"He has done all things well."
To Mrs. H., June 7, 1860.
I was grieved to hear of your affliction, my beloved Amelia. But while with
affectionate sympathy I feel for your suffering, I know most fully that it
was not by chance or in vain, for
"Not a single shaft can hit,
Until the God of love sees fit;"
and each shaft shall hit the right place, and accomplish
His purpose. Oh! it is so sweet and quieting to know that Divine purpose
runs through every event of our lives—"let fall some of the handfuls of
purpose for her," not only handfuls of pleasant mercies—but also of
afflictions and trials at the appointed season, while His will runs as a
straight line through every crooked circumstance, and our dissolving into
that will, shall be our peace amidst it all. I hope you are now restored to
your usual health. Thanks for your note and Mr. H—'s, in both which I found
a suitable word. I ought to have acknowledged them sooner—but I have been
much worse. I am now reviving again—but very weak, having at times very deep
exhaustions, at others much suffering. It is marvelous how I am kept in this
state—but I know it is all right. If my gracious Lord will but be glorified
thereby, I shall rejoice.
I have had the exercise of not seeing or hearing my
Beloved, which was an additional trial under increased affliction—but at
length He instructed me thereby from 1 Peter 1:7, and I felt the trial had
been profitable and strengthening. I am now favored with more conscious
nearness, which alleviates bodily suffering.
Excuse all defects, I am very feeble. I have not written
it all at once, and find it difficult to write, my arm being so contracted;
but never mind, "the lame take the prey," and sit at the King's table, so
all is well. Adieu, my beloved Amelia. The storms of life will soon be over,
the fetters of flesh will fall off, and the freed spirit reach its own
element of holiness and love.
With dear love in our lovely and loving Lord, I rest in
Him, your very affectionate,
Ruth