s
heart." * Was he then unhappy? Departed saints may have similar
sensations, whatever may be implied in them. The same objection may be
made to the divine knowledge of mankind, as to that of the saints--We
do not take it on us to explain either. The same may also be objected
to supposing that the saints will be made acquainted with the
decisions of the Judge at the great day--that they will then see any
who were dear to them here, sent away with the workers of iniquity.

* Genesis vi. 5.

If the manifest rectitude, and moral necessity of the divine
decisions, will then satisfy the righteous, and their greater love to
God reconcile them to the execution of his judgments on all the
impenitent, why not as soon as they shall have put off the remains of
depravity, and become "the spirits of the just made perfect?" THOSE
in glory are doubtless acquainted with the moral state of the world
--"There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth." *

* Luke xv. 7-10

That the powers of light and darkness take part in the concerns of
mankind, and interest themselves in their affairs, and that they
conflict with each other on their account, we are taught in
revelation. *

Our departed friends who have known and loved us here, may be among
the invisible witnesses of our conduct, and among our invisible
helpers. They may rejoice, if we act well our parts, or weep if we are
numbered among sinners, or careless neglecters of the grace of life.

* Daniel x. 13. Jude 9

Perhaps the pious parent who hath died in the Lord, may regard the
little orphan which he hath left behind. Experienced in the troubles
and difficulties, snares and temptations of this life, he may watch
over it, and in ways to us unknown "do it good and not evil all the
days of its life." Little ones are not destitute of invisible keepers
--"_Their angels_ do always behold the face of my Father which is in
heaven." *

* Matthew xviii. 10.

Some are early called out of life; make but a transient visit to the
scene of sorrow, and just taste the bitter cup of affliction. But
though short their stay, they may yet begin to form some dear
connexions--connexions which might perhaps have been ensnaring; for
more set bad, than good examples before the little strangers committed
to their care. These, taken from the evils to come, may be friends to
those who had appear to befriend their helpless state in this strange
land--may watch for their good, and rejoice if the