[Mary was listed in the directory in 1846-1847, and in 1848-1849. Jerusha Pitkin, a student mentioned in this letter, was only listed in the 1847-1848 directory. The date written on the letter, "Sabbath eve. Dec 22nd," is probably wrong. The letter is postmarked Dec 21, so I think the date the letter was written was actually Dec 20. In 1846, there was a notably large revival on campus, and a revival at the school is mentioned in this letter. Also in 1846, Dec 20 was a Sunday, so if "eve." was actually an abbreviation for "evening," 1846 is a likely conclusion for the date. Some paragraph marks added for ease of reading.]Sabbath eve. Dec 22nd
My own dear Julia
I cannot wait to receive an answer to my last letter without writing again,f or my heart is full of tender feeling and anxiety for you, and I cannot but express it. Since I wrote to you that foolish letter, (for which I pray you to forgive me) the Spirit of God has been among us in a most wonderful manner, subduing hearts, and leading sinners to God. Oh! it is a very solemn time, a most precious season, reminding me of that time a few years since, when God's spirit was with us, and so many were led to hope in Jesus. Over thirty are now rejoicing in hope and many seem to be seeking the Saviour, while deep solemnity pervades the school, and meetings are held daily for prayer, also we have a sermon every morning from Mr. Hawks. Never have I witnessed such scenes from day, to day before, and I feel deeply affected by them and deeply anxious that my dear sister should be seeing Jesus and wish that you were here, but I know that you can come to him where you are, that he is as ready to save you as he is any of these who are now so happy in his love.
True you are surrounded with gay and thoughtless companions, and no doubt you find it more difficult to think of serious subjects, and to resolve on seeking Jesus than were it otherwise, but let nothing prevent you, oh! do do resolve to seek the Saviour now, encouraged by this promise - "Seek and ye shall find" - yes, a blessing that can never be taken from you, (even the peace of God "which passeth all understanding") - a friend who will never foresake you - a God who will eternally bless you. Oh! would it not be sweet to feel that the mighty God was our Father? and we the children of his tender love? Would it not be a blessed thought, could we feel that he would direct our path for us, through this life, even to the gates of Heaven, there to be welcomed to that happy home? Oh! would we realise how short the time that we shall spend here surely we should feel that Earth deserved not a thought unconnected with the world to which we are so rapidly hastening - to which we have so nearly approached.
I am here often reminded how uncertain is life by hearing of the death of many, relatives of some here at school. A short time since one of the dear girls in my section heard of the death of her Father so suddenly that the first she heard of him - he was dead. Many are sick, some have left on account of their health and returned home. Jerusha Pitkin expects to return home Monday or Teus [sic] if she has strenght [sic] enough to endure the journey she has been quite sick for over a week, adn is still very feeble. She is a dear good girl, and I feel sorry to have her go. How thankful should I be that I have not had a sick day since I left my dear home, and have not heard that any of you have been sick, and may hope to see you all once more at home. But who can tell what sad change may come upon us in three short weeks. I dare not think upon it, but I do hope we shall be prepared for whatever God has in store for us, oh let us live so that we may be ready at any moment to depart and be with God.
Oh my sister put not off repentance to a "more convenient season" but "seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near" and be assured he will answer you, he is waiting with outstretched arms to welcome you to himself, and will you not come to that dear Saviour, and trust in him? Can you not put your trust in him and cast yourself on his mercy, saying "Here Lord I give myself away 'tis all that I can do" Oh it is our blackest sin that we reject his love, that we are deaf to his entreaties, and trample on his blood. Still he calls us saying to "Whosoever cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." Oh may he not have to lament over any of us thus, "Ye would not come unto me that ye might have life" but may we all be found in his fold among the sheep of his pasture, whom he w[ill] lead by the still waters and shelter from every [...] sister I remember you ever in my prayers, praying that you may give your heart to God, and that the wrong example I have set you may not hinder you from coming to Christ. Forgive me my own sister, for the light trifling manner in which I have conducted, and the hasty temper I have too often exhibited, and think not to judge of Religion by the unworthy conduct of some of its professors. But follow the holy exmaple of our Saviour and strive to be like him.
Please answer my letters soon, dear Julia and receive this as coming from a heart that loves you more than can possibly be expressed, and who earnestly prays that you may be blessed with the love of God.
Give my love to Susan & all the family, tell S. to write to me soon, and now good night to my dear sister and much love from
MaryPlease let no one see this letter.