.MTIxNQ.OTQ1MTc

Mother's children have been, and I trust will prove to be blessings to her, yet we come far short of what we ought to be in the sight of God, and as Christians we are I fear woefully deficient in self-denying active efforts for the spiritual benefits of others. Mrs. Nat Harlow has been quite sick this some time, nervous debility and as many think consumption. Charles is at work in Mr. Walker's office, setting types, and boards with him, I know nothing further of him, As to your question respecting Dr. Quimby, my thoughts were founded upon observations made during her visit at our house, and I still think that if E's course had been different, the result would have been different; it is far better as it is. - Your say you have made no acquaintances in Northfield, the people of those old towns are generally I should judge far more tardy in tendering courtesies and ever common civilities to strangers, than in this part of the country where perhaps such attentions are more needed, and where strangers are welcomed. Josephine Hall is here, spending the winter, I have called on her, she has not yet returned my call, will soon I presume. She has altered much in looks is not so handsome as three or four years ago, she spoke of you with much interest. Friend Lizzie has had a week's vacation is gone to Glenburn, she is a noble girl, has not had the est of advantages but has by nature a lofty soul, and fine features of mind. she wished me to give her regards when I wrote. Mrs. Shepherd says she last time she saw you was in the stage from Brunswick to Barts. When I rose this morn I found in my room a beautiful octavo volume of Proverbial Philosophy a new year's gift from Mrs. Shepherd. Charles was down, went home yesterday, brought me a short letter from Mothers; she begins to think of a separation, when Lucy hitherto exclusively ours, must be another's mother a painful thought to me and no wonder it is to her - 'families' separate, and they still remain unbroken in feeling, but when they are divided off into families of their own, it will be, it cannot but be somewhat different, whether living near or far apart. The sweet unbroken ties of relationships have been enjoy by us, as a family long, and in a greater degree perhaps than most others, I may still be I hope

Have not I written you a long letter this time? Will you not send me a long one soon Affectly, Sister Anne