Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. (Galatians 6:11)

One of the ministries of a pastor is letter writing. In days gone by, pen and ink were the medium. Today, we seem to have moved to keyboard and screen. In any case, correspondence is a real and lasting means of comfort and edification for the people of God. May this note from Charles Spurgeon, to a “young lady” of thirty-seven years of age who was in trial and affliction (i.e., the night school), bring a well spring of encouragement this day.

Westwood

March 9, 1881

Dear Friend,

You seem to me to be in the night school, – by no means pleasant lessons, few holidays, and no cakes and sugar-sticks; – but a wise Teacher, and a guarantee of becoming a well-trained disciple in due time. This is much better than to be pampered with joyous excitements, and to be thereby really weakened in faith. How could you honour Christ, by trusting Him as He is revealed in Scripture, if you were always having new revelations over and above His Word? Too much sight renders faith impossible. A certain measure of darkness is needful for the full exercise of faith. Be of good comfort; for He who has redeemed you will not lose that which has cost Him so much. I hope you will yet recover strength. Why, you are only a young girl yet at thirty-seven! But I know how the spirits sink, and one feels as old as Methuselah. The Lord be ever your Comforter!

Yours, with much to do,

C. H. Spurgeon