Page:Wedding-ring fit for the finger.pdf/22

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is the greatest blessing: And such a help let him seek for her that wants one, let him sigh for her that hath lost one, let him take pleasure in her that enjoys one.

Where there is nothing but a picture of virtue, or a few shadowy qualities that may subsist without any real excellency, death will hide them for ever in the night of despair. The blackness of darkness will close upon the naked and wandering ghost; whilst its loathsomo remains are consigned to oblivion and putrefaction in the prison of the grave, with the prospect of a worse doom hereafter. But where there is a living image of truo goodness begun in this state, death will deliver it with safety into the finishing hand of eternity, to bo produced with every mark of honour in the open view of heaven; where its now mortal partner, rescued from tho dishonours of the dust, and brightened into the graces of eternal youth, shall rejoin it in triumph, to suffer the pangs of separation no more. Everlasting Jehovah! what a crown of joy will it confer on the preacher in that day, if this littlo service shall be rewarded with tho reflection of having contributed to tho salvation or improvement of any of these young persons whom he now addresses! If ever thine ear was open to my cry, hear me, O Lord! hear me in their behalf. What cannot thy spirit perform, perform by tho weakest hand? May that spirit seal them to tho day of redemption. At that glorious period, may I meet you all amongst the redeemed of tho Lord, happy to see you shining with immortal splendour in tho general assembly and church of tho first born, transported to think that I shall livo with you for over, and joining in the gratulations of your fellow-angels around the throne of God, when He shall,