The Virginia Gazette

Barnwood, near Gloucester, March 13. Last Tuesday Night one John Henning, who lodged about thirteen Months with one Mrs. Mills, an elderly Gentlewoman of this Place, and rented about 12 l. per Annum of Meadow, broke open her Box, and stole thereout two Silver Tankards, a Half-Pint Silver Goblet, seven Silver Spoons, Money, &c. to the Value of 40 l. In Lieu whereof he left the following Letter as a Bill of Consolation.

Madam,

Lay not up for yourselves Treasures upon Earth, where Moth and Rust do corrupt, and where Thieves break through and steal.

But lay up for yourselves Treasure in Heaven, where neither Moth nor Rust doth corrupt, and where Thieves do not break through or steal.

For where your Treasure is there will your Heart be also.

There is a certain one whose Labour is in Wisdom, and in Knowledge, and in Equity; yet to a Man that hath not laboured therein, shall be leave it for his Portion.

For all her Days are Sorrows, and her Travail Grief; and her Heart taketh not Rest in the Night.

There is nothing better for any one than to eat, and to drink, and to enjoy the Fruits of their Labour, for that is the Gift of God.

Whatsoever thou findest in thy Hand to do, saith the Wise Man, do it with all thy Might.

Therefore take Time, while Time doth stay;

For Time, in Time, will pass away.

I hope that these frivolous and sudden Removeables will put you in Mind that you have here no continuing City, and stir you up to live so holily, that if God at any Time should say, This Night shall thy Soul be required of thee, you might with Pleasure say, Lo, I come.

Be content with such Things as thou hast, for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Bless them that curse thee, and pray for them that despitefully use thee.

Be thou therefore merciful, as thy heavenly Father also is merciful.

Fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his Way, because of the Man who bringeth Wicked Devices to pass.

Resolve not to be discouraged in thy Christian Course, whatsoever it be that thou hast to do or suffer; knowing that as we receive Good from the Hand of God, we ought to receive Evil; not to render Evil for Evil, or Railing for Railing: but contrariwise, that I may not be terrified by any Adversaries, nor afraid of their Threats, neither be afraid. Sanctify the Lord God in thy Heart.