though he were dead, yet shall he
live."

While it is true that this body must droop and die, and return to dust,
yet death cannot touch the soul. It is immortal, it has been created in
the image of God. He is a spirit, and a spirit is indestructible. The
essence of the soul is spiritual. From the hour of the new birth, the
soul of man begins to ripen for glory. All its powers and capacities
are gradually developed and made meet for the inheritance of the saints
in light.

This preparation for Heaven is the work of the Holy Spirit. By
providences, by sermons, by the word of truth, and by prayer, God
prepares His servants for the heavenly home on high. Looking, then, at
this life as a state of danger, difficulties, and trials--a life of
probation--we must say with Paul, that when the great conflict is over,
"To die is gain." "The time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a
good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day."

But remember he said, _now I am ready to be_ offered.

It is only when we are ready to be offered, that to die will be gain.
Oh, are you ready? Jesus says, "be ye also ready."

There are some here, perhaps, who are still unsaved, unprepared for
death. Oh, if God should call for you to-day, where would your soul go?
You know that God out of Christ is a consuming fire. It will not be
gain for you when you die, unless you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Oh, come to Him while it is the accepted time, and the day of
salvation.

There is no time to be lost in this important matter, for death is upon
our track. While God invites how blest the day. While the Holy Spirit
is speaking and saying, "Prepare to meet thy God." Oh, resist not
entreaties, yield to His power. How is it possible for a soul to be
ready for death, and judgment, and a coming eternity, without
conversion?

"Verily, verily," said Jesus to Nicodemus, "I say unto thee, Except a
man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God." "Except ye be
converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the
Kingdom of Heaven." How is it possible for any to be ready to meet God
in peace unless they are washed in Christ's blood, and clothed in His
spotless and justifying righteousness.

Paul said, "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord."
There are some, however, who