HOW constantly are we reminded of this solemn fact, death is here! It may seem commonplace to write about it, but the following striking and even startling incident illustrates the truth of the saying, “In the midst of life we are in death.” And thus deeply impressed with the solemn warning, I would urge my reader to consider the necessity of being prepared for it, whenever death shall come, suddenly or otherwise.
“Our wasting lives grow shorter still,
As days and months increase;
And every beating pulse we tell,
Leaves but the number less.
Dangers stand thick through all the ground,
To push men to the tomb,
And fierce diseases wait around
To hurry mortals home.”
London was at her busiest. All seemed bustle and excitement, and banners were everywhere, for the King and Queen were to visit the City. Scarcely had I gone fifty yards from my hotel, to wend my way across the crowded thoroughfare, when, from a lofty building of some six or seven stories in course of erection, fell a workman at my feet. His foot had slipped on the plank above where he was working, and he came crashing through the timber down to the hard pavement where I stood. A cab was hailed to convey him to the hospital; his fellow-workmen gently picked him up, but hardly had they placed him in the cab when he expired. “He’s dead, sir!” they exclaimed.
I passed on in the midst of the busy scene. Its motto may be life, I thought, but it is dark and sinful, and death is here. Again, I asked myself, What will become of all this sumptuous fare, this feting and feasting? What of this gaiety, with its grand decorations? What will be the end of this search after a great name and high honors? And I could but answer, DEATH! Jesus could weep in this scene of death, and shall I forbid the tear? But that One is never thought of, not even mentioned in the world’s thanksgiving. This foolish world once chose a “robber” rather than the “Saviour.” And the choice is no better today. They killed the Prince of life, but He lives again. He has overcome death. Man did his worst when he did his best to get rid of the Son of God. But “God raised Him from the dead, and gave Him glory, that your faith and hope might be in God.” Christ has abolished death, and hath brought life and incorruptibility to light through the gospel.
Accept Him, trust Him, believe in Him; then if sudden death should overtake you, it would be but the stepping-stone to certain glory. You would be able to meet the deadly shaft with this triumphant exclamation, “O death, where is thy sting?” and at the coming again of Jesus to add, “O grave, where is thy victory?” THERE WILL BE NO DEATH THERE.
W. N.