“I know that some of you have to experience great suffering; that the toil of your lives is excessive. I know of nothing that can tend so much to reconcile you to all this, as to remember that, whatever your lot may be, it is of God’s appointment; that He has wise ends to answer by it; and in another world, if not in this, you will know that the course you have had to take was the best for you. “There is much that is dark and mysterious in the present state of things: it is useless to attempt to explain it away, neither do I think we are called upon to do so. The only state of mind, suitable to our present condition, is entire submission to the will and appointment of our heavenly Father. We must _trust_ now; we shall _know_ hereafter. “When we are tempted, by the trials of our lot, to think hard thoughts of Him who has appointed it, let us remember—‘He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things.’ “I have written this amidst many interruptions; but I know you will believe me when I say, I have earnestly desired to say something to comfort and strengthen you for your daily trials. May God bless you, my dear friends; may we have many more pleasant meetings here; and when the battle of life is over, may we all meet in that world where sin and sorrow can never enter. “I am, “Your sincere friend.” _Copy of a Letter written during an absence of some months_, _in consequence of illness_. “BATH, _November_ 6, 1855. “MY DEAR FRIENDS,— “I am truly sorry to be obliged to be absent from you so long. It has always given me much pleasure to meet you at our weekly meetings, and I now miss them very much. I shall be indeed thankful when it pleases God to restore me to health, and enable me to resume my usual place among you.