203 THE DEATH OF SAINTS IMPROVED. [SEEM. XLI. seized a bold sinner, it is a loud warning-word to all his companions. When I see such terrible examples in the course of providence, let my soul stand in awe and 'fear. " And if God has distinguished me by his Mercy, ifhe has pardoned my guilt, and sanctifiedmycorrupt nature, ifhe has made me one of his own children, and prepared me for dying, when he summons others away unpar- doned, unsanctified, unprepared, let all my powers be excited to bless the name of the Lord for .his saving lové. I was also a child of sin and wrath, but'divine grace has made the difference. It is grace that has snatched me from the very brink of the pit of hell, and is training me up for, - heaven. " And. while I adore thy distinguishing mercy, Omy God, to me, I would pity' and pray for poor heedless and regardless sinners, that are' following. one another in a dismal succession, down to the gates of death. O may their eyes and souls be awakened in their day of life and hope, lest death seize them, and send them farther down to everlasting darkness and despair ! " 13ut ifsuch lessons, as these, 'may be derived from the death of sinners, howmuch more benefit may be drawn- from the dying hours of a sincere christian, especially if his heart be strong, and his faith lively ! Here, I see the gospel of Christ in some of its power and glory, when I see a christian under all the weak- nesses and languishings of nature, meeting death with- out terror, and overcominghis last enemy by the blood of the Lamb. I see the saint all serene and peaceful, even in the agonies of dying nature, and amidst the sor- rows of lamenting friends. He has heaven in view, and he bids farewell to earthwith holy joy Shall 'I not imitate the faith and holiness of his life, which laid a foundation for so peaceful and glorious a -death ? Do I not feel my soul a little more weaned from the world, since such a pious friend has left it ? Has not death -lost some of-its frightful appearances, since L have actually seen it con- quered ? Do I not feel my heart' panting and breathing toward the society above, -since I have another friend gone thither ; Does it not seem a more easy thing_to me to lay down this tabernacle, to part with flesh and blood, and to venture into those unseen regions, since I. have beheld m'y fellow-christian go before me ? He has made vommoll111
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