2
*
.<
PACIFIC CHRISTIAN MESSENGER, FRIDAY, DEC. 17, 1880.
I
Funeral Sermon of Sister Jane hand of the persecutor. Nor is the heart. Henceforth, or from that time, he be overborne and weighed down shall endure. The thought is an in­
Harris, wife of Elder John M. great blessing announced limited to all who should die in Christ, might with fatigue; no more will he lie teresting one, that the results of Chris­
those who are borne upward in a know and fully understand that theirs down on a bed of agony and suffering; tian labor are greater after one’s de­
Harris,
no longer .will he be conscious that he, parture from this world, that his after
chariot of fire ; it is the inheritance of would be. a blessed future.
The expression that next follows in possesses a diseased and weakened life, if we may so express it, is <the
all who “die in the Lord.” ' They may
be spared unto a good old age, as was our text is, “ Yea, saith the Spirit.” frame. The fountain of tears will not most useful. 'The cedar is the most
. our beloved sister; the tabernacle may He spoke in response to the voice that be unsealed again. Affliction will not useful when dead. It is the most
be worn out in a peaceful service, and came from heaven, announcing that again'wring his heart with anguish. productive of good when, its place
loving
friends.«may minister at the those who “die in the Lord, are He will mourn no more because of the knows it no more. ' There is no tim­
PBXI.CPK.
■'
bedside
of dying saints, bestowing blessed.” It was the Holy Spirit, the infirmitiesof his natu re and. wanderings ber like it, firm in the grain and sus­
To those who heard the sermon I will
kind
acts
of affection as they accom­ highest of all authority. By his com­ from him “ whom his sou! loveth.” He ceptible of the finest polish, the tooth
«imply say that a sermon delivered and a
aermon to be read are two things. Hence pany them almost to the gate z>f mand it was to be recorded for the will not any moremeet the skeptic and of no insect will touch it, and time
the changes, yet including the main facts heaven. They are blessed. “ They encouragement of all who should thescoffer. Jle will not go to the enemy itself can hardly destroy it; diffusing
«1 the Gospel truth.
rest from their labors, and their works suffer for Christ’s sake ; or who should of his Savior and hear his best friend a perpetual fragrance through the
S. M. H.
The voice from believe on the name of the Son of spoken against. He will not be chambers which it Ceils, the worm
An.l I heard.» voice from I msvoii Htying unto do foHow them. ’
am-, Write, Blessed are the .ieirl which -die in the heaven, to which the apostle listened, God and keep his commandments. He pained in seeing his neighbor pressing will not corradc the book it protects,
Lord from henceforth; Yea. »»th the Spirit, that
■they may rv-st irom their Ubtt* ; and their works, and whose testimony he has recorded, not only confirmed the announcement onward, resisting all his entreaties and -nor the moth corrupt the garment it
• »io follow them.”
.
affirmed that those who “ die in the already made, but specified, in part2 warnings, down to the gates of death guards. All but immortal in itself, it
rSTBOHUmOK.
the nature of the blessings the faithful eternal. -_His rest wilt be perfect. He transposes its amaranthine qualities
These are .sacred words; they are Ijord are blessed.” Wonderful is that
ones should receive, “ That they may will ceaso from all conflicts, and will to the objects around it.
grace,
manifested
in
the
redemptive
. the fruits of an inspiratien,'higher
In conclusion, every Christian fa-
rest from their labors, and their works repose upon the bosom of infinite love.
than that by which those w’ho penned work of Christ, which raises the dead
do follow them.” Yes, rest follows When the- Christian comes to die, the useful in his life, but those we may
to
so
exalted
a
condition.
Death
is
the volume of Tmth were usually
both physical and spiritual labors. summons is . not “ Go down into the term goodly cedars are the most use­
guided.
They were heard from co-exi.stant with life; there is not a
Alan, on earth, is doomed-to a life of grave, but come up to God the Father.” ful' afterwards. Luther is dead, but
tree
that
grows,
nor
a
bird
that
sings,
heaven by the beloved disciple, when
toil.
When the progenitors of the Thanks be unto-God for the “ rest of the Reformation lives:. Campbell is
in'a vision, he wa . looking upon its ner a"flower that blooms, nor a child
human family transgressed the Divine ' faith,” which, as Christians, we now dead, but his vindication of a pure
that
laughs
nor
a
man
that
toils,
nor
glories. They Were confirmed by the
commandment they were driven enjoy; but ten thousand thanks to Gospel will never die; Knox is no-
-testimony of the Divine Spirit, em­ anything that lives, but it js doomed
from |>aradise into a world cursed God for the rest we shall enjoj^ when more, but Scotland still retains the
to
die.
Of
Adam
’
s
race
it
fa.
said,
phatically given, consequently there
“ Death hath passed upon al! men, for with thorns
__ and thistles; consequently freed from earth. There are no weary Lord’s day, a Christian peasantry and
is a peculiar charm and impressive­
that all have sinned.” It «is when | a life.of bodily toil was before them, heads aqd hearts on the other side of, a Bible in every family > Bunyan is
ness-connected with then; and it is
death extends bis ravages to man fund such has been the lot of all their the river. The value of eternal rest . gone, but his bright spirit walks the
not surprising that we often find
that it rises into a curse; “for the i posterity. Repose in the cool shade will be enhanced by the troubles of earth in his “Pilgrim’s Progress;”
1
ourselves repeating them when we
is sin ." We naturally during the mid-day heat and refresh­ time ; the rest of heaven will be all Baxter sleeps in his narrow home, but
are bending over 1 the -couch * ôf thèistin«ofdeath
th,.
A approach
IMM'ZAA Z111 A,'
dread
the
of death ; it'is be­ ing sleep are peculiarly welcome to the sweeter for the toils and sorrows the “ Saint’s Rest ” still quickens the
dying Christian, or standing by the
cause
so
much
.is
connected
with it the laborer. Thus will be the rest of of earth. Rest from sin, rest from sonl of thousands on earth; Robert
grave of an eminent Saint. They
bj
that
fa
sad.
dt
severs
us
from
those' heaven when the toils of life are over. conflict; the very rest that Jesus en­ Raikes closed his earthly labors long
assist greatly in reconciling us to the
It is a promise we hail tvith delight, joys. We shall not only be like him, ago, but Sunday schools inArch on in
(
I
we
tenderly
love
;
it
cuts
off'
many
departure of the righteaue, and awaken
that points to freedom from toil, and but we shall be with him. ' “ Blessed their heaven-Konbred mission ; Cow­
.
’
fondly
dierishetj
hopes.
And
the
emotions of the deepest, gratitude over
.to the absence of fatigue in our arc the dead which die in the Lord, per is dead, but he lives in t|iose-
1
grave
looks
cold,
cheerless
and
unin-
the blessed lot of those-who have, left
they rest from their labors and their majestic words, “ God moves in a mys­
a world of trials and of labor, having ., viting as a place of rest Hence, that heavenly home. Yes, man can have
within
him, in spite of death, the elen works do fallow them.” The abode of terious way, his wonder to perform.” '
'
i
system
of
religion
fa
glorious
that
devoted all their energies and their
strength to"" the service of their make» it desirable to depart and will ^nents of eternal hope; principles of the haints will be adapted to that rest And like results follow the labore of
truth so .powerful, so bright, so cheer­ It will be a home of joy and peace. It the? jilted dead in all ages. All may
Master,’ These words« teach Us that lead the soul info possession of in­
finite
blessedness,
although
the
way
ing that he can tread the maxes of is made known to us under the figure not be as prominent or conspicuous as
goodness as well as severity is made
.
thither
conducts
us
through
death's
this life and the valley between time of a city with pearly gates and golden the examples quoted; fey their sphere
to appear in the movements of Divine:
dark portals: - Strange as it may ap­ and eternity as if it were not visible, streets; there flows the river of the of influence may have been narrower,
providence; that, if we “die in the
Ixird ” mercies ace dispensed in the pear to many persons, “ the day of and see -beyond the sun-lit peaks of water of life in gladdening streams, but none the less certain. It fa a law
blow that closes *ur earth'y existence. •death, is better than the day of one’s the better land that sparkle in the and on its banks is the tree of life“ experience has clearly proved that
e-
rays of the sun of righteousness. How­ whose leaves are for the healing of the fruits of their labors are perfected
Promises are like «the bow that spans birth.'
ever
great may be our desire to rest the nations. The shades of night will and become-greatest after they are in
But we ask first upon whfrt condi­
the storm cloud. They « teach us that
from
physical labor it will be more never gather there. Blissful will be their graves. Blessed thought, though«
peace will follow the ^derangements tion may we receive the blessing an­
joyful
when we are released from the employments of the redeemed. we must die, that we can continue to
nouncedin our text ? We reply, that
«we “ die in the Lord.” But we still apiritualeonflicts. They are necessarily They will praise God and adore him eXert an influence that shall mould
customers’ order of enr liver.
The. Revelator, before^ penning the .ask, What does this expression im- frequent and severe while we taber­ with their glad songs. You are con­ character and sanctify hearts that will
words of my text, describes some of (ply ? .First. It fa evident that those nacle in the flesh. The soul requires scious that earthly pleasures are re­ beat with love to God in all coming
the trials woes and aafforings that who thus die are his friends, that they special oulture and a watchfulness freshing after the toils and fatigues of times. Stare will shine in .»ur crown,
awaited «the devoted ft: lowers of are closely united to him in the bonds «that are sometimes wearisome. Its the day; but no comparison can be when we arrive at the gate of heaven,
■Christ, indhe personation«.with which >cf affection, and that their relations to enemies surround us, seeking oppor­ drawn between them and those joys and they will increase in number as
tunities to sow the se’edlf of rebellion thatethrill the soul in paradise. Happy time rolls on, and successive genera­
the church was .soon to «be visited. him are of the most intimate charac
He drew a dark picture, which, it tar. It can also be said of them that in the heart, striving to awaken lusts will they be who are borne to those tions will be sanctified and saved.
pleased Got to relieve, -by; .pointing to they “ walk with God,” are in sym­ and passions, and laboring to prevent peaceful shores where the wicked cease through the blood of Christ.
But, before wo close this sermon, it
coming triumphs and future blessed- pathy with him, “ delighting in his the growth and spiritual increase we from troubling and the weary are at
rest.
desire.
They
watch
for
some
oppor
­
is
important that we understand
-ccmmandirents,
”
and
rendering
him
a
nass. It was seemingly' but design,
3.
The
fact
of
especial
interest
tune
moment
or
unregarded
avenue
to
clearly
the items or essentials that
cheerful
objdienoe
in that portion -of tha chapter which
which
constitutes,
in
part,
the
blessed
­
the
heart,
that
they
may
enter
in
and
make
up
the influence that is there
It
-is
also
implied
that
-they
proceeds the assurance of the blessed­
ness
of
the
saints
is,
“
Their
works
do
lead
it
astray.
There-are
also
inward
set
in
motion.
possess
the
evidence
of
bis
love
and
ness of the pirns dead, to ivlieve the
anxieties of his faithful on-ac and fco favor. Thio could not be without a covruptions that strive for tne mastery, follow them.” This is a blessing for The first is ¡K-rsonal example. It is first’
sustain them when passing Ah rough, union wit! .hitn, such that thespiritual necessitating conflicts that are long which we should lie exceedingly grate­ seen under the teaching of the Gospel
> Christ in a thoughtful and rational
life derives all its inspiration from and severe. Thy^Compose, in part, ful. It meets a want in the soul, a of
the fiery storm
yearning
desire
that
could
in
no
other
j decision to give to Christ the heart,
those
tribulations
through
which
we
that
glorioqe
source,
and
every
hope
In the vision, John was per mitted
to behold, he saw “ The Lamb stand­ of tjie soul c-nteis in him. He who are raised to a higher life and are way be realized. When the Christian the whole life, and the energies of the
ing u; on Mount Zion, and with him a thus.loves ¡ lu 1 walks and “abides in ripened for the employments of the dies he drops out, as it were, from 1 spirit and body. The example be­
the company of laborers in the earthly comes
«
more potent as that purpose is
hundred and forty and four thousand, Christ,” will bear him constantly in saints before the throne. Both spirit
vineyard.
But
his
works
are
immor-
<
and
body
are
weary
here
in
spiritual
carried
out. Every duty should be
his
thoughts.
It
is
his
language,
"I
having his Father's name written in
tai,
they
live
and
continue
to
pro-
I
conflicts.
O,
how
much
before,
with
taken
up
in Gospel, order; having
accept
him,
”
«¿hat
is
Christ,
“
as
my
their foreheads.” “ And Le’hUi.rd a
duce
grand
results.
When
he
is
lan-
1
the
faithful
apostle,
we
can
truthfully
heard
of,
and
believed in Christ as the
guide,
.lay
deliverer,
my
atoning
God,
voice from heavau, as the voice of
guishing on his pillow, and is passing Christ
<
----
,
“
I
have
fought
a
good
fight
;
I
and
Savior,
and having ex­
who
bore
far
.me
my
sins
upon
the
^y*
many waters, and as the voice of a
away,
the
activities
of
the
business
have
kqpt
the
faith
;
I
have
finished
ercised
repentance
toward
God for past
cross,
.and
delivered
me
Brom
their
great thunder; and he heard tbewoice
world are not lessoned; all things sins committed against him, then fol­
my
coxrse.
”
Besides
these
inward
penalty
.;
and
aince
my
life
is
reared
of harpers, harping with their Lay«9 ;
and they sang as it were a new sung.” to me, by him,<I give to him that, life conflicts.and strife ifor the mastery to seem to move on as though he was not lows " being baptized into Christ,"
And he also saw the vision of an again. I -do truly believe we love which we have referred, abundant called by his Master; when his body when the precious result of obedience
is borne to the place of burial the is realized, namely, pardon, joy and
angel flying through the midst of each other; J, a speck, a partide, a labors are appointed us as servants in
streets
may be thronged with those peace in believing. Membership in
tike
vineyard
of
the
Master.
They
heaven, having the everlasting Goqpel mere beginning of something that is
engaged
in their usual employments ; some congregation is secured, the
embrace
ell
the
kind
and
sym-
to preach unto them that dwell on the yet to he glorious when the warmth
perhaps
the
sound of the hammer and vows of God are taken, and a subse­
patbyzing
acts
a
self-denying
love
earth, and to every nation and kindrod of God’s bosom «hall have been a
the
voice
of
the merchant are heard. quent life of constant and cheerfub
would
impart
;
the
warm
and
tender
and tongue and people. He saw an­ summer for my growth; and he,
Every
one
except
the group of bq- obedience to his word are regarded
appeals
we
wtter,
earnest
prayer,
and
other angel who proclaimed the glad the Wonderful, the Counselor, the
nqpved
friends
and
sympathizing first and greatest. The conviction
special,
constant
and
persevering
tidings that Babylon, a mighty perse­ Mighty God, the Everlasting Father,
neighbors
perform
ing'the
last sad acts on the minds of men is unavoidable
effort«
put
forth
to
secure
the
salvation
cuting power, had fallen. A third the Prince of Peace." When suet an
of
kindness
and
respect,
are
intent on that such a person is a true and faith-
of
men.
The
¿lithful
laborer
will
be
angel followed, who announced the experience is attained. Christ will be
fulfilling
their
own
cherished
purposes -ful child of heaven, There is power
opposed
at
almost
every
step.
He
final overthrow and destruction of all very near to us every day, and every
of
life.
But
Goil
has
so
appointed
will
encounter
great
obstacles,
and
in his or her example.
in sympathy with, and upholding the hour ; and when death approaches, he
that
works
will
follow.
This
is
a
will
sometimes
turn'
back
from
the
2. Prayer is- another clement of
great anti Christian power, represented is »till nearer. The light of his love is
comforting
assurance,
and
aids
us
in
hardened
unbeliever
with
a
sad
and
moral
power exercised by him who is
by the beast, the power that was, brighter, his voice in more tender as
our
submission
to
Providences
that
blooding
heart.
Gathering
new
“
blessed
in bis death.” You will find
" drunken with the blood of the he says, “ Fear not, for^l ^m with
seem*
strange
and
mysterious.
The
strength,
he
will
peturn
to
the
con
­
him with the people of God praying
saints;” Thsn came the voice from thee." His arm, in supporting us, fa
heaven, saying, "Blessed are the dead felt to be stronger. He accompanies flict, perhaps victorious, oenhapa to faith of the early martyr, Abel, lives. for the iwosperity of Zion. The family
which die in the Lord, that they may us with a more sensible presence all find himsllf again delayed, that the " Though dead lie yet speaketh.” The alter is noT Wanting in sacrifices. The-
of awv»*
Abraham
con- closet is regularly and constantly
ioivii ” may
ni»y be
w amuu
vxj faith v«
•«•«««••• lives, inspiring
•••£ v/vz**-
lua faith
jmade to
rest from their labors, and their works the way througtt the clouds, the “ trials of Hje
Nor
will
such
employment
1
fidenee
in
a
thousand
hearts,
and visited, where he “ wrestles with the
appear.
1
do follow them.” Comforting, indeed, gloom-and the dark billows of death,
till
ho
obtains
the
victors
j
itrengtbening
their
implicit
obedience.
cease
I
angel of the covenant;”
are these assuring words; they were till we are seated at his side, and on
‘
I
Thus
it
is
with
every
child
of
God.
crown.
3. Active labors, in harmony with
necessary to sustain those who would his throne. It is thus that we " die
2. From how much tl>6n does he |starting point,41 source of in­ the spirit and example of the Great
be exposed to the violence o( a mar­ in the Lord.” And if we thus die, wc
tyr's death, or who should witness are blessed ; an assurance the apostle rest- who “ dies in the Lord f’ He ' flu *wce that is widening and will con- Teacher aré put forth. Not only does
(Concluded on page 7).
their friends removed' by the rudo would impreas on - every Christian rmts from bodily toil; no cuxunt- will.* timui to honor him ai long as time
Delivered Tuesday, Nov. Id, 1880, at
Upper Coaet* Fork, Lane Co., Or.,
by Sider S. Monroe Hubbard, of
Eugene City.
,