"THERE SHALL BE NO MORE DEATH."
By N. Orcutt
We are daily admonished that we have here no abiding place; that life is uncertain; that we are in an enemy's land. The hand of disease hastens upon us, and we feel that the enemy is hurrying us to the tomb. We see the blooming cheek of our loved ones fade, the elastic step lose its vigor; in anguish we bend over their wasting forms and see them pass away. Experience only can teach us the depth of sorrow that fills the heart, as the parent, companion, brother, sister, or child, is laid away in the cold ground. In the hour of affliction and sorrow, when friendship and human sympathy have done all that they are able to do, to lift the dark cloud which hangs over us, how cheering to the way-worn pilgrim, are the precious promises of the Word of God. Without the light of those promises, darkness envelops us, and "how great is that darkness." But amid the gloom of earth's darkest scenes, there appears a light, the light of divine truth, bidding us hope. It shines upon, and illuminates the page of the word, bringing to view its precious promises—promises thrice precious and comforting, when viewed in contrast with the scenes of the present. Here, sickness prevails; in the “purchased possession” none will ever be sick. Here, we writhe in pain; there pain will be unknown. Here, falls the tear of sorrow; there the last tear will be wiped away. Here, death robs us of our loved ones, but, if “followers of God as dear children,” we “sorrow not even as others which have no hope.” “We believe that Jesus died and rose again,” and “them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” “Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, death is swallowed up in victory.” Then will be sung the song, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” “Then there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.” May the Lord help us to cherish and exemplify that hope in life, that we may have it to sustain us in the hour of trial and sorrow, to rob death of his terror, that we fear no evil; and that we may finally enjoy its full fruition in his everlasting kingdom. Battle Creek, Mich., June 27, 1867.