Handwritten letter from Dr. George R. Starkey in Washington, D. C. to his daughter. Addressed to “Girl Baby,” likely Gertrude Starkey Pitcairn. “G. R. Starkey, M. D.” letterhead. In Starkey’s Sunday school class today, they considered the arrival of the Children of Israel at the waters of Marah, which were too bitter to drink. In this story, the Children of Israel are like a person who has made progress towards the Spiritual Church but rejects new truths that go against their natural affections (i.e. bitter water). Bitterness usually signifies the undelights of evil affections, but here it means the absence of delight caused by giving up evil affections. Moses directs that a piece of wood be thrown into the water to sweeten it, and this represents adding goodness to truth by doing what the truth teaches. Starkey compares this to a shrewd businessman who at first resists truths teaching against dishonest business practices, but, after undergoing temptations, learns to find delight (i.e. sweetness) in doing business honestly. The story of Mary and the Lord’s Incarnation also has the same spiritual meaning. Temptations are followed by consolation and rest, signified by the Children of Isreal encamping at the twelve fountains of water at Elim. Starkey hopes this letter won’t be annoying- he has written it as much for himself as for his daughter. The Word is full of wonderful things for those who have eyes to see them. Names mentioned: Moses, Mary, Elim Places mentioned: Israel, Marah