ABERNYTE, Saturday, 3rd August
1867.
MY DEAR DAVID,—Your note was another cloud in our
sky. I thought you had got better accounts of your dear boy. But if the Lord is
indeed threatening to let him continue with you only for a short time, be
assured that all the while 'He doth not willingly afflict.' There must be some
real and special blessing on its way to Charlotte and you, and what if this
illness be, after all, rather to quicken you both in prayer. Remember 'He
made as though He would go farther,' all in order to draw out the desire
and get expression of their importunate earnestness from the disciples.
I will try to keep you much in mind, asking for Jamie, whether spared longer or
shorter time, the faith of a boy of his own age of whom I heard here. The boy
calmly spoke of his Saviour and pointed upwards. 'My place is ready.' And then
as his father held his hand, 'Father, you must let my hand go, and take hold of
Christ's instead.'
Dear Charlotte, 'He knoweth our frame.'
—Your affectionate brother,
ANDREW A. BONAR.
Transcribed from Reminiscences of Andrew A.Bonar D.D.
first published
LONDON, HODDER AND STOUGHTON,
27 Paternoster
Row
1895
HTML transcription files copyright © 2001-2006.
Jane Newble
July 2001