[Some paragraph breaks were added for ease of reading.]Newburyport Feb. 23. 1849. -
Mary & Susan
My dear daughtersWe are glad to hear from you again and learn that the good providence of GOD has watched over you preserving your lives and healths. Oh that we might have hearts prepared by his merciful providence and grace, to bless & praise his holy name - let us be watchful to do his will, obedient and submissive.
We regret to hear that one of your number is dangerously sick, and it may be before this, is an inhabitant of Eternity. None solemn the thought of passing from time into Eternity - However solemn, we must all sooner or later experience the awful change. It is wisdom in us now, whilst we have life and are in health, to give our hearts to him, who has said now is the accepted time and now is the day of salvation.
Mother says you must be careful and not expose your selves too much, this extreme cold weather, the [...] is more prevalent in cold winters. I presume your colds are pretty well, as you said nothing about them. We are pretty well, Mother is running out every day, looking after the poor, to render them some little assistence this extreme hard winter for them, and other little affairs -
Lydia Moody was at our house with her father and mother at ten Wednesday and she said she was about to write you so I suppose you have had it before this and all the news, so I will not at this time say much about little affairs for time is rather short[.]
It is now about time that this letter was mailed so I must close or you wont get it Saturday evening - so good by
Your Affectionate Father
N. B.