The Manner of the Death of Christians Adapted to Glorify God

    Christians are often exposed to death or the denial of their Lord. They are always liable to innumerable dangers, and accidents, and diseases, that may take away their lives. Had they no security in the Divine protection, they could never be at peace. How gloomy would be the thought that chance would be the disposer of their lot; and that Divine Providence is not concerned in the manner and time of their death! What comfort is derived from the truth here presented to our view! The manner of the death of Christ is adapted to glorify God. When the inspired historian relates what Jesus said with respect to the manner of Peter's death, he adds, " This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God." It was a cruel death that was appointed to Peter. But was it not consolation, nay triumph, for him to hear that God was to be glorified by this cruel death of his servant? It is very natural for a Christian to turn his thoughts to the end of life, and to be concerned about the manner in which he may leave this world. It is not pleasant to think of the last struggles of life, and the agonies of death. We know not whether our exit shall be comparatively without pain, or whether it shall please God that we should writhe under the pangs of some terrible disease; and breathe out our souls amidst the torments of our bodies. We know not whether our death shall be sudden, or our tabernacle shall be taken down gradually by the process of a slow disease. We know not whether we shall meet death with the full possession of our faculties, and expire while we address our beloved relatives, or die in the delirium of fever, and know nothing of death till we awake in the life of the eternal world. We know not whether we shall die in peace under the protection of law, or perish under the hand of the persecutor. We know not whether, in the last scene of life, we shall have a full view of heavenly glory, or whether Satan may be permitted to pursue us to the very banks of Jordan, and attempt to frighten us with the waters that are ready to overwhelm us. But this we know, and let it be enough for us to know this, that our death shall be for the glory of God; and that the time, and the manner, and all the circumstances of it, will be arranged by wisdom and love, as well as by Sovereign power. When we pass through the valley and shadow of death let us fear no evil. Jesus, the Shepherd of his flock, will be with us, and his rod and staff will comfort us. If Satan is permitted to annoy, we shall be enabled to quench his fiery darts with the shield of faith.