[Anna Loring and Ellis Gray Loring] AL to [Lousia Loring], July 7, 1850

highly enjoy this intimate life with Anna. You could
not desire to have her more devoted to me - but perhaps
these quiet proceedings which would be most congenial
& delightful if I were well, are not sure to be best
for me now. At any event, I think I shall try motion
& change next week.

You have no idea how we long to hear from
you. We have no right to expect it quite yet, or to
suppose that there can be much very novel at home
to tell - but it is nothing new we want, - only the old
story that you love us, a story that may be very needless,
but is not therefore the less pleasant.

I believe Anna has not said that we went
to church this morning & heard a very orthodox sermon
from Dr. Peters. We were not much edified by the services
though I have no doubt the preacher passes for an
able & earnest man. There is a most extraordinary assumption
about the positions & logic of most preachers, but especially
of the Calvinistic order. - He declared that the statement
"He descended into Heaven" proved the atonement. - "He led
captivity captive" shewed the power & the punishments of
the fallen Angels. - "He gave gifts unto men even to the rebellious"
declared the eternal torments of all who are unconverted!
Even you, who have so much reverence, would hardly
I think tolerate even the best of 'Evangelical' preaching.

We mailed a letter for you on Friday evening directed
to my care, which no doubt you have received. I think
you had better not shew our letters to any one - as I
cannot write freely, or complain copiously, if I do not
speak to you alone.

Ever & most affectionately Yrs.