Correspondence (incoming): A - Ale, ca. 1871-1902

How Harriet had longed for a little one--the death of the first one, was a serious disappointment to us all. Alden Danson is the name, Birdie is very happy with the care & pleasure & company too of the wee one. Hoping to hear from you-- and to see you if you come to the A's,-- with all kind wishes-- and cordial christian sympathy in your personal work for dear Jesus--I remain Sincerely yours. Maria Weed Alden,

Birdie is visiting in Boston, will return to N.Y. next week.

How Harriet had longed for a little one, the death of the first one, was a serious disappointment to us all. Alden Danson is the name, Birdie is very happy with the care & pleasence & company too of the wee one.

Hoping to hear from you - and to see you if you come to the A's, with all kind wishes - and cordial christian sympathy in your personal work for dear Jesus - I remain

Sincerely yours.

Maria Weed Alden

Birdie is visiting in Boston, will return to N.Y. next week

[left-hand side] 2

We stood before a city's walls most glorious to behold;

We passed through gates of glistening pearl, o'er streets of purest gold;

It needed not the sun by day, the silver moon by night;

The glory of the Lord was there, the Lamb himself its light.

Bright angels paced the shining streets, sweet music filled the air,

And white-robed saints with glittering crowns, from every clime were there;

And some that I had loved on earth stood with them round the throne,

"All worthy is the Lamb," they sang, "the glory his alone."

But fairer far than all besides, I saw my Saviour's face;

And as I gazed he smiled on me with wondrous love and grace.

Lowly I bowed before his throne, o'erjoyed that I at last

Had gained the object of my hopes; that earth at length was past.

And then in solemn tones he said, "Where is the diadem

[right-hand side] 3

That ought to sparkle on thy brow - adorned with many a gem?

I know thou hast believed on me, and life through me is thine;

But where are all those radiant stars that in thy crown should shine?

Yonder thou seest a glorious throng, and stars on every brow;

For every soul they led to me they wear a jewel now.

And such thy bright reward had been if such has been thy deed,

If thou hadst sought some wandering feet in paths of peace to lead.

Thou wert not called that thou shouldst tread the way of life alone,

But that the clear and shining light which round thy footsteps shone

Should guide some other weary feet to my bright home of rest,

And thus, in blessing those around, thou hadst thyself been blest."

* * * * * *

The vison faded from my sight, the voice no longer spake,

[left-hand side] 4

A spell seemed brooding o'er my soul which long I feared to break,

And when at last I gazed around in morning's glimmering light,

My spirit felt o'erwhelmed beneath that vision's awful might.

I rose and wept with chastened joy that yet I dwell below,

That yet another hour was mine my faith by works to show;

That yet some sinner I might tell of Jesus' dying love,

And help to lead some weary soul to seek a home above.

And now, while on the earth I stay, my motto this shall be,

"To live no longer to myself, but Him who died for me."

And graven on my inmost soul this word of truth divine,

"They that turn many to the Lord bright as the stars shall shine."

~~~~~~~~~~

AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY,

150 Nassau-street, New York.

No. 29.

[right-hand side] [notation] to be read some day when mind & body are weary & desolate. [/notation]

THE STARLESS CROWN.

"They that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars for ever and ever." Dan 12:3.

Wearied and worn with earthly cares, I yielded to repose,

And soon before my raptured sight a glorious vision rose:

I thought, while slumbering on my couch in midnight's solemn gloom,

I heard an angel's silvery voice, and radiance filled my room.

A gentle touch awakened me; a gentle whisper said,

"Arise, O sleeper, follow me;" and through the air we fled.

We left the earth so far away that like a speck it seemed,

And heavenly glory, calm and pure, across our pathway streamed.

Still on we went; my soul was rapt in silent ecstacy:

I wondered what the end would be, what next should meet mine eye.

I knew not how we journeyed through the pathless fields of light,

When suddenly a change was wrought, and I was clothed in white.

THE TASHMOO.

VINEYARD HAVEN, MASS.

September 7th 1895

Dear Mrs Stanford.

A card just received from Mrs "John Boggs" reminds me of a promise made to myself while talking one day with Mrs Boggs who was there at Halcyon Hall. Millbrook. Duchess Co. N.Y. of writing to you. it's so long- long- since your letter was rec'd in answer to mine previously. How much has to come into your life - and into mine. much of sorrow - more for thanksgiving.

I have come to that period of my life to watch for the mercies & blessings and not to dwell upon the events that would shadow the present if I would let them. I notice in the correspondence from San Francisco