Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 1
I yesterday Received yours of the 2d. instant1 by which you let me know that you have not received any Lines from me which I admire at for I sent a letter to you about a fort-night agone I thought very Directly. I am also inform'd by your's that you are very ill, And indeed Sir I will tell you that I was rarely ever more sensible of a sympathetick spirit than when I read your melancholy account of yourself, when I recolected your adversity afflictions and Distress I in a Sense made them my own. A chill seizd my trembling Nerves and a Series of of melancholly Ideas diffused themselves thro' my pensive soul such are the strange Effects of true friendship! But when I consider that these afflictions spring not from the Dust; But have a wise and mercifull God for their author and that his watchfull providence will accomplish that we shall most Conduce to his Glory, which sould be our highest aim, and to the good of such as Love him, methinks both you and I my Dear Friend have the the greatest Reason possible to calm all perturbations and acquiesse in every Dispensation of divine Providence. Indeed on the one hand you68 ought not to Despise the chastnings of the Lord i.e. by a thoughtless behavour or stubborn contumacy, Nor on the other hand may you faint when thou art rebuked, by Diffidence Dispondence and unbeleif. Upon the whole let your present affliction cause in you great searching of heart humility and prostration at the foot-stool of Divine mercy. Take a Occasion from hence to trust in the sovereign mercy of God; turn to him that smites thee; rowl they burden on the Lord and know assuredly that he will sustain thee.
I would make you a visit but there are some Difficulties which at present are insuperable. I have no remarkable News. Please to write speedily to me, for I shall be impatient to hear of your welfare. Let me know where you Live and how. As also if you have taken Notice of sd. star. This from your sympathiseing friend
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