is unreasonable to expect that you should deny him any thing.

And now, madam, I am afraid I have more reason to beg your pardon for the length of my letter than the length of my silence; but I hope you will believe it was meant with an honest zeal for your service: for I am,

With the sincerest gratitude and respect,

Dear Madam,

Your most obliged and most humble Servant,

P. DODDRIDGE.

P.S. My humble service to Mr. Banks. I return my thanks to him and you for all the favours I received at Walbroke. I am afraid I shall trouble you with too much of my company when I come to London. My humble service to Mrs. Clark. Pray tell Mrs. Hannah Clark, I wrote to her about a fortnight ago, and wait with impatience for the favour of an

answer.