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  LETTERS: MRS. JAMES BONAR, HIS DAUGHTER-IN-LAW (1)
  by Andrew Bonar
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Summary: The speaker reflects on a life well-lived, the joy of knowing
Christ, and the importance of meaningful relationships.

Topics: "Hope in Christ", "Reflection on Life"
Scripture References: Philippians 3:13

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DESCRIPTION
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Andrew Bonar reflects on the passage of time and the nearing end of his
life, expressing a hopeful outlook towards the future while
acknowledging the sadness of looking back. He emphasizes that knowing
Christ enhances our experience of heaven on earth and wishes for peace
and usefulness for his daughter-in-law Mary and her husband James in the
coming year. Bonar also humorously comments on a post-card case designed
by them, appreciating its practicality and brevity, which he likens to
James' concise letters.

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CONTENT
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GLASGOW, 29th Decr. 1884.

MY DEAR MARY,--

'Along the river of time we glide,

The swiftly flowing resistless tide !'

Only think! the year is nearly done, and I have lived seventy-four years
in this world, and must be getting near the edge of the wilderness. But
the prospect on before is very bright--the sadness is all in looking
back. The more we know of Christ here, the more of heaven we enjoy here.

May you and James have many a year of peace and usefulness! May 1885 be
the best and happiest you have known. . . .

Was it you or James that designed the post-card case? At any rate let me
thank you for it: (1) Inasmuch as it is very useful. (2) It may be
regarded as a hint from James that I need not write him any letter
longer than a post-card. (3) It is so characteristic of his epistles,
brief; though no doubt pithy!

We are all well. Some of us will be writing to James and to you, before
the New Year comes in, or to wish you all blessing when it does
arrive.--

Meanwhile, dear Mary, believe me, your affectionate father,

ANDREW A. BONAR.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/andrew-bonar/letters-mrs-james-bonar-his-daughter-in-law-1/
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