The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1888-02-16
A Touching Letter.


Some weeks ago the Fiadicdtor gave a
statement of the number OF years several
of onr citizens had been connected with
The Methodist Church. 1t was referred to
in the Rockbridge Nelcs, and this tel
under the eyes of minister OF that
Church. who was moved TO write the FOL
having touching letter to one OF the
parties named
CoLLIERsrowN. RoCKBRIDGE Co, VA,
January 25th, 1855.
Dear Krother4i see in the Rockbridge C0u'aty
Ne,os that on the 10Th, inst, was your DIST an
naversary IF your joining the Metnooise
Church and you are the only survivor OF the 10
who ioiued with you. When read tn!s TEARS
unbidden flowed from my eyes. ISL. MY rem
lniscence travelled back to other Gays ana
years-when first started in the ministry, ana
at yoar house found pleasant home-Wuere
/ was warmed fed. and from you received
words of instruction, comfort ana ehcoui aye
neut, which Will never be forgotten Whlie
memory ret aims its place
D. / thought of the many changes which have
taken place since that time-changes winch
have affected us most seriously ana grleYous!A
OF these need not mention for every heaft
knows its own rrows best, ana we are toiu IA
The Good Book hat we must through much
trlbulation enter into The Kingdom OF heaven.
These things are designed by me MSs1tr ~ 10
separa. e ali chaff AMI filth from the wheat, III
order that we may be pure wheat Tor the
garner in the skies.
thou hit in the Sd place what pity that
good and usefdl men must die, and yet IL is the
irreyocabIe decree of the Governor OF this uni
verse and the result of Sn-"by one man SIN
entered into the world, and death by sin; and
so death passed upon all men, Tor that an nave
sinned," 1t is & comfort, yea a coEsolatlon 10
know that our Heavenly Father VIII not cast
you off in the time of Old age; nellnef VIII ne
forsake you when your strsngth falleth. ana
Nov also when am old - d 81 ay-heaGe0 (you
can eXclaim with confidence) 10, GOD, forsake
me not, until have showed thy strength uhto
this generation. and thy power to everyone one
that is to GOMEZ and when you close thal
blessed book. IN which we have found comfort
al all of the various stages OF life and open our
hymn book, we can sing:
ssHow firm a foundation, We saints of The Lord
Is laid for your faith in his excellent word,
What more can he say than to you ne nam sala
You who unto Jesus for refuge have fed"
"E'en down to old age. al my people shall
MY sovereign, eternal. Interchangeable love.
And when hoary hairs shall their temples
Like lambs they shall still in my bosom be
borne"
You have now reached the margin river, you
have pitched your tent, and are now awalIlng
the coming of the Master in the Iiie- BOAT
trust that while your feet are belhg washed
with its silvery spray that your soul VIII sun
be fed on holy mama, and that breezes from
the glory land will keep alive the love OF GOD
which eIOws in your heart. L trust that days
will yet be added to your life like one of Old
and when the summons shall come may you
have victory through your dear SaVlour-lnay
your sun OF life set without Il cloud ana IN your
last moments exclaim, Yea. though ] walk
thu ough the valley OF the shadow OF de3th l
will fear no evil for thou art tCM me- thy rod and
thy staff they comfort me- IT,.
My best regards TO GU and your laoy. IhsNe
seen but little of her, yet she impressed me as
a lady of purify, Intelligence. aud OF an eX-
cellent d opposition. Let me have your prayers
while you live, aud your blessing When you
leave this word-if God calls you first. ,
Yours fraternally, }. W. "