the second death g. Let us not then defer our inquiries into a subject which is of such infinite importance.]
2. That the believing of this record is the most effectual antidote against the troubles of life or the fears of death —
[If Martha had felt the full influence of these truths, she would have moderated her sorrows, under the persuasion that her loss was her brother's gain ; and that, if her brother were not restored to life, she should soon meet him in a better world. Thus in every state the consideration of these truths will afford to us also unspeakable consolation : for if we believe in Christ, and have through him the possession of spiritual, and the prospect of eternal life, what cause can we have to com- plain ; what cause to fear ? The world will be divested of its allurements, and death of its terrors. Satisfied that all events are under the controul of our best Friend, we shall commit them cheerfully to his wise disposal ; and looking forward to the day in which he will call us from our graves, we shall expect his summons with composure at least, if not also with a holy impatience. Let us then live by faith in our divine Saviour, assured that he will keep us unto eternal life, and exalt us, both in body and soul, unto the everlasting enjoyment of his presence and glory h.]
e Rev. xx. 14.
h In the place of the foregoing the following might be used : —
In considering this most remarkable declaration, we shall notice,
I. The affirmation —
This relates,
1. Partly to our Lord himself —
[" I am the Resurrection and the Life." These expressions doubtless refer in a measure to that power which our Lord possesses, and which at a future period he will surely exercise, to raise the dead. But it must principally be understood as declaring his power to restore the souls of men to spiritual and eternal life. This power he pos- sesses essentially as God ; and in his mediatorial office he has received it from the Father to be exercised for his chosen people. In them he will not only act, but live ; himself being the very life of their souls, and performing in their souls every office which the soul itself per- forms in the body ]
2. Partly to his believing people —
[There is a remarkable correspondence between the two latter, and the two former clauses of the text ; the latter declaring the operation of the power expressed in the former.
The souls that are dead he will restore to life. Only let a person who has hitherto been dead in trespasses and sins, believe in him, and immediately he shall " pass from death to life," and be enabled to perform all the functions of a child of God