* Matthew xviii. 10.

Some are early called out of life; make but a transient visit to the scene of sorrow, and just taste the bitter cup of affliction.  But though short their stay, they may yet begin to form some dear connexions—­connexions which might perhaps have been ensnaring; for more set bad, than good examples before the little strangers committed to their care.  These, taken from the evils to come, may be friends to those who had appear to befriend their helpless state in this strange land—­may watch for their good, and rejoice if they see them minding the things which belong to their peace, and by a wise improvement of more talents than had been committed to themselves, preparing for greater joys and honors in the kingdom of God.

Those who had sustained a still nearer relation—­who had been “one flesh” may bear like regard to those “with whom they had taken sweet counsel and walked to the house of God in company”—­and may be the first to welcome their arrival at the world of joy.

The Romish church have abused the doctrine which we conceive to be contained in the text, by decreeing adoration to departed saints.  Others have gone into the opposite extreme, denying that they know ought of terrestrial matters, or have any concern in them.  Adoration belongs exclusively to God.  It belongs neither to glorified saints, nor to angels of light, though the latter “are all sent forth to minister to the heirs of salvation.” * “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”

* Hebrews i. 14.

The righteous are not suffered to continue here by reason of death.  Their removal is one of our severest trials.  Our subject ministers support and comfort under it.  When we reflect upon it, we seem to hear them calling to us from behind the scene, with “Weep not for us—­we are not dead.  Our bodies sleep, but our spirits wake”—­Death is not the period of our existence.  It is only our removal—­our birth day into the world of glory.—­We are joined “to the spirits of the just made perfect”—­enjoy the society and that of the angels of God—­behold the face of our heavenly Father, and of the divine Redeemer.  We rejoice to see you “followers of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises”—­are ready to help you in your work, and to shout God’s praises, and unite in songs of triumph, should you come off conquerors, and rise from your humble state of sorrows, sufferings and temptations, to be our companions in glory.

These are consoling and animating views.  They tend to excite a divine ambition in working out our salvation.

We are yet doomed “to bear the heat and burden day.”  But we are not alone—­not unobserved.  God, angels, and the good, who were lately “our companions in tribulation,” witness the part we act.  We would not dishonor ourselves in their view, and sink ourselves in their estimation.  If they are ready to help our infirmity, we would not render their heavenly aid of no avail, or cut ourselves off from enjoying their society.