y see them minding
the things which belong to their peace, and by a wise improvement of
more talents than had been committed to themselves, preparing for
greater joys and honors in the kingdom of God.

Those who had sustained a still nearer relation--who had been "one
flesh" may bear like regard to those "with whom they had taken sweet
counsel and walked to the house of God in company"--and may be the
first to welcome their arrival at the world of joy.

The Romish church have abused the doctrine which we conceive to be
contained in the text, by decreeing adoration to departed saints.
Others have gone into the opposite extreme, denying that they know
ought of terrestrial matters, or have any concern in them. Adoration
belongs exclusively to God. It belongs neither to glorified saints,
nor to angels of light, though the latter "are all sent forth to
minister to the heirs of salvation." * "Thou shalt worship the Lord
thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."

* Hebrews i. 14.

The righteous are not suffered to continue here by reason of death.
Their removal is one of our severest trials. Our subject ministers
support and comfort under it. When we reflect upon it, we seem to hear
them calling to us from behind the scene, with "Weep not for us--we
are not dead. Our bodies sleep, but our spirits wake"--Death is not
the period of our existence. It is only our removal--our birth day
into the world of glory.--We are joined "to the spirits of the just
made perfect"--enjoy the society and that of the angels of God--behold
the face of our heavenly Father, and of the divine Redeemer.
We rejoice to see you "followers of those who through faith and
patience inherit the promises"--are ready to help you in your work,
and to shout God's praises, and unite in songs of triumph, should you
come off conquerors, and rise from your humble state of sorrows,
sufferings and temptations, to be our companions in glory.

These are consoling and animating views. They tend to excite a divine
ambition in working out our salvation.

We are yet doomed "to bear the heat and burden day." But we are not
alone--not unobserved. God, angels, and the good, who were lately "our
companions in tribulation," witness the part we act. We would not
dishonor ourselves in their view, and sink ourselves in their
estimation. If they are ready to help our infirmity, we would not
render their heavenly aid of no avail, or cut ourselves off from
enjoying their society.