Memoirs of the Maxwells of Pollok > Correspondence

364 FAMILY AND DOMESTIC LETTERS. [1713.
extirpation of the whole British interest hi America. And what care some
tho' it be extirpated ? I say, the French of Canada) have poisoned all the
Indians at our backs, from Canada down even to Carolina, so that they
begin every where to make hostile appearances. If such a calamity goes on,
all the British colonies, especially in the more up-land parts of them, will have
an uneasy time of it ; and yett, who can tell how far calamity may pre-
pare them to receive a glorious gospel, to which they have been too much
indisposed ?
But methinks I begin to forgett the ancient rule, Epistola non debet
implere manum legentis. For this time, I will therefore break off, and with
hearty supplications to our great Saviour that you may live yett many dayes,
and be employ'd by him in doing of yett more benefitt for the world, and for
his people in it, and midtiply his blessings on your honourable family, I
subscribe,
Your honour's most sincere and humble servant,
Cotton Mather.
To the honourable Sir John Maxwel of Pollock.
Sir James Stewart, Lord Advocate, to Sir John Maxwell, Lord Pollok,
23d April 1713.
My Lord, I, your friend, whom you love, am sick unto death, wherin I doubt
not your sympathy, and am also hopefull that it shall be to the glory of God.
I have, therefore, thought fitt hereby to send you my solemn blessing upon
your person and family, that God may give you a prosperous health and happy
peace in the end ; that you may also see your family established as you have
designed : for which end, I pray God to bless Mr. John and his lady. I heartily
recommend to you my sister Lilly, that you continue your kindness to her with
all comfort ; and I herewith send her my hearty and best blessing in Jesus
Christ, for tyme and for eternity. I need not recommend to you my dear wife
and children. I know } 7 ou will continue your friendship for all of them sin-