302 Thomas Hollis to Benjamin Colman

    London July 1, 1724

    Mr. B. Colman

    Reverend Sir

    I have written diverse letters unto you this yeare and now receive answers to some of them on June 20 by Capt. Osborn, dated May 5 and 9th. Myself and others here are greatly concerned to heare of Mr. President Leveret’s Sudden Death.97 We condole with the Widdow, the College and all those who vallued his Life, and Pray that the Electors may fix upon a proper person to fill up his chaire, and encline the heart of him who they choose to accept it, and Spirit him for it, and that he may be made easy in a suitable maintenance for his work. I have a letter from Mr. Wiglesworth dated May 4. I thank him for it, but he says nothing of his being confirmed a Fellow of the Corporation which your letter of the 9th is the onely one I have that mentions it, for which I thank you.

    I think I formerly returned you my thanks for Mr. W[iggleswor]ths Essay and do it again. I aprehend it is lost between Mr. Newman and Mr. Neale, pray send me another or two by a proper hand, but not by the post, it comes too deare that way. Mr. Hunt read it and Mr. Newman, both of them greatly commend it; and that I supose is all besides my self.

    I have wrote to Mr. Callender about Dr. Cutler, and turned it upon a conversation with Capt. Osborn, to save your information, but I remark, we have a number of Dissenters used to go to heare Luke Milburn or Dr. Sacheverel on the 30 January (who are now both dead) to heare his Witty raillery, not for Devotion but Diversion, as they would heare a merry Andrew on a Stage. But also I remark, some Persons in Boston would be as much offended if their hearers went often to Mr. Callenders meeting, though he be a Protestant Dissenter, and Religious man, because of his opinion about Baptism.

    Mr. Neale received your letter. I sent it to him, he is now at Clapham with his family for some weeks for the benefit of the Aire. As to your resigning your fellowship, which you hint you now design to do, I cant advise at this distance, must leave it, to your own prudence. I thank you for what servise you have shewn to me in setling my Bounty, and the care you have exprest for that College, and as an Overseer, I doubt not will be continued. I received Mather Byles98 letter and am sorry for the occasion of his absence from the College and should be glad if by his Mothers Nursing it may be removed.

    I am glad to heare Mr. Monis honours his profession, and should yet more rejoice to heare the same thing of many more, who once professed them selves Jewes. God can do it. He is faithfull and will do it, in His time.

    Governour Shute has fully made good his Memorial. Your Agents replyes are of no Weight at this time, nor is any other way left to save your N. E. affaires, that I know of, but a speedy submission to K. George begging his Pardon for past offences, and earnest intreaties to your Governor to return. Boston is badly represented by some as if you were now gotten into .42. actual Rebellion, and speake of sending regular forces over to keep you in subjection. When the affaire has been laid before the King and Counsel, we shal see the Turn will be given. In the mean while I suspend my thoughts of the Issue but I think I have formerly written and now also what I advise as a Freind—if your Boston Rulers will make Governor Shute easy, he will then return, if not—.

    Your Brother is well. I know he writes more particulars to you therefore I forbare. Praying God your towne may know the things, and do them, that make for her Peace at this time.

    My love to all freinds.

    Your Loving freind

    Thomas Hollis

    [Endorsed:] No. 33; answered September 18.

    Hollis Letters and Papers, p. 54.