Page:Wedding-ring, fit for the finger, or, The salve of divinity on the sore of humanity (5).pdf/24

24 for her, that wants one; let him sigh for her, that hath lost one; let him take pleasure in her that enjoys one.

Where there is nothing but a picture of virtue, or a few shadowy qualities, that may subsist without any real excellency, death will hide them for ever in the night of despair. The blackness of darkness will close upon the naked and wandering ghost; while its loathsome remains are consigned to oblivion and putrefaction in the prison of the grave, with the prospect of a worse doom hereafter. But where there is a living image of true goodness begun in this state, death will deliver it with safety into the finishing hand of Eternity, to be produced with every mark of honour in the open view of heaven; where its now mortal partner, rescued from the dishonours of the dust, and brightened into the graces of eternal youth, shall rejoin it in triumph to suffer the pangs of separation no more Everlasting ! what a crown of joy will it confer upon the preacher in that day, if this little service shall be rewarded with the reflection of having contributed to the salvation or improvement of any of these young persons whom he now addresses! If ever thine ear was open to my cry, hear me, O ! hear me in their behalf. What cannot thy Spirit perform! perform by the weakest hand? May that spirit "seal them unto the day of redemption!"—At that glorious period "may I meet you amongst the redeemed of the Lord;" happy to see you shining with immortal splendour in "the general assembly and church of the first-born." Transported to think that I shall live with you for ever; and join in the gratulations of your fellow-angels around the throne of, when shall, in the sight of all, "clothe you with the garment of salvation, and cover you with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom is decked with ornaments, and as a bride is adorned with her jewels." Amen. FINIS.

J. Neilson, printer.