Truths these, which brighten the prospect of even a dread eternity, and strip death of every thing really terrifying. Under a firm persuasion of their credibility, we may give up our friends, without any reluctance, into the icy arms of death: and when depositing their precious remains in the cold and gloomy recess of the tomb, may rejoice in lively hope of that happy resurrection-morn, when the sound of the last trumpet shall awaken them from their slumber in the dust, and call them from their long confinement into life and glorious immortality. So that, while a disconsolate parent is bedewing the corpse of a beloved child with his tears, or one friend is bemoaning the loss of another, crying, “Ah, my brother!” it is sufficient at any time to repress the impetuous current of grief, and admit the soothing remonstrances of _hope_ and _resignation_, to reflect, that deceased friends are not lost, but gone before; and, that if they have died in the Lord, our loss is their everlasting gain. But here let us I. Examine the character of those, who shall be thus favored: and II. Consider the nature and extent of their happiness implied in the terms _entering into peace_.—After I have gone through these two heads, I shall, then, III. Endeavour to suggest some serious reflections, particularly adapted to the consideration of young persons, and not unworthy the solemn attention of the aged. I. We are to examine the character of those who shall be so favored, as, after death, to be translated to glory. They are described, in the very first verse of the chapter, from whence I have selected the text, under the general character of “the righteous.” A denomination this, which comprehends their manner of acceptance before God, and the nature of their walk before men. But, as mistakes respecting these two points are not more frequent, than they are fatal, permit me to state this part of the subject, under the following scriptural observations.