and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their feark of death.
Hebrews 2:15

All must die, but all do not die alike. Some are cut off suddenly, others by a lingering illness; some die only safe, others happy. Some fear death all their lives, others do not. But death must be viewed through Jesus, or fear it we shall, if we think seriously.

Death is a separation from the body; the second death is a separation from God. The former we must pass through, not so the latter. What shall separate us from the love of God? DEATH? No, we are more than conquerors through Him that has loved us. Death only opens the prison door and sets the captive free. It is an answer to our many prayers for deliverance, for freedom from sin, for perfect happiness.

If we are united to Jesus by a living faith, death cannot disunite us; but will only introduce us into His presence, that we may forever enjoy His love. If we walk with God; if we believe the Saviour’s word; if we look beyond the valley; we shall not fear death. Jesus will not leave us then. He will be present according to His word, and we shall prove His faithfulness, veracity and love. “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Why should I shrink at pain and woe,
Or feel at death dismay?
I’ve Canaan’s goodly land in view
And realms of endless day.

Daily Remembrancer by James Smith

Journal Jottings

‘I passed through some severe exercises on the subject of the ministry. The question to be decided was, “has the Lord designed me for it, and will He allow me to be engaged in it.” O how I cried, “Search me, O God, and try me, and see if there be any wrong motives in my heart, and purge them from me.” I could from my heart say, “I want simply to rely on my blessed Jesus, my fast and faithful friend; and the Lord knows that to glorify himself, to exalt His beloved Son, and to do good to immortal souls, is my ruling desire.”

And my prayer almost daily was, “O Lord, forbid that I should ever move one step, but as led by Thee. Go Thou before me, and prepare my way, by Thy preventing mercy; be with me if I ever go forth, giving me a door of utterance, and a heart warmed with a Saviour’s love; inflame my soul with zeal for Thy glory, and bring up the reward by blessing my poor labours, and make me the instrument of doing much good to souls.”

AUTOBIOGRAPHY, p.90-91