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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