my family; and I
dare not think God deals hardly with me, and though He has set
His mark upon me, I still hope my punishment will not be greater
than I am able to bear; nay, since God is no respecter of
persons, I must and shall be happier in that life than if I had
enjoyed all the advantages of this.

My unhappy sister was at Wroote the week after you left us,
where she stayed two or three days, and returned again to Louth
without seeing my father. Here I must stop, for when I think of
her misfortunes, I may say with Edgar, "O fortune! . . ."

3. From Mary Wesley to her brother John. Sent at the same date and
under the same cover.

Though I have not the good fortune to be one of your favourite
sisters, yet I know you won't grudge the postage now and then,
which, if it can't be afforded, I desire that you will let me
know, that I may trouble you no further. I am sensible nothing
I can say will add either to your pleasure or your profit; and
that you are of the same mind is evidently shown by not writing
when an opportunity offered. But why should I wonder at any
indifference shown to such a despicable person as myself?
I should be glad to find that miracle of nature, a friend which
not all the disadvantages I labour under would hinder from
taking the pains to cultivate and improve my mind; but since God
has cut me off from the pleasurable parts of life, and rendered
me incapable of attracting the love of my relations, I must use
my utmost endeavour to secure an eternal happiness, and He who
is no respecter of persons will require no more than He has
given. You may now think that I am uncharitable in blaming my
relations for want of affection, and I should readily agree with
you had I not convincing reasons to the contrary; one of which
is that I have always been the jest of the family--and it is not
I alone who make this observation, for then it might very well
be attributed to my suspicion--but here I will leave it and tell
you some news.

Mary Owran was married to-day, and we only wanted your company
to make us completely merry; for who can be sad where you are?
Please get Miss Betsy to buy me some silk to knit you another
pair of gloves, and I don't doubt you will doubly like the
colour for the buyer's sake.

My sister He