(seq. 56)

[fol. 2v]

state of "holy matrimony"! Instead of being a subject of
sport and pastime, what more serious and affecting, than
to realize a connexion formed for life, which, yet, must soon,
very soon be dissolved! What occasion less calculated for
thoughtless mirth, than the one which fanctions this
important union! I can not cordially join with you in
that warm, though temperate, euloqium on wedlock which
you communicated to me, as the fruit of your happy
experience; and can clearly percieve the insipid boyish
levity, with which I ventured to congratulate you , on
that joyous event. Come and see us, my friend, with
the dear partner of your bosom; and we will mutually
felicitate each other in a manner, which may words may
assist, but must fail, to express. My prospects, --- I can-
not tell, what they are. So what is our increasing remiss-
ness in religion tending, but to its entire extirpation?
I know, it has ever been fashionable among sober mor-
alists, since the days of Cicero, to exclaim, O tempora!, O
mores! But never, in my opinion, was the exclama-
tion more proper, than at the present day. How fash-
ionable has it become among those, whose example
regulates all fashions, to treat the best institutions of
our holy religion with cold neglect, if not with
pointed contempt. Perhaps, my near situation to
the Capital subjects me to more evidence on this head,
than you personally attest, or wish ever to possess. I
should rejoice, could I say, that within the precincts
of my little parish, there were no examples of this nature.

[fol. 2r]

But the "Lord reigneth"; and why should we distrust
his providential government.

I am happy to find, my friend, that you have
contributed your aid in support both of religion
and good government. Your Thanksgiving sermon I
accidentally saw at Dorchester; and have read it
with great satisfaction. I hope, you will not fail
to transmit me one of them by the first opportu-
nity. Dr. Tappan, in a visit to me the other day,
brought your discourse for my perusal, and I as-
sure you, spake of it in terms, which afforded me,
as your friend, great pleasure. Who would not be
proud of his approbation? As to the society of [ ]
Illuminati; I hope, we shall have more certain
information; as it has become a very interesting
object of attention. People, I find, decide on its au-
thenticity according to their wishes. Even the great
Parsons has said, in my hearing, that the leading
facts appear to him fully authenticated.

My good friend, tomorrow I dine at Wales's
Villa. How happy should I be to meet you there!
If not, I shall send on this letter with my best
wishes to yourself and lady. Kiss little Adeline
for me, and believe me, as ever, your affectionate
friend, and brother in the faith and fellowship of
the Gospel,
John Pierce.

Improve, I beg you, the very first opportunity in writing, and
expect from me a speedy return. Your last was No 19.

[fol. 2v]

state of "holy matrimony"! Instead of being a subject of
sport and pastime, what more serious and affecting, than
to realize a connexion formed for life, which, yet, must soon,
very soon be dissolved! What occasion less calculated for
thoughtless mirth, than the one which fanctions this
important union! I can not cordially join with you in
that warm, though temperate, euloqium on wedlock which
you communicated to me, as the fruit of your happy
experience; and can clearly percieve the insipid boyish
levity, with which I ventured to congratulate you , on
that joyous event. Come and see us, my friend, with
the dear partner of your bosom; and we will mutually
felicitate each other in a manner, which may words may
assist, but must fail, to express. My prospects, --- I can-
not tell, what they are. So what is our increasing remiss-
ness in religion tending, but to its entire extirpation?
I know, it has ever been fashionable among sober mor-
alists, since the days of Cicero, to exclaim, O tempora!, O
mores! But never, in my opinion, was the exclama-
tion more proper, than at the present day. How fash-
ionable has it become among those, whose example
regulates all fashions, to treat the best institutions of
our holy religion with cold neglect, if not with
pointed contempt. Perhaps, my near situation to
the Capital subjects me to more evidence on this head,
than you personally attest, or wish ever to possess. I
should rejoice, could I say, that within the precincts
of my little parish, there were no examples of this nature.

[fol. 2r]

But the "Lord reigneth"; and why should we distrust his providential government.
I am happy to find, my friend, that you have contributed your aid in support both of religion and good government. Your Thansgiving sermon I accidentally saw at Dorchester; and have read it with great satisfaction. I hope, you will not fail to transmit me one of them by the first opportunity. Dr. Tappan, in a visit to me the other day, brought your discourse for my perusal, and I assure you, shake of it in terms, which afforded me, as your friend, great pleasure. Who would not be proud of his approbation? As to the society of [covered] Illuminati, I hope, we shall have more certain information; as it has become a very interesting object of attention. People, I find, decide on its authenticity according to their wishes. Even the great Parsons has said, in my hearing that the leading fact appear to him fully authenticated.
My good friend, tomorrow I dine at Wales's Villa. How happy should I be to meet you there [!?] If not, I shall send on this letter with my best wishes to yourself and lady. [Ghiss?] little Adeline for me, and believe me, as ever, your affectionate friend, and brother in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel,
John Pierce.
[Down center] Improve, I beg you, the very first opportunity in writing, and expect from me a speedy return. Your last was No 19.