A Letter To Mrs Peake – March 4th, 1865
My dear Friend, Mrs. Peake,
You may perhaps have already received the sad tidings communicated in the accompanying letter. I call them sad, not for Mr. Grace’s sake, poor dear man, who is sad no more and never will again know what sadness is; but sad to his family, to his church and congregation, to his personal friends, among whom we indeed were, and to the church of God at large. At his age indeed, and with an attack so severe, it was almost to be anticipated that he might sooner or later sink under it; but I understand that he himself, whatever might have been his feelings at first, had lately anticipated recovery, for in a letter received this morning by Mr. Covell from one of his leading men, it is mentioned that but a short time before he sank into the arms of death, he had been speaking of preaching again.
I wrote to him a few days ago, and I now feel glad that I did so, as it seems that he was pleased with my letter. Its chief drift was the sweetness and blessedness of calmly relying on the faithfulness of God, and lying like a little child in the arms of eternal love. It was not with him as if he had for the first time to find pardon and peace. That had been long ago sealed upon his heart. All that he then needed was to die in faith as he had lived in faith, and to receive the end of his faith, even the salvation of his soul.
It will be an irreparable blow, humanly speaking, to his poor widow and family, and to his church and congregation. Indeed I know no one who could at all take his place over them. I would say that no man whom we have known was more generally respected, both in his personal and ministerial character, especially at Brighton, where he had lived in the eyes of the people so many years, and from his former connection with Mr. Hannington, was almost as widely known by the world as by the church. We shall never see his friendly countenance or hear his cheerful voice again, at least not in this life; nor shall we ever converse with him as we have done on the precious things of God. He is gone, and we must soon follow, and may our last end be peace, if not joy, in believing.
The Lord comfort, bless, and be with you both, and with all the church of God. Our love to all our dear friends.
Yours very affectionately,
J. C. P.
Jesus is LORD! 
Leave a comment