GLASGOW, 9th April 1883.
MY DEAR MISS MARY,
— Amidst our Communion services
yesterday, we did not fail to remember 'a former member of the congregation now
lingering in the valley of the shadow of death.' Nor did we forget yourself,
watching by the sick while we were in the Sanctuary and at the Table. When
reading at the beginning of the services Psalm 22., our attention was drawn to
verse 15th, as well as 14th, the utter weakness of Christ on the Cross.
'My strength is dried up like a potsherd,' not even the faint appearance of
moisture left. But even then see what He has! In verse 19th, He claims Jehovah
as His strength! 'O my strength, haste Thee to help Me.' Will you tell
your dear sister how well Jesus can sympathise with her in her feeling of
absolute and utter weakness; but tell her also, how He at the same time
whispers, 'Claim as I did, and cry as I did, Jehovah, My strength!'
One
word, more especially for yourself, from Job 23:10: 'He knoweth the way that I
take.' He who so often tells in Rev. 2. and 3., 'I know thy works,' is saying
to you as really, 'I know the way I am leading you. I have made no mistake, nor
has my loving-kindness failed. When I have tried thee, thou shalt come forth as
gold.' —
Your affectionate pastor,
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
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August 2001