June 9^th 1854

 

Respected Friend

                                    I suppose as I have received three letters from you I must begin to write. I do not consider it a painful duty though, but a pleasant task. You ask why I wish to break to break of our friendly correspondence, if "I am offended?" I answer no. Our correspondence, I assure you has been very pleasant to me and existing circumstances, which cannot be overcome, only prevents its continuance, on my part. As I told you, when at Shipman, the Post office is so dis- / tant; that I am obliged to send all my letters. I will not correspond with any young gentleman, unless I can take my own letters to the office; this is my objection, and I think it a reasonable one. You asked me some questions in your last letters, what "I thought of a new situation, that you wished to take". I only answer thus, Whatever you can ask the blessing of God upon, do, if you cannot, let it alone. I cannot write any more just now as I have my morning duties to attend to.

 

Saturday eve

                        The week has nearly passed away; and oh! what has its moments borne to the great Recorder, for you and me. Has each moment been employed in the service of him whom we profess to love? Oh! may we ever remember that we are "not our own, but are bought with a price", even the precious blood of Jesus.

 

You say you are are learning something every day. Do you not feel that it is necessary to be careful to treasure up only the good? You know /

that for every

give an account

ternity! My

erally get

it is not

My school                               [section of page torn away]

there were

ed to send

versalists.

that I shall

My health

of yours.

                        I know that brother E. corresponds with you; I commit you to his care and counsel, until you commit yourself to someone else. My correspondence with you, will ever be remembered with pleasure; you have done nothing, nor written anything offensive to me, since our acquaintance, and as long as you continue in the path of duty you will ever find in me a friend. You are ever remembered by me at a throne of grace. May the God of peace ever keep you, is the prayer of your

                                                                                               

sincere Friend G. E. Ford

SOURCES