respects there sometimes, mainly out of
his duty and regard to the Lady Claypole; for he is no scorner of
our sex, and holds it a privilege to converse with wise and holy
women. She informed him, and not as a matter of secrecy, that you
would soon be wedded to Sir Willmott Burrell; and, although we
know him not, we readily believe that he is a good and honest
gentleman, commanding our esteem, because beloved of you--the
which, I pray you, advise him of--and say we hope he will number
us among his friends. I never doubted your wisdom, Constantia,
and those cannot wed well who do not wed wisely. By wisely, I do
not mean that longing after foolish gain and worldly
aggrandisement, which vain women, alas! covet more than the
enjoyment of their lives and the salvation of their souls. I
would have a woman seek for her husband one whom she can love
with an ardent, but not idolatrous passion; capable of being a
firm, consistent friend; who has sufficient knowledge and virtue
to sit in council within her bosom, and direct her in all things.
Having found such, the wife should desire and strive to be as a
very faithful mirror, reflecting truly, however dimly, his own
virtues. I have been long wedded, and, thank God, most happily
so. We have become as a proverb among our friends; and matrons,
when they bless their daughters at the altar, wish them to be as
happy as Lucy Hutchinson. Had your blessed mother lived, my
advice might have been almost impertinent; but now, I am sure you
will not take it ill of a most true friend to speak a little
counsel: my words may be but as dew-drops, yet there is a spirit
within you that can convert them into pearls. But counsel ought
to be preceded by prayer--and I have prayed--Will you take ill
the supplication? I know you will not.

"I am also sure that you will not consider unacceptable the
prayer I am about to transcribe in this my letter. It was written
by my dear husband, some time after the exceeding goodness of God
made us one; and we feel much comfort and encouragement in
repeating it each morn and eve, ere the cares and turmoils of the
day are come, or when they have departed. May it have a like
influence on you, my sweet friend! May your destiny be as mine!

"'O Lord, divine uniter of true hearts! Grant to thy servants
an increase of that blessed gift of grace which is wroug