Deerfield March 18 1843My dear friend
The mutual promise of writing, which we made when in Conway, is still fresh in my mind, and though I am sensible that I can say little to interest you; a desire to secure a correspondence with you, and a hope that the event might prove that our time had not been unprofitably spent; has prompted me to fulfill my promise. Our Heavenly Father has created us with soial capacities, and has taught us in His holy word that our friendships but commence in this world; may we not then believe that it is our duty, as well as of privilege, to cultivate those emotions of affection which he has implanted within our bosoms? How richly has he provided for our happiness here; and how beautiful is the chord of love and sympathy by which he has bound us together, and from which we derive so much pleasure; like his own love to us, the more frequently we draw uppon its fountain the more full and overflowing do we find it to be.
It was indeed with emotions of heartfelt pleasure, and gratitude to God, dear Lois, that I learned by your mother that you were rejoing in the hope of pardon through Christ; not that I doubted when you left us that it would be so but it is ever a pleasure to feel that our hopes are confirmed[.] Inured as you have been from your youth to religious instruction and the privileges which you now enjoy being so rich & varied, I feel that what I should say should I attempt to offer a few words, would be but [a] drop to the waters of the boundless ocean.
Permit me however to say that our standard of Christian character should be placed high in the outset it is a time when Christians are perhaps more than ever watched ought they not then to be more than ever watchful? It has been said that it was an easy thing to be a Christian. It surely oguht to be easy to love one who has first loved us and who has given and is so continuously giving us cause of love and gratitude to him[.] But it is only by holding much communion with our Heavenly Father and our own hearts, by being much in our closets that we can gain strength to overcome the evil of our natural hearts & that we shall be enabled to "walk worthy of the high vocation wherewith we are called." I trust my dear girl that your hope becomes brighter and that your faith is daily strengthening. May you be made the instrument in the hand our Heavenly father of doing much good in his cause; and may all your efforts be abundantly blessed.
When you left us for the seminary my time was nearly out in Broomshire[.] The remainder of my school passed very pleasantly our examination came and went for particulars of which I refer you to your friends at home, to Charles, his powers of description are pretty good. He is indeed a fine boy Lois. I became very much attached to him and very much interested in him. He bids fair to make a nobly useful man. Having so early devoted his heart to God I cannot but hope he may be spared to become extensively useful. Charlotte and Libby are dear childen it is impossible not to love them and James also he is a good boy. I have never found it so hard to part with my scholars as I did at B. The time that I spent with them will be cherished as one of the most happy periods of my life.
I boarded at Mr. Whitneys as I expected. I found the whole had been told me. There was apparently everything done for my comfort, and in a spirit of kindness. I surely could ask for nothing more.
Yesterday the sewing Society from Dfd. met here, your cousins were with them, they were well. You have probably heard of our ordination, the exercises were deeply solemn and interesting; the sermon was preached by Dr Woodbridge of Hadley; Mr. Carey gave the right hand of fellowship. It was the finest graduation of the kind that I have ever heard. Our Mr. Belden gave us the charge, and Mr. Hitchcock the charge to the Pastor. Mr. Harris made the introductory prayer. Now will you not write very soon? I hope you will, direct to Dfd. Remember me to Miss Allen and
believe me very aff'tely, yr. friend
L. S. Williams