Esther Burr on the Death of Her Husband
Who was Esther Burr?
Jonathan Edwards was a missionary to the American Indians in the 1700´s; some think he was the most important theologian this country has produced.
He had a daughter, Esther, who married the Aaron Burr who became president of Princeton. But when Aaron Burr was only 41 years old, he suddenly became ill and died.
How God comforted her grief
Here is part of what Esther wrote to her mother on October 7, 1757, two weeks after her husband died (edited and paraphrased for clarity):
“Through this tragedy God has shown Himself to be an all-sufficient God, a full fountain of all good. I have been able to cast my cares upon him, and have found great peace and calmness in my mind, such as this world cannot give or take away.
“I have had unusual freedom and nearness to God when I draw near to Him. God has made His presence more real to me than ever before with support and comfort.
“God is helping me see the vanity and uncertainty of everything in this world. Heaven and eternal things appear more real and important than ever before.
“The way of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ has appeared more clear and excellent; and I have been moved to venture all upon Him. And I have found great peace of soul in trusting Him.” (from The Works of Jonathan Edwards: 1:clxxiii)
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