Item 34.2 (Advice, Address to the reader), fol. 42r

To my children.

The Almighty bless you all with his divine blessing

...

And think when you receive any blessing that you receive that of your Dear Father's also (I representing him all)

Item 35 (Advice), fols. 43r-44r (rectos only; fol. 43v is blank)

An advice piece to Austen's eldest son Thomas, concerning his education at Oxford.

To my Son T. A. [Thomas Austen]

A Fellow of a College is made up of pride and unmannerliness

...

Be conversant in Civil Law. I have heard say it will fit you for Common Law, and is the foundation of Law by so much reason in it.

[Austen's son Thomas Austen matriculated at Balliol College, Oxford, in 1664 and was admitted to Lincoln's Inn in 1669 (Foster, vol. 1, p. 46; Records of Lincoln's Inn, vol. 1, p. 305).]

Item 36 (Advice), fol. 44v

A second advice piece to Thomas Austen (apparently added later than item 35).

You are very happy Sir you have received your first education in the university

...

Come not to be principled neither in religion nor solid learning.

Item 44 (Advice, Family record), fol. 51v

An advice piece to her children, relating the circumstances of their Uncle Field's bequesting of his estate.

To my children

Let the example following divert your wishes and your aims at the estates of friends

...

And be the raiser of your fortune and leave the rest to God, and he will do better than your own projects can.

Item 134 (Advice), fol. 92r

Tho. [Thomas, Austen's eldest son]

I purpose to leave you, my son, my great jewel, and a greater than that, my providential jewel.

...

and know it was once a means to ease me in many storms of trouble and to mitigate a violent grief.

Item 135 (Advice), fols. 92v-94r

A series of advice pieces, addressing each of her children individually and then all three together, written on the occasion of Austen travelling to Essex in August 1665.

Item 135.1 (Advice), fols. 92v-93r

To my son Thomas, if he lives to enjoy the blessing of his estate.

Dear Son. Now you come to possess a comfortable estate,

...

and to arrive at honour is by way of augmentation and enlargement of our patrimony, which enables to perform any lawful designment.

Item 135.2 (Advice), fols. 93r-93v

To my son Robert Austen.

This lesson is related to you: to revere your predecessors in your heart.

...

careless profuseness, the original of all the unhappiness that attends on our selves and posterity in this world.

Item 135.3 (Advice), fol. 93v

To my daughter Anne Austen

Nor are you my daughter to be left out in this Duty.

...

be you an example and pattern to your children. And in this I shall conclude to

[This last incomplete sentence, at the end of fol. 93v, leads on to the opening of item 135.4.]

Item 135.4 (Advice), fol. 94r

my wishes

You all my three Dear Children, that the blessings descended to you from the integrity and worthiness of all your predecessors be a blessing to descend in channels to your children

...

which that to all you and yours may obtain is the unfained prayers and blessing of your affectionate Mother.

Aug. 28th 1665. On going to Essex the 28th Aug. The day before I went there there was dead that week before I went 7400.

Katherine Austen.

Item 8 (Advice, Letter), pp.[ii-iii][rev]

A Letter to my Grandchild John Cowper. July 28th. 1709.

I would not be wanting so far as I am able to give you advice.

...

These may bring thee blessings the world cannot give, and will defend thee from the sin and vanity of it, and keep thy heart in a good frame; that no temptation may be above thy strength.

So prays | Your loving Grandmother | Sarah Cowper.

[This is a copy transcribed into the volume, not the original letter.]

Item 13 (Verse, Advice), p.6[rev]

Advice.

Would'st thou with fruit apply thy pains

...

Lay first foundations sure, of peace at home.

Item 7 (Advice), p.[4][rev]

There is come forth in print, An Astrologers Advice to Her Majesty.

Royal Madam. | Permit a person that hath been seriously industrious in enquiring into the event of all this hurry, and finding your Majesty outlives all that now contends for the succession your Majesty's direction is just come up,

...

The conquest over all your enemies is at hand.

E----- H------

April 27th1714

Methinks this should have come out on the first of April that being called Fools' Day.

[The final rubric appears to be a note added by Cowper.]

Item 11 (Advice, Letter), pp.49-53

A letter Collected for my Son Will

When it please God to bring thee to man's estate use great providence and circumspection in the choice of thy wife for from thence will spring all future good or evil, and it is an action like a stratagem of war wherein a man can err but once.

...

for jests when they savour too much of truth leave bitterness in the minds of those that are touched; these nimble apprehensions are but the froth of wit.

Item 12 (Advice, Letter), pp.54-56

A Letter Collected for my Son Spencer

Let your first action be the lifting up of your hands and mind to Almighty God by hearty prayer;

...

Think that only by a virtuous life and good actions you may become valuable, and otherwise through vice and sloth you may be esteemed labes generis one of the greatest curses that can happen to a man.

[Followed by blank p.56.]

Item 51 (Advice), pp.308-310

For Parity in Estates and titles etc.

Since my business is to advise you to disburden yourselves of some unnecessary lands, and moneys which press your very souls down to the ground,

...

the increasing in it of some few beyond the rest, are but as bunches; and wens upon the body politic, that both impair the health, and destroy the beauty of it /

[

Preceded by blank pp.303-307.

Followed by a blank p.310.

Item 3 (Advice, Dedication, Letter), fols 2r-4r

Dedicatory epistle to her four daughters

From Chelsea in August. 1626. A letter to my four Daughters. Elizabeth, Frances, Anne, and Katherine Ashbornhame.

My dear children I have long and much grieved for your misfortunes, and want of preferments in the world: but now I have learned in what estate soever I am therewith to be content: and account these vile and transitory things to be but vain and loss, so I may win Christ the fountain of all bliss

...

That your whole spirit, souls, and bodies may be kept blameless, until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, which shall be the endless joy of your most loving mother.

Elizabeth Ashbornham.

[The following postscript is right up against the left margin: " "Composed at Chelsea, in September 1625: to spend away some of our melancholy time there; where the danger of death enclosed us round about, wherein (my sweet child) accept the love, and care of a mother, who wisheth all grace, meekness, and patience, may possess your soul, to make you good in life, and happy in death. Which the daily use of this, I hope will help to effect; and further your salvation, to the comfort of your affectionate mother. E.A."" The epistle contains a few marginal biblical references near the end.]

[This epistle is written by Hand B, though Richardson has signed her name in full at the end of the letter, and she has written her initials following the postscript.]

Item 9 (Advice, Prayer), pp.198-259

Mother's advice to her unborn child Betty, plus a prayer of thanksgiving

[Entry paginated by Halkett pp.1-62.]

Item 9.1 (Advice), pp.198-256

The mother's will to her unborn child being writ at Pitfirrane when I was with child of my dear Betty 1656

Upon this day it was that I have been most guilty of my greatest sin, being that which God commanded to be sanctified to himself and therefore the least sin must be great that hath such an aggravation of disobedience

...

These instructions I give thee, believing it thy greatest portion for these rules improved will sanctify and bless whatever else thou hast. Therefore consider what I have said and the Lord give thee understanding in all things

[

Halkett notes in the lower margin on p.253 that her daughter was born on Wednesday 26 November 1656.

Entry paginated by Halkett pp.1-59, though the last three pages are torn.

Item 5 (Advice, Meditation, Notes), p.iv

Explanation of contents

When this book was first begun I intended to have divided it into occasional and select meditations the last of the occasional having reached where the select meditations begun and being a sad conclusion I intend the rest of the book to be for instruction to my poor child (who is all the temporal comfort I have left) and praying that they may be useful to him.

...

In this I intend to employ the rest of this book and the remainder of my time

[This is the entire entry.]

Item 42 (Advice), pp.244-308

To my son Robert Halkett October 20 1670

Dear child I believe you are sensible that since the Lord hath been pleased to take from me your dearest father I have nothing to expect comfort in of temporal things but your self

...

according to the power that worketh in us unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages world without end

Amen

[

There is a marginal biblical reference beside the final line to Ephesians 3:20-21, and a reference to Galatians 6:16 written at bottom of the meditation: ""As many as walk according to this rule peace be in them and mercy and upon the Israel of God"."

This section is headed ""Ins: to my Son"" on most versos. In it, Halkett describes the instructions she has for her son: to pray at least twice a day, to read scripture and works by divines (both Episcopal and Presbyterian), to conform to God's rules, to imitate good persons, and other religious duties. She lists the worst sins: swearing and lying (with reference to ""these late times of rebellion and disorder"" and ""that snare of taking the covenant"", p.267). He should be loyal to the king, fly youthful lusts, avoid idleness and ill company, make some lawful calling his study. She lists the three types of callings fit for a gentleman: minister, physician, and lawyer, saying that being a good scholar is the first step to any of them. In describing these professions she makes reference to her own work in providing medical care to the poor. She hopes he will not become a soldier (which is actually how he died). She returns to the sins he should avoid: conversing with bad company, fornication, drunkenness, anger, pride and scorn, speaking ill. She trusts that he will do his duty to his mother, and love and respect all those that loved his father (especially his stepbrother). She will not prohibit him the use or publication of her writings, but she does not want them to be seen as long as she lives; if the Lord sees fit he will bring them to light, otherwise he will order them to be buried with her.

Entry paginated by Halkett pp.104-168.

Item 5 (Advice), fols. 31r-32r [pp. 49-5]

Biblical quotations on the subject of filial obedience

Divine Precepts for the Observation of my Children

Ecclesiastes 12.2. Remember thy Creator in the days of thy Youth

...

Fear God and keep his Commandments, for this is the whole duty of man

Item 3 (Advice), fols 7r-44v

A mother's legacy to her unborn child

Item 3.1 (Advice), fols 7r-11v

Unnumbered prefatory section

Having long often and earnestly desired of God that I might be a mother to one of his children, and the time now drawing on which I hope He hath appointed to give thee unto me

...

be obedient to these instructions as thou oughtest to be unto me I have learnt them out of God's word I beseech Him that they may be profitable to thee

[Although the section has not concluded, fol. 9 is followed by six unfoliated blank leaves. ]

Item 3.2 (Advice), fols 11v-13r

1

Advice to be mindful of God

The first charge I give thee I learned of Solomon Eccl.12.1 Remember thy creator in the days of thy youth.

...

Mark I pray thee these following rules for ordering thy life spend the day as I instruct thee and God will bless thee and all thy good endeavours

Item 3.3 (Advice), fols 13r-15v

2

Advice to pray first thing in the morning

At thy first waking in the morning be careful of thy self that thou harbour in thy brain no vain or unprofitable but of all no ungodly fancy to hinder thy morning sacrifice

...

begin to give God thanks and to desire the continuance of his mercy towards thee in these words till thou canst find such as may better express thine own soul

[This section of advice is followed by an example of the kind of prayer which the unborn child should use in compliance with the advice, MS item 3.3.1.]

Item 3.4 (Advice), fols 16r-17r

3

Advice to guard against sin and to repent

Having thus invited God into your soul take heed you offend not against so great and glorious a guest

...

I will not let thee go except thou bless me our saviour saith the Kingdom of heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force

Item 3.5 (Advice), fols 17r-18r

4

Advice to avoid the sin of sloth

Thus you see it must be an eager not a slothful course that must bring you to heaven:

...

after this frail and miserable life. bring me to that blessed life. which hath no end for thy great merit and mercy sake: Amen

Item 3.6 (Advice), fols 18v-23v

5

Advice to avoid to sin of pride

Thou art no sooner broke out of the arms of sloth but pride steps in diligently waiting to furnish thee with any vain toy in thy attire

...

I will return now to my first purpose which is to set thee down one day for a pattern how I would have thee spend all the days of thy life

[Marginal notations on fol.22v, in the same ink and hand as the rest of the page's text, confirm Jocelin's biblical allusions by referring to the appropriate verses of the bible.]

Item 3.7 (Advice), fols 23v-24r

6

On the merits of set prayer versus extemporaneous prayer for private use

Therefore avoiding all manner of pride make thyself decently ready which being done retire to a place alone where humbling thyself upon thy knees again renew thy prayers.

...

my reason is that your servants being used to it are always ready to go along with you word for word as you pray and continuance makes them to understand every word which must needs cause greater devotion.

Item 3.8 (Advice), fols 24r-25v

7

On the merits of public prayer

When you have finished your private prayer be sure that you absent not yourself from public prayer if it be used in the house where you live

...

a few lines I will use to persuade thee to be advised in thy words.

Item 3.9 (Advice), fols 25v-27v

8

Instructions to order one's speech in a godly manner

Though it is as much to say remember thy creator when thou speakest as if I could use all the exhortations and tell thee all the perils that belongs to speech

...

to conclude let thy tongue and thy heart go together hate dissimulation and lying and God will love thee which I humbly beg of him:::

Item 3.10 (Advice), fols 27v-33v

9

Advice to govern one's actions by God's commandments

If thou keep thy thoughts holy and thy words pure I shall not need to fear but all thy actions will be honest

...

thou shalt see all thy other sins dispersed as an army of fearful rebels when they hear their great leader's head has kissed the block.

[It seems as though the scribe had begun the section, writing a few letters before realizing that the section had not yet been numbered. The letters are smudged out, and the customary numbering, here the number 9, ensues. The number 57 appears at the top of fol.32v. Three or four words have been thoroughly crossed out following the final sentence of this section, rendered almost completely illegible. ]

Item 3.11 (Advice), fols 33v-34r

10

Advice to pray before supper and before going to sleep

When thou hast spent the day in religious and honest exercises in the evening return again to some good meditation or study which conclude with prayer commending thyself to God

...

thus spend the 6 days thou hast to labour in, that thou mayst be ready to celebrate the sabbath to which there belongs another

["Remember", the first word of the next section, is written underneath this final line in a somewhat cramped hand, perhaps as a catchword.]

Item 3.12 (Advice), fols 34v-40r

11

Advice to keep the sabbath

Remember that thou keep holy the sabbath day this duty so often and earnestly commanded by God himself so strictly observed by the Jews

...

I have no need to speak to thee how far a father ought to be obeyed but humbly desire of God to continue him in his good design with long life to bring thee up. in the fear of the Lord and to give thee a heart ready to embrace all religious learning

[There is no section twelve in the manuscript: the numbering skips from eleven to thirteen. In the other version of this manuscript, British Library Additional MS 4378, section twelve consists of advice to honour and obey one's parents. That segment of the manuscript is also present in this manuscript, but it is included within section eleven. The fact that section thirteen of both manuscripts is advice to remember the golden rule suggests that in the present manuscript the heading for section twelve has been inadvertently omitted.]

Item 3.13 (Advice), fols 40r-44v

13

Advice to remember the golden rule

The next duty equal to this thou must perform to all the world in general do to all men as thou wouldst they should do unto thee

...

only this is conditional he forgive us as we forgive others our saviour hath taught us no other way to desire it and in the 18 of Matthew he shows god will no otherwise grant it

[The text ends on fol.44v, followed by a pink stamp "12 JY 66" and the British Museum crest. On fol.45r, a modern hand has written "Folios 44" and some illegible letters. Besides this pencil note, the final five leaves are blank.]

Item 4 (Advice), fols 11r-51v

[The Mother's Legacy comprises an unnumbered preface, followed by thirteen numbered sections.]

Item 4.2 (Advice), fols 14v-16r

1

Advice to be mindful of God

The first charge I give thee I learned of Solomon Eccles.12.1 Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth

...

Mark I pray thee these following rules for ordering thee and all thy good endeavours

[A line at the bottom of fol.15v has been smudged out and restarted at the top of fol.16r.]

Item 4.3 (Advice), fols 16r-18v

2

Advice to pray first thing in the morning

At thy first waking in the morning be careful of thy self that thou harbour in thy brain no vain or unprofitable but of all no ungodly fancy to hinder thy morning sacrifice

...

that in all my thoughts words and actions I may seek thy glory and evermore so live in thy fear that I may die in thy favour for thy son my only saviour's sake amen

[A few letters have been lost from the top right corner of fol.17r, where the corner has been cut off.]

Item 4.4 (Advice), fols 18v-20v

3

Advice to guard against sin and to repent

Having thus invited God into your soul take heed you offend not against so great and glorious a guest

...

I will not let thee go unless thou bless me our saviour saith the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force

[The ink on fol.19r, especially towards the bottom, seems to have faded. The hand becomes smaller and neater on fol.19v.]

Item 4.5 (Advice), fols 20v-21v

4

Advice to avoid the sin of sloth

Thus you see it must be an eager not a slothful course that must bring you to heaven take heed therefore that you avoid all the kinds of this sin

...

direct and confirm me and after this frail and miserable life bring me to that blessed life which hath no end for Thy great merit and mercy's sake Amen

[The next section of advice was started at the bottom of fol.21v, with a "5" and some words which have been smudged out.]

Item 4.6 (Advice), fols 22r-27v

5

Advice to avoid to sin of pride

Thou art no sooner broke out of the arms of sloth but pride steps in diligently waiting to furnish thee with any vain toy in thy attire

...

I will return now to my first purpose which is to set thee down one day for a pattern how I would have thee spend all the days of thy life

Item 4.7 (Advice), fols 27v-28v

6

On the merits of set prayer versus extemporaneous prayer for private use

Therefore avoiding all manner of pride make thy self decently ready which being done retire to a place alone where humbling thy self upon thy knees again renew thy prayers

...

your servants being used to it are always ready to go along with you in their hearts word for word as you pray and continuance makes them to understand every word which must needs cause greater devotion and give more life to the prayers.

Item 4.8 (Advice), fols 28v-30r

7

On the merits of public prayer

When you have finished your private prayer be sure that you absent not your self from public prayer if it be used in the house where you live

...

a few lines I will use to persuade thee to be advised in thy words

Item 4.9 (Advice), fols 30r-33r

8

Instructions to order one's speech in a godly manner

though it is as much to say remember thy creator when thou speakest as if I could use all the exhortations and tell all the perils that belong to speech

...

let thy tongue and thy heart go together hate dissimulation and lying and God will love thee which I humbly beg of him

Item 4.10 (Advice), fols 33r-40r

9

Advice to govern one's actions by God's commandments

If thou keep thy thoughts holy and thy words pure I shall not need to fear but all thy actions will be honest

...

thou shalt see all thy other sins dispersed as an army of fearful rebels when they hear their great leader's head hath kissed the block

Item 4.11 (Advice), fols 40r-41r

10

Advice to pray before supper and before going to sleep

When thou hast spent the day in religious and honest exercises in the evening return again to some good meditation or study which conclude with prayer

...

thus spend the six days thou hast to labour in that thou mayest be ready to celebrate the sabbath to which there belongs another

Item 4.12 (Advice), fols 41r-45v

11

Advice to keep the sabbath

Remember that thou keep holy duty so often and earnestly commanded by God himself in the old testament so confirmed to us in the new by the resurrection of our saviour in memory whereof it is called the Lord's day

...

prepare thy heart early for this day which if thou observest well God will bless thee and thy labours all the week thus far I have endeavoured to exhort thee to thy duty towards God of

[The final sentence breaks off to begin a new section, which repeats the final word of this section. The other version of this manuscript, British Library Additional MS 27467, does not begin a new section here.]

Item 4.13 (Advice), fols 45v-47v

12

Advice to honour and obey one's parents

Of which the honour due to thy parents is such a part as cannot be separated for God commands it Honour thy father and thy mother it is the first commandment

...

I have no need to speak to thee how far a father ought to be obeyed but humbly desire of God to continue him in his good desires with long life that he may bring thee up in the fear of the Lord and to give thee a heart ready to embrace all religious learning

Item 4.14 (Advice), fols 47v-51v

13

Advice to remember the golden rule

The next duty equal to this thou must perform to all the world in general. Do to all men as thou wouldst they should do unto thee.

...

only this is conditional he forgive us as we forgive others our saviour hath taught us no other way to desire it and in the 18 of Matt he shows God will no other wise grant it

Item 37 (Advice, Letter, Religious writing), fols. 43v-48r

Comfortable Counsels and advice with strong hopes for a disconsolate afflicted soul

My much honoured and most compassionately affected

...

your trusty Friend and most faithful servant in Christ

[

This is a letter of spiritual direction, admonishing lack of concentration on offices and prayers. It is unattributed in the manuscript, but signed "him who is and ever shall be your trusty Friend and most faithful servant in Christ". It contains a reference to " Dr. Taylor's writings" .