150 William Brattle to Increase Mather

    Cambridg May 8, 1707

    Reverend Sir

    I received your kind Present the last week; and heartily thank you for it. I should have been sorry to have missed of those discourses from the reason your letter mentions. Your way of managing Practical subjects is always instructive to young preachers; and the discourses themselves are to the edification of all sorts who read to be edifyed. I sent the other book to Mrs. Bordman’s.

    As to the affaires of the College I wish they were under better circumstances than they are. I do not hear but that the Commencement is like to be carryed on as of late. If not, I would with all earnestness wish that yourself would once more Honour that Society and that day with your presence and managements. I know it would be very great condescention in your self; but because of the special service which would come thence, and for sake of the publick glory that would attend it, I cannot but wish it.

    I have deep resentments1 of your Respects to my unworthy self. It is what I am most apt to be proud of, that I have in any measure your smiles. The argument you urge my complyance from in case (of your presence) is without flattery the greatest temptation from the head of Honour that could assault me. Pray God continue you long to be a blessing among us.

    I am

    Reverend Sir

    Your obliged, and dutiful

    Son and Servant

    Wm. Brattle

    [Addressed:] To the Reverend Doctor Increase Mather in Boston.

    College Papers, i. 41 (No. 91). Brattle, minister at Cambridge, was at this time a Fellow of the College.