Answer

Granted what the objection supposes — that you have real grounds to fear the eternal condition of your dear relation — yet even in such a case it is wholly unfitting for you to dispute with or repine against the Lord.

I acknowledge it is a sore and heavy trial, and that there is no case more sad and crushing to the spirit of a gracious person. Their death is but a trifle compared to this. And yet, if you are one who fears the Lord, his indisputable sovereignty over them and his distinguishing love and mercy to you should at least silence you in this matter.

First, his indisputable sovereignty over them. Romans 9:20: Who are you, O man, who disputes with God? He speaks this in the matters of eternal election and reprobation. What if the Lord will not be gracious to those who are so dear to us? Is any wrong done to them or to us by this? Aaron's two sons were cut off in an act of sin by the Lord's immediate hand, and yet he held his peace (Leviticus 10:3). God told Abraham plainly that the covenant would not be established with Ishmael, for whom he so earnestly prayed: O let Ishmael live before you! And Abraham knew there was no salvation outside the covenant. Yet he sat down silent under the word of the Lord.

Second, but if this does not quiet you, yet his distinguishing love and mercy to you should. O what do you owe to God, that root and branch were not cast together into the fire! That the Lord has given you good hope through grace that it shall be well with you forever. Let this stop your mouth and quiet your spirit, even if you have grounds for this fear.