Since I last writ unto you I received these inclosed answers2 from a reverend freind, whose name, because hee desires it may bee concealed as yet, I will not tell you, onely you may know, it is one whose person you much desire, and whose iudgment you, and all men much esteeme. I confesse plainely in divers thinges I was perswaded otherwise then I see now some cause to stumble mee, in regard of his sound pietie and deepe iudgment and long acquaintance both with the persons, places, and studies which might enable him to a cleare discerning of the will of god in these thinges. Now the good god that hath promised to teach those that feare him in the way that they shall chuse, to guide the meeke in iudgment, and to teach them his way, give you a discerning of those thinges that differ, and helpe you by his wisedome to behave yourselves wisely in a perfect way 101 p.3 And as the nature of the worke in hand, and the curious inspection of malevolent spirits require, to proceede warilie and with good examination and digestion of the best advices, which yet I will further endeavour to procure from other godly men for your helpe herein.

Such newes as is stirring I doubt not but other letters will acquaint you withall, as the proclamation of the peace with Spaine, what the conditions are in particular touching the Palatinate I yet hear not; in general it is said the King of Spaine is to restore all the townes hee hath in the Palatinate but mr. Peters in my last nights letters received informes mee that the Emperour deales vilie with the King of Bohemia. Dr. Laiton4 hath after an escape beene taken and received halfe of his censure, viz: 12 lashes with a 3 corded whip, one eare cut of, one nostril slit and stygmatized in the face. Divers godly lecturers and ministers dayly are put by. mr. Weld of Essex is now upon the stage and expects his doome. I think hee will bee easilie for us. Dr. Ames holds his first affections to you, and the worke, notwithstanding the late neglect of him, in not giving a word eyther to him or of him. I wrote to him excusing all as well as I could, and the good man takes nothing amisse for ought I understand. Your sister Downing after a daungerous and long sickenes begins (blessed be god) to gather strength. Hasten your call to mr. Haines, it were not amisse there were some blancke call, for such, as providence shall offer, and shall sticke at that knot. mr. Downing my selfe and some others have given mr. Hooker a call lately. Ere long wee shall see the effect of it. I hope with these you will receave my letters and bookes sent the last weeke to Barnstable for this ship of mr. Allertons to carrie to you, that also bringes the greatest part of your provisions. The lord ever keepe you and make his name glorious in and by you in whome I am Yours what I am,