WEST ENOSBURG, VT., DEC. 24, 1863

Dear Brother and Sister White: I have seen the painful announcement of the death of your dear Henry, and deeply sympathize with you in your affliction. I should like to see you a few moments and mingle my tears with yours, and speak a few words of sympathy. But you have many dear friends who stand by you in your affliction, and who are anxious to help you bear your burdens. And you have the Friend above all others. Oh, how He loves! He sympathized with the afflicted while on earth, and he changeth not. He has been your support, and has sweetened bitter cups in the past, and he loves you today. Blessed be his holy name!APYO 82.1

God numbers the hairs of your head, and this affliction has come upon you by permission of your Heavenly Father. He has suffered death to snatch your very dear son from your embrace for some wise purpose. Though you may not now fully understand his design, yet you are safe in saying that he does all things well.APYO 82.2

Your dear Henry sleeps in Jesus. Consoling thought! He is sealed, and you know that he will live again and put on immortality. He is freed from those temptations and trials which he would have encountered, and under which he might have fallen if he had lived.APYO 82.3

May the rich blessing of the Lord heal the wound that you have received, and may the God of all comfort, comfort you in all your tribulations, that you may be strengthened and encouraged, and comfort others with the comfort wherewith you are comforted of God.
Your brother,
D.T. Bourdeau.APYO 83.1