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which have removed from me my dearest earthly friends. I live in an ever-changing world, and I am sensible that I partake of its mutable character. Lately was I in the fulness of health, and little dreamed of the change which was to bring me to the seclusion of the sick chamber. By this am I solemnly reminded of that still greater change which awaits me, and which is to terminate my connexion with all earthly objects. How momentous will be that change which will lay my body in the dust, and restore my soul to God who gave it! Can I realize it? Can I form any conception of the transition which will bring me into the immediate presence of the most High? Aside from the pains of the dying strife, how august the scene which will then burst upon my view!

A God enthroned, the judgment-seat prepared, the books opened, and myriads of angels in attendance ! Where then shall I appear? Among the redeemed, or among the lost? The change must come; no human power can prevent it; shall I not then await it with full expectation of its approach? To wait for it is not only to expect it, but to be prepared for it. Blessed Jesus, thou alone canst make it a joyful event to my soul. Clothed in thy spotless righteousness, I may have boldness in the great day of the Lord. mated by supreme love to thee, I may rejoice in the change which will bring me into closer communion with thee; and sustained by thy hand I can pass cheerfully through the valley of death and smile at its ter

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rors, which will be disarmed and dissipated by thy glorious presence.

XIII.

"To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise." Luke xxiii. 43.

The malefactor to whom these gracious words were directed by the Lord, had probably never seen Christ, or heard of his claims to the Messiahship, until he found himself in his company on Calvary. Then was he convinced by witnessing his meekness in suffering, and probably by the words which fell from his lips, that he was the Son of God. He accepted the gospel plan of salvation on its first presentation, and in faith offered the prayer, which was so promptly and graciously answered. How sweetly must the

words have sounded in his dying ears! What a mitigation must they have afforded to his dying agonies! The promise of his Redeemer was a healing balm to his soul. His trans

ition was to be from a cross to a crown, from the ignominious scenes of Calvary to the glories of Paradise! A few more convulsive throes, and then there would be sweet rest and unmingled enjoyment. This day-yes, this day, which he had, a few hours before, regarded as the day of his deepest degradation and most painful suffering, was to be the season of his glorious exaltation. Happy man, whom others esteemed. most unhappy; thy sins are forgiven, thy Saviour is at thy side, and under his safe conduct thou art to enter into the celestial paradise. Blessed Saviour, may my soul hear the

same announcement on the day of its departure. The cross will be cheerfully borne, when the crown is in sight, and no pains or terrors shall affright me, if thou manifest thy presence, and assure me that with thee I shall inherit the Paradise above.

XIV.

"I am the resurrection and the life." John xi. 25.

The beloved Lazarus was dead, and his heart-stricken sisters wept over their loss. They had a Friend on whose sympathy they had calculated, and who was now on a visit to them in their afflictions. So confident were they in his power, that they believed he could have averted the stroke that bereaved them, had

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