NEW LONDON, 9th May, 1784. Honored Mother, I am writing after meeting-is it wicked? Not if I write in a suitable manner. I had this afternoon, a large audience; my subject was the stormy wind. I was very unwell in service. My head ached-I thought I should have become crazy in prayer. I trust I am thankful that I was kept from any material mistake. This is the fifth Sabbath since I have been in this place. I am situated in, I dare say, the most agreeable family in the city. I am treated with the greatest kindness. I think there is a prospect of my tarrying here through the summer, if my health will allow of my being attentive enough to my studies, and if my performances meet with approbation. O, mother! how important is the situation! I tremble at the reflection. I would with all my heart, comply with your command, to be at home at the election, if it were in my power. If I do, this pulpit must be destitute, and the whole town without preaching, for I am the only one who can perform that service in the place, except an old gentleman, who, it is believed, is incompetent. But I could return the day after the election, you will tell me. If I could, I should be unable to preach, for I have both sermons to make, almost for the next Sabbath. I am to exchange with Mr. Parsons, of E. H., the Sabbath but one after election, which place is half way home. Mr. Shaw, the gentleman with whom I live, will be going to H. then, and I expect to bear him company. You may expect us Tuesday, May 18th; I shall leave you on Saturday. Mr. S. has made me a present of a suit of superfine black broadcloth, to which he has added a very handsome blue great coat, a hat, &c. I long inexpressibly to see you. Give my love to all my friends who shall attend the election. I would write my sisters had I time; give them and G. my love. I am dutiful son, your W. P. Mrs. Ruth Patten. TO THE REV. WILLIAM PATTEN, NEW LONDON. My Dear Son,— HARTFORD, July 8th, 1784. I received your kind favor by Mr. N.-may Heaven a thousand fold reward your tender care in the best of blessings. I have been favored with a line, by Mr. Pomroy, and have seen him since. He informed me that you appeared very happy, and gave good satisfaction. O, my dear son, how much have we to thank God for ! Why should you be the one solicited to supply so good a parish, and stationed in so good a family and with so great a benefactor? I might have gone back to the first moment of your being left fatherless-how completely has God fulfiled his promises-how has He planed all our affairslet us still trust in Him for all that light and as sistance, strength, direction and supplies, that we need, with care and diligence, to acknowledge Him in all our ways. Where and how is Mr. Steward?-Do write me, if you know. Remember us in an affectionate manner to the family in which you reside, and believe me, Your ever affectionate mother, RUTH PATTEN. My Dear Son,— HARTFORD, 25th October, 1784. I received yours by Capt. L., for which I return my most sincere thanks. I hope your health is restored, as you wrote nothing about it. How wonderful is the generosity of your worthy friend, Mr. S. I sincerely wish he might be rewarded a thousand fold in spiritual, as well as temporal blessings; and may you, my dear son, be enabled to make suitable returns to Heaven for such distinguishing favors. I wrote the particulars of our prospects not long since; we have been, through the kindness of Heaven, prospered, and are well supplied. Do not be anxious for us; take good care of your health, and that Heaven may bless and prosper you, is the sincere wish of Your affectionate mother. R. P. Please remember us in a proper manner to the family where you reside. Adieu. Rev. William Patten. Honored Mother, NEWPORT, September 7th, 1785. I am this morning in the greatest haste. I sincerely thank sister for her most agreeable letter. I expect the day after to-morrow to set sail for New London. I have received a very pressing invitation from that place to return. My situation has been very agreeable; God has given me favor in the sight of this people. I am in a straight between two-it may be possible that I shall see you this fall. I must attend commencement-and if I return to this place again, which is unanimously wished, I shall have leisure to visit you, as Dr. Stiles is to spend the vacation here. I am sorry not to hear that you have received two half-joh's which I forwarded before my last letter, by Mr. B. Can they be lost? I long to see the family-my dear mother, my dear sister, my dear Miss A., and though I have said dear so often, I must add my dear George. I am, honored mother, your dutiful son, WM. PATTEN. Mrs. Ruth Patten. NEW LONDON, 16th November, 1785. Honored Mother When I heard that you were about to remove, I longed to go to your assistance; but I could not leave this place with any degree of conven. ience. I am happy that you have obtained a comfortable situation, and it will afford me still higher pleasure should Providence improve me as an instrument of making it secure. I expect in the morning to set out for Newport; I should have concluded to tarry in this place till after the Thanksgiving, but there is one appointed in Rhode Island, the week after ours, and I am by no means to fail of attending upon that; as Dr. Stiles's meeting house will be completed by that time, and the society would choose to have a discourse adapted to their circumstances; with which, if I should comply, as I must go by water, I must set out this week. The society in this place are very friendly to me--as friendly as I could wish; they would not part with me this winter, were it not their house is so much out of repair that it is inconvenient for worship. They will expect me in the spring. They have the foundation of a new house almost completed; they expect the frame by next May. They go upon a large and very elegant plan-I hope they will be prospered in putting it into execution. Dr. Stiles honored me with a particular attention, while I was at New Haven. His family, notwithstanding commencement, reserved a bed in his own house for my reception. His society in Newport, are unanimously in my favor, and he himself, says that as for my compositions, they are well enough. I hope and pray for Divine direction, trusting that I have yours, |