How it ought to make our sick-chambers and death-chambers consecrated to prayer! leading us to make our every trial and sorrow a fresh reason for going to God. Laying our burden, whatever it may be, on the mercy-seat, it will be _considered_ by Him, who is too wise to grant what is better to be withdrawn, and too kind to withhold what, without injury to us, may be granted. Let us imitate Martha's faith in our approaches to Him. Ah, in our dull and cold devotions, how little lively apprehension have we of the gracious _willingness_ of Christ to listen to our petitions! Standing as the great Angel of the Covenant with the golden censer, His hand never shortened--His ear never heavy--His uplifted arm of intercession never faint. No variety bewildering Him--no importunity wearying Him--"waiting to be gracious"--loving the music of the suppliant spirit. Would that we had ever before us as the superscription of faith written on our closet-devotions, and domestic altars, and public sanctuaries, _whenever_ and _wherever_ the knee is bent, and the Hearer of prayer is invoked--"I _know_ that even _now_ whatsoever _Thou_ wilt ask of God, God will give it Thee." VIII. THE MOURNER'S COMFORT. Martha's tearful utterances are now met with an exalted solace. "_Thy brother shall rise again._" It is the first time her Lord has spoken. She now once more hears those well-remembered tones which were last listened to, when life was all bright, and her home all happy. It is the self-same consolation which steals still, like celestial music, to the smitten heart, when every chord of earthly gladness ceases to vibrate. And it is befitting too that _Jesus_ should utter it. He alone is qualified to do so. The words spoken to the bereaved one of Bethany are words purchased by His own atoning work. "Thy brother--thy sister--thy friend, shall rise again!" This brief oracle of comfort was addressed, in the first instance, specially to Martha. It had a primary reference, doubtless, to the vast miracle which was on the eve of performance. But there were more hearts to comfort and souls to cheer than one; that Almighty Saviour had at the moment troops of other bereaved ones in view; myriads on myriads of aching, bleeding spirits who could not, like the Bethany mourner, rush into His visible presence for consolation and peace. He expands, therefore, for their sakes the sublime and exalted solace which He ministers to _her_. And in words which have carried their echoes of hope and joy through all time, He exclaims--"I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth on Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth on Me shall never die!"