the regions of unending bliss-the mountain of the paradise above-the bulwarks and temples of that eternal city, whence even the highest cloud of the Shekinah should be removed from before him, that he might see God. His soul was required of him, while he dwelt upon this animating view with delight and rapture. "He died there in the land of Moab according to the word of the Lord;" in the full exercise of that faith which is the life of God in the soul of man, and the only real cause of hope in his closing hour.

Such is the principle by which every obedient follower of God is distinguished; and such the happiness which he is permitted to enjoy in his last conflict. While men walk by sight, rather than by faith-while they are more intent upon present enjoyment, than anxious for the offered glories of their high calling of God in Christ Jesus, they must expect no bright and cheering views of eternity in the end of life. He only who determines to know nothing as the best portion and dearest hope of his soul "save Jesus Christ and him crucified," must hope, as earthly prospects darken around him, to ascend with Moses into the hill of vision, and survey that country and kingdom, which his glorified Saviour, having overcome the sharpness of death, hath opened to all believers. To have devoted

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himself and those whom he loves to God, and in preference to every other object of choice, to say, "Whom have I in heaven but thee, and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee," to see no glory in earthly things, by reason of the glory that excelleth in heavenly things, to use this world as not abusing it,—to be dead, and to have only the affections and inclinations of that better being which is hid with Christ in God, is the elevating principle that carries a dying Christian into the mount of faith. It places him upon the far commanding summit of a spiritual Nebo, whence he may discover some bright shadows of the glory that shall be revealed, when faith shall be exchanged for vision. That faith which overcomes the world, also lays aside, at the bottom of the hill, every sin, and the weight that presses down the spirit. It enables a believer to walk upwards cheerfully and quickly, that he may see his approaching happiness, and die in the full persuasion of its consummation. God speaks to a dying Christian, as he spake of old to Jacob when he was to travel into Egypt, "Fear not to go to the grave, I will go down with thee, and I will bring thee up again." While to the wicked there ariseth only a fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, "the righteous hath hope in his death." The same hand

which casts a dimness of vanity and worthlessness upon every object of past desire, enjoyment, or carefulness, withdraws the veil that concealed the paradise of God from his eye, and gives him such glimpses of its excellence, its purity, its eternity, as make him long to be absent from the body, that he may be present with the Lord. Now comes the undeniable proof and test of "that good part which he hath chosen, and which cannot be taken from him." The anticipations of faith are now about to be realized and the country which he has been seeking bursts upon his view with something of that brightness which shall invest it, when he is admitted to dwell within it. Sinking nature, indeed, will look forth and tremble at the prospect of dissolution, although faith may feel the support of the everlasting arms as he who stands upon a lofty tower may shudder at the depths below him, although the battlements effectually prevent his fall. But if that God and Saviour, whom by a deliberate act of faith he has chosen as his heritage, be with him, he will feel no evil, though he walk through the valley of the shadow of death. He is now ready to be offered and the time of his departure is at hand, he has fought a good fight, he has finished his course, he has kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for him a crown of glory, which

the Lord the righteous Judge shall give him at that day. The higher the sun rises above the earth the more perfectly does it scatter the clouds and darkness which had usurped the sky. And the more firmly the hope of the gospel is established within the soul, the more surely will it be submissive to that decree which comes to remove it into the awful realities of the invisible world-the more effectually will it triumph over the last assault, in that confidence of hope which the grace of faith can alone bestow. My heart and my flesh fail; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

III. A resignation thus arising from faith and hope, ENABLED MOSES TO ASCEND MOUNT NEBO, AND, TO DIE IN PEACE AND COMFORT. His conflicts were ended, his trials passed, his temptations withdrawn, his victory well nigh gained; and little was left that could again annoy his departing spirit. His life had been spent in a communion with God, almost uninterrupted-in acts of duty and obedience, the most unreserved, devoted, and universal. His great sin-offering whose propitiation he taught the Saviour whose reproach he gladly suffered, and in whose atoning sacrifice he firmly believed, had justified him from the sin which yet God had so fearfully rebuked. Thus refreshed in the abundance of that peace which passeth all understanding,

he went to meet his death on Nebo, with the calm chastened triumph of the prophet in after days, when he went forth nearly to the same place, to meet the chariots and horses of fire that were to translate him to heaven. His last earthly duty is performed; his blessing given; his hymn of praise and rapture uttered: and now he hastens joyfully forward to lay his flesh. in the grave with hope, and to resign his soul to God who gave it.

Mark then, the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. No cloud obscures his comfort, save that which his own broken and contrite spirit spreads before

him; and even through this partial gloom is seen the mercy, and is heard the voice of him who declares to the humble, the penitent, and the believing, Go in peace, thy sins are forgiven thee. He looks back upon the past; and while he mourns over that imperfect and unworthy service, which only the death and intercession of his adorable Lord can induce the pure and holy God to accept at his hands, he still takes comfort in remembering that his best joy and pleasure were in the way of righteousness. This is his rejoicing, the testimony of his conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity he hath had his conversation in the world. That Saviour, whose renewing Spirit had already visited him,