Iowa City, Iowa, March 3, 1860
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unless repented of, and confessed, and washed away by the atoning
blood of Jesus. It is easier to go in an evil way than to do right; for
Satan and his angels are constantly tempting to do wrong.
But there is one who has promised to hear the needy when they cry.
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Go to God when tempted to speak or act wrong. Ask him in faith for
strength and he will give it. He will say to his angels, There is a poor
little boy trying to resist the power of Satan, and has come to me for
help. I will aid him. Go stand by that child who is endeavoring to do
right, and when the evil angels attempt to lead his steps astray, gently
guide him in the right path, and drive back the powers of the evil one.
Every one of your efforts to do right is regarded of God. Dear children,
live for God—live for heaven, so that when the wrath of God shall
come upon the earth, Jesus may say to the destroying angel, Spare
those two praying boys, Henry and Edson White. When in temptation
they prayed to me to be delivered. I have washed away their sins.
Come not near to destroy them—they are my jewels, saved by my
blood. I will crown them for my kingdom. I will fit them to dwell in
my heavenly mansions forever. They have overcome the tempter—
they have gained the victory. They shall never more be tempted, but
be free and happy eternally.
Dear children, will not such a precious commendation from Jesus
be worth a great deal more than for you to have your own will here,
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and to give up to sin and temptation, and to have no thoughts of God or
heaven, and make those unhappy around you, and at last be separated
from Jesus, destroyed with the wicked, and miserably perish from the
earth? Is not heaven worth making an effort for? Oh children, reflect
seriously, soberly; and remember if you are saved at last you must
form a character for heaven. I will leave this matter with you for you
to ponder upon.
In all you do, be faithful and thorough, even if it takes you longer.
Learn to be steady and persevering. Have a purpose in all you do, and
carry out that purpose.
Your affectionate Mother.
* * * * *
My Dear Willie,