his people. But on this subject, I may well expect to receive instruction from you. I should be very happy to see you, my sisters and brother. The idea of it is congenial in my mind, to the exhilirating circumstances of spring, and I hope it may then be realized. Still we are frail, and I am not insensible to the higher importance of living prepared to meet, in a state, where nothing shall ever intervene, to prevent our most perfect intercourse. I have often reflected with surprise and gratitude, on the idea you suggested, of the continuance of our family for so great a number of years! We shall not now long deplore the separation, which must take place; and as our duties and trials have been in connection with each other, may we not hope, if faithful, to be near each other in a state of blessedness? Were you no better than you now are, it seems that it would be a happiness to be with you, as I can scarcely conceive of more faithfulness, and affection, and tenderness, than you have expressed. You have doubtless heard from Dr. Hopkins, of the feeble state of mother Hurlbut. We were informed last week, that she was supposed to be seized with a mortification, and the event of her death was daily apprehended. We have scarcely any expectation of hearing by the coming mail, that she is numbered with the living. The change in her disorder has been very sudden, and my wife is much affected by the dispensation; still, she is so fully convinced, she says, of the rectitude and mercy of the divine government, that she does not wish any alteration of the divine will. Her composure is a great relief to my spirits, and in this instance, as well as in many others, I see reason to bless God for granting me a religious companion. With our best love to yourself, and sisters, and brother, Mrs. Patten. I am your dutiful son, HARTFORD, February 19th, 1806. My very Dear Son, We have long been looking for a letter from you. We are, through the abounding goodness of God, in a comfortable state-may our all be devoted to Him. O my son, what is life-a vapor indeed.How much of the wisdom, and goodness, and faithfulness of our Heavenly Father, do we sec in His chastisements which we experience from time to time. How lamentable our condition if correction should be withheld! We may with propriety, kiss the rod. I trust you will not forget us at the throne of grace. If you should be distressed by war, will you not bend your course this way? You have here a pleasant habitation and a family who love you well enough; they all join in an affectionate remembrance, with Your affectionate mother, Rev. Wm. Patten. RUTH PATTEN. NEWPORT, November 23d, 1806. My very Dear Children,— How great is the goodness of God to us, that He has preserved us hitherto amidst many dangers, and made our journey agreeable ;-and that we may hope to see each other in the land of the dying once more, and for the good news we hear from home-"'tis like cold water to a thirsty soul." We hope to reach home on Saturday; but for fear we should not, I am writing a few lines; we hope to cross the ferries, and get to New London, a convenient time to meet the stage. Your brother's family are very well, and appear to be happy. They have a lovely family of children. O, that the Lord would grant me the unspeakable satisfaction to see them all walking in the truth-not conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of their mindsproving what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Vain is the help of man. My soul, wait thou only upon God; my expectation is from Him. Give my love to my dear good children, and accept a large share to yourselves, from Your affectionate mother, S. and R. P. RUTH PATTEN. NEWPORT, November 28th, 1806. We have, my dear children, just received your thrice welcome and elegant package. What reason have we to call on our souls to bless the Most High, who is so bountiful. May we live as well as speak His praise. Is it not strange that we who have experienced so largely the kind interposition of Providence, should ever indulge anxiety? I have suffered much from that quarter since I left you-however, I trust I was made in some measure sensible of it, and that it is pardoned. I have been threatened with another turn of the pleurisy, but through divine mercy, am much better. Your brother is in a very poor state of health, and I do not perceive that he gains any relief from medicine. May God mercifully spare and restore him. May we be enabled so to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom; and whenever called hence, be found at last, among those faithful servants who wait for the coming of their Lord. *The scholars at Hartford. "And when that solemn hour shall come, Which is the devout request of Your affectionate mother, R. Patten, Hartford. R. P. My very Dear Son, HARTFORD, 28th May, 1807. We thank you for your three epistles which gladdened our hearts, and for the presents that accompanied the last. W. was highly gratified. He enjoys himself, and has health. We were all disappointed in seeing none of your family this spring; but think your reason sufficient. 1 am sorry for Mrs. K.; give our compliments to her; I believe she would have been much better out of the reach of her acquaintance. Mr. C. and his mother were here, on Tuesday; he observed he thought it a pity you should involve yourself in so much care, as she occasioned, and asked if I did not think with him; I told him, if you had his income and family. They appear very happy. We rejoice to hear there is a moving among the dry bones in your neighborhood. O! may it spread over to Newport! O, my son what a charge ministers have! Blessed be God for the |