feel less tied down to this world than I did, and more ready 'to depart and be with Christ.' Sometimes I long to do so, from fears lest I should ever (I will not say fall away,) but do anything which would dishonour my Saviour. And yet what is this but cowardice—wishing to leave the battle-strife of earth for the repose of heaven, with Jesus? Oh, rather would I wait patiently, and look for the coming of the Lord! Shall we not hail that bright and glorious day? 'The Spirit and the Bride say, Come,' and our hearts echo, 'Come, Lord Jesus!' Then shall no anxious fears for those whom we love, disturb our hearts, warning us that the joys of friendship and of love must end for a time in the cold and dreary grave, for then we shall be changed for ever, and 'the body of this death' shall be 'fashioned like unto his glorious body,' and we shall be together with the Lord, beholding the majesty of Him who was slain for us—of Jesus, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. * * *
"I knew you would enter into my disappointment in not having been ordered on to the Crimea ere this. To say I have not felt it (yes, and deeply, too!) would be saying what is not true. But I hope I can leave it now in the hand of my God and Saviour, sure that He orders everything for the best.
"And is it true that William Gregory is dead?[1] It grieved me very much to hear it. I loved him so heartily, and cannot help sorrowing for him. I had so looked forward to his honest, kindly welcomes when I get back to England, if God spare me to return. But we shall walk and talk of Jesus again, in his presence, I believe.
"I greatly enjoy the thought that you three are
- ↑ A railway workman, at one time employed at the Crystal Palace, who was reported to have died of cholera, but has survived to mourn his friend.
