NEWPORT, November 30th, 1790. Honored Mamma,— I have been in a state of great anxiety for several days, occasioned by the apprehension that my sister left New London the day she mentioned in a letter I received from her, and that she was exposed to those severe storms which have succeeded each other almost ever since. But I have been rendered happy this morning, by hearing from Miss Marchant's correspondents in Norwich, that my sister had been in that place, and had proceeded in a stage. My heart rejoices so in this information, that I almost forgot I was alone. George left me in very good spirits. The Monday after his departure, he writes me that he was admitted to the senior class that he was agreeably disappointed in the place and expresses high satisfaction with his circumstances. He wishes to pay you a visit in December vacation, but I think it will be better to defer it, as he may be detained by the weather from returning at the close of the vacation, which is very short. Mrs. Channing, the mother, has been confined since last Wednesday, with a pleuratic fever. There is so little hope of her recovery, that the family are continually in tears, and they have sent for Henry from New London. Duchess says that her mistress desired her, should the disorder prove fatal, to remove with her family into my house ;-I have therefore provided no assistance as yet, and enjoy a little more than the name of help in Phebe. I have dismissed the little girl who wishes to have me married that she may return to the family again. I pass my time as happily as could be supposed, and am more free from melancholy than I expected. After Mary left me, I wrote on the subject, "Though I be absent in the body, yet am I with you in the Spirit." I considered the nature of mental intercourse, and observed, that it is unnecessary for persons to be miserable, since they have minds. Phebe is all life, and though full of mistakes, means to do as well as is possible. I thought it would contribute to her happiness, and was indeed but an act of justice, to give her a little entertainment for her friends on Thanksgiving day. I accordingly provided one, and all of them appeared very grateful. When I returned in the evening, they requested me to make a prayer with them, and were very attentive to a comment on the chapter from which I preached. The society express much regret at my circumstances, and are very kind to me;-I believe they have a disposition to relieve my wants, and would contribute more than almost any other society under their embarrassments. I am your affectionate and dutiful son, Mrs. Ruth Patten.* I desire my love to my sisters. I am in great haste this morning, and must omit a number of subjects. We received with gratitude all the articles you mentioned. Honored Mother, NEWPORT, December 6th, 1790. It has been a cause of great joy to me to hear of M.'s arrival, and I return my humble thanks to God, her preserver. I hope her society may be a greater blessing to you than it is a loss to me-which is a very benevolent wish. I should indulge an anxiety for you, in your circumstances, were it not contrary to my principles and resolutions. To be distressed for the accommodation of my person, appears like interference with the Divine care. A distrust of Providence, implies in my view, that the mind has presumptuously taken the place of Providence; that it has laid the government on its own shoulders, which, to created being, is an insupportable burthen. Mrs. Channing is dead! On Saturday last, in the crisis of her disorder, she expired. I feel this loss with peculiar sensibility.. She was a sincere friend to me, and there was no house in town which seemed so much like home, as that, and which I expected so frequently to visit in exchange for solitude. By accounts from George, he appears to be very happy; he thinks he is a good junior. He is treated with great friendship, and has, hitherto, been gratified in every request for supplies. He is not unmindful of you; I have two letters from him to the family, which I shall forward by Mr. C., as they are too large to be sent in the mail. As the Misses Channings are in great grief, I have not delivered M.'s letter. I desire your prayers for us, and am, with sincere love to my sisters, honored mother, Mrs. Ruth Patten. Your dutiful sʊn, WILLIAM PATTEN. My Very Dear Sons, HARTFORD, May 30th, 1791. Though I know I have reason to bless God continually on your account, and to trust in Him for all future favors,, yet this unbelieving, anxious heart, does not rest as it ought. Your situation is very critical. It is probable before long, if you should live, the most judicious will advise you to retreat, and yet my heart recoils at the idea. I have a great affection for your people, and I believe they have as great for you as they can have for any faithful minister. Their case is melancholy indeed-it is so here, but there seems to be a different complexion; we have reason to hope that our foundation is more according to Scripture. I humbly hope you may continue to have a spirit of prayer, and that God would comfort you, lead and guide you into all truth. It is wonderful to see the aids of Providence. When we trust in the most High, and lean not to our own understanding, whatever He intends, will be pointed out, and some time or other, we shall see it best, I doubt not. May we frequently meet at the throne of grace, not only for ourselves, but each other, and the church, which has long been defiled with the world, and be inclined and enabled to espouse her cause for her Redeemer's sake. Oh, my dear son, it is a time of great security-health, peace, and plenty, prevail. There has not been more than eight funerals, and a few sick, since I returned. It is probable we shall not sail along in such an easy manner long; however, none can tell. May we be prepared for whatever heaven allots. There was considerable of an earthquake here two weeks since ; we were much surprised, but like silly sheep, we soon felt secure again. Poor Dr. B.'s family, we pity them. I have thought if I had a son that traded in slaves, and could not be reformed, I should be content if he lost his life. What numbers W. has caused, no doubt, to die a thousand deaths! We leave him in the hands of God. I rejoice that George improves his privileges so well. May God perfect begun goodness. Mr. H. says somebody has been scaring him. He thinks him a very good child, but G. thinks himself a very bad one. Mr. H. says he has so much modesty, and sensibility, it will be a guard against the dangers of youth. However, my son, your mind is mine with regard to security. Your sisters join in the warmest love, that our |