THE wise but sorely tried Job said, "Thou changest his countenance and sendest him away" (Job 14:2020Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth: thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away. (Job 14:20)). He alluded to death. And what a stern reality is death! The countenance changes and God dismisses the soul. Solemn thought!
Of late I have been in the presence of death.
A relative of mine retired to bed as usual. She awoke at three in the morning with severe pains across the chest. This was speedily followed by terrible hemorrhage. The doctor was sent for. Specific remedies were applied. Her life was prolonged and she lingered for eight days.
She seemed conscious from the first that it would prove fatal with her, so she sent for a Christian sister-in-law to assure her should she be taken she was ready. She then requested her to pray with her and read to her from a little gospel book which was lying close at hand. Her faith was simple and sincere. She just rested in Christ, and His atoning work on the cross, and in this faith with neither fear nor misgiving she passed away. Her countenance was changed and she was dismissed. "To depart and be with Christ which is far better" (Phil. 1:2323For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: (Philippians 1:23)), was her happy portion.
I was in the house before she died and saw her aged parents—her mother seventy-eight, her father older still by five years. They both looked exceedingly well. I spoke a word to them as the Lord enabled me, and gave them one or two gospel books.
On the day of the funeral I re-entered the house and found that the erstwhile hale and healthy looking old gentleman was confined to his bed very, very ill. After the funeral I was entreated to see him and "say a prayer for him." I ascended the stairs and entered his room. What a change! He was dying. "Thou changest his countenance.”
The old lady was crying bitterly and stroking his gray locks, speaking endearing words. "Come and say a prayer for him," she groaned. I told her gently that it was too late and no use: he was unconscious. However stooping down, I quoted slowly, and distinctly—
“My sins deserve eternal death;
But Jesus died for me.”
There was no response. I quoted two familiar texts, then addressed myself to the old lady. She wrung her hands, and with the tears running down her face, cried out, "God be merciful to me a sinner!" I spoke a few more words to her, then made way for another visitor. Exactly eight days after his daughter's death the old man passed away. I inquired as to whether he again' spoke and was told he did.
Just before he breathed his last, putting his hands together, he cried, "O God! forgive my sins and take me to heaven.”
Dear reader, "it is appointed unto men once to die." Your time will come. Not forever shall your cheek wear the bloom of health. Are you ready for the great change?
Claim in faith, the death of Christ for you. Trust in his atoning merits, as did the dying daughter and like her you shall have no fear, but in holy confidence will be able to say, " O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory 1 (1 Cor. 15:5555O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (1 Corinthians 15:55)).
J. H. EVANS