“or where a little knowledge in law-matters is necessary, Longman shall do all that:  and your father will see that he will not have in those points a coadjutor too hard-hearted for his wish; for it was a rule my father set me, and I have strictly followed, that although I have a lawyer for my steward, it was rather to know how to do right things, than oppressive ones; and Longman has so well answered this intention, that he was always more noted for composing differences, than promoting lawsuits.”

I dare say, my dear father, this will be acceptable to you, on the several accounts my dearest Mr. B. was pleased to mention:  and what a charming contrivance is here!  God for ever bless his considerate heart for it!  To make you useful to him, and easy to yourself:  as well as respected by, and even a benefactor to all around you!  What can one say to all things?  But what signifies exulting on one’s gratitude for one benefit;—­every hour the dear man heaps new ones upon us, and we can hardly thank him for one, but a second, and a third, and so on to countless degrees, confound one, and throw back our words upon our hearts before they are well formed, and oblige us to sit down under all with profound silence and admiration.

As to the desire of cousin Thomas, and Roger, to live with you, I endeavoured to sound what our dear benefactor’s opinion was.  He was pleased to say, “I have no choice in this case, my dear.  Your father is his own master:  he may employ whom he pleases; and, if they shew respect to him and your mother, I think, as he rightly observes, relationship should rather have the preference; and as he can remedy inconveniences, if he finds any, by all means to let every branch of your family have reason to rejoice with him.”

But I have thought of this matter a good deal, since I had the favour of your letter; and I hope, since you condescend to ask my advice, you will excuse me, if I give it freely; yet entirely submitting all to your liking.

First, then, I think it better to have any body than relations; and for these reasons: 

One is apt to expect more regard from them, and they more indulgence than strangers can hope for.

That where there is such a difference in the expectations of both, uneasiness cannot but arise.

That this will subject you to bear it, or to resent it, and to part with them.  If you bear it, you will know no end of impositions:  if you dismiss them, it will occasion ill-will.  They will call you unkind; and you them ungrateful:  and as your prosperous lot may raise you enviers, such will be apt to believe them rather than you.