Dear Obour,
I recd. your obliging Letter,
enclosd, in your revd. Pastor's & handed
me by his Son. I have lately met with a great trial in the death of my
mistress, let us imagine the loss of a Parent, Sister or Brother the
tender
ness of all these were united, in her, -- I was a poor little outcast
&
stranger when she took me in, not only into her house but I
pre
sently became, a sharer in her most tender affections, I was treated by
her
more like her child than her servant, no opportunity was left
unim
prov'd, of giving me the best of advice, but in terms how tender!
how
engaging! this I hope ever to keep in remembrance. Her exampla
ry life was a greater monitor than all her precepts and
Instructions
thus we may observe of how much greater force example is than
Instruction. To alleviate our sorrows we had the satisfaction to see
her depart in inexpressible raptures, earnest longings & impatient
thirstings for the upper Courts of the Lord. Do, my dear friend,
remem
ber me & this family in your Closet that this afflicting
dispensation --
may be sanctify'd to us. I am very sorry to
hear that you are indisposd
but hope this will find you in better health; I have been unwell the
greater Part of the winter, but am much better as the Spring approaches
Pray excuse my not writing to you so long before, for I have been so
bu
sy lately, that I could not find liezure [leisure] . I
shall send the 5 Books you
wrote for, the first convenient, Opportunity. if you want more, they
Shall be ready for you
I am very affectionately your Friend
Boston March 21. 1774.
[Address]