Merry Christmas to All
Chebanse, Illinois
Christmas 1887.
Dear Cousin Martha;
Another Christmas
has come and mingled with
the chimes of the sleigh-bells,
come memories of my
early days which coupled
with the Christian tone of
the letters [we?] receive act
as a cord, & an anchor to
keep us from drifting. for
Truth crushed to earth will
rise again. The eternal years of
God are [harsh?]; But Error wounded
writhes in pain And dies amid
his worshippers.
Your last very welcome
rec'd [received?] and contents
"greedily devoured" as we say
You would be entertained
if you could have a week's
intercourse with our people
here (in Illinois). Owing to
it's central location it is
peopled by nearly all
nationalities.
I must say that
to a student of Human
Nature the panorama is
almost perfect. Yet in 2
years if all goes well
my two brothers and myself
intend to pioneer. Go to
Minnesota on border of Canada
Southern part of the state
it is not much colder than
in Illinois. Steady cold long
winter. Farms very easily got
Take a section, between us
640 A [acres?] When we get
located we will try to incite
all desirable people to come
for neighbours so hold yourself
in readiness. Who knows what
may happen. My life is like
the shifting views of a
Kaleidoscope. But I thank
God I now trust in the
finished work of my Saviour.
His service is now a
pleasure to me.
I trust that grace will
be given me according to
my needs and that I may
be enabled to ever trust Him.
In regard to the
matrimonial affair you
spoke of, I will say that
like most girls I had
an episode but owing to
mutual incompatibility and
misunderstanding we broke
off and I went to the
State Normal University and
acquired a fair common
Education, which enables me
in this country to make my
way as well as a male citizen.
Oh! I will admit that there
is a young German, who is
a disciple of mine and who if
he stands the probation may
yet become my life partner
But we learn wisdom by
experience so -----
Well, Martha it is indeed
pleasant to have a confidant.
Grant me still a friend in my
retreat That I may whisper
"solitude is sweet"
I am teaching near Herscher
12 miles from home this Winter.
A very pleasant western school
Robt [Robert?] my brother is attendant in
the Asylum and making money fast
Father, Mother and the younger children
are well and doing well
Your Friend
S.J. Porter
