A Happy Death by E. W. Darling

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 10, 1863

A Happy Death.

By E. W. Darling

AlthoUGh it is desirable, yet it is not always necessary, to a full assurance of acceptance with our heavenly Father, that one should pass out of this world in a transport of joy. "One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet. And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure." Job xxi, 23, 25. Though the righteous hath hope in his death, yet a joyful death is no part of the reward promised by our Saviour to his followers. Hear him: "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

He himself was troubled at the thoughts of death, that bitter cup. John xii, 27. Also he said, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death. Matt. xxvi, 38. And again, verse 39, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. Not that our Saviour cowered before the last enemy, but his grief was because of the burden that the Lord was pleased to lay upon him. Isa. liii, 10.

Witness his death on the cross. Amid the darkness of nature, surrounded and reviled by his enemies, he cried with a loud voice, My God! my God! why hast thou forsaken me? "The disciple is not above his Lord." What if the terrors of death make you afraid? What if you are constrained to cry out in the anguish of your spirit, as did our Saviour, My God! my God! why hast thou forsaken me? What though your enemies revile you, telling you that what you believed and cherished in life is not able to sustain you in death? Heed them not, but hold fast the promises of God. Cast not away your confidence. Remember that the resurrection is the time when the righteous triumph—when they hear the applaudit, "Well done."

E. W. DARLING.

Beaver, Minn.