LETTER TO M. S. - Robert Murray Mcchene

Trying dispensations.

DUNDEE, February 28, 1841.

DEAR FRIEND, —I have heard from J. S. of your brother’s death, and I write a line to comfort you. There is no true comfort to be found but in Christ. He is a fountain of living waters, and you must go with your thirsty soul to Him and drink. —John 7:37; Ps. 63. If your brother died in the Lord, then he is far better than if he were here. —Phil. 1:23. If he died out of the Lord, you must be like Aaron when “he held his peace,” Lev. 10:3. Be not moved by these afflictions, knowing that you were appointed thereunto. Seek more and more abiding peace in Christ. He is not only a Saviour, but a sympathizing elder brother.

Read John 11 and Lam. 3, and you will see what a compassionate bosom Christ has. Lean your head more, and you will find rest. “Do not despise the chastening of the Lord.” Inquire what change He would have wrought in you and in all your friends. Are there any need to be awakened? let them listen to this warning. Are there any need to be brought off from love of the world? let them hear the voice of God from your brother’s grave, saying, “What shall it profit a man though he gains the whole world and lose his own soul?” Your brother, though dead, still speaketh. To you he says, “Lean on the beloved as you come up out of the wilderness. The Lord is at hand.” Keep your eye fixed on Jesus. Pray much for his Spirit and likeness; and be ready for his coming.

Our communion is on Sabbath next. Your friend J. thought you would perhaps love to be here. Farewell for the present. May the Lord Jesus be very near you, to comfort and sanctify and bless you. —Ever yours, etc.