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THE GRAVE OF TABITHA.

ACTS ix. 36, 37.

Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and alms-deeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days that she was sick and died.

THERE are few occasions more solemn or impressive, more affecting or instructive, than the funeral of a Christian. We meet together in the house of prayer, not for the purpose of praising the dead, but of benefiting the living while each individual, having death thus brought before him, is called upon to prepare to meet his God. May this purpose be fully answered while we are engaged in paying our last tribute of es

teem and respect, of gratitude and affection, to one who was lately on earth, but is now in heaven, who was then with us, but is now with God. For, sure I am, that if permitted from the realms of bliss to behold the solemnities of this evening, it will afford her more pleasure to learn that one sinner was brought to God, than to find that you esteemed her character and blessed her memory.

Allow

me, then, to direct your attention to the words of the text, in the humble hope that the consideration of this concise but interesting portion of Scripture biography may, through the Divine blessing, be the means of leading some wanderer into the paths of God's commandments; and of exciting such as through grace have believed, to a greater degree of diligence in following those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Notice here concerning Tabitha,

I. HER CHRISTIAN PROFESSION

disciple.

II. HER ABOUNDING CHARITY

of good works and alms-deeds.

III. HER SICKNESS AND DEATH
was sick and died.

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We are first to advert to

I. HER CHRISTIAN PROFESSION-a certain disciple.

To be a disciple of Jesus, is a great and distinguished privilege; however lightly it may be regarded by a thoughtless world. To be admitted into that state of grace wherein believers stand, by virtue of their union with their living Head, this, indeed, is real happiness, it is the commencement of life eternal; for this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.

These considerations, no doubt, afforded to the mind of Tabitha great support and encouragement, when, with a trembling heart, she first ventured to profess her dependance on the crucified Redeemer. It is more than probable, that some of her friends and relatives would endeavour to dissuade her from joining herself to a society of persons, so despised and persecuted as the Christians. For, let it be remembered, that the religion of Jesus was then principally professed by the poor and illi-. terate. Whatever might have been the

momentary struggle, or whatever the pain she felt in displeasing her connections and kindred, of this we are assured, that impediments were broken through, and difficulties overcome, till, at length, Christ being deliberately chosen as her Master, and the saints as her brethren, she was numbered with the Church, even with those who had obtained like precious faith, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.

This language may be unintelligible, and must be so, to such as are unacquainted with experimental and practical godliness. And yet, if there be an important moment in the life of a rational and accountable being, who is to live in conscious happiness or conscious woe for ever, it is that moment when he comes to the full determination to become a disciple of the meek and lowly Saviour. It is a moment which angels welcome, in which the Redeemer rejoices, while the Church militant adds another faithful soldier to her ranks, and the Church triumphant prepares for him a seat in the mansions of felicity and glory.

My brethren, have you, thus deliberately

and decidedly, cast in your lot among God's people, and enrolled yourselves among the disciples of Jesus? Yes! thanks to Almighty Grace, some of you have. You have chosen the better part, and it shall never be taken away from you: you have taken the Lord for your God, and he has taken you for his people. You often lament that you are not more conformed to your Saviour's image, and more devoted to his service. But you never have repented of your choice, or expected again to find happiness in the poor beggarly elements of the world.

Το you, beloved in the Lord, however poor, however afflicted you may be, to you I address myself as my friends and my brethren. May you never be ashamed of your blessed Master, or of your fellow-servants, in the kingdom and patience of Jesus! May you ever walk in the light as He is in the light and have fellowship one with another. May the blood of Christ cleanse you from all your sins! His grace support you under all your sorrows! His power defend you in all your dangers! His love impel you to all holy obedience, and His intercession sustain you when

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