A website from the Massachusetts Historical Society; founded 1791.

Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 1

Ezekiel Culverwell to John Winthrop1
Culverwell, Ezekiel Winthrop, John

1619-03-12

To the woorship full his very kinde friend Mr. John Winthrop at Groton. DD.
Right worthilye beloved

I take very thankfully your loving respect of me, and God forbid I should so sinne as to cease to pray for yow and yours, of whom I conceaue good hope that they be that blessed seed, of whom it shalbe veryfyed which Esa 61, 9. did foretell. And to this end make it (as you doe) your cheefe studye to trayne them vp in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, which I vnderstand from their infansy to nurse them vp in knowledg and practise of christianity as their capacity will bear. I hear your wife is neer her tyme I pray god giue like successe to my poor prayers for her which of late I have found with others, who have craude my help in like case. Thus much certify your sweet natured and modest wyfe (as I conceaue) for her comfort, that (as neer as I can gesse) I wilbe 235with her at her need. I would be glad to hear how she fits her self to your course. I doubt not but my much respected lady Tindal, wilbe with yow whom I pray salute in my name, and merily require her to pay her debts, I meane of prayers for me, which I must looke to in my selfe both for her and yow both. Concerning my helth its oft crasy, but noe regement fitts. I am growing into an astma that is a shortnes of breath with wheesing and a dry cough. I desire and labour to be ready for my change, and so I comit vs all to the providence of our heavenly father. Yours while his owne

Ez. Culverwell Mar 12 1618–19

I hope yow have heard of my dawghters fruitfulnes two at a byrth: 4 which could not make 2 yeers. 7 living. the poor man hath his hands full. yet I thank god he thrives both wayes which is rare and good.

1.

W. Au. 8; L. and L. , I. 142–143.