Letter from Agnes McLehose to Robert Burns, 25 January, 1792

25 Janry 1792

Agitated -- hurried to death
I sit down to write a few lines to you my
ever dear dear friend! We are order-
-ed aboard on Saturday - to sail on Sunday
-- and now my dearest Sir - I have a
few things to say to you - as the last advice
of her who could have lived or died with
you! -- I am happy to know of your
applying so steadily to the Business you
have Engaged in - but - oh remember
this life is a short, passing scene! --
Seek God's favour - keep his Commandments
-- be solicitous to prepare for
a happy Eternity! There I trust
we will meet! in perfect & never
ending Bliss. Read my former

letters attentively -- let the Religious tenets
there Express'd sink deep into your mind -
meditate on them with candour - & your
accurate Judgment, must be convinced
they are accord with the words of Eternal
truth! Laugh no mora t holy
things, or holy men -- remember
without "holiness no man shall see God"
another, thing, & I have done --
as you value my peace , do not write
me to Jamaica until I let you know
you may with safety. Write Mary
often - she feels for you! & judges
of your present feelings by her own
I am sure you will be happy to hear
of my happiness & trust you will - soon
If there is time, you may drop me a line ere
I go, to inform me if you got this & another

letter I wrote you dated the 21st which I am
afraid of being neglected to be put into the office.
So twas' the Roselle you was to have
gone in -- I read your letter today -- &
reflected deeply on the ways of heaven!
To us, they oft appear dark & [page torn]
but - let us do our duty faithfully [page torn]
sooner or later we will have our [page torn]
--Because "the Lod God Omni[page torn]
Rejoices, "every upright mind h[page torn]
Ca to rejoice------and [page torn]
adieu. May Almighty Go[page torn]
help you and your's --take you into
his blessed favour here - & afterwards
receive you into his Glory!!
Farewell -- I will ever ever
remain your real friend

A. M.