The Letters of Ruth Bryan, 1805-1860
Christ, our substitute, the
consolation in time of trial
September 24, 1857.
Much-loved and tenderly-remembered friend,
I was delighted to receive your note. The Lord has been gracious, He has had
mercy, and I do praise Him. May we say—"It has been good for me that I have
been afflicted!" No doubt there is in this trial some special message to
each. May our language be—"I will hear what God the Lord will speak!"
I have this morning much enjoyed those words, "I will
sing of mercy and judgment: unto you, O Lord, will I sing." (Psalm 101:1)
Judgment to JESUS, and mercy to vile worthless ME. Mercy flowing warmly
through His pierced heart and precious veins. What a channel wherein to
flow! Oh! what love of our Father to lay upon Him all our iniquities, to
number Him with the transgressors, and then to give Him judgment without
mercy, saving all the mercy for us rebellious younger children. Oh! what a
loving Elder Brother, who for the joy of our release and blessing, was
content to be judged, condemned, and executed; and what a blessed Comforter
who takes of these wonders and reveals them to the soul, making it to sing
for joy, like that word, "Awake and sing, you who dwell in dust."
At times we do sadly cleave to the dust; but the power of
His love revives us again, causing us to awake and sing. The Lord bless you,
and pour out His Spirit upon you! Fresh oil prepares for all we are called
to.
And now adieu. Soon the shadows of time will be past, and
we, through free grace, shall spend eternity together in the open vision of
the Lamb!
In Him, your own warmly-affectionate,
Ruth