Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/231

Rh better so? The time will not be long before you meet again; but a few years at the most separate you from her, and the meeting will be very soon.

“I would have liked to be with you to-day, and see her face once more, but the news did not come till to-night, and so I can only write. I think of Grandma here just as reverently as if I were in the place of mourning.

“Dear Grandfather, I love you, and want so much to help you now. May God bless and keep you! may His everlasting arms be around you, and may you find in Him all the peace and love and rest you need!”

The Sunday after Mrs. Carter died, the little “church in the house” assembled again in Centreport, sorely missing the dear one who had so greatly enjoyed the services of the Sunday before. Again the volume of Spurgeon’s sermons was used, and it was found that the next discourse in order was entitled, “Why they leave us,” with the text, “Father, I will that they also whom Thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory which Thou hast given me.” It was preached after the deaths of Hugh Stowell Brown and Charles Stanford. The sermon was to Mr. Carter exceedingly helpful and comforting, and he wrote to Mr. Spurgeon, telling him about both services,—how he had given to the wife the last pulpit message that she had heard on earth on that beautiful earthly Sabbath, which seemed a type of the heavenly Sabbath she was so soon to enter, and that he had comforted the husband as he sat sore amazed and disquieted, mourning the departure of his beloved one. He received the following reply.

“Dear Friend,—I pray the Lord to sustain you under your grievous loss. It is well for us that the Holy Spirit himself undertakes the part of Comforter, for He is able to carry it out to the full.