But altlio' this is the melancholy situation of most part of this unhappy land, yet we of this Mission have reason to adore the divine Goodness as we have been protected by his Majesty's Troops & enjoy our religious Worship & I cannot but I hope the same kind Providence Avill in due time extend those blessings to otners which we at present enjoy --

I remain k^ &"

Jqshua Bloomer

VII. PAPERS

RELATING

3:0 Suffolk Olottntj).

GOV. LOVELACE TO THE MINISTEK &c OF SOUTHOLD.

Gent. -- I have been petitioned by this Bearer, M^' Booth, who according to his Insinuacon there alledged conceives liimselfe very much aggrieved in that hard & cruell Distress you have made on his cattle, wherein not only himselfe Prov'd a great Sufferer, but Ms poore innocent little children depriv'd of their Dayly sustenance of Milke; when that extraordinary Indulgence was afforded you by my Predecesso"" of y^ Exercise of yo'^ Religion after y^ own manner j It was not thereby Intended that such Severity should be extended to those of a different perswasion to yo^ disciphne; noe more then you would accompt it hard for any of you that liv'd under another Church, in Conformity to his Mat'^s Estabhsht Lawes should be soe rigorously dealt withall for yo^ dissenting Opinion. Tis confest ye Labourer is worthy of his Hire, but then withall it must appeare hee proves soe to mee, and not to others only if hee expects any wages from mee. The Achninistracon of y^ Sacrament of Baptism to Infants, & y^ Lords Supper to y^ Children of Grace I ace* to be y^ essentiall parts of the Ministerial! flfunction as well as j^ dispensing of y^ Word of Life; and hee that with holds either away from mee cannot be properly a Labourer in y^ Lords Vineyard, but a Capricious Distributer and applyer of y*^ meanes putt into his Hands by ye Lord of y*^ Vineyard as his Humor shall direct him, refreshing some Roots w^h water and other nomlshm* & with holding it altogether from others; How consonant this is to ye discipline of true Cliristianity Comon Charity & y^ Practice of y^ Apostles (who would that all Men might be saved) I believe you better know, then (I fear) practice; And therefore I would desire you not to insist on such rigorous Courses against those who desire to live Vnder ye knowne & Establisht Lawes of his Ma^'es Dominions least I be forct to