This Document is on The Quaker Writings Home Page.
Thus are the cares and exercise of my mind on account of my dearly beloved son, ended in his
removal from this changing, uncertain element. And now, we hope, he rejoices in heave. So be it,
- wishes the parent, who much desired his eternal peace.
Alas! my beloved son! how hast thou changed! Though thou wast like the goodly cedar, a little
while ago, thou art now blasted and fallen! fallen as from high places, and brought down by an
adverse wind, too powerful. The mildew, the blight, and decay have struck at thy root; and thou
art fallen, withered, and g one form mutability; - thy prospects all broken, - and a final
disappointment of thy hopes! Thus are the expectations of men cut off, as to the things of this
world.
Thou wast endured with bright and quick talents; - flushed with earnest intentions to gain what is called an independent fortune, thou grasped at the vain shadow, - the perishing goods of this world! But, alas! the keen scythe of adversity and death, in one awful moment, has put an end to all thy prospects, thy hopes, and thy life! Cut off in the prime of thy manhood, thou art gone down forever to the silent grave. Though thy life was checkered with vanity, yet through thy Redeemer's mercy, thy close was favoured with a peaceful calm: and though night, a perpetual night, hath shut the scenes of this world, yet thy sprit liveth, and, we hope, rejoiceth in the mansions of eternal peace.