David Moody [Australia] to "My Dear Mother"[Location?]
Kapundu Oct [October?] 13 1858. My Dear Mother Ihave received a letter from Abm [Abraham?] and one from Margaret some time back and has [have?] answered neither,but I posted one that I had written for Margaret since I received hers .Surely it is time for me to let you hear direct from me. Although I know when Margaret receives any letters from me that it will give you as much satisfaction as if directed to you .and Abm [Abraham?] will be punctual (as he generally is to all) to let you hear all news that he receives. There has little occured since I have written to Margaret only John's Wife has presented to him a fine little son all his Children besides are well and pretty and getting prettier I have nothing more particular but if I think of anything before I have finished or if anything occurs to my mind, I shall add it by writing posthaste Well Dear Mother what to write you that would give most pleasure is what I would like and I do not believe that you care much about hearing of land-growing crops -multiplying Stock-digging gold etc. neither am I inclined to write of such things for I think the time while attending or working at those things should be almost sufficient for them other time is short compared to the time that is devoted to such things.to some you are well aware there is no other time strictly speaking none!! if I was not writing to A , Margt [Margaret?] it would be necessary and right for me to tell of such things briefly My Dear Mother what shall I [write?] Oh may my pen be guided by the omniscient and all wise God to narrate words of comfort and consolation but I believe you will be at times almost unwilling like the bereaved Rachelto give ear to comforting words yes saying "is there any sorrow like unto my sorrow" .But certainly I know that this will be your meditation and lamentation as sometimes but being endowed naturally with almost surpasing [surpassing?] fortitude and excellence in many points are to be found .Yes your thoughts and reflections will arise above despondency and uncontrolable [uncontrollable?] sorrow from a sense (and a just sense) that you as far as it was in your power and not neglecting to ask divine assistance "has done what you could " toward your offspring - true you have failed often and as all have done less or more but individuals that we read of which attained triumphant achievements heroic ( if I may so speak ) over the flesh,the world,and the devil and to complain of infirmities even when disposed to do good "evil was not present with them " My Dear Mother For the present no affliction seemeth joyous but grievous nevertheless "it yieldeth the peacable fruits of righteousness unto them which are exercised therby " as well for us now as it did for the dead of old all [all] things withall things does work together for good to these followers of Emanuel. and I hope and trust through hourly sinning that we have unfeigned [hope?] in Him whom the "bowed down doth raise and may the great Comforter revive and strengthen us daily that we may be enabled to withstand our enemies temporal and spiritual and overcome temptation and unholy desires this corrupt nature-as I must stop remember me to all friends - Dear Parent I hope we shall meet yet on earth if not in the " Better Land " "Sorrow and death never enter there " In love your youngest son D. Moody P.S. I believe I mentioned to Margaret some of Johns hopes but as he has been a little unfortunate since I shall go over a claim œ 130 by a sale of wheat I two year old filly [slow?] and two foals Henry & Solomon losses by wheat but not so much as John I shall write him and give him all the news I can,but he must have good patience for I know that he is and has always been very anxious to hear of his brothers and friends All well soon be no lack of Moodys in this sunny land yours David I hope there are good news from Begley & McCalin There is not much likelihood of me sueing if William [----?] use all [----?]Close