To my very loueing and worthy Christian frende Mrs. Alice2 Winthrop wife of our Worshifull and Reverend Governour these

Grace, mercy, and peace in our Lord Jes. Christ.

Auncient and Christian Frende,

I present my great respect, and thankfullnes vnto you, in a little token. And though it be little in it selfe, yet doth it conteine greater waight of true worth, then can easyly be comprehended, but of the spirituall man. As god gives you leasure to reade any thinge that may further your piety, and hope of a better lyfe then this, if you shall please to vouchsafe a little part of that tyme to reade this by degrees, I shall judge it more then a sufficient satisfaction to my loue and desire of furthering you in the waye of grace. And as I do both dayly and dulye pray the God of heaven (and that by speciall torn and remembring of our worthy Governour, your selfe, and blessed fruites of your Loue) and I blesse the Lorde without 145many (if any) fayleing—so shall I ad this to my prayers, that my token may in some thing helpe you forward (as a sweet gale of winde in your backe) in the way of God. Looking among some speciall reserued bookes, and lighting on this little treatice of one of myne owne poore children, I conceaued nothing might sute more to my loue, nor your acceptance. I desire my seruice in Christ may be remembered to Mr. Governour, with blessing on you and all yours and so I cease, and rest Yours euer in the Lorde Jesus his vnworthy servant

Stephen Bachiler This 17 or 18th of this 8th month 1639 1.

W. 3. 26; 4 Collections , VII. 99–100. For Bachiler, see 4 Collections , VII. 88n.

2.

I.e., Margaret.