Ver. 19.-God g1,ori,fi«J, in death. There is something startling in this language of our Lord. God is the Giver of life; and death, according to the scriptural teaching, comes by sin. In life God is glorified. Yet, as Chrietianity transmutes dross into gold, it is credible that even death may tend to the Divine glory. In the caee of Christians we can indeed see how this should be so. L THE CBBIBTIAN, IN ORDER TO GLOBIFY GoD IN DEATH, llUBT FIRST GLORIFY BDl IN LIFE. Such was conspicuously the case with Peter, with regard to whom this language wu first employed. Active energiea were consecrated to no personal end of self- advancement, but to the highest end of life. Similarly with every Christian, however lowly his position and however brief his career. The end crowns the work. He who lives well, dies well JL GoD KAY BE GLOBIFIED BY THE CBBISTIAN'S DEATH, WHETHER THAT DEATH DE NATURAL OB VIOLE1''T. In the case of Peter, the language of Jesus evidently pointed to cr.J.Cifixion u the mode of that apostle's end. And in the early age of Chiistianity there were evideut reasons why many should be permitted to seal their testimony by their blood. But then and always the highest purposes may be secured by whatever mode of dissolution Divine providence allows. And a peaceful decease, though it may be less impressive upon men, may he equally acceptable to God, and perhaps even e.1ually serviceable to survivors, as a triumphant martyrdom, lJI, THE SPIRIT IN WHICH DEATH IS MET BY CHRISTIANS IS GLOBD!'YING TO GODe This is emphatically the spirit of submission. Since men naturally shrink from disso- 1ution, a principle of especial power is needed in order to overcome this tendency. On the part of some dying Christians there is something more than patient acquiescence; there is joy e.nd even ecstasy in the prospect of being with Christ, which is far better. But even where such experience is wanting, there may be the manifestation of a truly submissive spirit. God is glorified in the patience of the saints. IV. GoD IS GLOBIJl'IED BY '.l'HE BESUJ,TB WHICH THE CHRISTIAN'S DEATH PB0DU0EB UPO~ suavivoBB. The consequences which flowed from the early martyrdoms have Leen geueraily ack.nowf.edged. It ie provtirbial that "the Uood of the martyrs is the seeu of the Church." Even persecutors have been touched by the exhibition of con- stancy, fortitude, and expectation of glory which they have witnessed on the part of sufferers. And in how many instances have children traced their new and holier life to tlie dyiug confe11Bion and victory of their Christian parents ! Christ's death was the ou. XXI, 1-1!5,] '£HE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN. 521
llfe of the world; 11.nd the de11.th of his followers is ever fruitful of spiritual an,l immortal good.-T.