Lodi, Wis., March 5, 1862
My Dear Children,
We have been having the most tedious snow-storm I have witnessed
since we came from Maine. It commenced to snow last Sabbath, and
has snowed and blowed until today, Tuesday. We can say with grateful
hearts, the Lord is with us. We have had an unusual degree of freedom
in the Lord. We hope you are well at home. We do not forget to
pray for you. We believe the Lord will have a care for you, our dear
children. We have entrusted you to his care. We are very anxious for
your salvation, and pray earnestly that you may be lambs of Christ’s
fold, and have the constant watchcare of the good Shepherd. I feel
grateful that I can leave you and feel so free in regard to home.
I am anxious you should encourage habits of order. Have a place
for everything, and everything in its place. Take time to arrange your
room, and keep it in order. We do not wish you to apply yourselves
too closely to your studies, neither do we wish you to work hard. But
a life of idleness is a life of sin. Satan finds employment for idle hands
and minds. We want you to grow up healthy and useful.
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Above all things, seek God while in health, that he may be your
support and strength if you should be sick or dying. Your parents have
the deepest interest for you. But we cannot repent of your sins for you.
We cannot take you to heaven. God alone in his love and infinite mercy
can save you, and Jesus, the dear Saviour, invites you to his loving
arms. He offers you salvation freely, if you will believe in him, love
him, and render cheerful obedience. Do so, dear children. “They that
seek Me early, shall find Me.” May the Lord lead you, dear children,
to his own fold.
Your affectionate Mother.
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