Lord, I have no pleasure in the death of a sinner, but had rather he should turn and live. God hath made all things for His own glory, even the wicked for the day of evil; and there be some ordained of old to perdition. Since I began to write, and had almost done, your brother John was seized with a convulsion fit which very much surprized us--we fear what will be the consequence. The rest of us are much as usual, and desire abundance of love to yourself and yours. I am your affectionate father, Rev. William Patten. Your noble gifts I much admire, My soaring thoughts yet rising higher And special grace for you implore. What to my God shall I return, Dear Daughter,— ROXBURY, 16th April, 1767. I received your kind favor of the 13th instant, for which I thank you. I am going to Boston this morning, to do my utmost to get a capuchin for Mr. B. to convey. I fear you think we have been very negligent about that matter, but I believe we have been more concerned about it than you have yourself. But there have been too many disappointments here to recite, which would be strange, if they were not common to us. I received a letter from my son, at Hartford, the same day that I received your's. He writes that the people offer him £450 settlement, and £105 salary, but is much at a loss to know what is duty. May God Almighty make the way of duty plain before him, and lead him into such methods, and cast his lot where he may be most serviceable for the advancement of the Redeemer's Kingdom and interest in the world. He was early devoted to God, to be disposed of, and used, just as infinite wisdom should see best, and most for His own glory. And I may not retract, however reluctant natural affection may be, to his going far from me.-I have learned that local distance makes no great difference. God is able to bring them near that are far off, or put them far off who are near. My son Nathaniel, came in from sea last Sabbath. All well. We remember yourself and children with concern, and love; recommending you all to a wise and kind providence -wishing you health, and prosperity; but especially that your souls may be in health and prosper. I remain your very affectionate father, Mrs. R, Patten. FROM MRS. PATTEN TO HER HUSBAND AT HARTFORD. Ever Dear Sir, HALIFAX, 19th April, 1767. I gladly improve this opportunity to write, though I have nothing new to communicate. We are all through the pure mercy of God in a comfortable state of health. I am very desirous to hear how your affairs are; may God in infinite mercy order all things concerning you, my dear, as shall be most for His glory, and best for us. We have reason to say His ways have all been mercy and truth towards us. Changes we must expect in this mutable state. May we be prepared for every event, whether prosperous or adverse-always rejoicing that our times are in God's hands. Although our house is not so with us as many others, yet may we be enabled to say, He hath established with us, and ours, a covenant of peace that shall endure to the latest generationthat is all our salvation, and all our desire.— That you, dear sir, may have many souls for your joy and crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord, is my earnest, and devout request→→ and that each of us, after having faithfully performed the duties incumbent on us in life, may be indissolubly united in. the heavenly world, to join with our dear departed ones, and the whole Israel of God, in celebrating praises for redeeming love forever and ever. Please to remember me suitably to inquiring friends, and accept of the kindest love. From your affectionate spouse, The children are asleep, so that they cannot send duty. Rev. William Patten. HARTFORD, May 25th, 1767. My Dear, I just now received the very great pleasure of a line from you by Mr. Dunbar. The comfortable state of our family, gives us both great cause of thankfulness. My mind is very much burdened on your account, lest so much more labor and care than you have been used to, or than I fear your constitution will well bear, will prove too hard for you; but, after a long storm, we have passed through. God can, and if it be best for us, He will, send a calm. I hope that we may be able to pass through good, as well as evil report, with a becoming temper. The people here, discover the kindest temper towards me-how long it will continue, I must leave to Him who knows the heart. I have not given my answer, but am waiting for the people to take care of Mr. Whitman's support-their committee is to wait on him this evening for that purpose. So far as I can see, I must settle here, unless I resist a call of providence. Possibly, I shall not be at home so soon as I expected, but would hope that you may be ready to remove by the middle of June. Better be ready a week too soon, than too late, as I shall bring some company with me, and it will be difficult to make a long stay. I have nothing new to write. I wrote last by Mr. Crocker, of Taunton, which I hope you have received. I have had an ill turn since I have been here, but it was of short continuance. Give tenderest love to our dear diveplank, and accept sincerest affection to yourself. I commit you, my dear, and all ours, as I hope I am every day commended by you, to the tender mercy of that God who is so kind to the evil and unthankful. I am your truly affectionate husband, Mrs. Ruth Patten. P. S. I am sometimes quite homesick. I do not know how to think of home, or to write home, with the thought of being kept from it so long. But I trust we shall be together forever with the Lord. Wherefore let us comfort one another with these words. My Dear Children,— ROXBURY, January 20th, 1768. I take this opportunity to write to you. We did hope to converse together by writing, although we could not see each other; but I |