My heart still lingers with them all:—
Ye strangers on my native sill,
Step lightly, for I love it still.”
TO MY SABBATH-SCHOOL CLASS.
Lewisburg, Va., July 31st, 1858.
My Dear Sabbath-School Class:—I have been intending to write you a short letter ever since leaving home, but have been so constantly engaged that I have not found an opportunity.
A great deal of interest has transpired since the commencement of my mountain trip, of which I should like to tell you, but must defer doing so until we meet, which, if God spares our lives, will be in a few weeks. I know you would like very much to leave the hot and dusty streets of Richmond, and come out and enjoy the pure mountain air and health-giving water. My own health has improved very much, and I do most earnestly pray that it and my life may be precious in the sight of God, and I may yet ere long enjoy the greatest of earthly privileges—preaching the mystery of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have very often thought of and frequently remembered you at a throne of grace. Oh! you know not how much pleasure it would afford me to see you all professors of religion. You know I told you before leaving, if any of you should perish—I feel sad to think of such a thing—I hoped it would not be my fault, for I had endeavored, feebly and imperfectly though it was, to lead your youthful feet in the ways of righteousness—the paths of peace.
I feel constrained to urge you once more to come to Jesus. We may never meet again on earth, and I do so sincerely desire to meet my Sabbath-school class in heaven. Suppose one of you should be missing, which will it be? May each one of you ask himself the question, “Lord, is it I?”