[It is surprising how little effect the death of any saint produces on the minds of survivors ; and how speedily any impression wears away. The conversation of mourners assem- bled to attend a funeral gives us a melancholy picture of the human mind, and of the extreme indifference with which tha concerns of eternity are regarded by us. But, Brethren, will death appear so light a matter when we shall have entered into the eternal world ? or is there one of us who will not wish that he had laboured far more to prepare for his great account ? I pray you, trifle not with your souls ; but know assuredly, that one soul is of more value than the whole world.]
2. Those who estimate death according to its real importance —
[You well know the true value of life. Its great use is, to prepare for death. Let every hour be pressed into the ser- vice of your God. Let every thing be valued according to its bearing on eternity. Above all, let the Saviour be dear to you. It is He who has taken away the sting of death, and authorised you to number it amongst your richest treasures. Through his atoning blood you may look forward to death and judgment with far other eyes than they can be viewed by the ungodly world. You may regard death as the commencement of life, and the very gate of heaven. Only take care, therefore, that in your experience it be " Christ to live," and then you shall assuredly and that it will " be gain to die."]