Answer

The loveliness and beauty of our children and relations, though it must be acknowledged a good gift from the hand of God, is but a common gift, and often becomes a snare; and in its own nature it is but a transitory, vanishing thing. Therefore it is no such great aggravation of the loss as is claimed.

It is but a common gift. Eliab, Adonijah, and Absalom had as lovely a presence as any in their generation. Yes, it is not only common to the wicked as well as the godly, but to animals as well as men. And for most who excel in it, it becomes a temptation — the souls of some had been more beautiful and lovely if their bodies had been less so. Besides, it is but a flower which flourishes in its season and then fades. This therefore should not be counted as so great a circumstance to aggravate your trouble.