I have recd. your Letter of the 31 Ult.1 and am glad that the Tidings of Mary’s Illness and of her Recovery came together. A Letter from Maria arrived at the same time, but contains nothing respecting her Health. William purposes to make you a visit soon; but how soon exactly is not ascertained. I think he had better wait until Mary’s Health is more confirmed, which I hope will be the Case by next week—

Saml. Merritt lately sent me word, that he would pay you the Interest in the Course of a Fortnight — Give him until the 1st. of next month—2

I am getting Timber for a Shed behind the Coach House— Nails &c. will be wanted for it— I shall give Wm. a memorandum of the necessary articles—He will have more Time to attend to such matters than you.

As to the affairs of the church—3 it is not easy to discern either what ought to be done, or what can be done— They have been too long under the Direction of worldly wisdom— There has been too much of the Serpent, & too little of the Dove— strong Passions have been excited— whether they can be composed by Reason and the Dictates of Prudence &c. is uncertain. if not, they must be combated by other Passions, calculated to neutralize them—I will think of this Business — it is easier to make mistakes, than in such Cases to correct them— at present I am inclined to think that Bishop White might be prevailed upon to come to New ^York^ as a mediator, and that it would be adviseable he should, provided he would adopt the Plan of extinguish?. all Disputes, without inquiring into their merits, and replace men and things in their former State— He would have Influence with the Clergy, who govern & have long governed too many of the Laity — but these are Matters which require much Consideration. If a number of sedate dispassionate & influential Laymen could be associated for reducing Things to order, they would probably be able to do much— It is the Interest of Jones & his Friends to make fair and repeated attempts at Conciliation— The Rejection of reasonable Terms always encreases the Strength of those who make them; provided they are made in a discreet & proper manner— Our Love to Mary I am Dr Peter your affte. Father