hen you first entered this boundless
duration.

What a vast and awful thought! Eternity! I stand upon the shore of ocean
and looking out upon the broad expanse I see nothing but ocean; I see no
other shore. I stand and look out upon the ocean of eternity, and see
nothing but eternity. I can see out for millions and billions and
trillions of years, and yet it is eternity. Where shall I spend it? My
soul answers, "In heaven through the blood."

NEARER TO THEE.

Nearer to thee, O my Savior,
Nearer I would be each day.
As I cross life's stormy ocean
Never from thee let me stray.

Nearer, nearer, ever nearer,
Is the language of my soul
As I journey down life's pathway,
As I near bright heaven's goal.

Lead me through this world of sorrow,
Let my hand in thine e'er be;
Throw thy arms of love around me,
Savior, let me walk with thee.

When the storm-clouds round me gather
In the clefted Rock I hide;
When the surging billows threaten,
Fold me closer to thy side.

There's a home for me in heaven,
By the crystal, silvered sea;
Some sweet morn the golden portals
Opened wide will be for me.

There in amaranthine glory
I will sit at Jesus' feet;
There I'll sing the sweet old story
As I walk the golden street.

O my heart, wait on in patience,
Each day brings me nearer the goal;
In some blissful dewy dawning
Heaven will receive my soul.

CONCLUSION.

Our introduction is upon the subject of Life; our conclusion is upon
Death. To many people the word _death_ is full of horror. Thank God, it
holds no horror to the pure in heart. Death has no sting for those whose
souls are in fellowship with God. Those who love God hail with joy the
hour in which they are to meet him. Death to a Christian is only his
removal from earth to the paradise of God. If some man of wealth were to
tell you he had a rich home prepared for you in a distant land, where
you could have all your heart could wish, and be happy as long as you
lived, if you had confidence in the man, you could say good-by and
cheerfully go to your new home. Death is nothing more.

Some may shudder at the thought of the pain in death. How often we hear
remarks like this: "This pain is almost like death," or, "it's like
taking one's life." Have you not stood beside the infant's crib and
watched it go peacefully to sleep? Where was the pain? Death to a
Christian is only a going to sleep. You have had far more pain in lif