After my Grandma died in 1993 I found an old bible in the basement on the bookshelves which had old books. My grandpa collected The Hardy Boys and the Kamikaze Boys, Tarzan and others. I found this bible published in 1865 and among the pages was a very old letter on delicate paper with thin writing. I carefully transcribed into my computer.
What I found most interesting is that no one writes like this any more. It has a great vocabulary and poetry almost.
Clarkson. April 2nd, 1851
My dear Mrs. Gould
I will make one more attempt to write you and see if I shall
meet with as good success as when I wrote before. The letter alluded to, I
dropped in Mr. P’s overcoat jacket, I presume he pulled it out accidentally on
his way to Buffalo, but nevermind. I will write once more, hoping these few
lines may reach you. Let me first assure you that I was very happy indeed to
receive your kind letter, I must acknowledge it was rather unexpected, but
nonetheless gratefully received. I have had very much anxiety on account of
your health since I saw you last, and have felt that I must hear from
you. When Mr. P. has been leaving for Buffalo, I have charged him to be sure
and call upon Mrs. G. At the time, he would feel confident that he should call,
but on his return he would plead an excuse, want of time. You know my husband
is always in a great hurry—his business always drives.
After remaining in ignorance so long of your condition, you would infer that I
must be gratified to learn that you were so much better, also that your family
had enjoyed such uninterrupted health. May the blessings on health be long
continued to you, may you be spared to train your children physically, morally,
and religiously, that through the blessing of God whom your instructions, and
holy example, you may have the happiness of seeing them bright and shining
lights in this dark and dreary world, and ornaments in the church of Christ.
Yes, and may you live to see your dear husband come out from this wicked world,
and join himself with the people of God. Then the burthen of your soul would be
removed. Then would you rejoice to depart and be with Christ. Do not we too
lightly prize the riches of the Grace of God, and are we not groping our way through
the dark, on account of our unbelief, when it is our privilege to live in the
full liberty of the gospel—as children of the light and not of darkness. Why
should we live so far from our Heavenly Father? Is not the Bible full of
promises to those who would live “Godly in Christ Jesus?” How much encouragement and consolation to the
true believer is the whole of the New Testament. Is there not comfort and peace
to be found in the reading of the Scriptures, and in communion with Christ that
is to be found in no other source whatever. I think I can at times approach
near unto my Heavenly Father, and find great consolations in the promises of
God. But let me blush to say, that he world, the flesh, and the devil, too
often prevent my enjoyment and very much retard my onward course. Oh, for an
abiding faith to overcome at all times. The Lord has in his infinite mercy
visited Zion in various places, and is still visiting, still reviving the dying,
drooping graces of the people, and in many instances calling sinners
“out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
Oh, how precious are these showers! Brockport has been very much
blessed, the three churches, Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, have shared and
are still sharing largely in the outpouring of God’s Spirit. There have been
more than 80 hopeful conversions among the Presbyterian and Baptist
congregations, and as many in proportion in the Methodist, there is very much a
union of feeling among the ministers, also our minister share the same feeling
and shares frequently with the other ministers. We have very interesting prayer
meetings here, some of the brethren seem very much engaged, and there is much
tenderness of feeling among the impenitent, there have been 2 or 3 hopeful
conversions. I trust my niece has passed from death unto life. It seems as
though God was waiting to be gracious unto His people—The cloud of mercy is
hovering over us, but we are not ready to receive it as a church. There seems
to be something in the way clogging the chariot wheels of salvation. Oh, that
every stumbling block might speedily be removed. I am sorry to hear that
Buffalo has been so “gay” the past winter, if that has been the case, has not
the love of many almost expired, and are not many at ease in Zion? What a
delusive world is this and how busy is the enemy of all righteousness deceiving
the very elect. But God be praised such shall be received even if they have to
pass through fiery trials.
I think the journey you anticipate east may be beneficial to
your health, I shall be very happy to see you, and your husband and children
should they accompany you. Please let us know by sending a note at what time
you will visit us. I hope Mrs. Hotchkiss will not disappoint us, Mr. P. said
she dreaded the idea of taking the packet, should it be healthy, it will only
be tedious till she gets here, or between Buffalo and Brockport. Then, I
presume we will be so situated that we can take her to Bergen or Rochester.
Should either or both of you call on your return, you would only be obliged to change
from R.R. to packet at Rochester. There is a daily packet running from
Rochester to Holley. It leaves R. at 3 o’clock pm that would put neither of you
to much extra trouble. At all events you must both try to come. Do you know we
are expecting Grandma Duffy and Kate in June?
Much love to dear Mrs. Hotchkiss and other friends who may
inquire. My kindest regards to Mr. Gould, and love to the children. Our
children unite in sending much love to you and your little ones. Mary says tell
Mrs. G. she must bring Julia. Will you not write soon.
Ever believe me your ___, though unworthy friend,
Juliebell Pinney
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