‘June 1901.
‘It is grievous for you and those who loved that dear and noble, simple-minded woman, for her goodness gave unity to her life. Now the alabaster box is broken, only the fragrance of the life remains. She has been spared the living death such as I have seen, when the soul finds in the body a tomb. She is released and doubtless carries on ministries of love with your noble father and beloved brother.
‘I have just seen Fräulein, whose only sister has just passed away.
‘How little the sorrows of earth will seem to us as we look back, I think; even as many which even here issue in blessing. We realise that all things do indeed “work together for good to them that love God,” and I know that through this fresh sorrow the fire will burn up more and more of the earthly, so that the spirit may shine forth more brightly “to give light to all that are in the house.”—Yours with deep sympathy and affection.’
To Miss Caines, just before her death:—
‘March 1901.
‘My very dear Friend,—We can only pray now that if it be God’s will you may be spared to the many who love you, and to whom you have been a blessing during these many years of faithful service. But if the Master should come and call for you, then He will go with you through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. His Rod and Staff which stay your tottering steps will comfort you, and He will bring you forth to the light.
‘We must say for you and for ourselves;—“Jesus, I trust Thee.” We do believe that what the world calls Death is birth into a brighter world.
‘May we all meet again where sorrow and sighing are no more.—With much love, your very affectionate.’
To a friend, on the death of Miss Caines:—