[14th February 1788]
“I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan!’’1 I have suffered,
Clarinda, from your letter—My Soul was in arms at the sad perusal:
I dreaded that I had acted wrong—If I have robbed you of (two
words illegible) friend God forgive me! But, Clarinda, be comforted:
let us raise the tone of our feelings a little higher and bolder—A
fellow-creature who leaves us, who spurns us without just cause, tho’
once our bosom friend—up with a little honest pride—let them go
How shall I comfort you who am the cause of the injury? Can I wish
that I had never seen you? that we had never met? No: I never will!
But have I thrown you friendless? there is almost distraction in that
thought.—
Father of mercies! against thee often have I sinned; through thy
grace I will endeavor to do so no morel She who, Thou knowest, is
dearer to me than myself; Pour Thou the balm of peace into her past
wounds, and hedge her about with Thy peculiar care, all her future
days and nights! Strengthen her tender, noble mind firmly; to suffer,
and magnamimously to bear! Make me worthy of that friendship,
[that love] she honors me with! May my attachment to her be pure
as Devotion and lasting as immortal life! 0 Almighty Goodness, hear
me! Be to her at all times, particularly in the hour of distress or trial,
a Friend and Comforter; a Guide and Guard!
“How are Thy servants blest, 0 Lord,
“How sure is their defence!
“Eternal Wisdom is their guide,
Their help, Omnipotence!”
Forgive me, Clarinda, the injury I have done you!—Tonight I shall be
with you; as indeed I shall be ill at ease till! see you.—
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