I cannot find any letters of Bessie's on controversial subjects. The following short extracts are mostly taken from letters which she wrote to Mr. A. W- during the time of their engagement. She rarely wrote even a short note without making some spiritual remark in it. And if she had not time for that, she added a text of Scripture at the end. EXTRACTS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF BESSIE. "I LIKE a faithful friend; the wounds inflicted being so many channels for the grace of God to flow in. Such was my darling sister, and I miss her very much on that account." "Truly, Satan 'goeth about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.' He frightened me with stories of the desert, and my own weakness. My dear old Bishop seemed to stand before me; as though I could repose amongst the slaves of error. So foolish was I, and wayward, I may truly say with Asaph, As for me, my steps were almost gone; my feet had well nigh slipped.' Oh! pray for me, that I may be strengthened, and enabled to go forward, looking unto Jesus. Once we take the eye off Him, like Peter on the water, we begin to sink. And, oh! should we not ere now have perished, if our Jesus had withdrawn His watchful care from us for one moment? He may have seemed to slumber, when, in sinful unbelief, 'Dismayed, we gazed upon the waves, Listened to the tempest's roar, and, trembling, which, though unseen, we knew was exercising its restraining influence." In encouraging another to bear faithful witness for Christ, she says— "Oh yes, I know full well the pain of wounding others; but I trust it will be ultimately for their good. Think of this; it is to me a sweet thought. Oh, be strong! .... Men do not light a candle, to put it under a bushel............ May you have grace to keep your eye on Jesus, 'the Author and Finisher of faith, who, for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame.' If we suffer with Him, we shall also reign with Him."" "If you are not already well acquainted with the prophecies, pray read what I send you on the subject. It was written by a truly Christian man, of 'sound mind,' who has given much attention to prophetic Scripture. Prove all things, hold fast that which is good.' I believe the present sad condition of the Church is chiefly owing to her sinful disregard of the sure word of prophecy, whereunto she would do well to take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place.' (2 Pet. i. 19.)" "Should they wish you to remain in Egypt,' think of Moses, of what he sacrificed, and how he suffered. Follow his example, and you also will be strengthened to endure, as seeing Him who is invisible.' (Heb. xi.)” "Your words concerning them who are asleep came quite in season. I was at the time in heaviness through manifold temptations. Oh! how delightful to behold, as in a telescope, the coming glory. The dreary waste that intervenes is then lost sight of, and the way-worn pilgrim, freed from Egypt's thraldom, presses forward, longing to set foot upon the goodly land. Oh! may we run the appointed race with patience. Yet a little while, we shall see Jesus. 'Behold, I come quickly;' what a cheering answer to the cry of His afflicted people. Soon the pealing trump shall summon us to meet Him, 'whom not having seen we love, and in whom, though now we see Him not, yet believing, we rejoice with joy unspeakable."" |