DEATH A GAIN TO THE CHRISTIAN 
 A SERMON 
 
 COLTON 
 
iiiilN 
 
 3 1924 104 01b \£-^ 
 
 CORNELL 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of tliis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
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 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924104015122 
 
DEATH A GAIN TO THE CHHISTIAN. 
 
 SERMON, 
 
 BELIVEHED AT MONSON, DECEMBER 31, 1823. 
 
 AT THE INTEBMEST Or 
 
 ^m^« mw^^iirsik m^^^ 
 
 TH£ wife Oi 
 
 REV. ALFRED ELY, 
 
 BY SIMEON COLTON, 
 
 PBIHrCIPAK IK MOirSOK ACAD£MT. 
 
 Published by deiire of mourniog friends. 
 HARTFORD : 
 
 PRINTED BT GOODWIN & CO. 
 1824. 
 
SERMON. 
 
 PHILIPPIANS, i. 21. 
 
 lOB ME TO LITE IS CHRIST, ABS TO DIE IS GAIN. 
 
 J. HERE have been few more devoted servants of the 
 Lord Jesus Christ than the Apostle Paul. Nor have we many 
 examples, that more clearly illustrate the temper and 
 constancy of the christian character, than those which the 
 history of this extraordinary man affords. The passage I 
 have selected for a text, will lead us to consider what were 
 his feelings in a time of affliction, and what were his views of 
 death in relation to the pious. It is a part of an epistle which 
 he wrote while a prisoner at Rome — written in answer to a 
 message which he had received from the Philippian church, 
 sent for the purpose of expressing their sympathy, and 
 extending relief to his necessities. Through him who acted 
 as the messenger of the church in delivering this epistle, 
 the apostle learned that the disciples at Philippi had experi- 
 enced much anxiety on his account. In answering their 
 episde, therefore, after having commended their constancy, he 
 proceeded to speak of his own condition ; and in describing 
 this, he gave them to understand that though a prisoner, he 
 had many reasons for rejoicing. Through his bonds, he had 
 been furnished with an opportunity of preaching Christ in that 
 place. Many had listened to his discourses, and some, he 
 had reason to suppose, had been converted. Thus his trials 
 had been overruled for good, and his imprisonment had been 
 made the means of promoting the great purposes of the 
 ministry. He was determined, therefore, to endure his 
 
sufferings with patience, that Christ might be honored ; i'or 
 to honor Christ was his greatest concern, and to enjoy him, 
 the sum of all his desires. 
 
 " For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." The 
 amount of this expression is that though his trials were great, 
 yet he was not destitute of comfort, nor would he complain. 
 The sentiment which the text contains is obviously this ; 
 that it is the aim of the christian to glorify and enjoy God 
 while he lives, and as furnishing him with a better opportunity 
 for this, it is gain to him to die. 
 
 In further prosecuting this subject, I shall follow the order 
 suggested in the text, and consider 
 
 I. What is imphed in the phrase, " For me to live is Christ." 
 
 II. Enquire how death is the believer's gain. 
 
 In the first place, we will attend to the phrase, " For me 
 to live is Christ.'' This expression suggests two particulars 
 for consideration. First, it is the desire of the christian 
 while he lives to glorify God. This was eminently true of 
 the apostle Paul. Subsequent to his conversion, the advance- 
 ment of the Redeemer's kingdom occupied his undivided 
 attention. As violent as he had been in persecuting while an 
 enemy, so zealous he was in defending when he became a 
 friend. Of the truth of this remark, every candid person 
 will be convinced, who attentively reads the history of hi* 
 life. In whatever he did, even to eating and drinking, the 
 glory of God was the end in view, But this trait in the 
 apostle's character is a trait not peculiar to him. That the 
 aim and desire of every real christian is to glorify and enjoy 
 God, needs not a labored argument for proof. Evidence 
 may be gathered from his life, his actions, his exertions in 
 endeavoring to bring others to a knowledge of the truth. The 
 language of the real christian is, " Whom have I in heaven 
 but thee, and there is none on earth I desire beside thee." 
 It is the wish and the endeavor of the christian in all things to 
 imitate his Master. Whether laboring as a minister, a misr 
 sionary, or endeavoring to excite others to acts of benevolence, 
 
the aim is to honor God. Nor let it be thought that this 
 trait of character is to be found only in those who occupy a 
 pubHc station. There are many devoted servants of the Lord, 
 whose virtues are unnoticed amid the glare of worldly gran- 
 deur. Would you learn their excellence you must follow 
 them to the walks of private life ; visit them in a season of 
 affliction ; observe their deportment in the domestic circle ; 
 go with them to the family altar, to the closet ; mark their 
 fidelity to their household, and their attention to the wants of 
 the needy among their fellow men. You must note their 
 integrity, their scrupulous regard to the rule of right, and 
 their fear lest in any way God should be dishonored through 
 their means. Many such devoted servants of the Lord there 
 are. They may now live unnoticed in the world, but here- 
 after they will shine as brilliant stars in the kingdom of 
 heaven. 
 
 The second suggestion which the former clause of our text 
 presents for consideration, is that christians in every condition 
 of life find enjoyment in religion. Men unacquainted with 
 the nature of rehgion, are often heard to speak of it as having 
 a tendency to diminish the amount of enjoyment. They 
 acknowledge it is important, because it is required ; but yet 
 have no just conceptions of its real character. Under the 
 influence of this prejudice, they regard religious men as 
 restrained in a sort of honorable confinement : forbidden by 
 the character they bear to partake in the ordinary pleasures 
 of life. But how little do people of this description under- 
 stand the nature of the subject on which they venture so 
 freely to decide .'' For whether we judge of the character of 
 religion from the sacred page, or from the effect it actually 
 produces in hfe, no opinion will be found more distant from 
 the truth. " Godhness has the promise of the life that now 
 is, as well as that which is to come." Religion, aside from 
 what it secures beyond the grave, is valuable as the means of 
 augmenting present enjoyment. " Peace," says our Saviour, 
 •' I leave with you, my peace I give unto you." '< The 
 
kingdom of heaven is not meat and drink, but righteousness, 
 and peace, and J07 in the Holy Ghost." " Wisdom's ways 
 are pleasantness, and all her paths ai'e peace." 
 
 Equally clear is it from a consideration of the nature of 
 religion, that its tendency is to increase the amount of enjoy- 
 ment; for what more than this assists in controling our 
 unholy passions, in alleviating our sorrows, in soothing a 
 troubled mind, and in bearing with calmness the burdens of 
 life ? 
 
 We are not, however, confined to such arguments alone 
 for proof. A slight examination of facts will lead to the 
 same result. Where are any to be found, who know so well 
 what enjoyment is, as zealous and devoted christians .'' And 
 how often has it happened that the change wrought by grace 
 has been the means of producing a change from a state of 
 wretchedness, either external or internal, to a state of high 
 enjoyment.'' A person of eminent piety, speaking on this 
 subject, has left this testimony respecting himself : " When I 
 lived in the world, I thought I knew what pleasure was ; but 
 smce I obtained a hope, I find I knew nothing about comfort, 
 or joy." " There is more comfort," adds another, " to be 
 taken in religion in one hour, than I ever took in all my life 
 before." Christians, it is true, are not all able to speak in 
 such exalted terms of their spiritual slate. Many have seasons 
 of great depression, and there are some who seem to be 
 always in a sort of " bondage tlirough fear of death." But 
 taking life as a whole, who are there that have so much real 
 enjoyment as christians, notwithstanding their occasional 
 doubts and fears .'' There may indeed be seasons when they 
 are in great despondency. A dark, and in their apprehen- 
 sion a portentous cloud, may shut from them the last glimmer 
 of light ; but if the sun is hid, it has not set. Through his 
 collected influence the cloud will disperse, and again we shall 
 behold the splendor of a delightful day. 
 
 Worldly people, governed by a perverse taste, may consider 
 leligion as a burden ; but a christian, whose taste accords 
 
with the duties required, finds no enjoyment equal to that of 
 serving God. His mind is tranquil, because the plan of the 
 divine government is such as he cordially approves. " Every 
 creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused." Whether 
 he meditate on the works of creation, or take a view of the 
 dealings of Providence, he finds much to comfort him, and 
 awaken the gratitude of his soul. That God governs the 
 world is a matter of pleasure ; and that he governs it as he 
 does, is a ground of peculiar satisfaction. But in the plan of 
 redemption, taken in all its parts, the christian finds a subject 
 on which he cannot but dwell with delight. Every part of 
 this stupendous work afibrds him satisfaction in the contem- 
 plation. Considering himself as a captive redeemed from 
 sin, he reflects with astonishment on what has been done. 
 A prisoner set at liberty ; a criminal rescued from merited 
 punishment ; and by whom has it been done ? Who paid 
 the ransom ; who opened the prison doors ; who stayed the 
 execution of justice .'' It was Christ, my Saviour, my Lord 
 and my God ! What exquisite pleasure must the christian 
 experience while such a train of thought is passing through 
 his mind .'' Let it not be said this is an imaginary picture — 
 a character without existence. To form an accurate opinion 
 of the christian, you must know the state of his heart, — you 
 must listen to his aspirations when communing with his 
 Maker in secret, undisturbed by the cares of the world, and 
 aloof from those who would entice him to sin. It is not in 
 the bustle of a crowd that you can best learn the christian's 
 character, or the measure of his comfort. Fruit of such 
 excellence grows not in a soil so barren. There is excellence 
 in the christian, which is too pure to be mingled with the 
 rubbish of the world. He has sources of comfort, also, with 
 which the world is utterly unacquainted. He possesses the 
 peculiar art of extracting pleasure from pain, and of deriving 
 comfort even from his trials. In every act of chastisement, 
 he beholds a display of mercy ; and consequently an occasion 
 for thankfulness. Every child of grace can say, " For me to 
 
8 
 
 live is Christ." To glorify God is his earnest desire ; and 
 under the influence of this desire, there is no state in which 
 he does not find comfort in reHgion. 
 
 But though it is thus the aim of the christian to glorify 
 God, and enjoy him in life, yet as rendering this opportunity 
 for glorifying and enjoying ^^ira more complete, it is gain to 
 him to die. This brings me to the 
 
 Second part of my subject, " To die is gain." This part 
 of the text suggests this important enquiry : Why is death a 
 gain to the christian .'' The answer to this enquiry may pro- 
 perly be considered under several particulars. 
 
 Death is a gain to the christian, in the first place, because 
 it releases him from the trials, and sorrows of his pilgrimage 
 state. Man in the present world, is in a state of probation. 
 He has been endowed with rational faculties — he is made 
 accountable, and is destined to immortality. All the circum- 
 stances of his existence are so ordered as to develope his 
 character, and prepare him for the process of the judgment 
 day. It is for this reason that he is made subject to infirmities 
 and pains. It is for this reason that events are continually 
 occurring, which are designed to exert a powerful influence 
 on his feelings and conduct. The pain thus produced, is in 
 many instances severe, and sometimes so severe, that life 
 itself becomes a burden. Nor are trials found among those 
 only, who are strangers to God. They form a part of the lot 
 of the christian in common with others. But the christian, 
 though conscious that submission is a duty, finds it difficult 
 always to control himself. How much gratification, then, in 
 the hour of distress, must he derive from the reflection, that 
 the time is soon coming, when he shall no longer need cor- 
 rection, and when he shall be released from sin, and from 
 pain. This will happen at death. An end will then be put 
 to all sufiering. From that time, " God shall wipe away all 
 tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, 
 neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more 
 pain, for the former things are passed away." 
 
Who then will doubt, Aat, as the christian is to gain such 
 a release from trouble, 'death is to him a gain ; and especially, 
 as this state of suffering, is to be succeeded by an unchangea- 
 ble state of felicity ? What exquisite pleasure does the thought 
 afford, that after being tossed upon this tempestuous sea of 
 life, there is a haven of rest, where trouble shall be unknown, 
 and where there shall be nothing to disturb our enjoyment ? 
 But if in anticipation there is so much pleasure, what, think 
 you, must be the felicity of those who have crossed this sea, 
 and, standing upon the opposite shore, can look back on the 
 trials through which they have passed, and the dangers they 
 have escaped ? And how much will their enjoyment be in- 
 creased in that new state of existence, by the remembrance 
 of the conflicts, the pains, and the trials they have endured ; 
 from all of which, they have by death gained a release ? 
 
 Death is a gain to the christian, in the second place, because 
 it releases him from the remaining corruptions of nature, 
 which in his pilgrimage state, occasion him much distress. 
 Believers, it should be remembered, are sanctified but in part, 
 while in a state of probation. At death, all remaining unho- 
 liness is taken from them ; and when again at the resurrection, 
 the soul and the body are united, "Corruption puts on incor- 
 ruption, and death is swallowed up in victory." But while 
 the believer tabernacles in the flesh, he is called to pass 
 through many severe conflicts, arising from the remains of 
 depravity in the heart. Frequently, through the power of 
 these internal enemies, he is thrown into the greatest distress ; 
 his hope forsakes him, he stands in his own estimation, a 
 wretch undone, a sinner too great to be forgiven ; he abhors 
 himself, and in the bitterness of his soul, exclaims " O wretch- 
 ed man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this 
 death ?" When, he earnestly enquires, shall I be set free 
 from this wicked heart ? When shall I be cleansed from these 
 vile affections ? When shall I be permitted to serve God 
 undisturbed by these enemies of my soul .'' Death terminates 
 
 the struggle. Then what grace has begun, grace completes. 
 
 2 
 
10 
 
 Eveiy euemy is slain, and the believer stands complete in the 
 moral likeness of God. Clad in the robe of victory, he 
 admires that goodness which has thus wrought out salvation 
 for his soul. What a glorious change ! And what, O christian, 
 can be more animating, than the prospect of deliverance from 
 your spiritual enemies — those enemies that in your present 
 slate, are constantly harrassing your soul and disturbing your 
 peace ? Such a deliverance, death accomplishes, and thus it 
 is the believer's gain. 
 
 Death is a gain to the christian, in the third place, as it 
 ushers him into a state of endless felicity. That the soul of 
 the good man, at death, enters immediately into a state of 
 rest, need not be argued in this place. It will not, probably, 
 be questioned by an individual here present, whether the day 
 of quitting the world is not the day of entering the Paradise 
 above. To him, therefore, who has an interest in Christ, 
 death is the cause of unspeakable gain. In that event, he 
 changes a world of sin, temptation, and trial, for a state of 
 eternal joy. His work is then done, his labors are ended, 
 and he enters to receive the reward, which the Lord, the 
 righteous judge, hath prepared for them that love him. From 
 that time, he stands complete in holiness and happiness — 
 happy in the society of the redeemed, and happy in the 
 enjoyment of God. How vast the difference in the state of 
 the beUever, before and after his death ! In his pilgrimage 
 state, he is troubled by " fightings without aad fears within." 
 Waves of sorrow often overwhelm his soul, so that in the 
 judgment of worldly men, he is considered of all others th« 
 most miserable. But death entirely changes the scene. The 
 believer's felicity then becomes complete. Every circum- 
 stance exactly accords with his wishes. The employment in 
 which he is engaged, the society with which he is united, 
 are such, as in every respect agree with his inclination. He 
 ■ has entered upon a state of rest ; a rest from sin ; a rest from 
 the trials of an unholy heart ; a rest that accords with every 
 desire of his soul. 
 
11 
 
 Haviflg thus considered a few of the suggestions of the text, 
 we will now pass on to some general remarks that flow from 
 the subject. 
 
 1. The subject leads us to consider the value of religion, as 
 the means of promoting our comfort in the present life. Were 
 ihere no existence beyond the grave ; were the benefit of 
 religion confined entirely to the state in which we now live, 
 its value ought, notwithstanding, to secure to it a proper respect. 
 As furnishing the best directory for controlling our passions, 
 regulating our temper, exciting in us benevolent affections, 
 and as afibrding us the best rules of life, it is of the highest 
 importance. It is religion only, which can give efficiency to 
 the obligations of men, which can secure us friends, and en- 
 stamp a value on the enjoyments of life. By this, the rugged 
 path of life is smoothed, death is disarmed of its terrors, and 
 even the grave is made desirable. Did our enjoyments ter- 
 minate with this life, there are no means by which we could 
 add so much to the stock, as by a due attention to religion. 
 A religious man is of all others, furnished with the most 
 effectual means of securing happiness. As far as religion 
 prevails, happiness is secured. Were all religious, all would 
 be happy. Their duty would coincide with their wishes, and 
 every circumstance of their existence, would conspire to 
 promote their felicity. 
 
 2. The subject leads us to consider what ought to be the 
 feelings of the christian, in reference to his continuing to live 
 in the world. As it is essential to the christian character, that 
 there be a willingness to quit the world whenever God shall 
 call, so it is equally essential, that there be a willingness to 
 remain so long as it is the divine pleasure to direct. This 
 part of the christian's duty and character, was well understood 
 by the apostle, whose words I have used as a text ; and the 
 feelings he manifested in relation to the duty, indicate a per- 
 fect acquiescence in the will of God. Though he considered 
 it better to go hence, and be with Christ, yet he expressed 
 no desire that his appointed time should be hastened, but 
 
12 
 
 esteemed it a pleasure to perform his duty in his station till 
 his Master should see fit to release him. Such are the feel- 
 ings of every real christian, as far as grace prevails in the 
 heart. Nor would he be excusable, were any thing short of 
 this found in his life. Were the christian doomed to perpet- 
 ual misery in this life, as the condition of his future felicity, 
 there might be a plausible reason for wishing the time to be 
 short. But, though attended with trials, he is not of necessity 
 miserable. On the contrary, he is furnished with an antidote 
 capable of converting all his trials into so many means of 
 benefit. He has, therefore, no good reason why he should 
 wish his time of probation shortened. And no real christian, 
 will, for a moment, suffer himself to complain that God 
 requires him to live so long in the world. On the other hand, 
 he w"ill deem it as much a duty, to be willing to live till his 
 appointed time shall come, as to go when that has arrived. 
 And while he lives, he will endeavor to employ his time, so 
 that God may be glorified, and his own enjoyment secured. 
 Though it be his lot, in accomplishing this endeavor, to pass 
 through a furnace of aflSiction, he will not regret that he exists, 
 nor ask to be released till the appointed hour has come. 
 
 3. Though the christian is satisfied to live through his 
 appointed time, yet the thought of the approach of death will 
 rather afford him pleasure than pain. The apostle Paul has 
 furnished us an example of the feelings I have here ascribed 
 to the christian characteK , " For I am in a strait betwixt 
 two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is 
 far better." The same feelings exist in every christian to a 
 greater or less extent, as divine grace prevails. To be willing 
 to live should be considered not only a duty, but a pleasure ; 
 and yet as furnishing a better opportunity to glorify God, the 
 christian will consider it gain to die. He regards death not 
 merely as the termination of a desirable state of existence, but 
 as the means of introducing him into a state still more desir- 
 able ; — a state of perfect felicity. Viewed in this light, death 
 loses its terror : the hour of dissolution is anticipated with 
 
13 
 
 (-■omposure of feeling, and the approaching messenger is 
 greeted with a welcome. Not unfrequently have christians 
 had such animating views of their state, that they have been 
 able in the expiring moment triumphantly to exclaim, " O 
 death, where is thy sting ! O grave, where is thy victory !" 
 
 4. The subject we have been considering, is calculated to 
 afford much consolation to the surviving friends of such as die 
 in the Lord. Though it is painful to bid adieu to an affec- 
 tionate friend ; though a deep and durable wound is inflicted 
 on the survivor ; yet the thought that this same friend has 
 by means of death been released from the cares, the pains, 
 and sorrows of this world, cannot fail to afford consolation, 
 amid the lonely hours which the righteous dispensation of 
 Providence has produced. While we mourn under the loss ; 
 while nature refuses to be silent ; this same friend, whose 
 absence we deplore, disencumbered of every burden, is 
 uniting with the redeemed in heaven in a song of everlasting 
 praise. How precious, how consoling the thought ! And 
 who can be so indifferent to the,welfare of his departed friend 
 as not to derive comfort from the consideration of the happy 
 exchange that has been made .'' While we entertain a hope 
 that our friends are sharing in the felicity of heavenly beings, 
 it would certainly be a most unreasonable desire that they 
 should again return to this world of temptation and trial. 
 And if this hope is strengthened by the testimony of a godly 
 life, how much must the pain of separation be mitigated by 
 the reflection that while we have sustained a loss, this loss has 
 been the cause of so much gain to them. We indeed mourn, 
 but they rejoice ; we grieve, but they are beyond the reach 
 of pain. " Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of 
 his saints." God has chosen them as his friends ; they are 
 to be his companions — to live and reign with him. Death is 
 but the messenger he employs to release them from the 
 world, and introduce them to himself. Th6ir- Work done, it 
 is time for them to be released ; and their removal is but to 
 introduce them into a state where they may receive the reward, 
 
14 
 
 which the Lord, the righteous Judge, has reserved for all 
 who have faithfully kept his commandments. 
 
 Having thus attended to some suggestions arising from our 
 text, you will naturally expect that I make a mof e immediate 
 application of the subject to the present occasion. We have 
 been summoned together in this place, to pay the last sad 
 office of friendship to the remains of a fellow mortal ; — an 
 event which demands our solemn attention. God has come 
 nigh to us ; he has touched us in a tender part, but we niay 
 not complain, for he has an undoubted right to do as \\e 
 pleases. That we have sustained a loss, will not be ques- 
 tioned ; but we trust that what has occasioned a loss to us, 
 has brought gain to our departed friend. 
 
 In offering you a sketch of the life of her whose loss we 
 deplore, I am restrained from saying much by a regard to the 
 wishes of the deceased, who, in her last moments, made this 
 particular request, that little should be said concerning her. 
 A due regard, however, for the living, seems to demand that 
 a suitable tribute of respect be paid to her memory ; nor, as 
 I trust, w^ill this be considered inconsistent with the spirit of 
 her request. 
 
 Mrs. LuciNDA Ely, whose remains we are this day to 
 commit to the grave, was the daughter of Hon. Timothy 
 iVewel, late of Sturbridge. She was born February 6th, 
 1781. The period of her childhood, her course of eduQation, 
 and her character in private life, I shall, in confoymity with 
 her desire, pass in silence. It is with her character as a 
 christian, that we are more particularly concerned. And in 
 examining this, it is a matter of gratification that there is so 
 much which can be approved, and is worthy of imitation. 
 Connected with such things as are common in most christians, 
 there were not w^anting traits of character more peculiar to 
 herself. Possessing considerable vigor of mind, she was 
 accustomed to examine with care the subjects that were 
 presented to her for enquiry ; and she rarely gave her assent 
 to any point, before she had thoroughly considered the 
 
15 
 
 evidence adduced in its support. This habit was as common 
 in religious, as on other subjects. Her opinions on religious 
 subjects were of course not merely those of education, or of 
 trust, but were the result of a conviction, produced by a 
 careful examination. Her attention was particularly arrested 
 to the subject of religion about the year 1809. Her impres- 
 sions at that important crisis were not those of a sinner 
 suddenly confounded by the dazzling glare of the light of 
 divine truth ; nor those that overwhelm, and then leave the 
 soul in despair ; but they were such as are wrought in a 
 mind prepared by divine grace to receive gradually things as 
 successively presented to the view. Conviction on one 
 subject begat attention on another, till finally the darkness of 
 nature gave place to the light of divine truth. Her mind, as 
 is common in such cases, was much occupied with the doc- 
 ti-ines of the Bible. These, she examined with much care ; 
 and the result was a firm conviction of the truth of that system, 
 which comprises what have been more peculiarly denominated 
 the doctrines of grace. In this system she was fixed, believ- 
 ing it to be peculiarly calculated to impress upon men a sense 
 of their dependence, and to exalt the character of God. In 
 accordance with these doctrines, she founded her .lope of 
 salvation entirely on the mercy of God, through the merits 
 of Jesus Christ. Having become established in her mind 
 respeqting the doctrines of the Bible, and having obtained a 
 hope that she had become experimentally acquainted with 
 the truth, she made a public profession of religion, and was 
 united with the Congregational church in Sturbridge, in 
 March, 1810. In this connection she continued till after her 
 marriage with Rev. Mr. Ely, when she removed her relation 
 to the, church in Monson. Since her residence in this place, 
 though she has been much afflicted with sickness, few will 
 question her usefulness, either in her family or in society. 
 To her children, it is not too much to say, that she has been 
 an afiectionate and tender mother, and to her husband a 
 devoted companion. Her state of health has for some time 
 
16 
 
 past forbid her taking an active part iu the public concerns of 
 society, but her feelings have ever been united with those 
 who have been laboring to do good. To the great benevolent 
 objects of the day, she was much devoted. Her heart was 
 gladdened, when she heard what was doing for Zion, and 
 she cheerfully contributed her influence as well as property, 
 to promote the general concern. Her general deportment as 
 a christian, was such as to carry convincing evidence that she 
 was a child of God. If, in her religious experiences, you have 
 not seen the blaze of the meteor, you have seen that which 
 isequallyas convincing, the steadily increasing light, "which 
 shines more and more unto the perfect day." During the 
 long protracted sickness, which closed her earthly existence, 
 she endured her trial with exemplary patience ; and during 
 the latter part more especially, she appeared to feel what is 
 expressed in our text ; that while " it is Christ to live, it is 
 gain to die." A deep sense of her own unworthiness, and of 
 the evil of sin, as committed against a holy and merciful God, 
 have been the prevaiUng impressions of her mind. Having 
 for a considerable time entertained little expectation of a 
 recovery, she has spent her time, apparently, in endeavouring 
 to be prepared for that change through whi*h she has been 
 called to pass. Her conversation and general deportment 
 have for some time plainly indicated an impression that she 
 must bid adieu to the world. She spake much of her sins — 
 her ingratitude — her short-comings in duty ; and has earnestly 
 sought forgiveness for the past, and assistance that she might 
 be more devoted to God throu;^ h the remaining moments of 
 life. Her anxious desire has appeared to be, entirely to 
 renounce the world, and to devote her time exclusively to 
 the preparation necessary to meet her Judge. 
 
 To her surviving friends and acquaintance, it mustbe not 
 a little gratifying that to the last moment she enjoyed the full 
 exercise of her reason ; and that, as she approached nearer 
 to the final hour, her hope became more comforting, and that 
 she experienced the gracious and animating presence of her 
 
17 
 
 Saviour in the last conflict, and left the world with such entire 
 willingness to " go hence and be with Christ." 
 
 With the mourning friends, the occasion demands the 
 expression of our sympathy. 
 
 My beloved Brother — The cup from which you have been 
 called to drink is full of sorrow. You will not doubt that I 
 feel deeply interested in your case, and that you share largely 
 in my sympathy in your trials. The event which places you 
 a mourne.r before us at the present time, sumjnons me to the 
 recollection of scenes that are full of sorrow.* I know your 
 pain, I can tell all your grief. Full well I can estimate your 
 sad and disconsolate situation. Sad and lonely will be your 
 hours ; often will nature break over the restraints which grace 
 may impose, and vent itself in sighs and tears. Gladly, dear 
 Brother, would I minister to you the consolation your situation 
 demands ; gladly would I remove your grief were it in my 
 power ; but it is the Lord who has wounded, and he only 
 can heal. But let it not be thought amiss if I remind you 
 that you are a man — professedly a christian — a Minister of 
 the gospel. And may we not say to you, ' Remember the 
 counsel you have so often been called to minister to others 
 under similar trials, and look for consolation in that religion 
 you have professed to embrace. The loss you have sustained, 
 we know is great, but unspeakably greater, we trust, has been 
 the gain to your friend. And will not the thought tiiat she is 
 released from pain, and, as we trust, enjoying unalloyed 
 felicity, afford some mitigation to your grief in your discon- 
 solate hours i But you are a Minister, set for a guide and 
 example to others. To you will the eyes of your people be 
 turned to see an example of that patient submission you have 
 so often urged upon them. And fdr your encouragement, 
 remember the precious promises of Him, who worketh all 
 things agreeable to the counsel of his own will. 
 
 The children, and other surviving friends of the decea:sed, 
 
 •The author was called to bury an amiable and beloved wife about two years 
 and a hajf ago. ^ 
 
18 
 
 will accept the expression of our sympathy on this mournful 
 occasion. May that divine Being, who directs all things in 
 wisdom, verify to you that precious promise made to his 
 friends, that all things shall work together for their good. 
 
 The members of the Church in this place will consider 
 this event as the voice of God addressed to them. The 
 direction is, " Arise and trim your lamps, for behold the 
 bridegroom cometh." One after another of your number is 
 taken, while i^w are coming forward to fill their place. 
 Ought you not then to consider this event as a solemn call to 
 you to be up and doing, lest when the bridegroom cometh 
 you be found slumbering and unprepared ! 
 
 My brethren and friends of the assembly usually worship- 
 ping in this place — I present to you on this solemn occasion 
 your beloved Pastor and Minister under a load of affliction. 
 Often has he mingled his sympathy with you under similar 
 trials, ministered to your consolation in affliction, and borne 
 you in his arms to a throne of grace. He now stands before 
 you to ask for a return of sympathy, and for an interest in 
 your prayers. His trials have been many and severe. You 
 have before this accompanied him to the grave, following 
 the remains of a companion and of children. He now bleeds 
 again, and again he raises his voice to you in the affecting 
 language of distress, " Have pity upon me,- O ye, my friends, 
 for the hand of God hath touched me." And give me leave 
 to say, that his future usefulness among you as a Minister, 
 depends much upon your kindness and faithfulness to him 
 under his trials. You expect that he will be to you an 
 example of patient submission. But you will remember he 
 is a man, subject to the same infirmities with yourselves. 
 Permit me then to commend him to you, as one whose case 
 demands your commiseration. Nor think it amiss that I 
 remind you of the peculiarly trying situation in which your 
 Minister is placed. He has a family of young and tender 
 children entwining around him, demanding his constant atten- 
 
19 
 
 tion. He has come to a period in life when nature begins to 
 shrink from a heavy burden ; and when, peculiarly, domestic 
 friends are needed to minister to comfort. Under these 
 circumstances, you will not, I trust, forget your obligation to 
 him. Particularly let me urge you to remember him at a 
 throne of grace. It is divine grace only that can support him, 
 and it is only by divine grace that he can rise above, and 
 profit by these trials. As you value him, as you sympathise 
 with him, as you wish him hereafter to be useful among you, 
 pray for him. Remember also that the event so afflictive to 
 your Minister is a loud warning to you. The language of 
 Providence is, " Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as 
 ye think not, the Son of man cometh." 
 
 Brethren in the Ministry — This day adds another witness 
 to the many already furnished, that man is mortal, and that 
 Ministers are not exempt from the trials of life. While we 
 mingle a tear of sympathy with our afHicted brother, let us 
 not forget how uncertain are all our enjoyments. Our friends 
 are constantly bidding us adieu. Immortal beings, whose 
 spiritual welfare has been entrusted to us, are constantly 
 passing on to the judgment seat to bear witness to our fidelity, 
 or neglect of duty. We, like others, are in a state of trial, 
 and like others we must expect a share of afflictions. Some 
 of us have been called already to drink of the bitter cup, and 
 all have been reminded that we are not to place our affections 
 too strongly upon worldly enjoyments. Let it then be our 
 earnest prayer, that this admonition we have now received, 
 may pEoduce a salutary effect upon us, exciting us to greater 
 watchfulness and vigor in the discharge of duty. 
 
 The people of this assembly will, I trust, consider the event 
 which has occurred, as the voice of God to the living. The 
 time of our life is short. We know not what a day may 
 bring forth. Our years hasten as a tale that is told. Death 
 will soon overtake us, and our account will be sealed up to 
 the great day. Our condition will then be unalterably fixed. 
 
20 
 
 Let all then be persuaded to attend to the admonition which 
 this day presents ; that when we shall stand on the verge of 
 the grave, looking back, we may say, " It has been Christ for 
 as to live, and it is gain to die."