[April 13th, 1856.]
Death is the dissolution of the body, the separation of the soul from its earthly tabernacle.
I. Death is not natural. It is a penalty. If there had been no sin, there had been no death. Life had been immortal either here or hereafter.
II. At death there is a separation entirely from the world. The dead are the departed, the verewigte. The body is reduced to dust.
III. The soul, 1. does not cease to exist. 2. It does not become unconscious. Its eternal destiny is immediately decided.
IV. The souls of the righteous are, 1. Made perfect in holiness. How, we need not ask. 2. They do immediately pass into glory. This is proved, (a.) from Scripture, Christ’s declaration. (b.) Paul’s experience. (c.) Lazarus in Abraham’s bosom. (d.) Christ’s argument against the Sadducees. (e.) The universal belief of Christians.
V. Preparation for death is preparation for what is to take place at death.
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We must be prepared to give up the world and all that it contains; friends, professions and pursuits.
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To meet God in judgment. To give an account of the deeds done in the body.
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To enter heaven. Therefore we must be regenerated.
VI. The death of the young should teach us not only our constant liability to death but to live while we live, to do all we can for the glory of God and the good of men.
Death and the future state are insoluble mysteries to the heathen. 1. Reason can decide nothing with certainty as to the fact of the future state. The natural instincts of our nature are in favor of it. And hence the mass of men have always believed in it. But science presents many difficulties; and hence scientific men, if not Christians, as a common thing, disbelieve it. 2. Reason can determine nothing as to the nature of our future existence. Hence the great diversity of opinions on this point. The Scriptures alone dispel the gloom which rests on the tomb. Christ has brought life and immortality to light.
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