Akron, Ohio, June 30, 1853.
Dear Children,
— Your very welcome letters were received last night. In regard to a house, I
did not prefer a log one, only in view of the expense; and I would wish Henry
to act according to his own best judgment in regard to it. If he builds a
better house than I can pay for, we must so divide the land as to have him keep
it. I would like to have a house to go into next spring, if it can be brought
about comfortably. I ought to have expressed it more distinctly in better
season, but forgot to do so. We are in comfortable health, so far as I know,
except father, Jason, and Ellen, all of whom have had a run of ague. Father,
when I saw him last, was very feeble; and I fear that in consequence of his
great age he will never get strong again. It is some days since I went to see
him. We are not through sheep-shearing or hoeing, and our grass is needing to
be cut now. We have lately had very dry weather. . . . I am much rejoiced at the news of a
religious kind in Ruth's letter; and would be still more rejoiced to learn that
all the sects who bear the Christian name would have no more to do with that
mother of all abominations, — man-stealing. I hope, unfit and unworthy as I am,
to be allowed a membership in your little church before long; and I pray God to
claim it as his own, and that he will most abundantly bless all in your place
who love him in truth. “If any man love not his brother whom he hath seen,
how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” I feel but little force
about me for writing or any kind of business, but will try to write you more
before long. Our State fair commences at Dayton the 20th of September, and will
be held open four days.
Your affectionate
father,
John Brown.
SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of
John Brown, p. 109-10
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