Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Lt 2, 1860

White, W. C.

March 3, 1860

This letter is published in entirety in AY 60-61.

Dear Willie:

I have just finished a letter to your brothers, and will write a few lines to you. I should so love to take you, my sweet Willie in my arms; but no, this cannot be. But I hope we shall be returned home safely that we can see you all again in our own happy home. 1LtMs, Lt 2, 1860, par. 1

Willie, you must be a good boy. You must overcome an impatient spirit. To be impatient is not to be willing to wait, to want everything you desire in a moment. You must say to yourself, I’ll wait. “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city.” [Proverbs 16:32.] 1LtMs, Lt 2, 1860, par. 2

Willie, if you would be happy, you must rule well your own spirit. Be obedient to Jenny, love your brothers and be good all day, and the Lord will love you. Every one will love you. 1LtMs, Lt 2, 1860, par. 3

Willie, dear boy, you have been our sunshine, and Oh how I prayed that you might always be the same pure, sweet Willie. Try to do right. Be kind, be patient, and loving. The Lord loves little children and when they try to do right, He is pleased with them. 1LtMs, Lt 2, 1860, par. 4

When you go to your grandfather’s, you must not act rough and boisterous, but gentle and mild. When the boys go to the office, you must try to not be lonesome. Make yourself contented and happy. Don’t fret, but learn to be patient, my dear boy. We love you very much and will now say good-by for the present. 1LtMs, Lt 2, 1860, par. 5

Your Mother. 1LtMs, Lt 2, 1860, par. 6