Rule 2

Rule 2. If you would not be overwhelmed with grief for the loss of your relations, be exact and careful in discharging your duties to them while you have them.

The testimony of your conscience that you labored in all things to discharge the duties you owed to your relations while they were with you will prove an excellent allay to your sorrows for them when they are no longer yours. It is not so much the affliction itself as the guilt charged upon us in times of affliction that makes our burden so heavy.

What a terrible thing it is to look upon our dead while conscience is accusing and upbraiding us for neglected duties and sins committed. You little know how dreadful a sight this will make the dead body of your friend.

Conscience, if not entirely deadened, will speak at such a time. Therefore, as ever you would provide for a comfortable parting at death, or a peaceful meeting again at judgment, be exact, punctual, and careful in all your relative duties.