Honored Mother, NEWPORT, February 5th, 1796. I believe the progressive manner in which we obtain a knowledge of the world, is the reason that we think as we become older, that mankind become worse. I often apprehend that the inhabitants of this town depreciate, but when I read the Scriptures, I find a representation of them in the natural character of the human race, and conclude that I was before ignorant of them, and did not fully understand the Scriptures. The false virtues of complaisance make a great show on earth, and deceive the mind; but I choose more plainness, and more honesty. The village, I should for this reason prefer, to the city, were it not for the inelancholy thought, that the difference which is for the advantage of the former, frequently consists in a want of opportunity to know, and to express equal depravity, but not in goodness of heart. Goodness of heart, I think the greatest blessing. With it, a person wants neither wisdom to act well, nor riches to express benevolence. I am surprised to observe how great a part of the folly, and all that is displeasing in men, results from a want of goodness of heart. I have to complain of no particular imposition or injury I have suffered, but I make these remarks because the idea often occurs to me. A number of persons desire their respects, and love to you, and the family. The weather has been very variable this winter, especially from heat to cold, but it is at present a time of health. I am your dutiful son, WILLIAM PATTEN. Honored Mother, NEWPORT, March 8th, 1796. The reason you gave for not writing, was my excuse for not addressing a letter to you. In my intercourse with my brother, I mentioned every thing in which I supposed you would feel an interest, and was quieted in not receiving a letter from any of the rest of the family, from the persuasion that he would relate whatever incidents it might be proper for me to know. I found, however, by the receipt of your letter, that I had failed of much happiness, which I might have enjoyed. I was always instructed by your writing, and grateful when you favored me with your attention in this way; but I did not think a letter from you would give me so much pleasure as your last produced. A disregard to the gospel has become very general, and in some instances, very insolent, and blasphemous. But one great purpose is answered by it, that the friends of the gospel are reduced to a new necessity of being decided, and the difference between a believer and an un لا believer, becomes more obvious. I have long confessed that mankind by nature, are totally depraved; and it is pleasing to reflect, that without any increase of real depravity, their being permitted to act out more fully their evil nature, is designed to show the necessity and beneficial effects of the influence of the gospel. By divine grace I am entirely convinced of the truth of Christianity, and though I dare not adopt the language, "Though all should be offended in Thee, yet will not 1." I am certain that my conviction of the truth of the gospel is founded in original testimony, without any relation to men, and if I fall, it must be simply from depravity, and that I cannot plead as an excuse the want of light, or the influence of example. It distresses me much, that I have given so great occasion to you, and my sisters, to extenuate what is wrong. In many instances I have not manifested the common affection of a child, much less, one that becomes a disciple of Christ. But I will not be guilty of the injustice to think that you do not forgive ine. How happy am I in the persuasion that you love me, and pray for me. Surely no son, or brother living, is more highly blessed. I am sensible that my situation it trying, and critical; I feel an absolute necessity of the divine direction, and support, and I am not left without testimony of the truth of the promise to St. Paul, "My grace is sufficient for thee," I consider it a great blessing that I am situated near Dr. Hopkins. He treats me with. truly paternal affection, and he is one of the most enlightened, and faithful counsellors, I believe, in the world. Madam Osborne, I visit weekly; she has adopted me for her son ;-so you see, my dearest mother, that without mentioning any more, I am in a better situation than the Psalmist, who complained that he was "as a sparrow, alone upon the house-top." I am very happy to hear there is a particular attention to religion in your society, and that my brother is pleased with the conference. It is my most ardent desire that the work may prosper. Many under religious concern, seem solicitous to know how much they must do to please the Lord, without giving Him their hearts? But the heart, is what He requires, and that only will please Him; and the person gives him his heart, who submits to His will-who acquiesces in the terms of the Gospel. But I have been so accustomed to writing my brother, that I forgot but that I am addressing him. With my best love to my sisters and brother, W. PATTEN. APRIL 30th, 1780. As the letter to Mrs. P., containing her son's account of his wonderful escape from drowning, while a member of College, is interesting, it will be copied from his journal. I accompanied my uncle, the new president, forty miles above the college, and after fording wild Ammonoosuc river, lodged at an aunt's about a mile beyond. In the morning, which was Sabbath, it was necessary to re-cross the river, to attend public worship. With this object in view, in company with my uncle and aunt, and several of the family, we set out; but when we arrived at the river, found that it was much swollen by the copious rain which had fallen the preceding night, and the dissolved snow. Several of the party crossed in a small boat; but as it was still possible, though difficult to ford the river, it was expedient for some to attempt it, and lead the horses that were dismounted. Of this number, I offered to be one; but in the stream, my horse on being checked, crouched, and was overthrown. The rider precipitated into the water; I immediately regained a standing, but found it impossible to resist for a moment the force of the current. I was again overwhelmed--by repeated struggles to obtain a footing, I caught a few gasps of air; but the intermediate times of being under the water were longer than I could suspend my breath, and caused very great distress. I was soon carried into deep water, and then, from the necessity of it, thought of swimming, to which exercise I had been accustomed, without fatigue, or even sensible effort; I rested on the surface of the water; but I had not proceeded far, before my strength entirely failed me--so that I could not move a hand or foot to save the |