Jesse Kersey
Taken From A Narrative of the Early Life, Travels, and Gospel Labors of Jessey Kersey, Late of Chester County, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia: T. Ellwood Chapman, 1851, pages 218-219.
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In thy case we have had our tender feelings much awakened. To think of a son with a family looking up to him for what they stand in need of, and to know that it is not in his power to do anything for them, nor even for himself,--is a circumstance which has made a deep impression with us. And it has been increased by the fact, that it is not in our power to afford the assistance which it would be our pleasure to do. But though such is the state of the case we cannot be too thankful to find that thy mind has been supported through all, and kept in a happy state of resignation. By keeping in this state, it will give to thy constitution [P. 219] every advantage in favor of recovering health; and no doubt, though no way may at present be seen to get along, yet something will sooner or later turn up that will be found to answer. If however, the time should be but short in this world, and all these concerns come to an end, I am not without faith that all may wind up for the best, both to thee and thine. For myself, I find ample cause to believe, that though many and great changes have occurred with me it is out of the power of all the world to take away my confidence in the care and blessing of that special Providence which has been my joy and comfort when all others have failed.
The world and its opinions and interest, I am convinced are too highly valued by many. But the fact is, that those who have been the most useful in it, and have enjoyed the greatest share of real independence and happiness~ have been men and women who have never set their hearts upon it, and who have wisely submitted themselves to the course of events in the firm faith, that having done what they could, nothing more was required. It is far from my desire to produce any improper feeling in the mind, either on thy own account or mine. I am now principally concerned that thou may turn away all unnecessary anxiety about either thyself or us, and that we may mutually take things as they occur and be satisfied.
Those medical men with whom I have spoken say that there is more hope of a case where bleeding of the lungs has been produced by exertion, than there is when it comes on without any previous excitement. With sincere love, in which thy mother unites, I remain thy father,
Jesse Kersey.