"neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb "which is in the midst of the throne shall feed "them, and shall lead them unto living fountains "of waters; and God shall wipe away all tears "from their eyes."-Should the inquiry be made concerning those who died in a more ordinary way; we may ask, Was not their end peace? Perhaps some were not triumphant in their dying hours; nay, supposing a case which seldom occurs to the upright servant of Christ, perhaps they were even troubled with fears, and oppressed with darkness at the closing scene. But did they not, even in this case, emphatically testify, 'None but 'Jesus can do helpless sinners good?' Other ' refuge have I none?' Had they any other fears, thian lest they should come short of his salvation? Did they not regret that they had not more honoured and served him? Did they not exhort others, as far as they could, Be warned by us, redouble your diligence, your earnestness, your fervency in prayer, your simplicity of dependence, and your zeal for every good work?'

In general, however, (indeed the exceptions are exceedingly rare,) the faithful conscientious Christian, or pastor, though perhaps startled at the first sensible approach of death, yet, having arisen and trimmed his lamp, soon recovers his confidence and, while the powers of decaying nature admit, seldom fails to commend Christ and his salvation and service to all around him; and to

Rev. vii. 14-17.

rejoice in the speedy prospect of being delivered from sin and temptation, and admitted into the presence of his beloved Redeemer.

Assuredly your deceased minister was no exception to this rule. A letter, written to a friend, after he supposed, as he said, that his Master was about to call him home, breathes a sweet spirit of confidence, gratitude, and admiring love; and a longing desire that all did but know and experience his peculiar consolations and felicity. And as long as he could articulate his discourse was in the same strain, and sometimes highly rapturous and triumphant. As to a few of his last days, when unable to speak, it is plain that he felt little pain from those symptoms which distressed his attendants; and it cannot reasonably excite any surprise, that, oppressed to an extreme degree by languor and torpor, he could not make it appear that the same joy in the Lord possessed his heart as before: and to lay any stress on this circumstance would be both irrational and unscriptural. Yet he did not manifest in the smallest degree any thing inconsistent with this happy state of mind ; nay, it was evident that he wished to express his satisfaction to those around him, though he was unable to make them understand him.

I am confident, however, that there is not one person in this numerous auditory, who, allowing that after death there is a state of perfect happiness or misery, deliberately doubts of the complete happiness of our deceased brother; or, who would hesitate to say, Should I die this night, let my soul be with his. Let this, my brethren, instruct and animate you in following his faith.

V. I shall add a few words on the other verse, rendering it," Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, " and to day, and for ever." It will not be expected that, at the close of a sermon, any thing adequate can be said on so comprehensive a text; but a few hints may not be unappropriate.

The church has lately lost some of her faithful shepherds but the great, the good, the chief shepherd still liveth; and "because he liveth" his true disciples "shall live also." The priests of Aaron's race were not permitted " to continue, by "reason of death;" and the case is the same as to the most eminent pastors of the Christian church: but our great High Priest is " the same yesterday, "and to day, and for ever; and " is able to save "to the uttermost all them that come to God by "him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession "for them."-" Put not your trust in princes, nor "in the son of man, in whom there is no help. "His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his "earth, in that very day his thoughts perish.”1 But that Son of man, who is also the Son of God, though he expired, yet he rose again; all his thoughts of love, and all his precious promises, shall be established, and "blessed are they who put "their trust in him."

It sometimes happens that ministers" who have "run well," are strangely hindered and changed; and even those who regard them as their spiritual fathers can only weep over them and pray for them but Jesus is the same unchangeable Saviour and Counsellor throughout all generations.

Ps. cxlvi. 3, 4.

'You,' the apostle would have said to the Hebrews, you have witnessed the martyrdom of Stephen, and the more recent martyrdom of James the apostle, and the decease of other Christian pastors. You have seen how Jesus strengthened, supported, and comforted them; and you do not doubt that, when they breathed their last, saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit," he actually did receive them to himself, and that where he is, there they are also. Fear not, therefore," Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever;" and, when your time shall come, he will strengthen, support, comfort, and receive you also.'

In more common cases, you, brethren, have perceived that his grace has eventually proved sufficient for his servants in life and death; though they had at some times distressing fears, and were grievously harassed, nay foiled by their enemies. You do not doubt that they conquered all through Jesus, and by depending on his grace: doubt not then, while looking to him, that his grace will render you also conquerors over every enemy and temptation. You too may say, "I can do all "things through Christ who strengtheneth me:" why then should you not, even at present, "glory " in your infirmities" and trials, that the power of "Christ may rest upon you?"

σε

Remember that Jesus" holds the stars in his right hand." He sends forth ministers; he qualifies, upholds, and prospers; he stations and removes them; by his light they shine; in his strength they are strong; and by his grace they are successful. They fulfil his will, and finish their testimony; and then he takes them home to himself,

and they "enter into the joy of their Lord." This gracious unchangeable Saviour sent you one of his faithful ministers, when few of you knew knew your need of the blessing, or were disposed duly to value it. He hath, in a course of years, made many of you sensible of the immense value of the gift, and of the heavy loss sustained by you, now that it has been withdrawn: and perhaps some are ready to say, 'It can never, no never, be made up to us.' But remember that "Jesus is the same yesterday, " and to-day, and for ever." He hath all hearts in his hand; he openeth and none can shut. He can raise up, and qualify, and station among you another pastor" after his own heart." What he hath done, he can again do. Is his hand shortened? Do not limit him. He "waiteth to be gracious." Seek then this blessing by fervent, combined, and persevering prayer: wait on him, and wait his time: be not impatient; and "do not despise "the day of small things," or the youth of any pious minister whom God may send among you.

If, my brethren, you thus "wait on the Lord," humbling yourselves for every failure, of which you are conscious, in improving by the advantages hitherto vouchsafed you; I doubt not that you will say in the event, “O Lord, I will praise thee; "though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is "turned away, and thou comfortest me."

In fine, Jesus, when on earth, sought the lost, instructed the ignorant, encouraged the brokenhearted: he " did not quench the smoking flax, "nor break the bruised reed:" he received and saved the vilest who sought to him. But he frowned on the self-wise Sadducee and the self-righteous