righteous sentence with a willing mind.

* * * * *

Death is the perfecting of our redemption. It is the last act of
redeeming grace. When the Saviour, who says, "I have the keys
of--death," (i.e., no one can die but at the time and manner prescribed
by me,) takes us out of the world, it is to finish the work of our
personal salvation. All the circumstances attending it will be as
deliberately appointed, and as carefully watched and directed, as the
first great act of grace towards us in our regeneration. He, too, who
has provided such pastures and streams for us here, in removing us to
living pastures and to living streams, will, of course, see that we go
safely through the valley which must be passed to reach them. It will
not be a new thing to Christ to see us die. He has watched the dying
beds of millions of his friends, he has had great experience as a
Shepherd in bringing them through the valley.

* * * * *

See that chamber in yonder mansion, where all the comforts, and some of
the luxuries, of life, have contributed to prepare for some mysterious
event. The garden of Eden failed to possess such joys as are there in
anticipation, and are soon to be made perfect. Every thing seems
waiting, with silent but thrilling interest, for the arrival of an
unknown occupant. And there is raiment of needle-work, and of fine
twined linen, and gifts of cunning device, from the looms of the old
world, and from graceful fingers and loving hearts here, every want
being anticipated, and some wants imagined, to gratify the love of
satisfying them. And now God breathes the breath of life, and a living