Page:Letters to Mothers (1839).djvu/301

 Deity, with his pen upon the last line, when he passed into his presence. We should not shun the chamber of the dying. The bed on which they lie, is the teacher of wisdom, both solemn and sublime. The pious Margaret, mother of king Henry 7th, maintained under her own roof, a number of poor persons. She supplied their wants, and consoled them in sickness, and in pain. Especially would she be always by their side, at their death, and attend them to their grave. Being asked, why she thus voluntarily exposed herself to such scenes of sadness, she replied, "that I may learn how to die."

The Almighty has surrounded Death, with many circumstances of dread, that the rash and thoughtless might not rush upon it, when harrowed up by disappointment, or disgusted at the world. The heathen in his ignorance, and the sinner in his guilt, alike tremble at its approach. But the christian, should neither shrink back from the last messenger, nor grieve bitterly for those friends who are called before him. Nature's tear at parting, cannot be restrained. Yet let no violent and bitter sorrow, visit the death-bed of the christian. It is a pagan sentiment. It should find no place near their pillow, for whom Christ died. While we mourn, the happy, unfettered spirit, traverses a celestial region. It has attained