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may suggest, as long as the strife continues here; or however it may become us in general to avoid too confident assertions about those who are removed out of our sight; they, at all events, know their present condition, that it is full of peace, and their future prospects as still more blessed. In them, beyond all doubt, and far beyond all previous intention or accomplishment, is fulfilled that saying, "I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no one taketh from you."[1] Tribulation, affliction, peril, nor sword, can come nigh them there: neither time nor eternity, neither life nor death, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature can separate them from the love of God which they there experience in Christ[2]—that lovingkindness which is better than the life itself.[3] They are sealed indeed unto the day of their redemption.[4]
And, my brethren, could we wish it otherwise than it is, to any with whom it is thus? Would we call them again from that secure haven,[5] to be tossed once more upon the troubled sea of life? Or shall we not rather fear, lest by uncontrolled grief, we should disturb their peaceful joy? For, indeed, we may well suppose that the soul, "when delivered from the burden of the flesh," has her powers enlarged;[6] and her capacities are likely to be greater, and not less, now that the obstacles to their deve-
