Letter VIII. To a Doctor

That we must resign ourselves to GooVs will in the death of our parents.

My Dear Son, — The true science of God teaches us, above all things, that his will ought to bring our heart to his obedience, and make us find good, as indeed it is most good, all that it ordains for the children of his good pleasure.

You will be, I am sure, of these, and on this principle you will acquiesce, gently and humbly, though not without a feeling of sorrow, in the mercy he has granted to your good mother, whom he has withdrawn into the bosom of his blessed eternity. Thus do the preceding circumstances give us every reason to believe, with as much certainty as we may rightly have in such a matter. Well then, it is done, this is what I had to say to you. Weep now, but moderate your tears and bless God; for this mother will be good to you, as you must hope, much more where she is, then she could have been where she was. Behold her then there with the eyes of your faith, and so calm your soul.

Your good father is well in health and better in spirits. For about a month now he has worn his mourning, of mixed sorrow and consolation, according to the two parts of his soul. Study ever harder and harder in a spirit of diligence and humility; and I am all yours.