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.
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