Pray write to me soon, and
Believe me,
Your ever affectionate father,
_A Parent to his Daughter at Service._
Farndon, March 1st, 187--
MY DEAR DAUGHTER,
When you left home for service, you were so young and inexperienced that we were most anxious as to your welfare. We are truly thankful to find from your letter, received a few days ago, that you are in a place that is likely to prove comfortable. I need not give you much advice as to obedience, for you have always been, both to your mother and myself, a most obedient and dutiful child. Your mistress is very kind in showing you how to perform your duties. Be attentive, and grateful to her for such kindness.
Do not make acquaintances too hurriedly; never stay out later than the hour appointed for you to be at home; and on no account whatever admit any one into the house, without first obtaining leave from your mistress. Never miss an opportunity of attending Divine worship. Write to us as often as you can; and with the love of your mother and myself,
Believe me, your affectionate father,
JOSEPH HODGES.
_From a Father to his Son, who has been complaining of the severity of his Master._
Putney, March, 187--
MY DEAR FREDERICK,
I was very sorry indeed to find from your last that you were not satisfied with your place, and that your master was always finding fault with you. You must not imagine that in doing so he is at all cruel or severe; but, having a great interest in your future welfare, he wishes, whilst there is yet time, to correct the faults he sees you commit. It is not with you that he is angry; it is with the faults and errors he sees you fall into. It is for your good, believe me, my dear Fred, that he speaks; and in after years you will look with grat.i.tude and respect on Mr. C----, who now appears to you to be harsh and unkind. With our fondest love, hoping you are well, and that you will become more contented soon,
Believe me,
Your ever affectionate father,
_A Letter of Condolence._
Hampton Road, April 4th, 187--
MY DEAR J----N,
I sincerely commiserate you in this your fearful and awful visitation. Sad indeed it is to lose your wife and your expected child in one short moment! Your dear wife, we are well aware (as far as human beings can form a judgment of the lives of their fellow creatures) was in every act, deed, and word a true Christian. Your account of her death is deeply touching; but how grateful you must have felt to have seen her so resigned and happy in the thought that, although her loss would cast a shadow on your life on earth, you would meet her hereafter in that better world, where no trouble or sorrow is to be found. She was good in every acceptation of the term: her charities (so unostentatiously dispensed), her cheerful willingness to relieve any real distress, her talents and charms, endeared her to all. Naturally you must deeply grieve for the loss of one so dear and excellent. You have again another source of grief in the loss of your child; dear J----, and at present all consolation must seem to you impossible; but G.o.d has ordained that Time shall bring comfort and soothing for all earthly sorrows, and to its healing influence we must leave you. As soon as you feel equal to the journey, come to us, and stay as long as you feel inclined. We will walk and ride together. There is great healing in Nature, and open-air exercise--I speak from experience--does as much as reason and philosophy in soothing a great grief.
My wife unites with me in best regards and truest sympathy.
I am ever,
Dear J----,
Yours most truly,
_To a Gentleman whose Brother is dangerously Ill, offering him Consolation and Comfort._
MY DEAR ----,
Every morning we listen for the post with the greatest anxiety, trusting that it will bring us better news of your dear brother. The accounts yesterday gave us a very lively idea of your situation, while you are expecting so critical and dangerous an hour as that which you have in view. We deeply feel for you, yet we know you are and will be supported. We pray for you and your brother, and we know and believe that He on whom we call is rich in mercy and mighty to save. We see many around us who have been restored from the very gates of the grave when every human effort has proved ineffectual.
This gives us hopes that our supplications may terminate in praises for your dear brother"s restoration to health.
Yours most truly,
_Giving Information about Trains._
Chatham, June 3rd.
MY DEAR ----,
We were all very glad to find on Martha"s return yesterday that you would come on Sat.u.r.day, and we trust we may induce you to stay until Monday.