Newmill of Birse 15 Augt. 1823
My Dear Aunt,
As I was talking to my mother on Sunday last of sending
you a copy of a long letter from a Lady in Sweden to Mr. Farquar
son of Monatteres – which I with difficulty procured, respecting a new
& effectual cure for consumptions - Robert put into my hands a note -
which told me that the object of my concern had exchanged the Earthly
house of this tabernacle for an eternal one in the heavens not made
with hands. I need not say – what effect it had upon us all.
And believe me, there was no one who had or merited more of my esteem.
How her worthy Father & Sisters will bear it over - I do not know – they
seemed to live all so agreeably together, that it will be like death
to the one to part with the other. But troubles must need some
and while we are in this vale of tears – we can look for little else.
No fewer than seven of my most respected & beloved friends have been
laid in their tombs within these six months past – six of them
in the bloom of youth. A Loud warning to me to prepare for
a midnight call. But Death is an awful thought! I wish these
warnings would make me better able to meet it, but alas! they are
like the morning cloud & early dew. It is uselefs as well as presumptive
in me – to pretend preaching to you – what you already know:- however
I would have written my Dear cousins if it could have served for any
other purpose - than to make the wound bleed afresh. To tell them
not to weep for a sister is an insult offered to their feelings – to point
out grounds of consolation is pretending to add to the word of God – which
is the only safe rule to walk by & with which they are already well
acquainted. I am at a lofs how to expresfs my feelings both for you
& them on the present occasion. I offer up my prayers to God for you
all – which I trust will be of more use – than Buttered civility
patched together upon a sheet of paper. Believe me Philosophy has
not rendered my heart callous to the dispensations of providence – let
me imitate my Blefsed Saviour at the tombs of Lazarus – and
lay aside the mask of the Grecian sage. Will you be good enough
to offer them my sincere love & compliments & afsure them,
that wherever they are affected I will be concerned? -
My Mother sends her kindest love to you & them – and I afsure
you, that she feels what you feel on the present occasion –
As Robert intends setting out for Huntly tomorrow – if the
Rivers allow him. I shall cut this short – which he will have
perhaps delivered to you. – All here join me in best wishes
to you & all friends in Huntly & hope God will comfort you all
& make his strength perfect in your weaknefs - I Remain – your
Affectionate Nephew H Stuart