themselves, that Christ has borne away their guilt, has removed the iniquity of that land in one day; and when we are cheered, quickened, strengthened, and well-established in this pleasing fact, this hope-supporting, spirit-giving, soul-animating assurance, we feel ready to go, to depart, and be for ever with the Lord, in this sweet well-founded confidence:-- "Lord, let me rest my head, close last these eyes, Yield thee my breath; and, with exulting soul, Smile a peace-uttered, dying, sweet Amen." But amidst the dissolutions made by death, what an unspeakable mercy it is for the Lord's dear people, the union betwixt Christ and their souls can never be dissolved: they are his property, his children, his bride; he is precious to them in life and death, as the blessed effect of his love to them, and their value in his sight. Hence, it is said, "Since thou wast precious in my sight thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee;" and precious shall their blood be in his sight; and as they are precious to him living, it is written, "Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of his saints;" nor should their death be grievous to us, especially dying in lively hope, cheerful confidence, sweet assurance, clear views, and fervent desires. This is the blessed effect of the glorious union between Christ and the soul, as the eternal spring of life, and the glorious head of his body, the church, who has graciously declared in most positive terms, "Because I live ye shall live also." These most blessed words were very precious to our dear departed friend; upon one occasion, after a season of peculiar trial, while at the ordinance of the Lord's Supper, and just receiving the cup, these words were sweetly dropped into her mind--they were ever precious to her afterwards: she chose them for her funeral text; and blessed be God, she most divinely understands them, now in perfect enjoyment; they have been much blest to thousands, and I trust the Lord will bless them to us in noticing the _gracious declaration_ and the _precious promise_ as connected with it.