To Elijah Bush Date: COLEFORD, September 11, 1781. MY DEAR BROTHER, I was much concerned yesterday when I heard you were likely to marry a woman against the consent of your parents. I have never in an observation of fifty years known such a marriage attended with a blessing. I know not how it should be, since it is flatly contrary to the fifth commandment. I told my own mother, when pressing me to marry, 'I dare not allow you a positive voice herein; I dare not marry a person because you bid me. But I must allow you a negative voice: I will marry no person if you forbid. I know it would be a sin against God.' Take care what you do. Mr. S - is not a proper judge; he hopes to separate you from the Methodists; and I expect, if you take this step, that will be the end. I am Your affectionate brother.