times experience, in reference to the events of the present life, inasmuch as Christ's power over death implies a corresponding power over life and its affairs, it is equally fitted to fortify our minds for the last struggle of nature, since it assures us that Christ will then be present with us. In the very article of death, it gives us comfort. For, hath the Redeemer the keys of death? Then he presides over that dark passage which leads from this world to the next; his power does not terminate with our present life; it extends from the world. which is smiling in the cheerful light of day, to that mysterious passage which lies amidst the sepulchres of the dead, and which, to our imperfect vision, is shrouded in impenetrable darkness. We know not the secrets of that passage. We cannot know what it is to die. The mind may then have views and feelings of which it is impossible for us at present to form any conception; for who shall attempt to describe what may be passing in the soul when the tie that binds it to the body is breaking, and nature is undergoing dissolution? And what renders that scene still more awful is, that we die alone,-alone we enter on the dark valley. Friends and family may stand around our couch, and watch the progress of dissolution; but they cannot accompany us, neither are they sensible of what we feel, nor able in any way to help or deliver us. The spirit departs alone; and in that awful hour of separation from human fellowship, in that solitude of death, when, placed on the verge of the invisible world, we know that all behind. must be forsaken, and are ignorant of what may meet us as we advance, oh! how consolatory to reflect, that death itself is subject to the Redeemer's power,-that he watches over the dissolution of his people, and keeps his eye, not only on the busy scenes of life, but also on the secret mysteries of death. Yes, "precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." There he is, where most we need a friend and comforter, standing at the gate of death, with absolute power over every enemy that can assail us, and with unquenchable zeal for our welfare. Dark, then, as the passage is, and unknown as are its dangers and pains, surely we may venture to commit ourselves into his hands, and to say with the Psalmist, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me;" for, says the Apostle, "all things are yours, whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or life,—or death." As Christ has the key of the invisible world at large, so hath he the key of each ward or department—the keys of heaven and of hell. Hath he the key of hell? Then, knowing as we do, that there are rebellious spirits of great subtlety, and power, and malice, and that they are sometimes permitted to go about as roaring lions, seeking whom they may devour, we might have many an anxious fear, lest, in the dark hour of death, some such should be watching for the spirit, when it ventures alone into the invisible world; but "precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints,"-to that death-bed the watchful суе of the Saviour is directed; he can and will restrain the malice of our enemies; and his promise is, that "whoso believeth on him shall never come into condemnation," and that "none shall pluck them out of his Father's hand." And hath the Redeemer the keys of heaven,-that blessed asylum of purity and peace, where, in the midst of his redeemed, the Saviour himself dwells? Then, in the hands of our best friend, one who is pledged to us by the sacredness of his word, and by the shedding of his own blood, in his hands is the power of admitting us;-and will he shut the door against us?-he who, for the opening of that door, descended from heaven to earth, and whose prayer was and is, "Father, I will that they whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory?" No; the door of heaven is thrown open for the reception of his penitent and believing people. Even now is he "preparing a place for them in his Father's house, where there are many mansions ;" and thus will he receive and welcome them, on their departure hence: "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you,”"well done, good and faithful servants, enter ye into the joy of your Lord." BUCHANAN. SCRIPTURAL SELECTIONS. HE that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death.-Ps. lxviii. 20. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.-John, v. 22. As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.-John, xvii. 2, 24. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.-Rev. ii. 7, 10. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God; and I will write upon him my new name. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Rev. iii. 5, 12, 21. "I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE." JOHN, XI. 25. DEAD in sin, and deep in shame, Kindle, Lord, a vital flame; Bid the clouds and darkness flee, Bid me rise and rest in thee Raise me, Saviour, Raise to all eternity. Breathe into this soul of mine Life eternal, life divine; Slay these passions, fierce and rife, Conquering Saviour, Thou the victory art and life. Free from sin-from Satan free; Let my life be hid with thee; Send thy seraphs from the skies, Seal this living sacrifice Risen Saviour, Ceaseless let this incense rise. O'er the silence of the tomb, May celestial vigour bloom; When the world dissolves in fire, Then in robes of light attire Then, O Saviour, May I join the immortal choir. |