BRONTE, C.W., DEC. 19, 1863

Dear Brother and Sister White: The sad tidings of your bereavement have just reached me, and my own heart is saddened by it. Henry was endeared to me by the strong tie which binds teachers to their pupils. I respected him for his straightforward, persevering, energetic traits of character, and looked for the time to come when he would be a useful and successful laborer in the vineyard of the Lord. I know that by his affectionate obedience, and ready helpfulness, he must have been a great comfort to you. Perhaps the Lord saw that his children were in danger of placing too much dependence on earthly supports, which he knows may fail us in our time of greatest need. If so, is not the removal of them a token of his Fatherly love and care? See him hold out his own all-powerful arm, saying, “Helpless child, lean thou on me. This support shall never fail. Rest thou and be safe.” Oh, may he pour into the hearts of you and yours, comforting and strengthening grace, and prepare you for an abundant entrance into his everlasting kingdom.APYO 85.1

I do not write thinking you will lack for sympathizing words, for well I know that when one member suffers, all the members suffer with it. With those members I would pour out my prayers and tears and pitying words, upon the altar of Christian sympathy. My heart aches for Eddie, and Willie too. I know they must feel very, very lonely. May the Lord abundantly bless them, and help them, by their tender and affectionate regard for your wishes and feelings, to in part make up the loss of Henry’s love.
Yours in hope.
Mary M. Osgood.APYO 86.1