punishment. O think of this, ye that forget GOD; think of this, and repent! The Saviour of the world still allows you to hope for mercy; but lose not an hour, for this hour may be your last. And may they, whose hearts are not thus hardened, consider how necessary it is to guard against this dreadful state by constant watchfulness. No man who goes out to his work in the morning, is sure that he shall return at night. No man who lies down to rest at night, is sure that he shall ever see the light of another day. What manner of persons, then, ought we to be? With these things strongly impressed on our hearts, let me again entreat you to watch over your own souls, and never to sleep without endeavouring to be reconciled with GOD. If we do this, we need not dread the pestilence that walketh in darkness, nor the arrow that flieth at noon-day; for whether we live or die, we are still in the hands of that protecting Saviour, who will be our guide unto death, and after death will receive us to glory.

The best support of the Christian in the hour of trial is the remembrance of the death of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. We shall find in the account of that event, given by all the Evangelists,

a pattern of all that is great and noble; and an example, which, as far as the weakness of our nature will permit, we must humbly endeavour to imitate. We are told that our Saviour earnestly prayed to GOD; and, having done so, went forth to meet his persecutors. Through all the sufferings which followed, he was patient and resigned. His tenderness for his parent and his friends appeared in his last agonies. His compassion for the unhappy man who suffered with him, was expressed by a promise that he should be with him in Paradise. His forgiveness of his murderers appeared in his last prayer, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!" Then having completed the work for which he came into the world, he resigned his soul to GOD, and said, "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit!" and having said this, he gave up the ghost.

This is the glorious pattern which we must. try to imitate; and in order to do so, we must, while we are in health, prepare for a change which cannot be long delayed. I have already observed, that the best preparation for death is a good life; and the man who faithfully serves GOD, and trusts in the merits of his Saviour, will be always

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ready when he is called. But if age or sickness point out to us the near approach of this great event, let the pious Christian collect all his strength to meet it with firmness, and let him pray for support to that Almighty Deliverer, without whose assistance our strength is but weakness. Let him to the last show kindness to his friends, and let him freely forgive his enemies. Let him ask the assistance of a clergyman to pray with him, and to administer the holy sacrament. Before he receives it, let him humbly confess to GOD the sins of his past life, and put his whole trust in his mercy through CHRIST. Then let him try to think only of the glorious change which he is soon to experience; let him call to remembrance the gracious promises of GOD; and firm in faith, and strong in hope, let him resign his soul to Him who gave it. These duties should not be left to the last hour, sufficient to that hour is the evil thereof; but however severe his bodily sufferings may be, the Christian who is well prepared, will feel the support of his GOD. In that hour the good man is often distinguished by his peculiar grace and favour. I have seen such men, nay, I have seen the tender frame of a weak and delicate

woman, support the severest sufferings, not only with patience, but with joy; happy in being found worthy to suffer for CHRIST's sake, and triumphing in the immediate prospect of an eternal reward. In general, death is not attended with such sufferings, and very frequently, I believe, it is attended with no suffering at all; but this is uncertain, and we should be prepared to endure pain with patience and resignation, at whatever part of our lives it may be sent to us, because at some part or other of life it may be expected by all. We know not the degree of pain which we are appointed to suffer in this life; but we know what is far more important, that after death dreadful sufferings are prepared for those who will not repent. Let us all consider this, and seek the LORD while he may be found.

They who as yet enjoy health and strength should not drive the thoughts of death from their minds, but endeavour to lessen its horrors by making it familiar. Let them never neglect the duty which they owe to their dying friends, on account of any pain which it may give to themselves. Many useful lessons are to be learnt in the house of mourning. Never forsake those whom duty or affection calls you to attend

at that awful moment.

Much comfort may often

be given, even at the last. When nothing else remains to be done, pray for them to Him who will never leave them nor forsake them. Remember that a dying person is often sensible of what passes around him, much longer than those who are not accustomed to such scenes would suppose. Carefully avoid shocking them by saying any thing which they should not hear; and, as long as it is possible, let them be sensible that they have the comfort of your kindness, and of your prayers. When all is over, do not try to banish the serious thoughts which such a sight must awaken in your mind. Treasure them up in your heart against your own hour of trial. I would not wish even very young persons to be always kept away from such scenes. Let them early learn to see death in the true light. This will banish vain and foolish fears. They should be taught not to be afraid of the dead; they should know there is no more danger in a churchyard than in any other place. Those who rest there, can never rise till the day of judgment. We shall go to them, but they never will return to us. A good man should learn to fear nothing except God; but young persons as well as old,