NEWPORT, September 24th, 1792.

Honored Mamma,—

From the letters I have received, and the information of Judge Marchant, I presume my brother set out for home at a favorable juncture. I shall be happy if he obtain employment in Hartford, as it must afford you pleasure, and be in every respect agreeable. His going to the Indias, must be attended with many inconveniences-in traveling over a great part of the world, and seeing but little of it-in spending much time, and gaining but little profit-the fatigue and danger of being at sea, and continually exposed to sickness and affliction at a remove from all his friends. I can neither think it best that he should enter into trade in any of the Southern States. He has now only grown up a good choice--is of importance-of peculiar importance. Until his constitution be confirmed, his present habit is not calculated to resist, and could but feebly support the diseases of an infectious climate. From human appearance, he would be more likely to find a Southern climate fatal, than any other person of my acquaintance. Hartford, or New York, will, I hope, be the fixed object of his inclination.

The packet sent by Col. Chester, I received this afternoon. The cravat is wrought with such elegance, and is such an agreeable specimen of the ingenuity of my sisters, that I fancy I shall

take the liberty to return in the room of it, a piece of plain muslin, which my sister may embellish for George. Since my brother left me, I have been confined with a cold-the Sabbath was the first of my going out. I am much better to day, and have visited a number of the society. B. S. is very sick. Dr. Hopkins is dangerously ill with the dysentery; his daughter, Mrs. A., was buried this afternoon.

My state is as pleasant as could be expected. I have many trials, yet but few wants ;-I rarely feel desponding, and often am clearly convinced that my situation is adapted to my advantage. I am much pleased with the Apostle's remark, that if we endure chastisement, God dealeth with us as with sons; he does not say if we suffer chastisement, the enemies of God suffer affliction; but if we endure, or patiently bear affliction, we have an evidence in that temper, together with the affliction, that God dealeth with us as with children, for the enemies of God though they suffer affliction, do not bear it with patience. With love to my sisters, and brother, and respects for my friends, I am, honored

Mrs. R. Patten.

mamma, your

dutiful son,

WILLIAM PATTEN.

Honored Mother,

NEWPORT, January 7th, 1794.

Since my last letter, nothing particularly interesting has occurred. For your advice I feel many obligations. It is imprudent to place dependence on objects in this life; I have formed expectations, but the accomplishment of them I commit to the divine Being, and pray that all His creatures may serve and glorify Him.

The journey which I proposed, has not yet been undertaken, but it appears expedient, and necessary; I therefore hope to enter upon it soon. Every pleasant day, and fair wind, seems to have a command upon me; but the idea of being on the other side of the ferries at this season, is not agreeable.

The society had a meeting the 1st inst. As it was voluntary, I hope it will be successful. It is said they were well disposed.

Do, my dear mother, remember me in your prayers, that I may be quickened, and kept from the power of sin and temptation-that by divine aid, I may be a faithful witness for the truth as it is in Jesus, even until death.

With love to my dear sisters, and brother, I am your dutiful son, WILLIAM PATTEN.

Mrs. Patten.

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