Children
Santa Rosa, California
February 6, 1873
Portions of this letter are published in 5MR 399-400.
Dear Children:
We are again at Elder Loughborough’s. Your father left the city one week ago last Thursday. Sister Lucinda and I remained till Monday. I labored hard in visiting and took cold. I was out one night till after ten o’clock. I spoke twice on Sabbath, did my own praying. We had a very interesting meeting at the city. Several interested strangers in. After the meeting closed, I went to Brother Chittenden’s and was very sick. An ulcered tooth caused me great suffering. My face was terribly swollen. Could not speak to the people Sunday night. But the conference meeting, they said, was excellent. 2LtMs, Lt 6, 1873, par. 1
Elder Grant came to [the] city Sabbath night. Lucinda and I came here Monday. Elder Loughborough went to the city last Thursday. Will remain over Sabbath. I have not been well since the trouble with my tooth. My head feels strange all the time. Your father is better than he has been. We shall return to Michigan in the spring, probably in April. We are very glad to hear from you, and that you are doing well in your studies. We were sorry to hear you had been suffering with colds. 2LtMs, Lt 6, 1873, par. 2
It has been raining here for one week previous to this. We had, after the first rain, most splendid weather. We expect to see pleasant weather again soon. Gardens are looking beautiful; peas up, onions up six inches, beets and garden sauce growing finely. 2LtMs, Lt 6, 1873, par. 3
We feel desirous to have you, my children, advance what you can without injury to your health. Above all things, we desire you to have a knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord. This you can receive only by faith and hope in the promises of God. Knowledge is power in spiritual as well as in temporal things. True religion you should seek for as for hid treasure. This genuine article is all-important, and those who possess it can give a reason for the hope that is in them. There is a fullness for us in Christ. As we draw near to Jesus in earnest supplication we shall have the light of life and a knowledge of the divine will. 2LtMs, Lt 6, 1873, par. 4
We are pleased that Dr. Kellogg is with you. We hope that you will all have special blessing from above. I hope Edson will not get homesick. I received a good letter from Emma about one week since. Received another last night. We answer her letters promptly, seeking to encourage her in every way we can. We do not feel that it would be best for Emma to go to Trall’s. We knew she would be homesick and lonely, but Edson, my son, be sure to anchor when you get home, not break over the bounds of health reform. Be settled, and waver not, and Emma will gradually come to the right way of living. She cannot be expected to do it all at once. You have not been a health reformer with firm principles, Edson, on your part. Aided by enlightened conscience, Emma will be all right. 2LtMs, Lt 6, 1873, par. 5
Children, move from principle. Keep digging for experience in the truth and knowledge of the divine will. Encourage the ministration of the heavenly angels. We, your father and mother, have devoted the larger part of our lives to the service of God, and we do not regret any trials borne or sacrifices made for the truth’s sake. 2LtMs, Lt 6, 1873, par. 6
We heard last night from Brother Grayson. He can bear a little weight on his foot. Their meetinghouse is about completed. We received a letter from your Aunt Mary Chase. She says Mr. Chase has had a shock of paralysis. Is recovering in a measure. She thinks he has a cancer on [his] face. 2LtMs, Lt 6, 1873, par. 7
Your last letters on small, fine, ruled paper dated January 26, also a long letter from Brother Kellogg on long paper, were received night before last. Your letters previous, with several sheets of note paper from Brother Kellogg, were received last Monday. We are ever glad to hear from any of you as often as you can write. I have dropped my department in Reformer. I thought perhaps my productions savored so much of religious sentiments it might be best to give readers a little rest for a time. Does Trall pick to pieces my writings and quiz them any? 2LtMs, Lt 6, 1873, par. 8
In much love from your affectionate Mother. 2LtMs, Lt 6, 1873, par. 9