I receiued thy leter by Mr. Thorndick I was much troubled that I could not heare from thee I thinke thy house will not bee ready to 142dwell in this winter and it is uncomfortabl for us to liue thus I think thou hadest beter come home this winter for thear is no likelihoud of obtaining a minister this winter.2

i send 4 leters that came by mr. grant the peices you writ for are not ready but i will send them as soone as i can i have many things to write but at this time i am forced to breke of by reason of the speedy returne of the mesinger thy faithfull and obedient wife

If you knew how ioyful a thing it was to me to receive (the last night) though but one letter from your so renowned plantation (vizt. from Ephr: Child) I am perswaded you would have added to my ioy by a line or two. Before this his letter yours dated Octob. 21, 1632 concerning the moones ecclipse Octo. 17, was the last I received thence. A copy of that I sent to Mr. Milburne, from whom I expected to have received more in that kind about ecclipses, and directed him how to send to you. I received none since from him. Our estate here in particular in General you may better hear from the honest bearer John Firmin, then by my letter. The Lord hath been merveilous in his mercies to this our land; and we have dealt shamefully unthankfully with him: and therefore if he proceede to deal wonderfully in his judgements against us, as he threatned to do with Israel Isa. 29. 13–15, that the Wisdome of the wise shall fail them, and the seers he covered etc. It were just with him. We have not feared when he hath oft shaken the rod, nor turned to him when he hath smitten us, except fainedly, and then to our sins againe. Yea even to spiritual adultery, defiling the mariage bed, and yet say wiping our mouths, What evil have we done: who dare charge us therewith, name him that we may make him smart for it, as some have, others do, and more are likely. I read lately a large letter from Archbishop Grindal of Canterbury to Queen Elizabeth from whom commaund was 143comming to him to forbid exercises, and cause fewer preachers in regard of Contention etc. He writ, God forbid his tongue should be an instrument of publishing that was so to Gods dishonour. We have no power against the trueth, but for the trueth. How it is for the Sabbath you shal heare. What wil become of us God knowes: we had need stand as much in the gap as we can, tho we be not without some danger for it. Blessed be God, there are divers such in this cold Climate of Yorkshire, yea and in Northumberland, people, ministers, gentlemen, and here some knights also. Pray for us deare Sir and desire your ministers to do so in publick, though I conceive they oft do so. God is not yet departed, he walks sometimes in our Gardens, and makes some dead herbs to live and blossome, both elder and yonger in these cold seasons. The God Alsufficient be amongst you, and perserve you that you may be al of one mind according to trueth, that you having salt in your selves may be at peace one with another Mar. 9 end, that you may deny your selves, and your own reasonings, in humility condescending one to another so far as may stand with a good conscience, considering one anothers weakenesse to cover it in love, avoiding needles disputes, causing strife, rather then edifying Heb. 13. 9. I desire al your prayers for me to the God that heareth prayer, that he that hath called me here to the ministery, and given desires of doing his work faithfully and syncerely, εν παρρησία and humility would direct me in al things to do his wil, and keep my selfe pure, and uphold and blesse me and my endeavours, as he hath given me cause of praises to him in this behalfe. Blesse his holy name with me, who rejoice with you in his great kindnes towards you, and hope I shal no longer live, then I abide Your and New Englands faithfull friend so far as I am able