Dickerson Station, Sept. 28th 1892
My dear Sister [Catherine, wife of Joseph C. Jones]
Doubtless you will be surprised to hear from me, but was so pleased to have our bro. Joseph's children, will write and let you hear of the great pleasure it gave. First their ambition to see and cherish that love which has been nurtured so long in their breasts, which makes them doubly dear. Without love we are nothing and altogether for self, but thank God love is a contraining [?] power which causes us to ... another, more especially to love our God and desire to see and abide with him in his Heaven; where I hope it will be our blessed privilege to meet there around his throne to sing redeeming love.Amazing grace how sweet the sound and love beyond degree.
Mary is a whole soul and body and we enjoy her company very much. Indeed today we are expecting her cousins to see her, and she is busy helping about dinner, that everything may be in readiness before they get here. So when they arrive nothing to do but true enjoyment. I sincerely hope you are feeling stronger than when Mary left home. Brother John suffers at times very much with rheumatism but considering his age he is a very active man. His example through life is one worthy of imitation - industrious, moderate in all things and best of all bounding in the love of Christ Jesus our Lord, the greatest trouble he has not openly confessed him. Bro. Nida is a member of the Presbyterian Church and has been for a number of years. Unfortunately he has lost one of his eyes. A ... of men were out killing birds and he was shot in the eye which had to be taken out which has partially destroyed his nervous system. But is very industrious and never was a kinder heart beat in the bosom of man. I have a widowed sister in Texas and like all other widows has much sorrow and greatly afflicted with a sickness which will eventually kill her, Sister Ann M. Cummings, myself, Elizabeth Jones the youngest often never married is the one now in conversation with you. I visited my sister this summer four months in Kentucky. Which in Emily's letter will explain. As I have company to take me away will have to close. All join with me in love to you and loved husband. Would be very glad if you would write to me. Good bye. Now may the ever blessed being be with us for strength ... and joy. Ever your loving sister I trust in a never ending eternity.