Emily Dickinson - Letter 369 (late November 1871) Mrs. J. G. Holland lyrics

Dear Sister. Bereavement to yourself your faith makes secondary. We who cannot hear your voice are chastened indeed - "Whom he loveth, he punisheth," is a doubtful solace finding tart response in the lower Mind. I shall cherish the Stripes though I regret that your latest Act must have been a Judicial one. It comforts the Criminal little to know that the Law expires with him. Beg the Oculist to commute your Sentence that you may also commute mine. Doubtless he has no friend and to curtail Communion is all that remains to him. This transitive malice will doubtless retire - offering you anew to us and ourselves to you. I am pleased the Gingerbread triumphed. Let me know your circumstance through some minor Creature, abler in Machinery if unknown the Love. Steam has his Commissioner, tho' his substitute is not yet disclosed of God. Emily. _____________________________________________________ 369a 1 Quart Flour, ½ Cup bu*ter, ½ Cup Cream, 1 Table Spoon Ginger, 1 Tea Spoon Soda, 1 Salt Make up with Mola**es -