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Saturday PM June 1855

I was very happy to hear from you again Mr.Kendall and will assure you that it was very welcomely received by the "Original Abby and Mary." So long a time had elapsed since we last heard from you, that I began to think you seriously ill and unable to write. Then another thought would follow that you too had gone to the "Spirit Land" to be reunited with those dear friends above. But my fears are not realized! God has preserved your life! And I am happy to hear that you are enjoying a good degree of health again. The business in which you are engaged (though rather hazardous) may be the means of restoring to you, permanent health and I think had you continued teaching and preaching together with the great exertions which you would necessarily make and which could not avoid, would have disabled you, perhaps for life. Within a few months, God has seen fit to take back to himself those near, and dear friends, whom he gave you, but for a very short time; and who are now, pure, bright spirits around their Father's Throne in Heaven. How you will miss the many pleasant associations, which you have enjoyed with her, who was the light and joy of your home? Oh! you will grieve a long long time. But your faith in God, will enable you to look above for support. I will extend to you my heartfelt sympathy. And I hope you will find friends who will cheer, and comfort you, while wandering on in the dreary faith of life homeless and alone. Your present occupation must evidently bring you in contact with anxious classes of society. Yet is my opinion that the true Christian principles which have activated you thus far, will preserve you from the thousand temptations, even if you have not the "purifying influences of home surrounding you." Have I not guessed right? Home should be the seat of happiness; else it ought not to bear the title! For no spirit can long resist bad domestic influences! But it does not depend on woman alone for true piety at home. She can do much with her influence, in making a "Happy home." But she needs aid from others. Brother Samuel was married a year ago last Thanksgiving. He lives in the other part of the house. Template:Unclear Our family wish to be unclear unclear unclear unclear unclear the guess which mother and Mrs.Jackson also. Your friend, Abby.