ren.
He says that the angels rejoice over one sinner that repenteth. He
would not say this about Lazarus carried by the angels unless it meant
something real. If so I think we have here our Lord's authority for
the ministry of angels at death, an indication that the poor soul does
not go out solitary into a great lone land--that there are loving
watchers around the death-bed "sent forth to minister to the heirs of
salvation."

I do not know how much weight we should attach to the suggestion that
Dives seems the better for the discipline of the new life. His
selfishness on earth bulks largely in the story. Now in all his
trouble he is thinking of his five brothers "lest they also come to
this place of torment."

Section 9

The next words suggest a very serious and awful question. Is the
destiny and the condition of every soul fixed forever at death? What
is the meaning of the phrase: "Between us and you there is a great gulf
fixed"? That is too large a question to deal with here. I postpone it
to a later chapter. I have already reminded you of the tremendous
importance of this life in its bearing on our final destiny.

III

We get another hint of the Unseen Life in the story of the
Transfiguration, when Moses and Elijah, two of the greatest souls of
the old world days in the wondrous Waiting Life, come out from that
life to meet the Lord and to speak with Him "of His decease, which He
should accomplish at Jerusalem" (Luke ix. 31). Does it not suggest at
once the deep interest which they and their comrades, the great souls
within the Veil, were taking in the mighty scheme of Redemption that
was being worked out on earth? Does it not suggest that in the spirit
land they are watching our doings here? Does it not help us to
anticipate the joy in that wondrous life when, straight from the Cross,
Christ the triumphant victor "descended into Hades" (Apostles' Creed)
to proclaim the glad news to the dead (1 Peter iv. 18); to unfurl His
banner and set up His Cross in the great world of the departed?

IV

Our next hint comes when the Lord is dying on the Cross. The penitent
thief is hanging beside Him. Death is drawing near. The poor sinner
is about to take the leap off into the dark. He does not know what is
before him: Darkness--unconsciousness--nothingness--what? He does not
know. The only one on earth who does know is on a cross beside him.
"LORD, REMEMBER ME WHEN THOU COMEST IN THY KINGDO