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provision for them, and, so far as I know, the several
sects live in good friendship with one another.
The providence of God hath been wonderfully kind to
those who have emigrated from your country. For
two or three years past many vessels, freighted with
emigrants, have yearly sailed from the coast of
Scotland;....But the same providence that preserves
your honest people on their way to America seems to
frown upon then while they remain at home. Your
laborers and tradesmen are in misery by reason of
the dearness of the markets and that dearness is
occasioned--in part, at least,--by the long course of
bad seasons you have had. This is a dispensation of
Providence which hath language.
...I do not know if I will ever see you again; but I am
sure I wish you well, and all your family, and my
heart's desire is that God may ever keep you in all his
good ways. I have come over to America, but I hope
both you and I are seeking for a better country, and
that we shall at last meet in that city which hath the
sure foundation.
I am, etc.,
Alexander Thomson