SEPTEMBER 12TH, 1944
SEPTEMBER 12TH, 1944
MY DEAR SISTER IN THE LORD, — I have the deepest sympathy with you in the great and unexpected sorrow which has come upon you, and I count upon the Lord to be to you all that your heart needs at such a time. The ways of God are past finding out, but they will all be justified in the end, and it will be seen that wisdom and love have entered into them all.
I am thankful that your dear husband was permitted to continue to the end in the service which he loved, for I think he would have wished that it might be so. It was, indeed, a special favour from the Lord that his last Lord’s day on earth should have been filled with happy and much appreciated service amongst the brethren. It was in keeping with his course through many years past, which has left impressions of Christ on many hearts, and which will be cherished as a fragrant memory.
I have valued much the opportunities which I have had of contact with him, and have always been impressed by his devotion to the Lord and his true desire for the welfare of the brethren. And I can realise what his departure will mean to those amongst whom he has moved and served so faithfully. The Lord knows how to use even his sudden departure to deepen all the spiritual impressions which his life and ministry have made. And thanks were given in the prayer meeting here last night that his service is not finished. It will continue in another day (see Revelation 22: 3, 4), and will derive something of its character even then from what has been done in the conditions of this present time. It is noticeable that the word “serve” in that scripture is the word for priestly service. And many can bear witness that your beloved husband loved to have his part in such service while he was with us. Thank God! it will be continued in a brighter sphere.
What your present experience is only the Lord can fully enter into. And He had weighed well what it would be to [p. 337] you before He suffered it to come upon you. And His resources were prepared beforehand for the occasion. I am comforted, too, to think how you are surrounded by the love and prayers of the brethren. All those known to you here would wish to send warmest love and sympathy, and in this I have my full part. May you be supported in every way, and have wisdom from above for all the detail of your pathway!
With much love in the Lord,
Yours affectionately in Him,