Lift Up Your Hearts

I have spent some time over the last week attending at the death-bed of one whom I have known all the time I have been in this parish - nearly half my life. He was ill for almost all that time one way or another, and the news when I got in from the Haileybury pick up that he had died at last is both sad, but also brings a sense of relief. "Lord lettest thou thy servant depart in peace."

The following is from a meditation on the Nunc Dimmittis (Luke 2: 21-40) in a little book called Beside Readings by FW Bourdillion (E 1865).

Sometimes it pleases God to keep the dying Christian in life, long beyond what seemed to be likely. Day after day he lingers on, while those around think that each day must surely be his last. Loving friends, grieved to see him suffer, are surprised that he is not released. They cannot see for what he is kept. Ah! Let them not wonder; let them only wait. God knows best. He will do all things well; in the best way and at the best moment. They know not what work of grace may yet be done in his heart, or what lessons of patience and faith they themselves may yet learn from him. a love greater than theirs is over him, a wisdom beyond all their wisdom is dealing with him. All will be well. When HE sees best (and that will be best) God will let His servant depart in peace, according to His word.