Contributed by Kathleen Haynes      Contact Myrtle Bridges     July 14, 2008


						May 8, 1902
						Hickory, NC
Dear Mrs. Tate,
	It was with inexpressable regret that I learned of the terrible accident to your dear boy, and 
feel that I must express to you, and the sorrowing household, my deepest sympathy for you in this 
great affliction.
	Death brings sadness and sorrow to a happy family, in whatever form it may come, but how the 
grief is augmented when it comes in such heart-rending and shocking manner as yours has come.
	And now my dear friend what can I say to comfort your bleeding heart? What can we do but to sit 
in silence beneath the shadow of such a dark providence? We can only wait for the future to explain 
the mystery. God will reveal to you one day the wisdom and goodness of all this sorrow which you are 
now called to endure. "Sometime we'll understand." "What I do thou knowest not now, but 
thou shalt know hereafter."
	This sad death of your dear boy has not come by accident. God has permitted it for some wise and 
gracious purpose. He who makes not mistakes and who deals with his children in love, has seen best that 
it should be so. But Oh! how hard for you to bear! My earnest [prayer] is lifted for you all. Look to Him 
who has said, "My grace is sufficient for thee." Lean upon the arm of Him who says "All things 
shall work together for good to them that love God."
	These afflictions will soon be over, and then I hope that you will meet in glory ye child of the 
covenant and glory with him in the matchless grace of a covenant keeping God.
			        Your Sincere Friend, W. T. Matthews

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