PREFACE. HEAVEN, if mere speculation be put entirely aside, cannot be too often the theme of our thoughts, our tongues, or our pens. Every one, who has been called to part with pious friends at death, and knows that he must soon follow them, unless his mind has become wholly worldly and callous, or is debased by ignorance, or vice, will often reflect on the state, and home of the departed. As a guide to such reflection, this volume has been prepared. It does not of course aim to supersede, nor even aspire to a place by the side of, such works as Baxter and Howe's; it discusses, however, the teachings of Scripture upon some topics, which it did not fall within the design of those incomparable writers to notice at all. The highly practical and touching nature of the subject, the author has studied to keep in view, throughout: and should any of those numerous persons or families to whom he has been called, during the course of his ministry, to proffer the consolations of the Gospel, refer to the following pages, they will discover in them a discussion of those topics, with which he sought to fortify their minds, in the hour of bitter trial. In presenting them here, he prays that he may be made the instrument, not only in further consoling the afflicted, but in persuading believers 5797 606 (RECAP) |