GO with me to a ward in the Lady Dufferin Female Hospital at Allaha-bad. And yet—no, you would not be allowed in. Why? A wave of smallpox had passed over a portion of India, and even invaded that well-appointed hospital. But listen You will hear the broken sentences issuing from the lips of a patient, and recorded by those who were permitted to be present.
And what a scene did that bed present! F. D. had nursed her husband until he died with typhoid fever; had herself been laid low by that insidious disease; had been brought through the worst stages, and was looked upon as a hopeful case of recovery: indeed, her baby boy was allowed to be with her to solace the dear mother with his busy, loving prattle. Yet, unexpectedly, the epidemic seized the mother, and soon did its fell work spite of all the skill of physician and attention of nurse—to mar the features and attack the brain. But as long as there were power and sensibility, a bright confession of Christ poured forth at intervals from those parched and swollen lips. The last coherent words she was heard to utter were these: "Oh I don't you know? Then I will tell you. My life is hid with Christ in God, and has been since I was sixteen. I have left all to Him, and can trust Him through all. My fond love to all.”
Any sinner, old or young, who takes God's Word as to the above, may know—nay, ought to know—that his life is bid with Christ in God, and that when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, we shall appear with Him in glory.
What a prospect, dear reader!—peace, perfect peace, now, come what may-and by-and bye, tomorrow perhaps, "GLORY WITH CHRIST ABOVE.”
Oh! may F. D.'s last coherent words be blessed to you! How she would rejoice! And then you and F. D. would rejoice together, and cast your crowns at His feet. Yes, and it will be, if you simply believe what God says: "He that believeth HATH everlasting life.”