Part 7 (1/2)

6. For _tediousnesse_, read, _I am sorry for it_ ---- Wee have a strong weaknesse in N. E. that when wee are speaking, we know not how to conclude: wee make many ends, before we make an end: the fault is in the Climate; we cannot helpe it though we can, which is the Arch infirmity in all morality: We are so near the West pole, that our Longitudes are as long, as any wise man would wish, and somewhat longer. I scarce know any Adage more gratefull, than _Grata brevitas_.

_Verba confer maxime ad compendium._ Plaut.

_Coblers will mend, but some will never mend, But end, and end, and end, and never end.

A well-girt houre gives every man content, Sixe ribs of beefe, are worth sixe weeks of Lent._

For, _all my other faults, which may bee more and greater than I see_, read, _I am heartily sorry for them, before I know them, lest I should forget it after_; and humbly crave pardon at adventure, having nothing that I can think of, to plead but this,

_Quisquis inops peccat, minor est reus._ Petron.

_Poore Coblers well may fault it now and then, They'r ever mending faults for other men.

And if I worke for nought, why is it said, This bungling Cobler would be soundly paid?_

_So farewell England old If evill times ensue, Let good men come to us, Wee'l welcome them to New.

And farewell Honor'd Friends, If happy dayes ensue, You'l have some Guests from hence, Pray welcome us to you.

And farewell simple world, If thou'lt thy Cranium mend, There is my Last and All, And a Shoem-Akers_ END.

Postscript.

_This honest Cobler has done what he might: That Statesmen in their Shoes might walk upright.

But rotten Shoes of Spannish running-leather: No Coblers skill, can st.i.tch them strong together.

It were best to cast such rotten stuff away: And look for that, that never will decay.

If all were shod with Gospel's lasting Peace; Hatred abroad, and Wars at home would cease._

Jerome Bellamie.

_FINIS._

APPENDIX.

The following Letters, (from Hutchinson's History and Collections,) &c., and Deed from Ess.e.x Registry of Deeds, Salem, (Lib. I., Ipswich,) are supposed to possess sufficient interest to justify their insertion here.

BOSTON, 1843.

LETTER TO REV. JOHN COTTON.

Salutem in Xto nostro.

Reverend and dear friend,

I was yesterday convented before the bishop, I mean to his court, and am adjourned to the next term. I see such giants turn their backs, that I dare not trust my own weak heart. I expect measure hard enough and must furnish apace with proportionable armour. I lacke a friend to help buckle it on. I know none but Christ himself in all our coast fitt to help me, and my acquaintance with him is hardly enough to hope for that a.s.sistance my weak spirit will want, and the a.s.saults of tentation call for. I pray therefore forget me not and believe for me also if there be such a piece of neighbourhood among Christians. And so blessing G.o.d with my whole heart for my knowledge of you and immerited interest in you, and thanking you entirely for that faithful love I have found from you in many expressions of the best nature, I commit you to the unchangeable love of G.o.d our Father in his son Jesus Christ, in whom I hope to rest for ever.