_Spiritual Bouquet._ "For we have not here a lasting city, but we seek one that is to come." (Heb. xiii. 14.) Mary's Death "_They that work by me shall not sin._" (From the Epistle for the Vigil of the Assumption, Ecclus. xxiv. 30.) _1st Prelude._ A picture of Mary's death. _2nd Prelude._ To prepare for death by living "by Mary." _Point I._--"THE STING OF DEATH IS SIN" (1 Cor. xv. 56) Sin had never touched Mary; there was therefore for her no sting in death. She had no penalty to pay, neither had she to die for others as her Son died. Why, then, should Mary die? 1. Because she had a mortal nature. She belonged to the great human race, and it was therefore appointed unto her to die. (Heb. ix. 27.) 2. Because she chose to die (the Fathers say her Son gave her the choice) that she might be conformable in all things to her Son, and also that she might be the better able to help, and pray for, and sympathise with her children, who throughout all time would be constantly saying: "Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death." 3. Because Our Lord wanted her to have a specially chosen death--one that came neither from old age nor sickness, but simply from _love_. Her love for Him was so great that her body could no longer hold her soul captive. 4. Because GOD would not deprive her of the inestimable privilege of making the sacrifice of her life to Him, and such a life! This practice it is which makes the death of His Saints precious in the sight of the Lord. (Ps. cxv. 15.) Let us learn two lessons:-- 1. To _choose_ to be in all things conformable to JESUS, even though this choice means death to self. 2. How precious a thing in GOD'S sight is the sacrifice of their lives to Him by His children! Let us resolve to make Him this sacrifice often beforehand--at least every night before we take from His Hands the precious gift of sleep which "He giveth His beloved." _Point II._--MARY'S PREPARATION FOR DEATH