Losing a Child

In the midst of suffering in this world. Christians don't grieve without hope. We grieve, but we are hopeful for what comes next (1 Thess 4:13-14). Below is a letter written by Rev. Samuel Pearce to his wife in the midst of his daughter's illness. May this be an encouragement to stay faithful to our Lord.

Northampton, Dec. 13, 1794. 

My Dear Sarah, 

I am just brought on the wings of celestial mercy safe to my sabbath’s station. I am well; and my dear friends here seem healthy and happy: but I feel for you. I long to know how our dear Louisa’s pulse beats: I fear still feverish. We must not, however, suffer ourselves to be infected with a mental fever on this account. Is she ill? It is right. Is she very ill … dying? It is still right. Is she gone to join the heavenly choristers? It is all right, notwithstanding our repinings … Repinings! No; we will not repine. It is best she should go. It is best for her: this we must allow. It is best for us: Do we expect it? Oh what poor, ungrateful, short-sighted worms are we! Let us submit, my Sarah, till we come to heaven: If we do not then see that it is best, let us then complain. But why do I attempt to console? Perhaps an indulgent providence has ere now dissipated your fears: or if that same kind providence has removed our babe, you have consulted enough in Him who suffered more than we; and marathon enough to quiet all our passions in that astonishing consideration, —“ God so loved the world, that he spared not his own Son.” Did God cheerfully give the holy child Jesus for us; and shall we refuse our child to him? He gave his Son to suffer: he takes our children to enjoy. Yes; to enjoy Himself. Yours with the tenderest regard,—S. P.

The Restraining Hand of God

I am currently working on my reading assignments for a course: Christian Spirituality: A History. Reading the Memoirs of Rev. Samuel Pearce compiled by Andrew Fuller, I came across the following quote (p. 369, emphasis mine):

When a child, he [Pearce] lived with his grandfather, who was very fond of him, and endeavoured to impress his mind with the principles of religion. At about eight or nine years of age he came home to his father with a view of learning his business. As he advanced in life, his evil propensities, as he has said, began to ripen; and forming connexions with several vicious schoolfellows, he became more and more corrupted. So greatly was his heart at this time set in him to do evil, that had it no been for the restraining goodness of God, which somehow, he knew not how, preserved him in most instances from carrying his wicked inclinations into practice, he supposed he should have been utterly ruined.

O that we would see the hand of God in our lives! That the reason behind our lack of sinful behaviour is due to the restraining goodness of almighty God. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!