To Dr. Channing.
NEW BEDFORD, Oct. 16, 1827.
MY DEAR AND REVERED FRIEND,--Excuse me for calling you so; may the
formalities and the English reserves excuse me too.
I have had two letters from New York, one from Mr. Sewall, and the
other from Mr. Ware, which are so pressing as really to give me
some trouble. Do say something to me on this subject, if you have
anything to say. There certainly are many reasons, and strong as
numerous, why I should not at present leave New Bedford,-why I should
not take such a post. I cannot say I am made to doubt what I ought
to do; but I have a fear lest [140] I should not do right, lest I
should love my ease too well, lest it should be said to me in the
other world, "A great opportunity, a glorious field was opened to
you, and you did not improve it,"--lest, in other words, I should
not act upon considerations sufficiently high, comprehensive, and
disinterested,--fit, in short, for contemplation from the future world
as well as from the present.
I do not write asking you to reply; for I do not suppose you have
anything to say which you would not have suggested when I was with you.
Indeed, I believe I write, as much as for anything, because I want to
communicate with you about something, and this is uppermost in my mind.
Present my affectionate regards to Mrs. Channing and the children, and
to Miss Gibbs.
Yours most affectionately,