The Missionary’s Daughter

In a letter to Mrs. Cumings, written several years later, he acknowledged in his own peculiar style the receipt of a copy of “ The Missionary’s Daughter,” which she had sent to him at Constantinople: —

My good Sister, Daughter, or, what shall I call you?

I suppose, however, it makes but little difference what I call you now, for long before I shall see you, you will be “ called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name.” I wonder what that name will be! Gentleness? Charity? Patience? Hope? Zeal? or what? I fancy we shall recognize Abraham at once. As far off as he can be seen, CONFIDENCE IN GOD will be seen inscribed in such bold characters on his whole being, that he will at once be “ known and read of all men.” So when we meet with one whose character is throughout and throughout developed in meekness, we shall know at once it is Moses.

Blessed Saviour

Now I can form no idea what your new name will be, nor, indeed, what will be my own, unless it be, Unworthy to have a name. But in the many mansions our blessed Saviour has prepared for His friends, I hope that yours and ours will not be so far apart but that we can see each other occasionally, without being under the necessity of taking a sea voyage. I am thankful that my precious Sandwich Island cousin has put me in communication with you, and that through a daughter of mine and a brother of yours I am brought into almost veritable relationship, while through Jesus Christ, our common head, the connection between us is still nearer and more precious, and it will continue as long as our connection with Jesus Christ will continue.

But let me not forget — for that is, indeed, the object of this note — to thank you for the Memoir of my cousin. I shall read it with double interest now that I know you to be the writer. And, commending ourselves to your prayers, I remain, in Christ,

Yours affectionately,

W. GOODELL.