(seq. 47)

[fol. 1v]

Note. Cambridge, 23 Dec. 1796.

{ Stamp} { Stamp} 8

Rev. Abiel Abbot,
Haverhill.

[fol. 1r]

Cambridge, Dec. 23d. '96.

My good friend,

I am glad to find, you have
not wholly forgotten me. I was suspicious, that
the gentle rebuke your lady gave you at my
chamber would be more effectual, than any
thing I could say. I suppose, I must thank
her, that I was not neglected for some months
longer, at least. It is very pleasinng to see a wife,
who can spy the faults as well, as virtues
of a husband, & who can perform the office
of rebuke without the hazard of giving of-
fence. Such a one have you; & it cannot be
sinful to envy your happy lot. I was high-
ly gratified, my friend, with the picture you
gave me of your domestic bliss. To me it is
a picture indeed, wh I must, for the pres-
ent view at an awful distance. It is at
such a distance, I can hardly distinguish
the light from the shade. You have, how-
ever, furnished me with a mirror, wh dis-
covers to me some features before unknown.
I must be a poor proficient, if it do not
help me to become a connoisseur.

While you, my friend, are enjoying all
the pleasures, wh result from a union with