suggested. The organs of speech, feeble and broken, still utter the triumphant challenge,- O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? And when articulation fails, and the mortal strife subsides, the serenity of the spirit leaves its last impression upon the placid countenance, solemn and beautiful even in death. ry saint is not blessed with the same tranquil departure: but the same security belongs to all, and the same recompense awaits them. The sun may set behind a cloud, but his brightness will be undiminished when he rises in the morning.

Eve

The death of a servant of God discovers the hastening of all things to their consummation. The universe was constructed as the theatre of redemption. The fall of man, foreseen, and permitted in consistency with the freedom of his nature, was provided for before it occurred, the provision being announced in the very sentence which passed in judgment against him. From that hour, all events have tended to one common issue: the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.' Time brings the heirs of heaven, in succession, to cross the stage of this grand theatre; and death conducts each, in his turn, beyond the sphere of mortal vision. The spiritual and eternal world becomes enriched with the spoils of this transitory state. The successions of time must cease, and the ge

nerations of the righteous must come to a termination. In the mean while, heaven is filling; and the operations of death accelerate the completion of the plans of providence and of grace, and prove, by their rapidity, that the end' is fast approaching. Then shall the building itself be taken down; 'the heavens, being on fire, shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat: the earth also, and the works that are therein, shall be burnt up.' 'Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.'

The death of a servant of God is calculated to produce the happiest influence upon the minds of survivors. St. Paul contemplated such an influence, when he said, 'For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.' As a Christian, he lives and dies to the divine glory, and for the benefit of others. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.' And Paul was anxious to exhibit this truth in his own person and character. According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also, Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death.' It admonishes- The time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; and they

that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; and they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.' It consoles But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.' It stimulates— For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep,' whether we live or die, 'we should live together with him.' It establishes-'For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.' It animates For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.' We therefore behold the death of a servant of God with solemn emotions, but not with dismay.

Thirdly, The text exhibits one of the most sublime spectacles in the world-God himself pro

nouncing the eulogy of his servant, Moses, my servant, is dead.' Observe, in this condescension,

1. The readiness with which he recognises the services of his people. He mentions them in terms of affectionate regard, without adverting to their deficiencies. He not only accepts that which is performed; but applauds that which is only intended. Though he prohibited David from building the temple, he approved his purpose, and said, 'Thou didst well that it was in thine heart.' In our actual duties, what imperfections attach to our most holy services! What defects of temper, and infirmities of motive, as well as feebleness of execution! Yet, notwithstanding, he deigns to acknowledge and to reward them. In giving the recompense, we have still further evidence of his grace. The services which he recognises, were done, so far as they were at all efficient, by his own imparted strength: yet he receives and requites them as though they were our own! The beautiful character of divine goodness to which St. Paul refers when he speaks of the dedication of property to the cause of religion, and which appreciates the offering according to the ability, is equally applicable to the whole of our duties, of every description. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.' The service can plead no merit, and advance no claims; for even the Psalmist said,

My goodness extendeth not to thee:' but it shall be graciously received, and amply rewarded-the motive being always regarded. Every man shall be recompensed according to his work.' Consider,

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2. The importance of his approbation. This alone remains, when all human applauses are unavailing. In the ear of the dying man, flattery loses its influence-the magic effect which never failed in the hour of life and ease to accompany 'the voice of the charmer,' is destroyed for ever. At the grave, the herald proclaims the style of the deceased over the regardless corpse, breaks his staff of office, and consigns the body to commingle with its kindred dust. At the last tribunal, an approving world has no suffrage-the destiny is fixed by the righteous Judge, upon the immutable principles of eternal truth and justice; and neither rank, nor property, nor age, nor sex, nor nation, nor profession, nor fame, nor talents, nor acquirements, can be heard in bar of judgment, nor can reverse the sentence. The friendship of the universe cannot counterbalance the divine displeasure-while the approbation of God alone is sufficient to compensate for the censures of the universe. But there shall be no such issue: whatever human opinions are now, it shall then be acknowledged, that all his works are truth, and his ways judgment.' Contemplate,

3. The eternal fame which he affixes to their character. His gifts are immortal. Earthly titles