Title
Ann May to Edward Harris Strange 16 April 1834
Cornhill 4th Mo 16th 34
Dear Edward
On my expressing some regret to my S.M. that we had taken so few opportunities for the interchange of sentiment, in the prospect of a new alliance, he advised me to catch a little time by my sister's bedside for penning a line, which I am now doing after the family having retired to rest - it is not that I have anything in particular to advance yet think a few general observations seemed called for, if we are really ever to stand in so near, and tender a relation to each other - in short, it strikes me, that we have all been too taciturn & taken much for granted that should have been express'd - I should have liked to have heard the acknowledgement from thee, that my beloved P. was entirely the object of thy choice, apart from every other consideration, & that on a close examination there was much of congeniality, that her good qualities gave promise of ripening into those Christian virtues, so essential to the happiness of life, but especially of the married state, but all this possibly thou mayst say, is implied in the more forcible language of conduct, or no such proposal would have been made by thee, for this I give thee credit - and now, on our part, it seems due to acknowledge, that the chief ground of thy acceptance as a member of our family, consists in the estimate we have formed of thy religious character, trusting also that those dispositions which have hitherto procured thee our affectionate regard, will be so cultivated as to draw down the Divine blessing and promote the comfort & harmony of our own whole family circle, but especially of her's who is chiefly concern'd for whose well being in every sense, I feel a solicitude inexpressibly tender in the prospect of committing her to thy guardianship, & could not consent to do so but for the hope, that love & kindness, founded on esteem, will be mutually exerted to soothe each other's sorrows, as well as heighten your pleasures, under all the vicissitudes of this short & uncertain life.-
I want you to get acquainted with each other's views & sentiments, by a free communication on subjects of general, as well as particular interest, as candour and affability so greatly tend to soften our cares, & sweeten all that is bitter in our lot, & well consists within the social duties - and now, all this promised, I would speak in a graver strain & say, having bought the truth as profess'd by us at some cost, see thou sell it not, be very frequent in watching unto prayer, that neither "heights nor depths" may separate thee from the love of Him who has measurably directed thy steps into the narrow path of self-denial -
I want thee to adorn the doctrine thus received by a consistent walking, so as to work in my dear P.'s mind a full conviction of its' superiority, & sustaining efficacy under all the trials to which our frail nature is subjected, that you may not be unequally yoked, but go hand in hand through this wilderness state, under the guidance of Israel's Shepherd, & finally be gathered into the fold of rest - It is so easy to fall from a good state, that I have looked at thy danger on many hands, in common with our's, especially as regards the increasing necessity for diligence in business, lest it should be too engrossing for our best interests, but in this matter there is no laying down a rule beyond a resolve, Divine Grace assisting, to obey the dictates of conscience, waiting as at "Wisdom's gate", in humble reliance on the many encouraging promises to such as are found in this watchful state. - -
I hope thy mother has not suffered severely from her late accident, & that thy visit to the family has been a very pleasurable one - & improving to thy health -
My lot has been very differently cast, nearly two weeks have been in close attendance on my dear sister Arch as thou wilt have heard, I have been enabled to bear up very well hitherto, altho' sitting up until one or two in the morning - it is now quite sleepy time, getting toward one which, together with my paper warns me to a conclusion -
With love & good wishes believe me to remain Thy sincere Friend -
Ann May
E.H.Strange
Ampthill