We received news this morning that the mother of one of our youth staff went to be with the Lord last night. This was most unexpected from our limited perspective, though we trust God's sweet and perfect providence.

Most of you are probably also aware of John Piper's announcement today about his being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

That life is uncertain is certain. Difficulties and death can be good gifts to us as long as they disengage us from this world and accustom us for the next. They tend to clear away clouds of worldliness and apathy. They are intended by God for such.

Jonathan Edwards lived and preached and wrote like that. Just last night I was struck by a letter he sent his son, Jonathan Edwards Jr., a letter when Junior was only nine years old and off in the territory of the Delewares in 1755 with Gideon Hawley on a missionary trip among the Indians. The gravity of eternal things, the preeminence and sovereignty of God, and the urgency of being right with God are unmistakable themes.

Stockbridge, May 27, 1755

Dear Child:

Though you are a great way off from us, yet you are not out of our minds: I am full of concern for you, often think of you, and often pray for you. Though you are at so great a distance from us, and from your all your relations, yet this is a comfort to us, that the same God that is here as also at Onohoquaha and that though you are out of our sight, and out of our reach, you are always in God's hands, who is infinitely gracious; and we can go to Him, and commit you to His care and mercy. Take heed that you don't forget or neglect Him. Always set God before your eyes, and live in His fear, and seek Him every day with all dilgence: for He, and He only can make you happy or miserable as He pleases; and your Life and Health, and the eternal salvation of your soul and your all in this life and that which is to come depends on His will and pleasure.

The week before last, on Thursday, David died; whom you knew and used to play with, and who used to live at our house. His soul is gone into the eternal world. Whether he was prepared for death, we don't know. This is a loud call of God to you to prepare for death. You see that they that are young die, as well as those that are old; David was not very much older than you. Remember what Christ said, that you must be born again, or you never can see the Kingdom of God. Never give yourself any rest unless you have good evidence that you are converted and become a new creature.

We hope that God will preserve your life and health, and return you to Stockbridge again in safety; but always remember that life is uncertain; you know not how soon you must die, and therefore had need to be always ready. We have very lately heard from your brothers and sisters at Northhampton and at Newark, that they are well. Your aged grandfather and grandmother, when I was at Windsor gave their love to you. We here all do the same.

I am,
your tender and affectionate father,
Jonathan Edwards.