Rockford Sem. Dec 2. 1853.
Rockford IllDear Emma
That last scentence [sic] in your very welcoem letter "Will you write soon", has not been forgotten. No, no, nor shall I ever forget you dear girl - I love to turn my thoughts often towards the dear ones left far away in New England, for you remember, that is no longer my home. My home is on a beautiful bluff beside Rock river, and all surrounded by a grove of oaks, which do not shed their withered leaves all the cold winter long. Far off on every side I see the boundless rolling prairie, and winding among the little knolls are the smooth waters of the river. The scene is really enchanting to me, much as I am used to the beauties of N England - but then, all of these beauties do not fill the place of home - our mountain home, and the dear ones of other days. I have a section here as there, but can I say they seem as dear to me as those. Little do we know of the strength of love, till called to test it.
Emma, where are you, and what doing? Are you well yet? It seems to me I see you now, away up in that corner room looking sick and thin, you are not there are you, and your cheeks are full and fresh I hope - If it be not so, and you have many days of weakness and affliction, I can only point your troubled spirit to our Elder Brother, our blessed Savior. You never will forget him. How I long to take you by the hand, dear one, and how with you as in other days, before the cross, but we are separated in the flesh, yet do not our spirits meet at the same mercy seat. Hae we not one Savior, and shall we not in his strength, conquer the last temptation and fal[l], and dwell together with him forever, and all this very soon. Can all this be in store for us, so weak, and often sinful, yes, and more too, more than heart can conceive, if we but finish faithfully the warfare with sin. Is there not real comfort in such thoughts? And then the privilege of working for God, and with Christ, to save a fallen world is ours, while we dwell here. Yes, and ever after too maybe is ours - This last blessing we are not apt to value as we should are we Emma?
I heard from Lucy Coffin a short time since, and she was at home, the same in heart, as ever, if I judge correctly only, that I think, truths she heard at the Seminary are not forgotten, and will I think perform their office work, yet. Shall we remember her yet, as in other days?
Maggie is at home I think, though it is a long time since she wrote last, and because I have not answered her letter - Neither have I heard from Mary lately for the same reason. I shall not be so busy now, as I have been and shall soon hear from them I hope. Never delay writing because you think me busy, for your letter gives me great pleasure, and shall be answered while it is in my powers with pleasure. Where are Mary and Hannah Baldwin and are they well? Much love for them, when you see or write to them. How I love to think of those days in 86. And now dear Emma, I have practiced calisthenics, so long
to daywith the young ladies to day, answered so many questions for them this evening, and explained Algebra so long, that I feel weary - yet this has been a very happy evening, alone writing to you, for they are many of them gone to hear Rev Mr Munger of India upon missions.Much love for you, and remember me still as your
own Sec. Teacher -