APRIL 18TH, 1942

APRIL 18TH, 1942

MY DEAR SISTER IN THE LORD, — I appreciate your kindness in sending me word of the departure of our dear sister Miss — to be with Christ. I had heard of the state of her health some weeks back, and have had the privilege of thinking of her in prayer. I am truly thankful now to know that her suffering time is over, and she is with the One whose love she knew so many years. You will miss her much, for the link with her was long and intimate, but I am sure you will have a certain satisfaction in knowing that her wilderness journey is over, and also in being assured that the lessons learned, often in weakness and sorrow, remain as a permanent enrichment and joy. Spiritual formation is like the growth of a tree. It can be observed often more definitely in its early stages, as when I saw it in our beloved sister nearly sixty years ago. But it goes on all, the time, and each year adds something to it, until the mature result is ready to be transplanted to the place for which it is fitted. All, from first to last, of pure grace, and to the praise of Him who has wrought it all.

I trust that you and yours will find much comfort in this hour of bereavement, and that, by the grace of the Lord, the sorrow may yield much to you in spiritual gain. The sorrow ^[p. 310] will pass, but the gain will abide. I am sure you will be surrounded and comforted by the love of the brethren, and you will be thought of in sympathetic affection. I count it a privilege to have my share in this.

With much love in the Lord,

Yours affectionately in Him,

April 18th, 1942.