My Beloved Son,
I pray the Lord to bless thee with goodness and peace. I give him
thanks for thy welfare. I hope, through his goodness, that this sickness
which is now upon thee will turn to thy health. I received two letters
from you, written, I see, in haste. But they were welcome to me and the
rest, to you grandmother and mother.
They all are glad that you like the college. I sent you two
letters a good while ago. I hope they will reach you, though they
may be long in going. The further you are from me, the more
careful I am of your welfare, both in body and soul. The best way
to both of these lies in your own trying.
Your friends may pray for you and advise you; but your own
faithfulness and watchfulness mast be added to make you blessed.
God has given you a
large number of outward good things. You must try to use them
carefully.
Remember that your happiness is not in food, drink, and
such things, but in the favor of God for your part in a better life. I
send you the books you wrote for. I shall also send you some cloth
for a gown and suit.
For a study gown, you would better buy some coarse Irish
cloth. I shall, if God is willing, write to you again soon. Your
grandfather and grandmother will write to you also. Your mother
sends you her blessings.
We are all in health, I thank God. Remember my love to your good
teacher. The Lord in mercy bless and keep you, and direct and
prosper your study.
Your loving father,
JOHN WINTHROP.
GROTON, Aug. 31, 1622.
[[242]]
This was written by John Winthrop, later governor
of Massachusetts, to his son, about eight years before he came over to
America.
