When the disciples “were scattered abroad” after the martyrdom of Stephen, and the apostles assumed the charge of important centres, we read of John being minister of the church at Ephesus. No doubt Mary removed with John to Ephesus, where, tradition says, she died, and where she was buried. Probably she died before John was banished to Patmos. While at Ephesus, we visited her sepulchre. It is on the north side of Mt. Prion, half way up the mountain side. The tomb is cut out of the solid rock, and in full view of the church, which doubtless she loved so well. We have already dwelt at considerable length upon the beautiful character of Mary in connection with her song of rejoicing in the house of Elizabeth and known as the Magnificat. So far as Mary is portrayed to us in the Scripture, she is, as we should have expected, the most tender, the most faithful, humble, patient and loving of women, but a woman still, and how she herself regarded her relation to her divine Son is best expressed in her own words: “My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” [Illustration: THE MINISTRY AT EPHESUS.] No doubt she was a comfort in the home of John. The dark shadows of the cross were dissipated when she saw Jesus alive after His resurrection, and communed with Him, and, doubtless, saw Him ascend to heaven in a cloud, and had heard the angels assure His disciples, as they had seen Him depart, in like manner He would come again. She was comforted in the wonderful scene at Pentecost, when three thousand acknowledged Jesus as their Saviour as well as her Saviour. She lived to see the Gospel spread through Judea and Samaria, and the great centres in Asia Minor. She had nobly done her work at Jerusalem and at Ephesus--had told, as none could tell it, the sweet story of the infant Jesus and her glorified Saviour. On account of her presence there was a strange interest about the services of the great church at Ephesus, because the mother of Jesus was among the worshippers. Even the life and ministry of the beloved John was made richer because of her helpful presence. But now she is growing old. Her earthly mission is drawing to a close. She can not stay longer to bless the people who had learned to love her. Indeed, her affections had already stolen away and preceded her upward. The glad day has come for her to go. Her weary feet will soon stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem. The low murmur of voices and the subdued sobbing of loved ones around her she heeds not, as a strange light breaks upon her, and she hears celestial symphonies from the glory shore. White-winged messengers--jasper walls--pearly gates--golden streets--life’s river--and she is with Him in the land where swords can never enter stricken hearts!