"There never was a king's palace lighted up and adorned like this,"
continued Mr. Mather, as we went homewards. "It seemeth to be Gods
design to show how that He can glorify himself in the work of His hands,
even at this season of darkness and death, when all things are sealed
up, and there be no flowers, nor leaves, nor ruining brooks, to speak of
His goodness and sing forth His praises. Truly hath it been said, Great
things doeth He, which we cannot comprehend. For He saith to the snow,
Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain and the great rain of
His strength. He sealeth up the hand of every man, that all men may
know His work. Then the beasts go into their dens, and they remain in
their places. Out of the south cometh the whirlwind, and cold out of
the north. By the breath of God is the frost given, and the breadth of
the waters straitened."



March 10.

I have been now for many days afflicted with a great cold and pleurisy,
although, by God's blessing on the means used, I am wellnigh free from
pain, and much relieved, also, from a tedious cough. In this sickness I
have not missed the company and kind ministering of my dear Cousin
Rebecca, which was indeed a great comfort. She tells me to-day that the
time hath been fixed upon for her marriage with Sir Thomas, which did
not a little rejoice me, as I am to go back to mine own country in their
company. I long exceedingly to see once again the dear friends from whom
I have been separated by many months of time and a great ocean.

Cousin Torrey, of Weymouth, coming in yesterday, brought with her a very