Consolation in Life and Death, Derived from…

JOHN, Chap. xiv. Ver. 19. "_And because I shall Live_, _ye shall Live also_. "

AMONG the many awful charges brought against backsliding Israel by the prophet Isaiah, this was reckoned not the smallest. "The righteous perisheth, (sleepeth) and no man layeth it to heart; and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous are taken away from the evil to come. " The day of life -- of the world -- and the professing church -- is far spent -- the sun is going down over the prophets -- the birds are hastening home -- the labourer returning -- the substance of religion declining, and the shadows of it are stretching out. With these solemn reflections, well may we entreat the company and presence of the dear Redeemer, as the disciples did. Abide with us, for it is towards evening, and the day is far spent; the removal of the Lord's people from us, although it is their salvation, and affords peculiar joy to the surviving spiritual friends and relatives that have been eye and ear witnesses of their peaceful end; yet demands attention, reflection, self-examination, and solemnity of mind. When God strikes he demands an hearing -- when he knocks by his messengers, affliction and death, it is -- that we may open the door, receive the message, detain the messenger, and enquire for what purpose he is sent. For the Lord's voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name; hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it. I consider, therefore it is our duty to pay attention to this present affliction, for the loss of a spiritual friend, a pious and steady member of the church, an affectionate wife, a kind mother and a good neighbour. Although it is her eternal gain, it is a grief and affliction to us; but I trust that this, as well as every other appointed trial, was sanctified for us in the eternal covenant of grace, and as an evidence of it, produce in our minds its suitable effects.