The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1886-10-27


beast. 1 do assure you that my own lea
son has staggered under this blow. My
faculties are benumbed: feel suffo
Gated"
When DR.. peterborough sent him
the tidings of Tudors death, he replied,
ct can make no comment upon it. To
attempt to describe the situation OF my
mind would be vain, if it were practical
BILE. May God bless you; to Him alone
I look for comfort on this side the grave.
There alone, if at all, shall find it.
To Mr.. Key he writes, II adore the
goodness and the wisdom of God, and
submit myself to his mercy most implic-
lily"
About the same time he writes, For
long time the thoughts that now occu-
py me, came and went out of my mind.
Sometimes they were banished by bust
ness; at others. by pleasure. But heavy
affections fell upon me. Then they came
more frequently and stand longer, press
ing me, until at last 1 never went to
sleep, nor awoke, but they were last and
first in my recollection. Oftentimes have
they awakened me, until at length 1
cannot detach myself from them if l
would. If could have my way, 1 would
retire to some retreat, far from the strife
of the world, and pass the remnant of
my days in meditation and prayer; and
yet this would be life of ignoble secur-
ity. There are two days only, in which
l am of opinion that l may be of service
to mankind. One of these, is teaching
children, and l have some thoughts OF
establishing school,
More, much more, might be added
from the religious letters of this singular
man and great sufferer. But this sketch
refers principally to his sister-in-law, and
the sorrows which he shared with her.
His estimate of her may now be ap-
propriately introduced. "My brother 8
widow was, beyond all comparison, the
incest and best housewife that 1 ever
saw. The house from cellar to garnet,
and In every part, as clean as hands
could make it; and every thing as it
should be to suit even my fastidious
taste "She is an amiable woman, who
gree of cultivation uncommon in any
country, but especially in ours. Guilt
vate familiarity with her; each day
will give you new and unexpected proof
of the strength of her mind, and the ex-
tent of her information.
"Of the piety of this sister" adds Dr.
Foote, "Mr. Randolph never doubted
Her profession of faith in Christ, and OF
peace following that faith had an inAu-
ence upon him. His griefs had much
likeness to hers. The same fountain
might heal him."
His letter to Mr.. Rice, written imme
diately on the receipt of intelligence OF
her death, ia dated George Town, March
10Th, 1916" The following passages,
especially the latter, are characteristic
"After the first sharp pang was over,
could not but view Mrs. Randolphs de-
parture as a release from suferings that,
it is to be hoped, have few examples
from a world that no longer had single
charm for her. / knew her better than
anybody else. Her endowments were OF
the highest order; and it gave me the
greatest comfort of which under such
circumstances am susceptible, to learn
that she died as every Christian could
wish to die. The manner in which she
spoke of me in her last moments is also
truly grateful.
II received your letter announcing that
her case was doubtful one, and the day
after, Mr.. Leigh's, which arrived on Sat
urday. His was much the more alarm
ing of the two. On Sunday morning 1
awoke with the strongest impression on
my mind that Mrs. Randol phi was no
more and while penning the note for
the prayers of the Church agreeably to
our service, felt almost restrained by
the consideration of impiety in depre.
eating that which God had willed and
done. l shook it off however but
could not shake off the impression that
she was in the land of spirits. l almost
saw her, pale and shadowy, purified from
the dross of the body-looking sorrow
fully, yet benignantly upon me-"
In the same letter the writer most
gratefully acknowledges his sense of the
kindness of Mr.. and Mrs. Rice to his
sister-in. law.
OF the death of Mrs. Randolph, Mr..
Rice declared II have no wish, in refer
ence to my last end, but that it may be
like hers" Her last words were Christ
is my only hope"
One circumstance remains to be men.
| toned In connection with the death oil
this lady, which is alike honorable to her
and to Mr. Rice. When about to make
her will, she was constrained by a sense
of gratitude to leave him a handsome
legacy. She on reflection, forbore- to do
IL