Hearty congratulations on the increase

And how should the departure of one and another of our friends, and their happy entrance into that blessed kingdom, quicken us in our way thither! What a place heaven must be, where all that is worth preserving from this world, and all that is worth seeing and knowing and loving from any other world, is there collected and made perfect 1 While, then, you have my sympathy in your loss here below, you have also my hearty congratulations on the increase to your friends above. If those that love us most are diminishing in number here, they are increasing in number there; and how could we have it better?

Present my very affectionate and my Christian salutations to any of my friends whom you may see, and who may inquire after me. In the prosperity of the college I ever feel the liveliest interest. The portrait of President Brown I have framed, and it hangs in my parlor with Worcester, Evarts, Wisner, and Cornelius.

Eighteen years day before yesterday since we sailed from New York; and what was then outside of that city is now, I suppose, about the centre. Should we ever return to our native country, we should neither know nor be known, recognize nor be recognized.

Eighteen years! but I feel that I have during this time been an exceedingly unprofitable servant, and must confess my utter unworthiness, and look for pardon, where all the perishing of our race have to look, if they would obtain the forgiveness of their sins, and an inheritance among the sanctified ones. You will rejoice to hear that the severe persecution we have suffered has now ceased, and that the scattered converts are recollected with an increase of faith and zeal. The Lord seems to be turning our captivity as the streams of the south, and we are hoping for times of refreshing from His presence.

Christian sympathy

Mrs. Goodell unites in kind regards and, although it will come late, Christian sympathy for you and yours. May we hope in due time to be cheered by receiving an answer to this! I have written more than I intended, but I do not know that I need ask you to excuse it, as it comes from your ever affectionate brother in Christ,

W. GOODELL.