1847 Religious Album

This religious album was given to Augusta Goodrich on her eighteenth birthday by her Uncle Elizur and Aunt Mary [Beach] Goodrich, with whom she lived while residing in Hartford, Connecticut.

Religious Album

Letter from Aunt & Uncle

It is likely that James Griffing and Augusta Goodrich spent the Fourth of July holiday together in Owego for on the following day he made the following entry in the Religious Album given to her by her Uncle Elizur Goodrich on her 18th birthday. In reference to the picture of a young woman walking through “the dark valley” on an adjoining page, James wrote:

"But Oh! Now witness her after her work is done, how well she knows for whom she has labored, in whom she has believed, and to whom she has committed her all. Do you see what smiles of delight beam from her countenance as she passes that valley, the very thoughts of which strike the deepest anguish, and horror to countless multitudes. Witness the striking contrast she presents to the giddy throng that made her an object of derision through life as they approach the “dark valley.” Of all that group who allowed themselves to be fascinated only with the ceaseless rounds of pleasure and folly, only two can be seen, and they appear so much obscured in the darkness as to have lost their way, and in all probability will soon be lost in that total darkness that enshrouds with its perpetual gloom all their companions. But with her eyes fixed upward and her hands placed to suppress the rising emotions of joy that thrill her bosom, with a glorious light beaming all along her pathway, would you not friend A most dearly covet the passage of this Christian pilgrim? A brighter path, a more joyful countenance, as exalted a destination may all be thine. That it may is the ardent wish of your friend, J. S. G. July 5th 1850"

Entry by James S. Griffing

The Dark Valley