On the occasion of the death of a young mother, which took place not long after the first meeting in the new year.

I. How near it may be. 1 Sam. xx. 3. Job, xxi. 13.

In the midst of life we are in death.

We have had a solemn lesson. Almost the youngest in our class cut down the first.

II. The hour of death is an hour

1. Of deep solemnity.

It is a dark valley. Ps. xxiii. 4. Job. x. 21.

2. Of much regret.

Conscience awake, looks back on duties undone—things done—words spoken—words unsaid, &c.

3. Often of great suffering. Ps. cxvi. 3.

Not the time to begin to seek the Lord.

4. Of parting. Philip, i. 23, 24.

Must die alone. Must leave husband and children. They may go with you to the edge of the river, but no further.

5. Of weeping. Gen. xxxv. 18; xxiii. 2. John, xi. 31. 2 Sam. xix. 4.

6. It is an hour when Christ, and Christ alone, can save you.

Thus we pray, ‘In the hour of death, and in the day of judgment, Good Lord, deliver us.’

His rod and staff alone can help you. Ps. xxiii. 4.

He alone can take away the sting from death. 1 Cor. xv. 55, 57. Rom. viii. 38, 39. Isa. xliii. 2.

It is only if washed in His blood, and clothed in His righteousness, that you need not fear to appear before God.