His Mother's Letters
Volney, Iowa, Dec. 24, 1857
My Dear Children: Here
we are, twelve miles from
Waukon. We have had a tedious time in getting thus
far.
Yesterday our horses for miles had to plow through
snow
very deep, but on we came, feeling confident that
our
mission was of God. Last Monday we could get no food
that was fit to eat, and therefore rode in the coldest
weather I ever saw, from morning until night, with
nothing to eat but one apple. Oh, how thankful I shall
be
to see home, sweet home, again, and my three dear
boys,
Henry, Edson, and Willie.
Children, strive to do right, and love the Lord for
his
merciful kindness to you all. Obey those who have
the
care of you as you would your parents. Be kind to
each
other, and yield to each other's wishes. Don't become
unsteady. Read the precious word of God.
You should be thankful for your comfortable home. We
often suffer with cold on account of unfinished and
open
houses. Last night we slept in a chamber where there
was an opening through the top for the stove-pipe. If it had stormed it
would have come direct in our faces. Pray for us. Unless the Lord opens
the way for us to return, we may be blocked in with snow, and have to remain
all winter.
I hope, dear Henry, that you are a good boy, and are
happy in doing right. Continue to strive to be faithful
in
all things. We received your letter, and were much
pleased to hear from you. We think you have made
improvements in setting type. Be faithful, children,
in all
things. The Lord will soon come and take the good
and
holy to himself. We want you to live among the pure
and
holy angels in heaven, and wear a crown of gold, and
eat
of the tree of life. Trust in the Lord at all times.
Listen to
the voice of conscience. Love God and you will have
his
approving smile. What a thought, to have the great
God,
the maker of the heavens and the earth, to smile upon
and love you. Dear children, seek for this, pray for it, live for
it. Your affectionate Mother.