18
An Appeal to the Youth
I have just finished a letter to your brothers, and will write a few
lines to you. I should so love to take you, my sweet Willie, in my arms
this moment; but this cannot be. I hope we shall be returned home
safely, that we can see you all again in our own happy home. Willie,
you must be a good boy; you must overcome an impatient spirit. To be
impatient, is not to be willing to wait, to want everything you desire
in a moment. You must say to yourself, I’ll wait. “He that is slow to
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anger, is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit, than he
that taketh a city.” Willie, if you would be happy, you must rule well
your own spirit. Be obedient to Jenny, love your brothers, and be good
all day, and the Lord will love you,—every one will love you.
Willie, dear boy, you have been our sunshine, and I have prayed
that you might always be the same pure, sweet Willie. Try to do right.
Be kind, be patient and loving. The Lord loves little children, and
when they try to do right, he is pleased with them. When you go to
your grand-father’s, you must not act rough and boisterous, but gentle
and mild. When the boys go to the Office, you must try and not be
lonesome. Make yourself contented and happy. Don’t fret, but learn
to be patient, my dear boy. We love you very much, and will now say
good by for the present.
Your affectionate Mother.