ns, both mental and physical, which have been so
mercifully preserved to my dear father hitherto, cannot, in the
natural course of things, all remain unimpaired for many more
years. It is right, then, that those of us who have the power to do
so should at once lighten his arms of all unnecessary burden, and
acquire the habit of independent exertion before the moment comes
when utter inexperience would add to the difficulty of adopting any
settled mode of proceeding; it is right and wise to prepare for the
evil day before it is upon us. These reflections have led me to the
resolution of entering upon some occupation or profession which may
enable me to turn the advantages my father has so liberally
bestowed upon me to some account, so as not to be a useless
incumbrance to him at present, or a helpless one in future time. My
brother John, you know, has now determined, to go into the Church.
Henry we have good although remote hopes of providing well for,
and, were I to make use of my own capabilities, dear little A----
would be the only one about whom there need be any anxiety. I
propose writing to my father before he returns home (he is at
present acting in the provinces) on this subject. Some step I am
determined to take; the nature of it will, of course, remain with
him and my mother. I trust that whatever course they resolve upon I
shall be enabled to pursue steadily, and I am sure that, be it what
it may, I shall find it comparatively easy, as the motive is
neither my own profit nor reputation, but the desire of bringing
into their right use whatever talents I may possess, which have not
been given for useless purposes. I hope and trust that I am better
fitted for either of the occupations I have mentioned than I was
when I before entertained an idea of them. You asked me what
inclined John's thoughts to the Church. It would be hard to say; or
rather, I ought to say, that Providence which in its own good time
makes choice of its instruments, and which I ever firmly trusted
would not suffer my brother's fine powers to be wasted on unworthy
aims. I am not able to say how the change which has taken place in
his opinions and sentiments was effected; but you know one has not
done _all_ one's thinking at two and twenty. I have been by
circumstances much