From Burning to Burning!
The Spirit of God, in Scripture, by metaphors of all sorts of things which are dreadful unto sense - sets forth the condition of the damned, and the torments which He has reserved for them in the life to come. Hell's punishments do infinitely exceed all other punishments, that there is no pain so extreme - as that of the damned.
Look! As there are no joys which can compare to the joys of Heaven - so there are no pains which can compare to the pains of hell. All the cruelties in the world cannot possibly make up any horror comparable to the horrors of hell. The brick-kilns of Egypt, the fiery furnace of Babylon - are but as a fleeting spark - compared to this Tophet tormenting which has been prepared of old to punish the bodies and souls of sinners with. Hanging, racking, burning, scourging, stoning, sawing asunder, flaying of the skin, etc., are not to be compared with the tortures of hell.
If all the pains, sorrows, miseries, and calamities which have been inflicted upon all men, since Adam fell in Paradise, should meet together and center in one man - they would not so much as amount to one of the least of the pains of hell.
Who can sum up the diversity of torments which are in hell! In hell there is darkness, hell is a dark region! In hell there are sorrows! In hell there are bonds and chains! In hell there are pains and pangs! In hell there is the worm which never dies! In hell there is the lake of fire! In hell there is the furnace of fire! In hell there are the devil and his demons! And oh, how dreadful must it be to be shut up forever with those roaring lions! In hell there is weeping and gnashing of teeth! In hell there is unquenchable fire - everlasting fire!
O sirs, the torments of hell will be exceeding great and dreadful - such as will make the stoutest sinners to quake and tremble!
Wicked men, who are now such jolly fellows, shall one day go from burning to burning! They shall go from burning in sin - to burning in hell; from burning in flames of lusts - to burning in flames of torment!
Oh, how terrible will the torments of hell be to the damned! The torments of hell will be universal torments. All torments meet together in that place of torments. Hell is the center of all punishments, of all sorrows, of all pains, of all wrath, of all vengeance!
All the pains, torments, curse, and wrath which were due to the elect - fell on Christ, until divine justice was fully satisfied. "For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thess. 5:9). Oh, exalt that Christ! Oh, extol that Saviour, who has saved you from that eternal wrath!
~Thomas Brooks~
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Monday, July 6, 2020
What Will We Be Doing In Heaven? Won't It Get Boring If We Are There Forever?
What Will We Be Doing In Heaven? Won't It Get Boring If We Are There Forever?
The Bible does not fully answer this question, but does describe several of the eternal activities believers will be involved with in heaven. By looking at these activities, it is clear heaven will be an exciting place!!
First, we will clearly worship the Lord (Rev. 5:13), "And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, "To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" This will include worship alongside angels as well as believers from all ages and locations, from every nation and people on earth.
Second, we will feast and eat with the Lord and His people: "On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined" (Isaiah 25:6). Other passages note Jesus speaking of feasting or eating in eternity future (Matt. 8:11; Luke 22:30).
Third, we will live together with all other believers in heaven. This will include the saints of old such as Abraham, Moses, and David. How exciting will this be? In addition, it will include being reunited with believers who are parents, grandparents, spouses, children, grandchildren, and other loved ones from whom we have endured painful separation in this life. This alone is exciting enough to greatly anticipate heaven.
Fourth, we will celebrate for eternity in heaven. For those who enjoy parties, heaven will be the greatest party of all time. Revelation 19:9 and other places describe the future marriage supper of the Lamb as a time of great joy and celebration.
Fifth, we will continue to serve the Lord. Jesus affirmed the Old Testament Law that, "You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only you shall serve" (Matthew 4:10). This close connection between worship and service will continue in heaven in ways we will not fully understand until that time.
Sixth, the surroundings will be amazing. The descriptions of the new heaven, earth, and heavenly city in Revelation 21-22 provide a dazzling picture of the believer's future home, a place that should cause us to greatly anticipate living there for eternity.
~Compelling Truth~
The Bible does not fully answer this question, but does describe several of the eternal activities believers will be involved with in heaven. By looking at these activities, it is clear heaven will be an exciting place!!
First, we will clearly worship the Lord (Rev. 5:13), "And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, "To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" This will include worship alongside angels as well as believers from all ages and locations, from every nation and people on earth.
Second, we will feast and eat with the Lord and His people: "On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined" (Isaiah 25:6). Other passages note Jesus speaking of feasting or eating in eternity future (Matt. 8:11; Luke 22:30).
Third, we will live together with all other believers in heaven. This will include the saints of old such as Abraham, Moses, and David. How exciting will this be? In addition, it will include being reunited with believers who are parents, grandparents, spouses, children, grandchildren, and other loved ones from whom we have endured painful separation in this life. This alone is exciting enough to greatly anticipate heaven.
Fourth, we will celebrate for eternity in heaven. For those who enjoy parties, heaven will be the greatest party of all time. Revelation 19:9 and other places describe the future marriage supper of the Lamb as a time of great joy and celebration.
Fifth, we will continue to serve the Lord. Jesus affirmed the Old Testament Law that, "You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only you shall serve" (Matthew 4:10). This close connection between worship and service will continue in heaven in ways we will not fully understand until that time.
Sixth, the surroundings will be amazing. The descriptions of the new heaven, earth, and heavenly city in Revelation 21-22 provide a dazzling picture of the believer's future home, a place that should cause us to greatly anticipate living there for eternity.
~Compelling Truth~
True Patriotism!
True Patriotism!
Dear Friend, Allow me to say, that it excites both my wonder and concern, that a Christian minister such as yourself, should think it worth his while to attempt political reforms. When I look around upon the present state of the nation, such an attempt appears to me, to be no less vain and foolish, than it would be to paint the cabin - while the ship is sinking! Or to decorate the parlor - while the house is no fire!
When our Lord was upon earth, He refused to get involved in disputes or politics, "Friend, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?" (Luke 12:14). "My kingdom is not of this world! If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight!" (John 18:36). God's children belong to a kingdom which is not of this world; they are strangers and pilgrims upon earth, and a part of their Scriptural character is, that they are the "quiet of the land." (Psalm 35:19).
satan has may contrivances to amuse people, and to divert their thoughts from their real danger!
My dear sir, my prayer to God for you is - that He may induce you to employ the talents He has given you, in pointing out sin as the great cause and source of every existing evil; and to engage those who love and fear Him (instead of wasting time in political speculations, for which very few of them are competent,) to sigh and cry for our abounding abominations, and to stand in the breach, by prayers, that God's wrath may yet be averted, and our national mercies prolonged! This, I think, is true patriotism - the best way in which people in private life may serve their country.
I consider the ungodly as saws and hammers in the hand of the Lord. So far as they are His instruments, they will succeed - but not an inch further! Their wrath shall praise Him, and be subservient to His designs!
If our lot is so cast that we can exercise our ministry free from stripes, fines, imprisonments, and death - it is more than the gospel has promised to us! If Christians were quiet when under the cruel governments of Nero and other wicked persecutors, when they were hunted down like wild beasts - then we ought to be not only quiet but very thankful now! It was then accounted an honor to suffer for Christ and the offence of the cross!
Those who are to be greatly pitied, who boast of their liberty - and yet they do not consider that they are in the most deplorable bondage as the slaves of sin and satan, under the curse of God's law, and His eternal wrath! Oh! for a voice to reach their hearts, that they may know their true and dreadful state - and seek deliverance from their horrific thraldom! May you and I labor to direct them to the one thing, which is absolutely needful, and abundantly sufficient.
If I had the wisdom or influence to soothe the angry passions of mankind - I would gladly employ them! But I am a stranger and a pilgrim here in this world. My charter, my rights and my treasures, are all in heaven - and there my heart ought to be. In a very short time, I may be removed (and suddenly) into the unseen and eternal world - where all that now causes me such bustle upon earth - will be of no more importance to me - than the events which took place among the antediluvians!
In the hour, when death shall open the door, into eternity - many things which now assume an air of importance, will be found as light and unsubstantial as a child's dream!
How crucial then is it for me - to be found watching, with my lamp burning, diligently engaged in my proper calling! For the Lord has not called me to set governments right - but to preach the gospel, to proclaim the glory of His name, and to endeavor to win souls! "Let the dead bury their own dead - but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God!" (Luke 9:60). Happy is the servant whom his Master finds so doing, when He returns!
As you have forced me to respond - both duty and love have obligated me to be faithful and free in giving you my thoughts.
I recommend you to the care and blessing of the great Shepherd and Saviour; and remain for His sake, your affectionate friend and brother,
~Letters of John Newton~
Dear Friend, Allow me to say, that it excites both my wonder and concern, that a Christian minister such as yourself, should think it worth his while to attempt political reforms. When I look around upon the present state of the nation, such an attempt appears to me, to be no less vain and foolish, than it would be to paint the cabin - while the ship is sinking! Or to decorate the parlor - while the house is no fire!
When our Lord was upon earth, He refused to get involved in disputes or politics, "Friend, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?" (Luke 12:14). "My kingdom is not of this world! If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight!" (John 18:36). God's children belong to a kingdom which is not of this world; they are strangers and pilgrims upon earth, and a part of their Scriptural character is, that they are the "quiet of the land." (Psalm 35:19).
satan has may contrivances to amuse people, and to divert their thoughts from their real danger!
My dear sir, my prayer to God for you is - that He may induce you to employ the talents He has given you, in pointing out sin as the great cause and source of every existing evil; and to engage those who love and fear Him (instead of wasting time in political speculations, for which very few of them are competent,) to sigh and cry for our abounding abominations, and to stand in the breach, by prayers, that God's wrath may yet be averted, and our national mercies prolonged! This, I think, is true patriotism - the best way in which people in private life may serve their country.
I consider the ungodly as saws and hammers in the hand of the Lord. So far as they are His instruments, they will succeed - but not an inch further! Their wrath shall praise Him, and be subservient to His designs!
If our lot is so cast that we can exercise our ministry free from stripes, fines, imprisonments, and death - it is more than the gospel has promised to us! If Christians were quiet when under the cruel governments of Nero and other wicked persecutors, when they were hunted down like wild beasts - then we ought to be not only quiet but very thankful now! It was then accounted an honor to suffer for Christ and the offence of the cross!
Those who are to be greatly pitied, who boast of their liberty - and yet they do not consider that they are in the most deplorable bondage as the slaves of sin and satan, under the curse of God's law, and His eternal wrath! Oh! for a voice to reach their hearts, that they may know their true and dreadful state - and seek deliverance from their horrific thraldom! May you and I labor to direct them to the one thing, which is absolutely needful, and abundantly sufficient.
If I had the wisdom or influence to soothe the angry passions of mankind - I would gladly employ them! But I am a stranger and a pilgrim here in this world. My charter, my rights and my treasures, are all in heaven - and there my heart ought to be. In a very short time, I may be removed (and suddenly) into the unseen and eternal world - where all that now causes me such bustle upon earth - will be of no more importance to me - than the events which took place among the antediluvians!
In the hour, when death shall open the door, into eternity - many things which now assume an air of importance, will be found as light and unsubstantial as a child's dream!
How crucial then is it for me - to be found watching, with my lamp burning, diligently engaged in my proper calling! For the Lord has not called me to set governments right - but to preach the gospel, to proclaim the glory of His name, and to endeavor to win souls! "Let the dead bury their own dead - but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God!" (Luke 9:60). Happy is the servant whom his Master finds so doing, when He returns!
As you have forced me to respond - both duty and love have obligated me to be faithful and free in giving you my thoughts.
I recommend you to the care and blessing of the great Shepherd and Saviour; and remain for His sake, your affectionate friend and brother,
~Letters of John Newton~
Sunday, July 5, 2020
My Malady, My Monster, My Foe, My Viper
My Malady, My Monster, My Foe, My Viper
(A Puritan Prayer)
Before Your Cross I kneel and see the heinousness of my sin, my iniquity that caused You to be made a curse, the evil that excites the severity of divine wrath.
Show me the enormity of my guilt by Your crown of thorns, Your pierced hands and feet, Your bruised body, Your dying cries.
Infinite must be the evil and guilt which demands such a price! Sin is my malady, my monster, my foe, my viper, born in my birth, alive in my life, strong in my character, dominating my faculties, following me as a shadow, intermingling with my every thought, the chain which holds my soul captive.
Sinner that I am, why should the sun give me light, the air supply breath, the earth bear my tread, its fruits nourish me, its creatures serve my needs?
Yet Your compassion yearns over me, Your heart hastens to my rescue, Your love endured my curse, Your mercy bore my deserved stripes.
Let me walk humbly in the lowest depths of humiliation, bathed in Your blood, tender of conscience, triumphing gloriously, as an heir of salvation.
~A Puritan Prayer~
(A Puritan Prayer)
Before Your Cross I kneel and see the heinousness of my sin, my iniquity that caused You to be made a curse, the evil that excites the severity of divine wrath.
Show me the enormity of my guilt by Your crown of thorns, Your pierced hands and feet, Your bruised body, Your dying cries.
Infinite must be the evil and guilt which demands such a price! Sin is my malady, my monster, my foe, my viper, born in my birth, alive in my life, strong in my character, dominating my faculties, following me as a shadow, intermingling with my every thought, the chain which holds my soul captive.
Sinner that I am, why should the sun give me light, the air supply breath, the earth bear my tread, its fruits nourish me, its creatures serve my needs?
Yet Your compassion yearns over me, Your heart hastens to my rescue, Your love endured my curse, Your mercy bore my deserved stripes.
Let me walk humbly in the lowest depths of humiliation, bathed in Your blood, tender of conscience, triumphing gloriously, as an heir of salvation.
~A Puritan Prayer~
Friday, July 3, 2020
A Silver Vein of Sanctity
A Silver Vein of Sanctity
"In that day shall there be upon the bridles of the horses, Holiness unto the Lord. Yes, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be Holiness unto the Lord Almighty." (Zechariah 14:20-21).
Here is holiness written upon the bridles of the horses they ride on, and upon the cups and pots they drink with. A holy heart will be holy in the use of common things. Every piece of his life shall savor of sanctity; and in all the parts of his everyday life, you shall be able to discern something of the power of true religion.
He who is truly holy - will be holy in the use of earthly and common things, as well as in the use of spiritual and heavenly things. He will be spiritual in the use of mundane things; and heavenly in the use of earthly things. There is a silver vein of sanctity which runs through all his worldly concernments. If you look upon him in his eating and drinking - you shall find him holy. If you look upon him in his buying and selling - you shall find him holy. He is holy in his commerce, and holy in his converse. Holiness is written upon his dealings with others, and upon his behavior towards his family and friends. Whatever he puts his hand to in his home - has holiness written upon it.
A holy man makes a Jacob's ladder of all his earthly enjoyments. All the comforts in his home, lead him on in a way of holiness, and lead him up to a holy God. Look upon a holy man in his vocation - and you shall find him holy. Look upon him in the use of earthly things - and you shall find him holy. Look upon him in his recreations - and you shall find him holy. The habitual frame and bent of his heart is to be holy in every earthly thing which he puts his hand unto. A spirit of holiness runs and shines in all the common actions of his life.
But for the false professor - all his religion, all his holiness, lies in a few religious duties! Take him out of these, and you shall find him as carnal, as vain, as foolish, as filthy and as frothy, as light and as slight - as those who have not so much as a cloak of holiness upon them!
Look! as an unholy heart is carnal in spiritual things, and earthly in heavenly things, and unholy in holy things - just so, a man who is truly holy - he is as well holy in the ordinary affairs and actions of this life, as he is holy in any of the exercises of piety.
"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do - do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31).
~Thomas Brooks~
"In that day shall there be upon the bridles of the horses, Holiness unto the Lord. Yes, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be Holiness unto the Lord Almighty." (Zechariah 14:20-21).
Here is holiness written upon the bridles of the horses they ride on, and upon the cups and pots they drink with. A holy heart will be holy in the use of common things. Every piece of his life shall savor of sanctity; and in all the parts of his everyday life, you shall be able to discern something of the power of true religion.
He who is truly holy - will be holy in the use of earthly and common things, as well as in the use of spiritual and heavenly things. He will be spiritual in the use of mundane things; and heavenly in the use of earthly things. There is a silver vein of sanctity which runs through all his worldly concernments. If you look upon him in his eating and drinking - you shall find him holy. If you look upon him in his buying and selling - you shall find him holy. He is holy in his commerce, and holy in his converse. Holiness is written upon his dealings with others, and upon his behavior towards his family and friends. Whatever he puts his hand to in his home - has holiness written upon it.
A holy man makes a Jacob's ladder of all his earthly enjoyments. All the comforts in his home, lead him on in a way of holiness, and lead him up to a holy God. Look upon a holy man in his vocation - and you shall find him holy. Look upon him in the use of earthly things - and you shall find him holy. Look upon him in his recreations - and you shall find him holy. The habitual frame and bent of his heart is to be holy in every earthly thing which he puts his hand unto. A spirit of holiness runs and shines in all the common actions of his life.
But for the false professor - all his religion, all his holiness, lies in a few religious duties! Take him out of these, and you shall find him as carnal, as vain, as foolish, as filthy and as frothy, as light and as slight - as those who have not so much as a cloak of holiness upon them!
Look! as an unholy heart is carnal in spiritual things, and earthly in heavenly things, and unholy in holy things - just so, a man who is truly holy - he is as well holy in the ordinary affairs and actions of this life, as he is holy in any of the exercises of piety.
"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do - do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31).
~Thomas Brooks~
Thursday, July 2, 2020
To Fill Heaven With Hells!
To Fill Heaven With Hells!
"Man, who is vile and corrupt, who drinks up evil like water!" (Job 15:15).
A wicked man is a sin-lover; he is a sin-maker; he lives in sin upon choice. All profane people give up themselves to wickedness, wallow in ungodliness, delight themselves in filthiness, commit wickedness with greediness, draw iniquity and sin with cords of vanity, weary themselves to commit iniquity, and are so desperately set upon wickedness - that neither the rod of God, the lashes and checks of their own consciences, nor the flashes of hell upon their souls - can stop them! They are resolved that they will gratify their lusts - though they damn their souls, and that will live wickedly - though they perish eternally!
By custom in sin, they have destroyed all conscience of sin, and contracted such desperate hardness upon their own hearts, as neither... God smiles, nor frowns, God's promises, nor threathenings, life, nor death, Heaven, nor hell, can possibly hinder them!
The hearts and ways of wicked men are full of hells; and therefore to fill Heaven with such men - would be to fill Heaven with hells!
Certainly God will shut the gates of glory upon such workers of iniquity. These souls are sadly abandoned by God, and woefully blinded by satan, and fully ripened for eternal ruin!
"All will be damned who have not believed the truth, but have delighted in wickedness" (2 Thessalonians 2:12).
~Thomas Brooks~
"Man, who is vile and corrupt, who drinks up evil like water!" (Job 15:15).
A wicked man is a sin-lover; he is a sin-maker; he lives in sin upon choice. All profane people give up themselves to wickedness, wallow in ungodliness, delight themselves in filthiness, commit wickedness with greediness, draw iniquity and sin with cords of vanity, weary themselves to commit iniquity, and are so desperately set upon wickedness - that neither the rod of God, the lashes and checks of their own consciences, nor the flashes of hell upon their souls - can stop them! They are resolved that they will gratify their lusts - though they damn their souls, and that will live wickedly - though they perish eternally!
By custom in sin, they have destroyed all conscience of sin, and contracted such desperate hardness upon their own hearts, as neither... God smiles, nor frowns, God's promises, nor threathenings, life, nor death, Heaven, nor hell, can possibly hinder them!
The hearts and ways of wicked men are full of hells; and therefore to fill Heaven with such men - would be to fill Heaven with hells!
Certainly God will shut the gates of glory upon such workers of iniquity. These souls are sadly abandoned by God, and woefully blinded by satan, and fully ripened for eternal ruin!
"All will be damned who have not believed the truth, but have delighted in wickedness" (2 Thessalonians 2:12).
~Thomas Brooks~
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Death, A Sleep
Death, A Sleep
"I would not have you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, that you sorrow not..." (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
The death of the true Christian may be called "sleep" because of:
I. Its Peaceful Nature. He lies down to die calmly as the tired laborer to take his nightly rest; not like the man who dreads the hour of rest because of the recollection of sleepless nights.
1. The approach of death is often and silent and soft as the approach of sleep. As the weary man sinks imperceptibly into a state of slumber, so the Christian sometimes without a struggle passes into God's presence. It is like the sinking of day into night, or more properly the rising of the night into day.
II. Its Attractiveness. How the laborer, toiling beneath a burning sun, will sometimes long for the shadows of evening when he may stretch his tired limbs! So does the Christian, only with an intenser longing, look for his sleep. Not that earth is without its attractiveness; but it is the place of his exile, strife, pilgrimage. Ponder is his home radiant with immortal glory, and thronged with bright multitudes, and death is attractive because it is the vestibule to all that, and more.
III. It is To Be Followed By An Awakening. The heathen might have no hope of a resurrection. Their poets might bewail the fleetingness of life and the unknown condition of the dead. Even the Jew might see but dimly the shadow of the resurrection. But to the Christian it is the object of sure and certain hope. We are apt to speak of the dead saints as "lost"; but that they cannot be, as they are under Christ's care. They sleep only until He bids them to awake.
IV. It's Repose. It is that state of "rest which remains for the people of God." Life's fitful fever is over - they sleep well. Death is not a state of unconsciousness - the very figure of sleep forbids that. They rest from their labors, from persecution, from pain - mental and physical - from warfare against sin, satan and the world, from the buffetings of evil in themselves.
V. Its Refreshment. The difference between the laborer who rises in the morning refreshed by the night's repose, but faintly shadows forth the difference between the wearied wasted body which sinks into the grave - and the renovated body, blooming with immortal youth, exempt from infirmities, endowed with unknown strength which shall come forth on the morning of resurrection.
Conclusion. The subject should lead us to moderate our grief over the loss of those friends who sleep in Jesus. When they so sleep, we have no mourning as regards them. To contemplate death with much less fear and aversion. To devote ourselves with increased earnestness to our present labor. But there are some to whom death is a very different kind of sleep. The sleep of the ungodly is disturbed by fearful dreams - nay, realities, from which there is no escape but by being "in Christ" now.
~W. Landells~
"I would not have you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, that you sorrow not..." (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
The death of the true Christian may be called "sleep" because of:
I. Its Peaceful Nature. He lies down to die calmly as the tired laborer to take his nightly rest; not like the man who dreads the hour of rest because of the recollection of sleepless nights.
1. The approach of death is often and silent and soft as the approach of sleep. As the weary man sinks imperceptibly into a state of slumber, so the Christian sometimes without a struggle passes into God's presence. It is like the sinking of day into night, or more properly the rising of the night into day.
II. Its Attractiveness. How the laborer, toiling beneath a burning sun, will sometimes long for the shadows of evening when he may stretch his tired limbs! So does the Christian, only with an intenser longing, look for his sleep. Not that earth is without its attractiveness; but it is the place of his exile, strife, pilgrimage. Ponder is his home radiant with immortal glory, and thronged with bright multitudes, and death is attractive because it is the vestibule to all that, and more.
III. It is To Be Followed By An Awakening. The heathen might have no hope of a resurrection. Their poets might bewail the fleetingness of life and the unknown condition of the dead. Even the Jew might see but dimly the shadow of the resurrection. But to the Christian it is the object of sure and certain hope. We are apt to speak of the dead saints as "lost"; but that they cannot be, as they are under Christ's care. They sleep only until He bids them to awake.
IV. It's Repose. It is that state of "rest which remains for the people of God." Life's fitful fever is over - they sleep well. Death is not a state of unconsciousness - the very figure of sleep forbids that. They rest from their labors, from persecution, from pain - mental and physical - from warfare against sin, satan and the world, from the buffetings of evil in themselves.
V. Its Refreshment. The difference between the laborer who rises in the morning refreshed by the night's repose, but faintly shadows forth the difference between the wearied wasted body which sinks into the grave - and the renovated body, blooming with immortal youth, exempt from infirmities, endowed with unknown strength which shall come forth on the morning of resurrection.
Conclusion. The subject should lead us to moderate our grief over the loss of those friends who sleep in Jesus. When they so sleep, we have no mourning as regards them. To contemplate death with much less fear and aversion. To devote ourselves with increased earnestness to our present labor. But there are some to whom death is a very different kind of sleep. The sleep of the ungodly is disturbed by fearful dreams - nay, realities, from which there is no escape but by being "in Christ" now.
~W. Landells~
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