Elisha Stratton Letter June 16th, 1860

Lancester, June 16th 1860 Dear Mother Under existing circumstances I thought it proper to drop you a few lines. As it is Sabbath morning I am relieved from the cares of everyday life for the time being, and I think I can say that I can feel grateful for the calm refuse that it brings, and while I realize that it is the day the day of Jehovahs rest which he then blessed and separated it from all other days of the week, and while a solemn stillness reigns throughout our house, more than is common with our children on the Sabbath, occasioned by an accident that befell one of their number yesterday; my mind runs back to the time when the Creator pronounced it sacred not the institution, but the time of the Seventh Day; and again it runs forward with eager hope and longing earnestly for that rest that remains for the people of God. But you will be anxious to know about the accident I spoke of and will be eagerly be asking ere this, "is all well", and I think I can say "all is well". The accident seemed but a slight one, but as the result Wallace has a broken arm. Yesterday, I sent Wallace to watch the oxen in Mr. Sandersons field while the breaker when to their dinner, just as they came back he was running along the open furrow, he stubbed his toe and fell into the furrow, got up crying went to meet Frank and Frank came immediately with him to the house after becoming satisfied that his arm was broken. Hitched up the team to take him to Lodi, but while Frank was getting the team ready, three men went by in a buggy and stopped at the store. One of them proved to be a doctor seeking for a location and practice. He came here, set his arm and we hope it is doing well, only one of the bones was broken so his arm did not hang lose. The children all felt very bad especially Lovilla. It made her almost broken hearted for the time being. Independent of this circumstance, we are about the same as when Zelotes and Ruth left. Hope this will find you there and all other friends as well. Today I received a letter from Elder Davison, which I shall either enclose with this or send soon. Tell Elijah that we would like to see them here before harvest if they can come and you with them. Tell Mother Kirby she had better come and make us a visit before long or she will not know Ann when she does come for she is getting to be quite a large fat dame weighing 140 lbs. Tell her too that we have not heard from the East since I was there. Jonathan Fisk came back from Minnesota lately, is quite taken up with the country thinks of moving there next fall, while he was there a person from Milton was taken suddenly sick and died as suddenly and he thought it the same disease as Father. Bro. Davison seems to sympathise deeply with us and is as deeply engaged or interested in the spread of the truth of God in opposition to popular tradition and doctrines of men that have well night outplanted the truth of God in the world. I would like for Elijah to read Bro. Davisons letter, as he can there in see the opinion of at least one man in regard to the state of the world and the churches therein in this our day of probation and preparation for the Kingdom of God. My prospects in regard to my worldly affairs looks as well as I could expect and I think I may say as I ought to or do desire, tho if I should be more abundantly prospered I hope that the Lord would direct me to make a proper use of it for his glory. The advancement of his truth among my fellowmen and that at last at the coming of the Lord and his Kingdom I may hear the welcome "Well done good and faith­ful servant into thou into the joy of thy Lord and then and there meet with all my friends to be parted no more. Come out if you cam as it is quite uncertain about our being able to come visit there again this side of harvest, and if not before, it will undoubtedly be sometime after before I can come. Write or get Zelotes or Ruth when you get this. I remain your affectionate Son, E. S. Sheffield P.S. The doctor called today, thinks Wallace is doing well.