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    To James Freeman

    Biddeford        23 October 1796

    My dear Sir—

    Since old books as well as those lately published put on the appearance of novelty I dispare of ever geting to the end of my purchases—for I grow more & more fond of new things—When I was at College I recollect of having read A. Bishop Kings origin of evil,1 & was then pleased with it, since which time I have not been able to get it, but lately have read large extracts from it, & the notes to the english translation (for I learn it was originally wrote in Latin)—And now in my old age, like grey hairs falling in love with little Girls, I find I must have it let it cost what it may—

    To the many favours you have shewn me permit me to continue my request that, by the first fall Vessell sailing for London, you will write to your correspondent to send you by the first spring ships, Bishop Kings Origin of evil in English with notes, the fourth edition—or a more recent one if there be one, but not any former one—The fourth edition is quoted by Docr. Law, late Bishop of Carlile in his Considerations on the Theory of Religion.2 The Doctor also speaks of his commentary on Kings origin of evil—a work I never heard of before. If you know nothing to the disadvantage of the work you may write for that also—

    Whatever money you think necessary to forward shall be repaid you on my arrival at Boston about the middle of next month—

    I am, my dear Sir with every posable sentiment of esteem & friendship Yours &c

    P.S. Mr. Pipon is exactly such a preacher as I have long wished for—I consider him a strict Unitarian—He gives universal satisfaction—And I am only grieved that it will not be in our power to make him such an offer as will meet his just expectations in the ministerial Line.3

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    ALS, James Freeman Clarke Additional Correspondence, 1787-1886 (MS Am 1569.7), Houghton Library, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. Addressed to Boston; carried by Mr. Frothingham.