[Some paragraph marks added for ease of reading]Warsaw. June 12. /54.
Dear Emma.
The re-reading of your letter brings old remembrances so pleasantly to mind, that I feel happy in looking and thinking it over. This world is a very busy one for me this season, yet absent friends will not be forgotten. I love to think of them and continue (as when at the Sem - we were wont to do) to ask for all the dear absent ones a Father's blessing. Sad experience is teaching me, in common with many others, yes, some of our own section, that life cannot always endure. Poor Anna. I am sorry for her, because she has no Savior in whom she may trust in time of sorrow and affliction[.]
Your letter came to me March 10, a memorable day to this little family. We had just returned from the grave, where we had been laying our mother down to rest. Sweet sleep, none can ever break it till the last day. I need not tell you it was a sad, a weary day, yet our sorrow was mingled with joy, and triumph, because she went so peacefully to rest with Christ[.] Be assured Emma, sustaining grace will be given you, should you be called to pass through a like trial[.] God often comes very near his children while he makes them pass through the furnace of affliction. How the veil that separates between this and the spirit world, seems drawn aside after a dear friend has passed beyond it. Ask Hannah and Mary if it is not so. Tell them they are not forgotten, and if I find time before sending this I will write a note for them. If not, you may read this letter to them if you choose. May our Heavenly Father bless them, and make them like ministering angels to the weary and sorrowing ones of earth.
You will see from my address that I am at home now, being called unexpectedly from the west by mothers sickness. During the summer I shall remain here, but do not know where I may be after then. There are many things I would like to tell you of the west, and of the noble work there is for christians in some of its destitute parts but home seems to claim your presence and labors now. There is enough to do even in your own New England home. Your class in Sabbath school is by no means an unimportant field though it might seem so to a thoughtless looker on. The impressions made on those young hearts will be lasting. All along through life there are many little ways in which we may do good - and God is not regardless of the least act, if done with the right spirit. When all the work designed for us, is well done shall we not dear Emma, see each other face to face once more?
With much love, Your,
Sec. Teacher.
A. C. W.