* This beautiful letter so full of a father’s solicitude for the eternal well-being of a son going out from under the care of the paternal home into a world of new experiences and temptations in a foreign land will make its appeal to all and touch the hearts, especially, of those who have had a kindred experience. It was written by a member of a well known Glasgow firm, and permission to reprint it was kindly granted by Robert Buchanan, Esq.—Editor.
KILLEARN, 23rd March, 1862.—Dear Son, my feelings would not allow me to speak to you as I would have liked at our parting on Friday last. And what I now say I hope you will never forget. You are about to leave your native land for a foreign country, where you will most likely find the manners and customs, the scenes and scenery as different as the two climes are.
It may also be that temptations, to sin and forgetfulness of God may appear in a different form—as I believe that every country has its besetting sins and temptations, but I hope by the grace of God you will endeavour to resist all evil in whatever shape or whatever circumstances it may present itself in your path, for the most righteously you live, the more happiness you will enjoy, the health of your body be established and the life of your soul be preserved.
Be very careful with whom you associate and be no stranger to the house of God. Be faithful to your employers, whoever they may be, and be respectful to all your fellowmen, and ever manifest a truly dignified deportment in all your transactions in life. Be careful in everything conducive to the health of your body, but, oh, Charles! be exceedingly careful of your spiritual and eternal interests. Remember the shortness and uncertainty of human life.
Make Christ your friend and never be ashamed of Him and His cause on earth, for rest assured that if you honour God He will honour you, but if you despise Him you will be lightly esteemed. I need not say more, but I fondly trust you will ever bear us in your heart at the throne of Grace, and, although we should never meet more on earth, yet if we meet habitually and sincerely there, we shall be more than mere earthly friends, and heirs of eternal life.
And, now, dear Charles, I bid thee farewell, and may the mighty God of Jacob be thy guide through life, thy stay in death, and thy portion through all eternity.
—Your father, Andrew Buchanan.