SERMON C.

THE HAPPY DEATH OF BELIEVERS.

And I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. REVELATION Xiv, 13.

DEATH is a frightful enemy to wicked men. It puts an end to their present enjoyments; brings their bodies down to the grave; and removes their souls into an awful state of punishment in the eternal world. But why should pious believers be afraid? When their bodies are brought down to the dust by this last enemy, their souls are removed from all the sorrows of the present life, and are introduced into all the joys of heaven. Then let us say, with the Holy Spirit, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."

I. CHRISTIAN BELIEVERS DIE IN THE LORD.

Believers must die. The original sentence of death, as far as it relates to the body, remains in full force; for the mediation of Jesus, by which we are saved from the guilt and power of sin, was never intended to save us from the extinction of our mortal life. For "there is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war." Eccles. viii, 8. Jesus passed through the shades of death to his kingdom and glory; and we must go the same way to our reward. But let us seriously meditate on this subject, that our affections may be weaned from the present world, and that we may diligently seek those things which are above.

Christian believers die "in the Lord." They are now in him as the branch is in the vine; and he is now in them by his Holy Spirit. To this he alludes in the following passage: "He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit." John xv, 5. The union of the soul and body is dissolved by death; but the union of the soul to Christ remains unbroken in that solemn hour. Then the believer cleaves to him with purpose of heart; and he cleaves to the believer in mercy and love. This sacred union with Jesus, when the soul is departing hence, is the greatest blessing that can be enjoyed in that awful hour. It secures to the believer the support of the Almighty Saviour; it fills his soul with holy joy; it strengthens his hope; it brightens his prospects; and gives him the victory. Such a death is truly happy; and is more to be desired than all the wealth and power of this world of shadows. Ps. xxxvii, 37.

II. WHEN BELIEVERS DIE, THEY REST FROM THEIR LABOURS.

These labours refer to the persecutions of the primitive Christians. They were persecuted by unbelieving Jews, by cruel heathens, and by nominal Christians; but they were supported by the arm of God,

and when they were delivered by death, from all their sufferings, they rested with their God and Saviour. The last enemy was a welcome messenger to them, and his dark and gloomy shades were but a short passage to the regions of light and joy. Suffering times are evidently referred to in the words of our text; but all who die in the Lord, even by the hands of violence, are safe and happy. But we are not to confine this portion of Scripture to martyrs, who go to their reward from deep dungeons, tormenting racks, or burning piles; for it may be applied to all, of every age and nation, who die in the Lord. All the followers of Jesus have their labours and toils in the Christian warfare. They have to fight the good fight of faith against the world, the flesh and the devil; and they have to run a race, which requires the exertion of all their strength. They have to bear the cross after their Divine Master, including a weight of sufferings, and a heavy load of reproaches. In these labours, they should call forth all their energies; and look up to the strong for strength. When death comes, their warfare is past; their work is done; their sufferings are at an end. Their weary bodies, after all their toils, rest in the grave. Job iii, 17. And their spirits enter into that rest which remaineth for the people of God. Heb. iv, 9. How sweet is that rest! How calm and tranquil are happy souls after the storms of life! They shall no more be tossed on the billows of life; but are quiet, having gained the haven of eternal repose.

III. AFTER DEATH THEIR WORKS DO FOLLOW THEM.

Their works are various. As men, they provide "for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men." 2 Cor. viii, 21. As Christians, they honour the Lord Jesus Christ; oppose the kingdom of darkness; promote holiness; and do good to all men. And as members of civil society, they are just in all their dealings, true to all their engagements, and merciful according to their power. They instruct the ignorant; visit and relieve the fatherless and the widow; and are, according to their power, the constant patrons of genuine philanthropy.

All their works are known in heaven. "The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed." 1 Sam. ii, 3. And Jesus said to the angel of the church in Laodicea, "I know thy works." Rev. iii, 15. Believers never indulged a good thought, but what was seen in heaven; they never spake a good word, but what was heard in heaven; and all their works have been witnessed by the Judge of all the earth.

Their works do not go before them to merit heaven; but they follow after in the rewards of grace. Good men have humble views of their own works, and cannot fix their eyes with complacency on any thing they ever did; but the Lord sees with different eyes, and will reward all their well-meant works. "Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward." Matt. x, 42.

What the rewards of heaven will be, we cannot say; but they will be great and eternal. They will certainly include the beatific vision of God; the society of angels and saints; the most exalted employments; and me most blessed enjoyments. How pleasing the thought, that our good works, however imperfect, will follow us into eternity! Then let us

"work while it is day, for the night cometh, when no man can work." John ix, 4.

IV. THESE TRUTHS ARE CONFIRMED BY A VOICE FROM HEAVEN; AND BY THE WITNESS OF THE SPIRIT.

He who speaks from heaven is "faithful and true." Rev. xix, 11. Men make promises which they never intend to perform; "but the word of our God shall stand for ever." Isai. xl, 8. The beloved John was directed to record these words in a book. "I heard a voice from heaven, saying, Write." What dignity, what solemnity, what sublimity, in this voice! A voice from heaven, where all things are known; and where nothing is spoken but what will be accomplished! The words strike the soul with solemn awe, both when they are read in the sacred Book, and when they are pronounced by an audible voice! What, then, must have been the feelings of John when he heard the solemn sound, and knew it was the voice of God!

These words were recorded by John, for the benefit of the church in succeeding ages; and all who believe in Jesus may claim them as their own. Here the immortality of the soul is revealed; and the eternal blessedness of good men is confirmed. And when the flimsy productions of unbelievers are buried in eternal oblivion, these words will be realized in the blessedness of all the pious dead.

"Yea,

The Spirit, that" searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God," bears witness to the truths which are contained in this passage. saith the Spirit:" the Spirit that inspired the Prophets; that was given to Jesus without measure; that witnesseth with our spirits, that we are the children of God. The Spirit is so wise that he cannot be deceived himself; and so good that he cannot deceive us. Let us believe his testimony, without hesitation, for it is the testimony of God. Acts v, 3, 4.

That we may profit by this subject, let us seek an union with Jesus, "who is the way, and the truth, and the life." John xiv, 6. Let us abide in him, who is the true vine. John xv, 4. And amidst the toils of life, let us ever keep the end in view. Then we shall be "steadfast, unmoveable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord.” 1 Cor. xv. 58. Amen.

SERMON CI.

HOLY ANGELS SERVE GOOD MEN.

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? HEBREWS i, 14.

THE Lord God omnipotent can do every thing that pleaseth him, without the instrumentality of created beings; but he sees fit to employ instruments in accomplishing the great purposes of his Providence and

grace. Thus parents are appointed to train up children; rulers are ap pointed to watch over the church; and holy angels are "sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation."

I. BUT WHO SHALL BE HEIRS OF SALVATION?

Christian believers, who have received the Lord Jesus Christ, are the heirs of salvation. They are vitally united to him by faith and love; and they are careful to maintain good works. And the Holy Spirit bears witness with their spirits that they are the children of God; "and if children, then heirs: heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ." Rom. viii, 16, 17.

Believers are now saved from the guilt and the power of sin: for there is "no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Rom. viii, 1. They have many infirmities, and many temptations; but they have obtained mercy, and are "accepted in the Beloved." Eph. i, 6.

And they are heirs of eternal salvation. That salvation will be the consummation of all the merciful designs of God in the redemption of men; and of all the manifestations of grace and mercy in the experience of a Christian. In allusion to that, the apostle Paul says, "Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed." Rom. xiii, 11.

But great encouragement is given, in our text, to all who may hereafter believe; for the angels are ministering spirits, for all who shall be heirs of salvation, to the end of the world. Their benevolent services were not limited to the apostolic ages; but were to continue from age to age; and as long as there shall be heirs of salvation on earth, ministering angels will be sent forth from heaven to serve them by their holy ministrations.

II. HOW DO THE ANGELS MINISTER FOR THE HEIRS OF SALVATION? An angel is a messenger. This name is applied to Jesus, who is the Angel of the covenant; to Christian Ministers, who deliver messages from God to men; and to a class of spiritual and intellectual beings, who are sent forth from the heavenly world as messengers of the Lord. These pure spirits are intended in our text; and to them we shall confine our present observations.

When they were created we know not. It might be when our world was made; or it might be millions of ages prior to that event. We know but little of their powers and properties; but it is revealed that they are holy; that they excel in strength; and that they do the will of God.

They are all employed in ministering for the heirs of salvation. Sometimes they may serve singly, and sometimes as a host; but are they not all ministering spirits, in one way or other? Every individual in those shining ranks, from the highest order to the lowest, is engaged, as God sees fit, in this ministration.

The throne of God is in heaven. There the angels see his face, and wait for his command; and when the command is given, they dart like lightning to the place where it is to be carried into effect: and their obedience to the sovereign Ruler is so perfect, that they neither fall short of his requirements, nor exceed their commission.

When sinners are converted to God, and become heirs of salvation, there is great joy among these celestial spirits. Luke xv, 10. Those of them who witness this happy change on earth, carry the news to heaven; and all who hear the joyful intelligence, partake of the general joy. This is a proof that their ministrations are sources of pleasure to themselves and that they feel a deep interest in the salvation of men.

They now minister for the saints in temporal things, as they did in the days of old; for what we find recorded in Scripture of their ministrations then, may be applied to their ministrations in the present day. When Elijah fled from the face of Jezebel, a woman of infamous character, he was led by an angel in the wilderness. 1 Kings xix, 5-8. And it is probable that many cases have occurred, and may again occur, in which these good spirits have used their influence to provide necessary food for holy men in seasons of extreme want. This they can do, when the Lord bids them, either by miracles, or by opening the hearts of those persons who have power to help in the time of need.

On special occasions they deliver the heirs of salvation from imminent danger. Thus an angel delivered Daniel from a den of lions; the Apostles from a prison; and Peter from the hands of wicked Herod. Dan. vi, 22; Acts v, 19; xii, 7-10. And it is expressly affirmed in holy Writ, that, "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." Ps. xxxiv, 7. Thus the angel of the Lord, with his host, attended Jacob when he returned from Padanaram to the land of Canaan. Gen. xxxii, 1, 2. And we have good reason to believe, that many narrow escapes which we have experienced from alarming dangers, were owing to the ministrations of these invisible agents; and when the particulars of these deliverances shall be made known to us in a future world, we shall bless God for these ministering spirits.

In special cases, angels have been sent forth to encourage good men, by informing them that God approved of their piety and good works. The case of Cornelius is in point. An angel of God appeared to him, and said, "Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God." Acts x, 4. And Daniel was assured, by an angel, that he was greatly beloved. Dan. x, 12. But may not these ministering spirits be directed, in some extraordinary and critical cases, to suggest to pious men, without apppearing in a vision, that they are greatly beloved in the courts above? If Satan can suggest discouraging thoughts, which is generally allowed, is it not reasonable to suppose, that good angels can counteract his malicious suggestions? But we dare not lay much stress on this subject. Perhaps we may understand it better in a future state.

It is quite certain that angels have comforted the heirs of salvation by encouraging dreams in the night season. When the apostle Paul was in danger of shipwreck, he said to his companions, "There stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve; saying, Fear not Paul; thou must be brought before Cæsar: and, lo, God hath given thee all that sail with thee." Acts xxvii, 23, 24. And many of those dreams which warn us of approaching evil and danger, are, prob