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XXVII. THE MOTHER'S DEATH-BED.
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 cla.s.s 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. x.x.xv. 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 G.o.d.
XXVIII. NEW YEAR'S DAY.
'I must work the work of Him that sent me while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.'-John, ix. 4.
Time _past_-is gone, thou canst not it recall.
Time _is_-thou hast, improve the portion small.
Time_ future_-is not, and may never be.
Time _present_-is the only time for thee!
Therefore,
I. _Hear to-day_. (Ps. xcv. 7.) 'See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh.'
_Exhort to-day_ your children. (Heb. iii. 13.)
_Work to-day_ (John, ix. 4) for your children's souls.
Never postpone. Jam. iv. 13. 2 Cor. vi. 2.
_Now_ it is high time to wake out of sleep. Rom. xiii. 11.
II. Because the _night_ cometh when no man can work. John, ix. 4.
The night of _your_ death-your _husband's_ death-your _children's_ death.
Perhaps this sentence has gone forth against you, or yours, 'This year thou shalt die.' Jer. xxviii. 16.
Luke, xii. 20; xiii. 7.
Mothers, _awake_! to your own, and your children's danger.
_Awake_ to the importance of safety in Christ.
Mothers, _work_! for yourselves, for your families.
'Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life.' John, vi. 27.
XXIX. FIRST MEETING IN THE YEAR.
I. Look backwards on the past year.
1. On your _sins_.
They are many-great-mighty. You need forgiveness, and Christ is _ready_ to forgive. Neh. ix. 17. Make this your prayer for the past year, 'Lord, pardon mine iniquity, for _it is great_.' Ps. xxv. 11.
On your sins towards your _husbands_. Provocation-temper-carelessness of their comfort-an unyielding spirit. Again must you say, 'Pardon mine iniquity, for it is _great_.'
