CHAPTER VIII.

DEATH.

Our little history is drawing to its conclusion, and like every other earthly thing, the end of this also, must be connected with decay and death. For, from the moment that sin entered into this world, which was created "very good," God resolved that every object we behold should have vanity written over it, while the whole race of man became subject to this law, "Dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return." GEN. iii, 19. Thus all persons, whatever their character may be, are liable to be afflicted with pain and sickness, as well as other sorrows, neither "

can the righteousness of the righteous deliver him at all.”

As the creator maketh His sun to shine on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust, so likewise in regard to sufferings and death, "one event happeneth to all." The day of separation and reward is not yet. The psalmist therefore, observes, that the wicked are often most prosperous, and "come into no misfortune like others; " while on the other hand it is no less true, that "many are the afflictions of the righteous," and sometimes even on purpose, that the trial of their faith may be found unto praise and honor and glory, at the appearing of Jesus Christ." 1 PET. i, 7. We must be careful therefore "to judge nothing before the time," but wait, and "the day will declare it." Meanwhile, we may sometimes behold with wonder the faithful Evangelist, Henry Martin, or the first blessed martyr, St. Stephen, closing their earthly course in the midst of such painful circumstances, that we cannot help exclaiming, "what hath sin wrought!" Yet, upon serious reflection we shall conclude, that in the departure of a sinner from a sinful world, even though that world be redeemed, and that sinner saved, it is

right their should be remaining obscurity. This is not the region of light and purity; Heaven is the state where "there shall nothing enter that defileth," and where "we shall see face to face, and know even as we are known." As therefore in a ship wreck, the pious and profane may sink alike into the waves; so when any plague or general sickness visits a country, we find that it carries off persons of all ages, and all conditions. The destroying angel slew 70,000 persons, without distinction, when the sin of David the king fell in judgment upon the people: and as all men are sinners, so all may justly suffer, under any general calamity.

That form of pestilence usually called Cholera, visited the town where this good woman dwelt: and while there were some, who by there intemperance prepared the way for this disease, and died miserably; she also, the sober, righteous, and godly, was smitten with the same fatal sickness. As soon as it was known that the pestilence was upon her, it was proposed to inform the Clergyman. This she positively declined; and

no persuasion would induce her to allow any one to acquaint him with her dangerous illness. Her humility, forgetfulness of self, and carefulness for others, which was so remarkable in her life, attended her even in the hour of death. Though she knew that this good man went to visit the sick and dying, and was constantly attending those afflicted with the very disease, yet she persisted that his life was too precious to be exposed to so great a risk; and she said, others needed his service more, perhaps, than she did; and especially at that time of danger and death. In this she followed the example of the son of God: even while the agonies of the cross were upon Him, His whole mind seemed to be employed about the honor of His father; He recalled His will and used His word. Christ also from the midst of the terrible sufferings of approaching death remembered His poor mother, and recommended her to the care of the Apostle. He did not neglect even the miserable men, who were engaged in his crucifixion; and some of his last words were prayers for them, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."

I.

This was then perhaps a better proof of her state of peaceful hope, than many of the signs which some might have desired more. And if it should seem to be regretted, that we have thus been deprived of the benefit of knowing how such a Christian would die, perhaps it may be well to reflect, that she was in the hands of one who sees more clearly than we can do, what is for the best. She has been permitted to teach us by her life, which is far more useful and satisfactory, than what she might have said and done a few hours before she left this world.

There is often too much written and said about the last words and feelings of a poor feeble creature, whose mind and body may both probably be weakened by disease. If persons were more careful how they lived, it would not be necessary to think so much about how they die. It requires much knowledge of Scripture, and large experience to form a right judgment on such occasions. Persons of strong nerves, and naturally high spirits, may be expected to appear in a very different state of mind, from those who have