I thank you kindly for writing me, and thus relieving my burdened heart,
by assuring me that my dear children are alive and well. I have been sadly
burdened at the thought of what they are called to suffer on their
mother's account. Yes, the mother's heart has wept for them every moment:
yet my heart has rejoiced in God my Savior, for to suffer as well as to do
His holy will, is my highest delight, my chief joy. Yes, my dear husband,
I can say in all sincerity and honesty, "The will of the Lord be done." I
can still by his abundant grace utter the true emotions of my full heart,
in the words of my favorite verse, which you all know has been my solace
in times of doubt, perplexity and trial. It is this:
"With cheerful feet the path of duty run,
God nothing does, nor suffers to be done,
But what thou wouldst thyself, couldst thou but see,
Through all events of things as well as He."
O, the consolation the tempest tossed spirit feels in the thought that our
Father is at the helm, and that no real harm can befall us with such a
pilot to direct our course. And let me assure you all for your
encouragement, that my own experience bears honest, practical testimony
that great peace they have who make God their shield, their trust, their
refuge; and I can even add that this Insane Asylum has been to me the gate
to Heaven. * * *
By Dr. McFarland's leave, I have established family worship in our hall;
and we never have less than twelve, and sometimes eighteen or more, quite
quiet and orderly, while I read and explain a chapter--then join in
singing a hymn--then kneeling down, I offer a prayer, as long as I
usually do at our own family altar. I also implore the blessing of God at
the table at every meal, while twenty-nine maniacs, as we are called,
silently join with me. Our conversation, for the most part, is
intelligent, and to me most instructive. At first, quite a spirit of
discord seemed to pervade our circle. But now it is quiet and even
cheerful. I find that we as individuals hold the happiness of others to a
great degree in our own keeping, and that "A merry heart doeth good like
medicine." * * *
If God so permit, I should rejoice to join the dear circle at home, and
serve them to the best of my ability. "Nevertheless, not as I will, but as
Thou wilt." I thank you, husband, for your kindness, both past and
prospective. Do forgive me, wherein I have wronged you, or needlessly
injured your feelings, and believe me yours,