Realities

A selection from a letter by Rev. Charles Colcock Jones, to Rev. George Howe, informing him of his father’s death. The elder Mr. Jones knew that death was soon to come, and had great peace till the very end. His son recounted a conversation between his father and mother shortly before his death. The letter was written March 19, 1863, three days after the passing of his father.

My mother repeated some of the promises of the Saviour that He would be present with those who trust in Him, even when called to pass through the dark valley of the shadow of death. To which he responded: “In health we repeat these promises, but now they are realities.” My mother replied: “I feel assured the Saviour is present with you.” His answer was: “Yes. I am nothing but a poor sinner. I renounce myself and all self-justification, trusting only in the free and unmerited righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Mother then asked if he had any word for his sons. He replied: “Tell them both to lead the lives of godly men in Christ Jesus, in uprightness and integrity.”

The Children of Pride: A True Story of Georgia and the Civil War, edited by Robert Manson Myers, Yale University Press, 1972, p. 1041. Iain Murray makes reference to this book of letters in a chapter on the Charles and Marry Jones in his excellent book, Heroes (published by The Banner of Truth Trust).