Letter from Margaret Duncan on impressions, Bible and Prayer Union, and faith

Union Falls, Dec. 13th/ 81
Rev. H. Lyman
Forest Grove Oregon

Dear Uncle,

Please accept many thanks for your good, kind letter mailed Nov. 24th which I rec'd on the 10th just. You may think that I am not very prompt in answering it: but it is my intention that this shall go by our very first mail after the one in which yours came. We do not have a mail so often; at this season, as in the summertime. Then we have it daily, now, only on 2 days of the week. you were, certainly very prompt in replying to my letter.

The time seemed, very long to me, after sending that letter to you, before your last came. It seemed to me quite probable that you would not wish to send me another. I feel utterly unworthy of your kind attentions.

I sent a letter to Cousin Horace by the same mail in which the one to you , started & was pleasantly surprised to find answers to both of those letters in last Saturday's mail. Think I will try it over again, but probably shall not see a like result.

I cannot, for a moment think, that Cousin H. intended to tell any more than the truth when he was writing of me, last summer; but feel that he gave you far too good an impression in regard to me. & that you would be sadly disappointed were you to see me. How sad would it be for you, if you should find, too late, that by my inefficiency your usefulness was diminished, rather than increased. Cousin H's acquaintance with me, was very short. He only remained with me about 5 days.

Let me turn to more interesting subjects than self, for the remainder of this letter.

Have you had acquaintance with the 'Bible & Prayer Union:' a circular of which I enclose. If you have not & would like a card of membership: I will order one for you, when I send for my own for the coming year. I think it is quite an interesting Union.

I trust for continued & renewed interest in your prayers.

'If in him thou abide
He will guide.'

Oh! for more of this abiding in Jesus! If instead of following Him at a distance, we live near to Him, shall we not through the influence of the Holy spirit: be led to ask for those things (only) which are pleasing to Him: so that 'it shall be done unto' us?

We are having, so far, an open winter. There have been some quite cold days: but the weather has been changeable & today there has been a steady rain.

Think some of the weather must resemble your Oregon winters.

We are all as well as usual.

Hoping to hear from you again, soon. In haste

Margaret