[Some paragraph breaks added for ease of reading.]Home Sep. 14th '81
Dear Sister:
Home again: arrived last evening. Was surprised and disappointed to know that you had gone home. The way things are shaping themselves, I fear very much that I shall not get to Wooster. I met Annie in Harrisburg where I put her in a sleeper where she had the lower berth in the middle of the car on the shady side. A young man from Dover N.H. going to Santa Fe in employ of the gov. had the upper berth. He was a pleasant man and offered to do anything in his power to make her comfortable: so [?] I presume she would get on nicely.
I am in good health: have enjoyed myself immensely all the way through[.] Was sea sick but for a few hours. The experiences of the trip are simply invaluable to me. I have learned very many things that I could have known in no other way. I have had the trip and think I have money enough to get what I absolutely need for China, so I am happy in being satisfied with my summer and with the prospect of speedily settling down to work in China.
Well I sat down to speak of Lillie. Of course I was amazed and bewildered when I heard of it at N.Y. Lillie's letter to me announcing her decesion [sic] to go with me was handed to me when I went to the rooms Monday morning. I handed it to Dr E- just as he was going into the Board meeting. He read it and came out to ask me what to do. I told him I could not express an opinion as I knew so little about it. He said "had we not better talk it over & wait until the next meeting?" I said yes: so they did.
After the meeting the secretaries got together read her letter Dr E- said there was no doubt but that they would send her with me. Dr Lowrie has in some way gotten the impression that in your judgment & that of the friends in general. Lillie ought to stay with mother at least for the present. Also that mother had not clearly expressed herself in the matter. Lillie's letter dissipated this: but the letter was simply written to me. How they want a note from you and one from mother giving an expression of your opinion in the matter. When this is made clear to them, there will be no further question as to her appointment. Dr E- said she had given ample proof of her miss'y purpose. Mother is writing to Dr E. and Lillie has asked you to do the same. She has written a note to the Board simply stating her desire to go with me. Dr E. said she should do simply this: that any statement of reasons was not necessary. Surely the poor girl has passed through a trying ordeal: but will be doubtless purified by passing through the fire.
I am satisfied that she is better prepared to settle down to miss'y work now than before she met Dr S-. She has her enthusiasm regarding a husband somewhat cooled and will not worry nearly so much about it - so it appears to me. At last it is evident to me that she will be far better contented there. I have great faith in her strength of Christian purpose and have no doubt she will do good work. Of course we know it will be a trial to mother: but I think that after she has once parted from her, she will have far more satisfaction in thinking of Lillie as a missionary in China with her brothers than under any possible circumstances at home. We can take but one step at a time and leave the future with God: but so far as I can see I think this is the thing for her to do. The secretaries seemed to have no settled plan for Dr S-[.] Dr E- agreed with me in concluding from Lillie's letter and from what we know in other ways that Dr S- & Lillie would never be married. If they should be, however, she would be nearer to him there than here. I think you had better write them a brief note saying that the decision rests with Lillie herself: but that since they have requested your opinion you think all things considered she had better go right along with me. (Lillie says that is your opinion) I would address it to Dr E- rather than to the Board.
Whatever you do, you should do at once as Lillie should know immediately.
For myself I am very happy in the thought that I am to be off for China speedily. I am far more at rest in the Lords hands than I was last spring. I go without the shadow of a doubt as to my duty in going right ahead whether with or without a wife. God's goodness to me shines brighter and brighter every day. I come back from Europe filled with thoughts of gratitude for my country, my home, my religion my mother. Alas how very very few have enjoyed all the blessings that you & I have! Alas for the millions! - sad hearts, heavy burdens and unhappy homes are not confined to heathen countries.
Last of all God is granting me the unspeakable privelige [sic] of proclaiming his love in China - Shurely [sic] I must be an ingrate if I ever allow myself to complain of his dealings - I amtrying to make out the programme of my trip. Mother wants me to go to Uncle Robers: so I shall try to do so. I expect to go back to N.Y. for a day next week. I shall probably leave here about the 26th. If I should be able to go to Wooster could I have a chance to address the students while there? Please drop me a line as to this at once. I feel like making all out of my time that I possibly can. I shall not stay any one place more than one or two days exept with Jno. [?] - I got in Geneva a little brooche [sic] for Mary and Nettie & a knife for Willie, hence they are orthodox. The knife is predestinated to cut Willie unless he be very careful. I got in Brussels a pair of kid gloves for you & the girls: but Lillie says they are not the right size. I dont know what will be done about it.
I wish I could have had a talk with you about my trip &c - I gave them a talk in prayermeeting last night respecting my trip - They tell me you are to take boarders. I hope you may be successful in carrying it out.
I must stop -
Much love to all -
Affec -
Robbie -Can you find out how long it takes to go from Newcastle to Wooster and whether I can make good connections in going on the train that arrives at Wooster at three P.M. Please write me at once as to this.