Letter: CRAIGNURE, ISLE OF MULL, 18th August 1882. - Bonar, Andrew

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.