You, dear father and mother cannot have much longer to live in this
troublesome and oppressive world; you cannot bear the yoke much longer.
And as you approach another world, how desirable it is that you should
have the prospect of a different destiny from what you have been called
to endure in this world during a long life.

But it is the gospel that sets before you the hope of such a blessed
rest as is spoken of in the word of God, Job iii. 17, 19. "There the
wicked cease from troubling, and there the weary be at rest; there the
prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressors. The
small and great are there; and the servant is free from his master."

Father, I know thy eyes are dim with age and weary with weeping, but
look, dear father, yet a little while toward that haven. Look unto
Jesus, "the author and finisher of thy faith," for the moment of thy
happy deliverance is at hand.

Mother, dear mother, I know, I feel, mother, the pangs of thy bleeding
heart, that thou hast endured, during so many years of vexation. Thy
agonies are by a genuine son-like sympathy mine; I will, I must, I do
share daily in those agonies of thine. But I sincerely hope that with me
you bear your agonies to Christ who carries our sorrows.

O come then with me, my beloved family, of weary heart-broken and
care-worn ones, to Jesus Christ, "casting all your care upon him, for he
careth for you."--2 Peter v. 7.

With these words of earnest exhortation, joined with fervent prayer to
God that He may smooth your rugged way, lighten your burden, and give a
happy issue out of all your troubles, I must bid you adieu.