as if I cared for that and nothing else.  What He has to put up with in me!  But I believe in Him, I love Him, I hate everything in my soul and in my life that is unlike Him.  I hope the confession of my shortcomings won’t discourage you; it is no proof that at my age you will not be far beyond such weakness and folly as often carry me away captive....  As far as earthly blessings go I am as near perfect happiness as a human being can be; everything is heaped on me.  What I want is more of Christ, and that is what I hope you pray that I may have.

To another young friend she writes, June 12th: 

We have varied experiences, sick or well, and the discipline of a heart not perfectly satisfied with what it gets from God, often alternates with the peace of which you speak as just now yours.  What a blessed thing this “very peace of God” is!  There is no earthly joy to be compared with it.  But to go patiently on without it, when it is not given, is, I think, a great achievement; for instance, if I held no communication with you for a year, would it not be a wonderful proof of your love to and faith in me, if you kept on writing me and telling me your joys and trials?  To go back—­I have been a good deal confused by the contradictory testimony of different Christians, and am driven more and more to a conviction that human beings, at the best, are very fallible.  We must get our light directly from on high.  At the same time we influence each other for right or for wrong, and one who is thoroughly upright and true, will, unconsciously, influence and help those about him....  I am enjoying, as I always do, having the three younger children close about me here, and all sleeping on my floor.  We are really like four children, continually frolicking together.  We are all crowded now into my den, and I wish you were here with us to be the “fifth kitten.”  Did you ever read that story?

To Mrs. Catherine G. Leeds, Dorset, July 12, 1873.

It was ever so kind in you to let us share in your relief and pleasure, and we unite in affectionate congratulations to you all.  I do hope this new and precious treasure will be spared to his dear mother, and grow up to be her stay and staff years hence.  It is the nicest thing in the world to have a baby.  What marvels they are in every respect, but especially in their royal power over us!

In spite of the dry weather we have had a pleasant summer, so far.  Just before we entirely burned up and turned to tinder, showers came to our relief, and our gardens are putting on some faint smiles and making some promises.  I did not allow a drop of water to be wasted for weeks; dish-water, soap-suds, dairy water, everything went to my flower-beds, and each night, after Mr. Prentiss came, a barrel-full was carted up from the pond for me; how many the rest used I don’t know.  Disposing of such a load has not been blessed to my health, and I have