TH. JEFFERSON. P.S.--Keep my letters and read them at times, that you may always have present in your mind those things which will endear you to me. [24] Her little sister, Mary Jefferson. _Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson._--[_Extract._][25] [25] We find the key to this and the letter following it in the following paragraph of a letter from Mrs. Trist to Mr. Jefferson: "Patsy is very hearty; she now and then gives us a call. She seems happy, much more so than I expected. When you write, give her a charge about her dress, which will be a hint to Mrs. H. to be particular with her. De Simitière complains that his pupil is rather inattentive. You can be particular to these matters when you write, but don't let her know you heard any complaints. I fancy the old lady is preparing for the other world, for she conceits the earthquake we had the other night is only a prelude to something dreadful that will happen." Annapolis, Dec. 11th, 1783. I hope you will have good sense enough to disregard those foolish predictions that the world is to be at an end soon. The Almighty has never made known to any body at what time he created it; nor will he tell any body when he will put an end to it, if he ever means to do it. As to preparations for that event, the best way is for you always to be prepared for it. The only way to be so is, never to say or do a bad thing. If ever you are about to say any thing amiss, or to do any thing wrong, consider beforehand you will feel something within you which will tell you it is wrong, and ought not to be said or done. This is your conscience, and be sure and obey it. Our Maker has given us all this faithful internal monitor, and if you always obey it you will always be prepared for the end of the world; or for a much more certain event, which is death. This must happen to all; it puts an end to the world as to us; and the way to be ready for it is never to do a wrong act. _Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson._--[_Extract._] Annapolis, Dec. 22d, 1783.