To Dorothy Furly (December 28, 1758)

I thought it long since I heard from you, but I imputed it to your illness. And I did not desire you should do anything which would put you to pain or increase your bodily weakness.

When you seemed confident of receiving the promise in a few days, I did not judge it needful to say anything to the contrary, both because I was persuaded that expectation would be a quickening to your soul, and because I knew you had one near you who was able to advise you in any emergency. See that your desires do not cool, and you shall not be ashamed of this confident expectation. So long as it is tempered with resignation, it can do you no disservice. And what else is there worthy of a desire? Health you shall have if health be best, even bodily health. But what is that in comparison of an healthful mind? And this you are sure to have.

I scruple Sarah Ryan's drinking tar-water because it is so extremely nauseous. Neither will it profit if it occasion costiveness,