I doe vsually beginne and ende my letters with that which I would have the A and Ω of all thy thoughtes and endeavours, viz: the Blessing of the Allmightye to be vpon thee, not after the common valuation of Gods blessinges, like the warming of the sunne to a haile stirringe bodye: but that Blessinge which Faith findes in the sweet promises of God, and his free favour, whereby the soule hathe a place of ioye and refuge in all stormes of adversitye. I beseeche the Lord to open 276thine eyes, that thou maist see the riches of this grace, which will abate the account of all earthly vanityes: and, if it please him to give thee once a taste of the sweetnesse of the true wisdom which is from aboue, it will season thy studyes, and give a newe temper to thy soule. Remember therfore what the wisest saithe The feare of the Lord is the beginninge of wisdome, laye this foundation, and thou shalt be wise indeed.

I am verye gladd to heare that you like so well in Ireland, if your profitinge in learninge may be answerable it will muche increase my comforte. I was not greatly troubled to heare that your bodye did breake out, but rather occasioned to blesse God that sent you so good a meanes of future healthe. I must needes acknowledge the great care and kindnesse of your vncle and aunt towardes you; it may be muche to your good if you be carefull to make right vse of it; as I hope you doe, for I heare you loue your studye well, you must have special care that you be not ensnared with the lustes of youthe, which are comonly covered vnder the name of recreations etc: I remember the counsel of a wise man, Quidquid ad voluptatis seminarium pululat, venenum puta. think of it (dear sonne), and especially that of Paul to Tim: Exhort yonge men that they be soberminded.

I sent you some bookes by J. Nutton, I could not then buye the rest nor suche clothe etc: which I would have sent you because your vncle Fones was not then in London, and I have no friend els that I can make bould with: I have now a piece of clothe to make your dublet and hose, if I can send it by Mr. Olmested, if not, then desire your vncle to fitt you there, it is only some little more in the price, and I have founde that except one sende by some friend, the carriage and custom (besides the hazard) costes so much, as there wilbe little saved. You may line your gowne with some warm bayes and wear it out for els you will soone outgrowe it, and if you be not allreadye in a freese Jerkin, I wishe you to gett one speedylye, and how soeuer you clothe your self when you stirre, yet be sure to keepe warme when you studye or sleepe. I sende you no monye because you may haue of your vncle what you need. I hope you wilbe honestly frugall, and haue respecte to my great charge and smale meanes, which I shall willingly extende to the vtmost to doe you good.

Your grandfather grandmother and mother salute and blesse you, we all with your brothers and sister are in healthe (I prayse God). Forthe is at Burye but he fell so between 2 formes, as he had like, betweene bothe, to have fallen back to Boxford.

your vncle Gostlin and aunt are in healthe, and he meanes to write to you. your good Host and Hostesse at Bury enquire muche of you, and 277desire allwayes to be remembred to you, so did your master there, when I last sawe him. I purpose to write 2 or 3 lines to your good Tutor, in token of my thankfull acceptance of his lovinge paynes with you.

we are daylye in expectation of Mr. Olmestedes cominge by vs, who appointed to have sett forthe on his iournye aboue a fortnight since: otherwise I had adventured some letters by London before this, tho we received none from you since John Nutton came to vs.

I heare not yet of my gelding. It wilbe fitt that at the quarters ende (if your vncle forgett it) you aske him monye for your tutor. The Lord blesse you ever, so I rest your lovinge father

Blessed be God, by whose prouidence and protection I am come safe to London: heer I find them all in health, and a great deale of kind welcome, onely thy companye is wantinge, which they much desire.

I doubt my brothers2 comminge to Ipswich wilbe deferred till the springe, for Mr. Hore (who should hire his howse) and he, are broken off: thus man purposeth but God disposeth: o that we could learne at length to trust his wisdome loue power etc: and cast our care vpon him, and leaue our owne carnall wisdome, feare, confidence, etc: then should it goe well with vs assuredly: then should we haue our rest in that true peace which passeth vnderstandinge: but it is our wretched infidelity that keepes good thinges from vs. Let vs therefore pray earnestly, and labour for this preatious faith, it will recompence all our cost.

For such newes as is heer this bearer can sufficiently informe you, and so may spare my labour, and besides I am hasted into the citye about my businesse. When I shall returne I cannot yet tell, but thy loue will make me lose no tyme. therefore for the present, with my brothers and sisters kind salutations to thee and to my parents to whom I commend my loue and dutye, I heartyly commende thee and our little ones and all our familye to the gratious protection and blessinge of the Lord, so I rest Thy faithfull louing husband