sanctified his soul, divorced it from the love of sin, and united it firmly to the love of virtue and holiness, cries to him when his last hour approaches, "I will come again, and receive you unto myself." It has been Christ to him to live; it must be gain, and therefore comfort to him now to die. O death where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory? Death comes not to affright him with apprehensions of punishment, as the hand writing on the wall terrified Belshazzar in the midst of his atheistical revel: but as the final struggle approaches, he is supported with the consolations of that promise, When thou passeth through the waters I will be with thee, and through the rivers they shall not overflow thee. Occasionally indeed, death may alarm, when he cannot injure, and the Christian sun may set in clouds, to rise in glory. But generally the effect of righteousness will be quietness and assurance, living and in death. He who passes a life of faith, and usefulness, and holiness, like the admirable Hooker, will usually be permitted to adopt his language at the approach of death. 'I have long been preparing to leave this world, and gathering comfort for the dreadful hour of making my account with God, which I now apprehend to be near, and though I have by his grace loved him in my youth, and feared him

in my age, and laboured to have a conscience void of offence to him and to all men, yet, if thou, O Lord, be extreme to mark what I have done amiss, who can abide it? And therefore where I have failed, Lord, shew mercy unto me; for I plead not my righteousness, but the forgiveness of my unrighteousness, for his merits who died to purchase a pardon for penitent sinners. I am at peace with all men, and God is at peace with me; from which blessed assurance I feel an inward joy which this world can neither give nor take away.' Keep innocency therefore, and take heed to the thing that is right; for that shall bring a man peace at the last. Be followers of them who through faith and patience have inherited the promises: and a gracious God for his Son's sake, whom you have loved and served in the gospel, will enable you to say, with him whose earthly work and expectation were accomplished, when he held the infant Redeemer in his arms, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.

IV. The dying moments of Moses were distinguished by EARNEST ZEAL FOR THE WELFARE of Israel, anD THE GLORY OF GOD. His latest earthly hours were spent in blessing the people, and instructing his successor Joshua in the arduous duties of his distinguished office. No

envy lingered in his heart, and mingled its bitterness with the trial of approaching death. Praise for mercies given to the tribes of God, prayer for mercies needed by them, and holy anxiety, that when he was himself removed, his mantle might fall upon Joshua, and with it a double portion of his spirit, were his dearest sentiments and employments. His mind was principally in heaven; but all its human feelings were identified with the delightful work of saving Israel. Like the angels on the mysterious ladder of Jacob's vision, he had often ascended to heaven in prayer, on behalf of the people of God, and descended thence a messenger of mercy, pardon, long-suffering, and love. And should that holy zeal now droop and languish into a cold indifference, because he was about to leave them? Or in humble imitation of the incarnate Redeemer, whom he typified, having loved his own, was it not natural, that he should love them to the end, and desire their happiness, their righteousness, their salvation, when he should himself be a saint with God in heaven? Long had it been his meat and drink to do the will of the Most High; and the promotion of Jehovah's glory is even now his last earthly refreshment. And surely, every one that truly loves, and is beloved of God, will be like minded with the leader of Israel. A Christian knows,

that he has passed from death unto life, because he loves the brethren. He knows, that every one who loveth him that begat, loveth him also that is begotten of him. Does this holy affection to the author and finisher of his faith deepen and increase, the nearer he draws to that hour, when it shall be consummated in the glory of heaven? It does indeed. He rejoices in the prospect, that others shall enter into his labours, and advance the kingdom of Christ over the hearts of men, when his body is sleeping in death, and his soul reposing from its accomplished warfare, in the rest of heaven. How shall a Christian, passing into immortality more fitly bear testimony to the felicity of religion, than by endeavouring to make it known, appreciated, and loved through all the coming ages of the Redeemer's church? How shall a Christian, so awfully circumstanced, refrain from commending to others the blessings which have been the power of God unto his own salvation? The angels above are "ministering spirits sent forth to minister unto them who shall be heirs of salvation." They form part of that great cloud of witnesses who behold the difficulties of the Christian conflict. There is joy in their presence over every sinner that repenteth. Surely then, he who is just passing from earth into heaven to become their fellow in bliss, and a

partaker in their emotions, will be zealous for his brethren below, and for their God, even when he can no longer actively minister in their behalf. In heaven the glory of the Redeemer and the advancement of his church will be more accurately estimated, than here upon earth; and therefore a keener interest will be felt towards them by the blessed above. Shall not he then, who hath heaven in his eye, and is about to ascend and dwell with God, find his zeal enlarged and sanctified? Never will one who hath the mind of Christ enter more deeply into the spirit and fervour of that petition, "Thy kingdom come," than when he is himself to share its highest and everlasting privileges. If you would die in holy submission, in faith and hope, in peace and comfort, be zealous for your God in the day of life and strength. Bear witness to his mercy, to the easiness of his yoke, to the lightness of his burden, to the perfect freedom of his service, under all the circumstances of your earthly pilgrimage. And, when the hour of your dismission comes, endeavour to recommend the present and everlasting mercies of a holy and consistent walk with God, through faith in Jesus Christ. Any indifference here pours dishonour upon his salvation, brings discredit upon your own profession, and may tempt him to lead you, with diminished comfort, through the dark and dreary