Chengtu, Szechwan, China,
Feb. 7th 1921.

Dear Aunt Ida, Uncle Henry and all,-

Just a short time ago we had the sad news from mother that Edith had gone hone. It was most unexpected as we had not heard that she was at all sick. She was always so big and strong that it seems almost impossible to realize that she has gone. Our hearts ache for you all, and it does seem as if some have more than their share of this world's sorrows. But I do not need to remind you of our Christian hope of a life of happiness to come, we cannot but feel more strongly the greatness of our Father's promises. To the Chinese God is not a loving Father, but a malignant spirit which has to be appeased by gifts and pacifices, so that he will not harm them. They have no such promises as "Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many dwelling places. If it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you that where I am there ye may be also". or "God himself shall be with them, and be their God; and he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain any more: The first things are passed away."

And so we can do nothing to make Edith's going seem easier, but to remind you of what you know already, namely that God does love us, his children, that he is our Father, and that, "To them that love God all things work together for good." Sometimes it is hard to see, but it is true, and at last we may all meet again. That is the joy and comfort of the Christian hope.

At present we are in the midst of our annual coucil which corresponds to conference in Canada and our friends are here from other stations. Over sixty families of our mission are now in Chengtu. Some of the problems before us are very difficult, but we trust to be able to find a solution under our Father's guidance.

We are all well. The Twins are tiny bits of humanity, and only 13 pounds each at eight months old, but they are well and we hope will grow. Myrtle is gradually coming back to her former strength of body and mind.

Myrtle is going to add a little. Again we would express our heartfelt sympathy in this second great loss which you have sustained so recently. With love to all.

As ever,
Fred

P.S. I have left this for some time hoping Myrtle would add a note but her little family keep her busy. She says I am to tell you that she thinks of all the same.