An EPISTLE to M. R

This Opportunity did me invite, Dear Cousin, tho' with scribbling Pen, to write These Lines unto thee, thus to manifest I have not yet excluded from my Breast Th' Remembrance of thee, neither Time nor Place, Though far remote, should cancel or deface The Monument of Friendship in that Mind, That is to everlasting Truth inclin'd. O may this always our Instructor be! Then shall we live in constant Amity: Let Truth in th' inward Part be always dear Unto thee, then thy Counsellor is near; Who will instruct thee, how thou mayst behave Thyself at Times, modest, meek and grave; That thou mayst find that Peace, which doth excel All visible Enjoyments, and so dwell In undefiled Love, that will attend The truly humble Heart unto the End.