Reference
Z699/292
Title
Edward Curtis May to Samuel May Strange 11 Jan 1863
Bruce Grove 1st Mo 11th 1863
My dear Nephew S.M.Strange
The cousin Harriet, with her accustomed kindness towards your family, has suggested to thy Uncle Francis & myself that we should present thee with a token of our love & esteem as a birthday present on thy coming of age -
To this we gladly accede & Richard has engaged to procure from his neighbour Simmons a watch which we apprehend will reach thee about the same time as this -
I am not going to moralize much about this, but may just say that if thou keepest time as we expect this to do it will not only add to the comfort of thyself & friends but also be a source of great profit to thyself -I have heard it said (in my early days) that "punctuality is the very soul of business" & I have often seen those who are wanting in this, yet of brilliant parts, entirely eclipsed by the possessors of it who may be said to have been of a homespun and plodding nature -
Thou art now entering on a new phase of existence & thou wilt have not only the good wishes, but the prayers of many for thy safe guidance along the slippery paths of life - but remember the prayers of thy friends and relatives - the prayers of thy precious Mother, where guiding thee in thy infancy & boyhood, will avail nothing unless under a feeling of thy own need thou art often, yea continually, praying for thyself - living in the very spirit of prayer -
The longer I live the more need do I see for this - our enemy is very cruel, very cunning, ever watchful of unregarded moments that he may obtain an advantage over us - How does he select his baits to every degree of advancement in the divine life - even at the edge of our present existence - I find him more subtle than I ever knew him to be before - but let us bear in mind "that in vain is the snare set in the sight of any bird". Let us seek to dwell in the light of the manifestation of God's Spirit which is given us to possess withal & then we shall see the snare & as we seek for strength, perseveringly seek - so shall we escape.
My dear Cousins Sophy & Anna all join me in much love & in every good wish for thy prosperity and believe me dear Sam, most affectionately thine
Edward C.May
P.S.Thou wilt understand that I am requested by our family to say how gladly all unite in this present.
Date free text
11 Jan 1863
Production date
From: 1863 To: 1863
Exent
No. of pieces: 1
Format
paper
Level of description
item