Somerville, Mass., Sept. 6, 1859
My Dear Son Henry,
We received your letter, and were very glad to hear from you. You
must write oftener. Send us a letter at Topsham. Think of everything
you have left there and wish us to bring, and we will try to do so.
We hope you are well and happy. Be a good, steady boy. If you
only fear God and love him, our happiness will be complete. You
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can be a noble boy. Love truthfulness and honesty. These are sacred
treasures. Do not lay them aside for a moment. You may be tempted
and often tried, but, my dear boy, it is at such a time when these lovely
treasures shine, and are highly prized. Cling closely to these precious
traits, whatever you may be called to suffer. Let truthfulness and
honesty ever live in your heart. Never, through fear of punishment,
sacrifice these noble traits. The Lord will help you, Henry, to do right.
I believe it is your purpose to do right, and please your parents.
You may see little dishonest acts in other boys, but do not think
for a moment of imitating them. Learn to despise such things. Do
not condescend to mean talk, or to mean acts. Shun the company of
those who do evil, as you would a deadly poison; for they will corrupt
every one who associates with them. Ever have your young mind lifted
up—elevated above the low, evil habits of those who have no fear of
God before them. You can have correct thoughts, correct ways, and
can form a good, pure character.
Our dear children are our treasures, and oh, how anxious we are
that they should meet the approbation of God. In his strength you
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can reform, but never in your own strength. You can give the Lord
your heart, and ask him to forgive your sins, and if you move with
sincerity he will accept you and make you white and clean in his own
precious blood. We, your parents, pray much for you, that you may
be a consistent, true Christian. We know that our Saviour is coming,
and will take the good and holy, the honest and pure, to dwell with
him forever in a holy heaven, where all is beauty, harmony, joy, and
glory. I want you to remember that Jesus suffered, groaned, and died
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