 | Berkeley papers |  |
I am truly sorry to hear of dear Mother's illness and very
much surprised too, for I had had no intimation of her being more
ailing than usual, until I received your letter; save a confused
message sent me by cousin Robert Rodes, which I construed more
favourably than I should have done. Surely she is being refined
in the furnace of affliction, and being made mete for the Kingdom
of Heaven. She has long since casted her care on Him who careth
for her, & I know he will watch over and take care of her; &
when she has done and suffered his will on earth, will take her
to himself where she will spend an endless Eternity in singing
his praise, with loved ones who are gone before. I hope she will
yet be spared to us many days. Still feel an earnest desire that
her days should be longer than mine, but Lord, thy will, not mine
be done. All that I ask is that when called, each may have on the
wedding garment ready to enter into the marriage supper of the
Lamb-there there shall be no affliction, nor sorrows, no parting
nor sighing, no mourning nor tears, and we shall be happy happy
through the endless ages of Eternity. Oh! Carrie to this end let
us live. Let us die daily to the world, and live afresh in Christ,
our Saviour.
I would be very glad if it were so that I could be with
Mother now. Minnie, I think, would be a great comfort to her. She
was very much distressed when I told her that her Grandma was sick
and said she wanted to go to her Aunt Mary's house to see her. She
often speaks of you, and says she wants to see you. I feel sorry
that so happened that she did not go over with you; it may be all
for the best however, we cant tell.
Addie has gotten a good deal better-will go to Town tomorrow
(if the weather be good) ready to commence school Monday.
She still looks pale and thin. Pa has been greatly ailing for several
days—is suffering with his stomach, & is very much troubled
by the return of water rash. I have suffered a good deal too with
my side, have several times felt like having Pneumonia; but I hope
to escape. Several of the servants are complaining also, caused
by the sudden changes in the weather, I presume. I have not heard
from Brother's since you left, but hope to hear tommorrow.
I am very sorrow to hear of poor Mrs. Nicholas' death. Oh!
let us heed the warning, "be ye also ready". I know his feeling.
Nought but desolation pervades his heart. To die is the doom of
all the living-and soon we will sleep too, the long sleep.
I am glad to hear that Willie stood the ride over so well,
and hope that she will have good health, now that she is at her
old home again. The family here regret that Sister Mag. didn't
get out here with her.
I intended writing a letter to you and sister Mary, of a
business nature, but cant do it now. I have been thinking more
about making some permanent arrangement about living and making a
proposition to you, which I will mention some other time, for my
tonight.
The family unite with me in sending much love to you,
Sisters Mary and Mag, Fannie, & Mother. Minnie sends all
kisses. May the Lord comfort and support my poor dear Mother
is my prayer. Let me hear from her again as soon as practicable.
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