Following an ancient custom, which has obtained for many years, and at the same time shewing you love in God, which is the fruit of the Spirit, I now, my pious friends, address this letter to you.  I feel with you at once in your grief at the event which has befallen you, and in your anxiety at the matter which you have in hand.  Concerning all these troubles I can only say, that an occasion is given us to look to the injunctions of the Apostle, and not to sorrow “even as others which have no hope.” 1 Thess. iv. 13.  I do not mean that we should be insensible to the loss we have suffered, but that we should not succumb to our sorrow, while we count the Pastor happy in his end.  He has died in a ripe old age, and has found his rest in the great honour given him by his Lord.