Letters: Rev. Andrew Inglis, Dundee (2)
The sermon offers comfort in grief by highlighting God's sympathy and the hope of resurrection.
Andrew Bonar expresses deep sympathy to Rev. Andrew Inglis in the wake of his daughter's death, reminding him of God's compassion and the promise of resurrection. He encourages Inglis to trust in God's plan, even in sorrow, and to look forward to the hope of reunion in Christ. Bonar emphasizes that God does not afflict willingly and that there is a purpose behind every trial, urging Inglis to find comfort in the prayers of others and the joy of future glory.
Text
GLASGOW, 9th July 1891.
MY DEAR MR. INGLIS,--I have just been at Greenock, hearing the particulars of my brother John's last hours. He died really like one falling asleep 'in a good old age.' But you, dear brother, are mourning over a beloved daughter called away in her prime, and in the midst of her usefulness. 'His ways are in the sea, and His paths in the great waters.' We have tried to remember you and Mrs. Inglis, and I am sure the Lord Jesus has as much sympathy for you both as He had for Martha and Mary, and is saying to you as truly as to them, 'If you will believe (that is, "if you will only trust My word for it ") you shall see the glory of God in this sore trial.' Resurrection is coming soon, and He who is the Resurrection is coming, and 'will tell us all things.'
With true sympathy with all your house and bereaved ones.--Yours in tribulation, as well as in the faith of the Gospel,
ANDREW A. BONAR.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ON THE DEATH OF MRS. INGLIS
GLASGOW, 16th Dec. 1891
MY DEAR MR. INGLIS,
-- 'He doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men '--how much more unwilling He must be to afflict His own children. He must be purposing some special blessing to you by this stroke. Meanwhile, look within the veil (Rev. 7) and 'rejoice with them that do rejoice,' while at the same time you look forward and sing:
'The time draws near when from the clouds
Christ shall with shouts descend.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
'A few short years of evil past,
We reach the happy shore
Where death-divided friends at last
Shall meet, to part no more.'
You will find that you are prayed for by very many at this time, and all these prayers cannot fail to bring you and yours what otherwise you could not have gained.--
Yours, my dear brother, in true sympathy, for I 'know the heart of a stranger, seeing I have been a stranger in the land of Egypt,'
ANDREW A. BONAR.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to grief and loss - The nature of God's sympathy - Trusting in God's promises
- II points: - The reality of death - The hope of resurrection - Encouragement in mourning
- III points: - The purpose behind affliction - Looking forward to eternal life - The community of prayer and support
- IV points: - Rejoicing amidst sorrow - The assurance of reunion - Living in faith during trials
Key Quotes
“''His ways are in the sea, and His paths in the great waters.''” — Andrew Bonar
“''He doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men.''” — Andrew Bonar
“''The time draws near when from the clouds Christ shall with shouts descend.''” — Andrew Bonar
Application Points
- Trust in God's promises during difficult times.
- Find solace in the community and the power of prayer.
- Look forward to the hope of eternal life and reunion with loved ones.