An Appeal to the Youth

WORDS OF SYMPATHY

LAKE STATION., IND., DEC. 19,1863

Dear Brother and Sister White: My heart was made sad on reading the announcement of the death of your dear son, Henry N., just as I was leaving Otsego for this place. I hasten to state that I deeply sympathize with you and yours on this trying, heart-felt occasion, and pray God for Jesus’ sake to grant his grace, to comfort and sustain you in this trying hour. While you are called to mourn the loss of your beloved and dear child, let this thought comfort and help sustain you, that your dear boy had chosen “rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.” APYO 81.1

You have been called to take the parting look, and slowly and mournfully follow and see him deposited in the lonely and silent tomb, and then, the void place in your family circle on your return! God pity and sustain you under this sad bereavement, is the prayer of your brother in Christ.
Joseph Bates. APYO 81.2