Ravensdale,
October 29th 1850

Dear Grandma,

I received your kind letter of the 22nd and would have answered it sooner, only various little circumstances prevented me.

I was sorry to hear that Mr Knox told you about my accn as there was no use in it and would only make you uneasy. But he is very fond of the dismal. It would suit him better to be examining his log book, as I doubt very much that it will soon be run out and I might say the same to myself, I find that I have been a very dull scholar in the school of Christ. I once knew him as a "sin pardoning, and a soul saving God". I felt that his peace in my soul did indeed make a paradise, but this most precious gifts slip, and fell again into "the weak and beggarly element of the world, now I know it by sad experience, that all the attractions of this world are empty, and that amusements only lasting for a moment, have but an aching void. These few days back I have been brought to reflect within myself, and I hope that his spirit of God has not taken his everlasting flight, may he enable me to follow the drawings of his spirit, as if I know that I seek the Kingdom Of God all things shall be added. I wish very much that I had some plan to read as I am so much disturbed in this house, but I must put up with it for a while.

I am very badly off for a common coat it would be possible for you to give me as much as would get one but I know tis very hard to get the cash. With love to all I remain yours,

J.C. Parkinson