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Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 1

John Winthrop to John Winthrop, Jr.1
Winthrop, John Winthrop, John, Jr.

1623-08-12

My deare sonne,

The Lord blesse thee, and multiplye his graces in thee, to the buildinge vp of that good worke which (I well hope) is truely begunne in thee, and wherein I reioice daylye and blesse God, who hathe pleased to call thee, and keepe thee in that good course, which yieldes hope to all thy friendes of thy future happinesse. Be watchfull (good sonne) and remember that though it be true in some Cases that principium est dimidium totius, yet in diuinitye he who hath attained beyonde the middest, must still think himselfe to have but newe begunne, for through the continuall instigation of Sathan and our owne proneness to evill, we are allways in danger of beinge turned out of our course. but God will preserve vs to the ende if we trust in him and be guided by his will.

I received no Letters from you since that in Latine wherein you wrote for Coopers dictionary, which I sent you since by London, and I have wrote twice since. I purpose to sende you by this bearer Samuell Gostlin a peece of turkye Grogerame about 10 yardes to make you a suite, and I 284shall have a peece of good clothe against winter to make you a gown all my care is how to gett it well conveyed: I would have sent you some other thinges, with some remembrances to your aunt and cosins, but that the occasion of sendinge this messinger was so suddaine as I could not provide them. If your vnckle come over to Chester you may come with him, and there I hope to see you, be directed by him and your Tutor, for though I muche desire to see you, yet I had rather heare of your wellfare than hazard it, and if your vncle meane to come further than Chester, I would wishe you not to come over nowe, for I am not willinge you should come to Groton this yeare, except your vncle shall much desire your companye. Remember my kinde Love to your good Tutor, and to Mr. Downes, and excuse me to your aunt, that I write not to hir, for I have not leisure, and, if occasion be, imparte my ioye in hir safe deliverance, which we longe muche to hear of. What remaines, this bearer can inform you of all our affaires, putt him in minde (as from me) to be sober and beware of companie. your grandmother and mother salute and blesse you, your vncle Gostlin and aunt salute you, your master at Burye (to whom I wish you to write at leysure), your good host and hostesse, salute you also. Vale.

John Winthrop Groton Aug. 12. 1623.

You shall receive by Samuell a 22 s. peece, if he have not occasion to spend it by the waye.

1.

W. 7A. 12; Savage (1825), I. 342–343; (1853), I. 410–411; L. and L. , I. 181–182.