The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-05-10
Letter of DR.. Alexander to his Mother.

! The following letter written by the Rev. Archi
bald Alexander to his aged mother in Lexington
Va, is full of instruction and comfort. 1t will b.
read with interest, especially by many Christians
whose pilgrimage is nearly ended
PRINCETON, May 25, 1923.
"MY DEAR MoTHER:-When last saw
you, it was very doubtful whether you would
ever rise again from the bed to which you
were confined. Indeed, considering your
great age, it was not to be expected that you
should entirely recover your usual health.
| was much gratifed to find that in the near
prospect of eternity, your faith did not fail,
but that you could look death in the face
without dsmay, and felt willing, if it were
the will of God, to depart from this world of
sorrow and disappointment. But it has
pleased your heavenly Father to continue
you little longer in the world. l regret to
learn that you have endured much pain from
disease of your eyes, and that you have
been less comfortable than formerly. Bodily
afflction you must expect to endure as long
as you continue in the world. The days of
cur years are three.score years and ten, and
if by reason of strength they be four-score
years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow;
for it is soon cut off, and we fly away But
while your heavenly Father continues you in
this troublesome world, he will, l trust, ena-
bic you to be resigned and contented and
patient under the manifold affections which
are incident to old age.
"The great secret of true comfort lies in
a single word, TRUST. Cast your burdens
OH the Lord, and he will sustain them. If
your evidences of being in the favor Of God
are obscured, if you are doubtful of your ac-
ceptance with him, still 60 directly to him
by faith; that is, trust in his mercy and in
Christ's merits. Rely simply on his word of
promise Be not afraid to exercise conf
dence. There can be no deception in de-
pending entirely on the Word of God 1t
is not presumption to trust in him when he
has commanded US to do 80. We dishonor
him by our fearfulness and want of conf
dence. We thus call in question his faith
fulness and his goodness. Whether your
mind is comfortable or distressed, flee for re-
fuge to the outstretched wings of his protec-
ton and mercy. There is all fulness in him;
there is all willingness to bestow what we
need. He says, MY grace is sufficient for
thee. My strength is made perfect in weak
ness. AS thy day is so shall thy strength |
be. | will never leave thee nor forsake thee.
Though l walk through the valley of the
shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou
art with me thy rod and thy staff they COM
fort me-. BE not afraid of the pangs of
death. BE not afraid that your Redeemer
will then be afar off. Grace to die comfort
ably is not commonly given until the trial
comes. Listen not to the tempter, when he
endeavors to shake your faith, and destroy
your comfort. Resist him, and he will flee
from you. If you feel that you can trust
your soul willingly and wholly to the hands
Of Christ, relying entirely on his merits; if
you feel that you hate sin, and earnestly
ong to be delivered from its deflement; if
you are willing to submit to the will of God,
however much he may afiiict you, then De
not discouraged These are not the marks
Of an enemy, but of friend. My sincere
prayer is, that your sun may set in serenity;
that your latter end may be like that Of the
righteous; and that your remaining days, by
the blessing of Gods providence and grace,
may be rendered tolerable and even comfort
able.
"It is not probable thaswe shall ever meet
again in this world; and yet, as you have
already seen one of your children go before
you, you may possibly live to witness the
departure of more of US. feel that old age
is creeping upon me. Whoever goes first,
the rest must soon follow. May we all be
ready And may we all meet around the
throne of God, where there is no separation
for ever and ever Amen
81 remain, your affectionate son,
A. A."