His mother wrote on August 23, 1816, in answer: "With respect to the other confidential matter, I hope the Lord will direct you to a proper choice.
We know nothing of the family, good or bad.

We do not wish you to be an old bachelor, nor do we wish you to precipitate yourself and others into difficulties which you cannot get rid of." In the same letter his father says: "In regard to the subject on which you ask our advice, we refer it, after the experience you have had, and with the advice you have often had from us, to your own judgment.

Be not hasty in entering into any engagement; enquire with caution and delicacy; do everything that is honorable and gentlemanly respecting yourself and those concerned.

'Pause, ponder, sift .-- Judge before friendship--then confide till death.' (Young.) Above all, commit the subject to God in prayer and ask his guidance and blessing.

I am glad to find you are doing this." How well he obeyed his father's injunctions may be gathered from the following letter, which speaks for itself:-- CONCORD, September 2, 1816.
MY DEAR PARENTS,--I have just received yours of August 29.