Life And Death

 Dying Mother

DEAR CHILDREN:  Have you ever stood by the death-bed  of  a  dear  friend,  and realized that  you must soon part with them and pass  on through this 

world without them?  And have you seen them lie cold in death, and then followed them  to the dark, cold  grave-yard,  and buried them out of your sight? Have you, while only a few years of  your life  are told,  thus looked upon  a father, mother, brother, or sister,  and felt the sting death leaves in  its  track Not long ago I watched over  the  death-bed  of  a mother of three  youthful  children.  I heard parting words of instruction and counsel.  I heard her consign her already fatherless ones to others' care. I saw a shade of anxiety pass  upon  her  brow,  and then she had the assurance that they should be tenderly cared for.  I heard words of blessing and praise to God fall sweetly  from  her lips. That hour was solemn, but a heavenly stillness was in the room  of the dying saint.  Death is fearful, yet the Spirit and influence of heaven was present to cheer the last hours of that Christian mother.  Then she embraced her eldest child who had tried  to  be faithful to  her poor sick mother,  and her dying   testimony  and blessing was,  " My  precious  child,  the Lord will reward you for your faithfulness to your mother.  How we have loved each other.  God bless you."  Both wept together, and tokens of warm affection were exchanged.  Feeling hearts wept with them, and as we bowed in prayer by that  dying bed,  we thought of the resurrection morning,  and we prayed and hoped when  the voice  of Jehovah calls forth the  dear father  and mother,  that  all,  parents  and children,  may  be  re-united in the kingdom  of God never to separate  again. Still will we hope and pray that this may be, that Jesus will enfold in the arms of his love these dear lambs of his  fold.  Precious Saviour!  He will gather the lambs in his arms and carry them in his bosom.  Not one of his little followers who  love him will be left out,  but all will have a  mansion  in heaven.  Here is blight, and sin, and death, there is beauty, perfection, and  eternal life.  We are only now and then happy here, there it is all happiness. Not one shade of sorrow, because no sin is there.  Heaven is a happy place.  Dear children, may we all be there. 

 M.  B.

Battle Creek, Michigan