‘Of late I have often thought of you with strong yearnings of affection and desire to see you. It would seem to me, also, that I had not devoted myself to you enough, if I were not conscious that by any more attention to the absent than I have paid, I should have missed the needed instructions from the present. And I feel that any bond of true value will endure necessary neglect.’
‘There is almost too much of bitter mixed in the cup
of life. You say religion is a mere sentiment with you,
and that if you are disappointed in your first, your
very first hopes and plans, you do not know whether
you shall be able to act well. I do not myself see
how a reflecting soul can endure the passage through
life, except by confidence in a Power that must at last
order all things right, and the resolution that it shall
not be our own fault if we are not happy, — that we
will resolutely deserve to be happy. There are many
bright glimpses in life, many still hours; much worthy
toil, some deep and noble joys; but, then, there are
so many, and such long, intervals, when we are kept
from all we want, and must perish but for such
thoughts.’
‘You need not fear, dear ——, my doing anything
to chill you. I am only too glad of the pure happiness
you so sweetly describe. I well understand what
you say of its invigorating you for every enterprise.
I was always sure it would be so with me, — that
resigned, I could do well, but happy I could do
excellently. Happiness must, with the well-born, expand