ister.

GENEVA, N.Y., May 4, 189-.

MY DEAR NELLIE:

The melancholy intelligence of your sister's death has
grieved me more than I can express, and I beg to render you
my heartfelt sympathy. Truly we live in a world where solemn
shadows are continually falling upon our path--shadows that
teach us the insecurity of all temporal blessings, and warn
us that here "there is no abiding place." We have, however
the blessed satisfaction of knowing that death cannot enter
that sphere to which the departed are removed. Let hope and
faith, my dear friend, mingle with your natural sorrow. Look
to that future where the sundered ties of earth are reunited.

Very sincerely yours,

SARAH CLARK.

To MISS NELLIE BARTON,
No. 4 Beacon Place, Boston.

To a Friend on the Death of His Brother.

CHICAGO, July 12 189-.

DEAR MR. AMES:

In the death of your brother, you have sustained a misfortune
which all who had the pleasure of knowing him can feelingly
estimate. I condole with you most sincerely on the sad event,
and if the sympathy of friends can be any consolation under
the trying circumstance, be assured that all who knew him
share in your sorrow for his loss. There is, however, a
higher source of consolation than earthly friendship, and,
commending you to that, I remain,

Yours sincerely,

JEROME C. HOOVER.

G.H. AMES, St. Louis.

To a Friend on the Death of Her Child.

ATLANTA, Ga., November 17, 189-.

MY DEAR BLANCHE:

I feel that a mother's sorrow for the loss of a beloved child
cannot be assuaged by the commonplaces of condolence, yet I
must write a few lines to assure you of my heartfelt sympathy
in your grief. There is one thing, however, that should
soften the sharpness of a mother's agony under such a
bereavement. It is the reflection that "little children" are
pure and guileless, and that of such is the kingdom of
heaven. "It is well with the child." Much sin and woe has it
escaped. It is treasure laid up in a better world, and the
gate through which it has passed to peace and joy unspeakable
is left open so that you, in due time, may follow. Let this
be your consolation.

Affectionately yours,

MAUD TROWBRIDGE.

To MRS. BLANCHE NORTON,
New Haven, Conn.

To a Friend on a Sudden Reverse of Fortune.