'I wish them to be Christ's from their youth up. I wish them to get
a good thorough education, not too expensive, to be able to read,
write, and spell well. Should either of them turn out likely, I
might be able to let both, or that one have a college education,
but I don't want either of them to go there if they don't show
adaptation for it.

'What I want of you is something money cannot buy, motherly and
fatherly care in Christ for the desolate lads, whose whole life in
time and eternity too may largely depend on how they are trained
and treated during the next few years. I am not rich, but I can
support my boys. This Christian care and love, however, is what is
not to be had for money, so I beg it.

'I had five hours' conversation with one Chinaman at a stretch the
other day. I think he was not far from the kingdom of God at first,
and I believe he is nearer now. All these things take time, and I
am most anxious to be with the children much these last days. Oh,
it is hard to think of them going off over the world in that
motherless fashion! We were at mamma's grave yesterday for the
first time since September 21. We sang "There is a land that is
fairer than day," in Chinese, and also a Chinese hymn we have here
with a chorus, which says, "We'll soon go and see them in our
heavenly home," and in English, "There is a happy land." The
children and I have no reluctance in speaking of mamma, and we
don't think of her as here or buried, but as in a fine place, happy
and well.'

Here are a few short extracts from the earlier letters:--

'Cheer up, my dear sonnies! We shall see each other some day yet.
Tell all your troubles to Jesus, and let Him be your friend. I, out
here, think often of mamma and her nice face, and how good she was
to you and to me. You will not forget her. She sees you every day,
and is so pleased when you are good lads. We'll all go some day and
be with her, won't that be good? Meantime, Jesus is taking care of
her, and will take care of us.

'Sometimes, when I am writing a letter to you, and come to the foot
of a page, and want to turn over the leaf, I don't take blotting
paper and blot it, but kneel down and pray while it is drying.

'I am going away, too, in a few days; then I'll have no one but
Chinese to speak to.