Portsmouth April 12, 1835
Dear Brother
We have received two letters
one to William - and one sent before that. William
could not receive his as he sailed the next day after
its arrival, from Boston in the ship Chalcedony as mate
and bound for Rio Janeiro S.A. thence around cape Horn
either to California or Sandwich. Sailed on a trading
voyage - expected absence from one to two years.
He had some offers of Master - but it was after he had
partially engaged - and he preferred the old birth for the present
which in my view is the better course in order to become
more acquainted with voyages - straights & ports - before
he takes the command. Before he sailed he procured
your medicines - instruments & books & sent home,
which Father has packed up with some cloths in
a large chest which is waiting only for a vessel.
I believe he has not put in all the clothes that you
sent for - he may yet put them in - but Mother would
make me promise to write to you and tell you that
you must bye what clothes you need for this summer as
the box will not arrive probably before the first of
fall - She says you must bye flannel to wear to keep
you free from cold etc. - She thinks more about your
dressing comfortably than any other particular. For
your health is the main object - "For what shall
it profit a man to gain the whole world and lost
his own life" - So says Mother - & I say that your
health is the first object as without it instead of
laying up money for future wants, you will find
that you cannot supply your present necessities.
Many people are apt to imagine that after they
accumulate of this worlds goods, sufficient for
an easy life, they can enjoy the happiness from which
at present they are debarred. But my little observation
(and I think you will add yours to this testimony) proves their
idea to be false - as it tells me that in order ever to be

[Page Break]

happy, we must enjoy all the happiness which our
present circumstances naturally afford.
I have been home to Rye and staid a fortnight.
Visited Emily once with Abby. She is much better
and able to walk all about the house & even
been to the barn. She wanted to ride a little
in the chaise; but could not as it was unpleasant
weather. her eyes are yet very much affected by
the light which if brilliant is apt to make them
painful & weak - she wears a shade some part of
the time - for amusement she will knit a little
notwithstanding the remonstrance of Joseph and Mother.
The most that she now thinks of is to get home.
Home seems to be the main object of her desires
and she will probably be able to get there next month
if she gains as fast as she has for some time past. Her
recovery has been quite slow however. I suppose
that you heard from Thomas that Joseph had sold
his farm to Joseph D & Josiah P. he is to leave it
next fall and will go & live with the old folks.
Mr. B is not too well pleased with this arrange
ment although he was the mover and seller. He
says he will give 5.00 to break the bargain and go
and take the farm himself. He is getting to be
rather childish from yielding to bad habits. The
folks think that J & E will not take much com
fort with him-especially in his present state
of mind. Last Sabbath I delivered a lecture
at the South School House crowded full. Notice up
in T's Store only Saturday afternoon. Capt. R.R. Locke
and Capt. S. Jenness - prime movers in Rye - I expect
to stay with Br. King this ensuing summer and then
enter upon my business. The more I study or read
the more firm is my belief in the impartial love
of God and that any misery in the future state
of existence is nowhere taught in the Scriptures.
And saving the bible my study is principally on the
works of believers in the doctrine of endless misery.

[Page Break]

When I was at Boars Head I went to see Mr. Batchel
don (Martha's father) a man about 78 years of age
and strong in the faith of the Universal Sal
vation through Christ. He was sitting in an
old fashioned arm chair and displayed the
aspect said to be peculiar to the New England farmer; he showed
the look of content notwithstanding he had not for
more than a year used his limbs in consequence
of a paralytic stroke - As I was a stranger he
merely bowed as I entered the room. But upon
learning my name was Parsons he raised
himself up and with a brightened countenance
eagerly inquired if my name was not John - at
my answer he was overjoyed and cried out - "My
son, if I am alive! My son in the faith give me
your hand" - he gave it as hearty a shake as
he could with his left hand, and said, "I am re
ally glad you have come to see me. His wife, a
Baptist said "Now Grandsire you're fixed" -Yes says he
I am really suited" and I never saw anyone
express so much joy as did he at my visiting.
We had a most happy hour in conversation.
Yes, I really enjoyed myself more in that hour than
any I ever spent in the liveliest youthful
company. It was such a scene as not only agreed
with my views, but as was calculated to move
the best feelings of the heart; and will always be
remembered with joy if not self complacency. He
gave me a short account of his becoming a universalist.
He said that about fifty years since he was what
the Baptists call under concern or conviction & that he
could find no relief until he in reading the bible
found the passage - He is the propitiation for our sins
and not for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world,
and he quoted many other pafsages of the bible which were
some of those that made him a confirmed universalist.
The bible was his only assistant and companion in the
faith for the first thirty or forty years, about which time he went
to Ports. Frequently & heard [---?] Gallow and Streeter.

[Page Break]

In regard to news, nothing can be said more new perhaps
than that Louise Porter is [---?] & going to be married to Weeks
of Greenland - worth the money - "Oh he's rich" - is all the
cry. Thomas is Honorable Senator. Warren has gone to Hampton
to Shaws determined to be a dr. Abby the home stay.
"Preacher John" on hand and subscribing himself.

Your affectionate Brother,
John Parsons

P.S.
Mothers love and the good wishes of all for your
health and prosperity are sent by yours J.P.