… I trust that you are now much better, and that this letter may find you in your usual health. Our blessed Lord had to say, "He weakened my strength in the way" (Ps. 102), and this is not pleasant. Still, if it has the effect of lifting our hearts from this world and fixing them on that deathless scene into which our Lord has gone, it will be a profitable experience.

Neither you nor I can expect our pilgrim journey to be much longer. Our natural strength must now be fast declining, but our spiritual vigor should be greatly on the increase; and we have need of watchfulness as we near the end, that we do not make the grave the goal. No thank God; it is to be with Christ we leave this scene, whether that be by putting off this tabernacle, or being "caught up" to meet our coming Lord. I find I have to ask Him to keep this ever before me by the Spirit's power. And He delights to do this, for His desire is that we should have all our happiness and enjoyment from that scene into which He has gone, and into which He has promised to bring us.

We shall be here as long as He sees it needful to have us here-whether for His service, or for our growth in the knowledge of Himself-and not an hour longer. He is well able to look after the good of His saints and care for all those that are left to mourn our departure. It is well to have our hearts well established in His infinite grace and tenderness. How very, very good and gracious He is! How blessed it will be to be with Him.

I wonder if we shall meet again down here? Here we meet and form links that, as far as flesh and blood goes, have to be broken; but there are links formed by the Spirit of the living God that no power can sever. So if we do not meet down here we shall welcome one another in that land where separation shall be unknown.