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The Time To Die
“Thou hast all seasons for thine own, O Death.”
Sooner or later, there will come an hour to every man, when he must bid adieu to the light of heaven, and all his connections upon the earth. We presume there are few who do not at times cast their thoughts amidst the solemn scenes which are associated with a dying hour. The exit is generally attended with pain, which is frequently aggravated by severe, and protracted disease. But, in whatever form death may approach us, there is but one element of good that can mitigate the fearfulness and brighten the prospects of that hour. A living faith in that Redeemer, who conquered Death and extracted his sting, can alone make us more than victors over the stern foe. With this faith, it matters little whether we close our eyes at home or abroad; and yet there are yearnings of heart that lead us to desire to die with our kindred. We long to have friendly hands ministering to our wants, warm hearts beating at our bedside, and familiar voices sounding in the ear. In reference to the time of departure, Montgomery beautifully says:
“Night is the time for death: When all around is peace, Calmly to yield the weary breath. From sin and suffering cease, Think of heaven’s bliss, and give the sign to parting friends–such death be mine!”
We have often thought that the Sabbath was well fitted for the exodus of the Christian from the associations of hallowed service on the earth to the triumphant exercises of heaven. – Episcopal Recorder (The True Wesleyan,
April 14, 1849 Vol. VII No. 15)
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