LETTER XXI.
Mr. Belford, To Miss Clarissa Harlowe.
Friday, Aug. 4.
Madam,
I am so sensible of the honour done me in yours of this day, that I would not delay for one moment the answering of it. I hope you will live to see many happy years; and to be your own Executrix in those points which your heart is most set upon. But, in case of survivorship, I most chearfully accept of the Sacred Office you are pleased to offer me; and you may absolutely rely upon my Fidelity, and, if possible, upon the literal performance of every arricle you shall enjoin me.
The effect of the kind wish you conclude with, has been my concern ever since I have been admitted to the honour of your conversation. It shall be my whole endeavour that it be not vain. The happiness of approaching you, which this Trust, as I presume, will give me frequent opportunities of doing, must necessarily promote the desirable end; since it will be impossible to be a witness of your Piety, Equanimity, and other virtues, and not aspire to emulate
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you. All I beg is, That you will not suffer any future Candidate, or Event, to displace me; unless some new instances of unworthiness appear either in the morals or behaviour of,
Madam,
Your most obliged and faithful Servant,
J. Belfoed.