I have now to say how unfeignedly I sympathize with you in the sore trial which has fallen upon you, for it is a sore one; but the hand of God never deals but in concert with His heart of infinite love towards us. It must be a subject of prayer to Him who lends a ready ear to our sorrows. And even if He sees good to allow sorrow to arise—yea, to send it—it is from a hand which never mistakes, nor fails in answering to a heart whose love is perfect. No doubt it is a testing, but a blessed word, "I will bless the Lord at all times." And Christ has gone through every sorrow, that we may know that He enters into it, and with such tender grace. How blessed it will be to see Him as He is! If this were our rest it would be sad; but it is not, and sometimes we may have need that He should make us feel it. But there remains a rest for the people of God. We belong to that—to the new creation; but He has come down into the old, that we may know that He does not leave us alone in it, and He is our portion in both. But I must close. My kind remembrance to Mrs. and all your family, and assure her of how true a part I take in this affliction. I trust she bows to God's ever gracious hand in it.
Your affectionate brother in Christ.
Pau,
April 24th.