Letters relating to Maria Swan

This is a letter written by Maria Swan (d. 1879), to her parents, Samuel and (we think) also Maria Swan.

December 3rd 1847

My dear Father & Mother,

In much affection I present a few lines to you on a subject of utmost importance.

I find there is no real happiness but in religion. I have for the last 3 months had strong convictions of sin. I could only compare it to poor Christian in the City of Destruction with his pack on his back. Oh! What a sorrowful heart I have often gone to bed with, and how I have prayed to God & thought He would never forgive, but I hope He has forgiven. I do not know that He has. I wish I was sure my affections were set on things above, then I should feel happy. I desire to decide for Christ. Oh, that I could be able to say:-

"Tis here I fix my lasting choice, and here this bliss I find."

Earnestly praying that these few lines will meet with your approbation.

Your affec. Daughter

Maria Swan.

Her Mother's answer:

Dec. 3rd, 1847

My dear, dear Maria,

The contents of your letter has, you may be sure, excited in my bosom toward you such feelings as our dear Lord said should be in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth. Blessed be God that He has given you to feel yourself a guilty sinner before Him.

Be sure, my dear girl. He will carry it on and perform it unto me day of Jesus Christ, Who has promised He will not break the bruised reed nor quench the smoking flax. Your note says it has been a day of trouble to you on account of sin. Jesus has said “Call upon me in the day of trouble and I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me”. May you be enabled to glorify Him in your body and spirit which I trust are His for ever.

You are quite right. There is no real happiness out of Christ. This I have found many years.

"Religion should our thoughts employ

amidst our youthful bloom;

'Twill fit us for declining age

and for the awful tomb."

The blessed Saviour has said, “If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God.” “Ask and ye shall receive. Seek and ye shall find. Knock and it shall be opened to you.” Jesus has invited the poor sick soul to come unto Him - those weary & heavy laden with sin, and He will give them rest. May you be enabled to lay hold on Christ that He may be as an anchor to your soul both sure and steadfast and may His precious pardoning and peace-speaking blood be applied to your conscience that you may live to Him Who died to save our souls from eternal death.

I trust I shall be enabled more than ever to bare you on my heart at the Throne of Grace that we may be helpers one of another. May the dear Lord bless, preserve

and keep you in the ways of wisdom, which are ways of peace and pleasantness is the earnest prayer of

Your ever affec.

Mother

I hope my dear that you will not be backward in communicating your thoughts and wishes freely to me. Be sure I will meet them in the best manner the Lord shall enable me.