314 LETTER FROiVf MRS. NOBBS. 
" MY DEAR LADIES, My husband has kindly 
left room in his letter for me to say a few words ; 
and I address you without any hesitation ; for 
you seem to me as personal acquaintances. The 
circumstances which brought my grandfather to 
this island have made the name of your husband 
and father as familiar to us as *- household words.' 
And now that I have heard my dear husband 
speak of the kind reception you accorded him, 
and have likewise become myself the recipient 
of your benevolence, I cannot let this oppor- 
tunity pass without testifying my gratitude for 
so much kindness to me and mine. 
"It has pleased God, in his inscrutable wis- 
dom, to call from time to eternity my beloved, 
my firstborn. But though the tears of natural 
affection will flow, and I do not restrain them, 
still I sorrow not as those which have no hope. 
For my dear child displayed so much of humility, 
faith, and trust, that I think I may conclude, on 
scriptural grounds, that he is with those who 
are washed in the blood of the Lamb. ' Not lost, 
but gone before.' Several others from amongst 
us have been called from time into eternity, 
very recently. But I perceive my husband has 
given you the particulars of this. It speaks 
to every member of this community, ' There- 
fore, be ye also ready ! ' 
" My daughters bid me offer their respects 
and thanks. 
''Wishing you, dear sisters in Christ, every 
needful blessing, believe me, 
" Yours most gratefully, 
" SARAH CHRISTIAN NOBBS." 
