on of
guilt, the altar will remain as well as the pulpit, the priest as well
as the teacher, sacrifice as well as instruction. Ever throughout the
year, the atoning Blood will be pleaded with the Father for the pardon
of the sins of the people. The Bread of Heaven, the manna will remain,
to be man's spiritual food and sustenance, and strengthen the heart for
the passage of Jordan.

The presence of Christ will remain, "I will never leave thee, nor
forsake thee." "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with
thee, and through the waves, they shall not overflow thee." Therefore,
well says David, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
Death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me."

II. Metabus, King of the Volsci, was pursued by his enemies. He
carried in his arms a little babe, his niece Camilla. In his flight he
came to the brink of a river, deep, troubled, and strong in current,
and it arrested his flight. He would not have been afraid of the
stream himself, had it not been for the little child. He hesitated.
What should he do? He dare not enter with the babe, as he must use
both arms to battle through so strong a stream. The enemy were behind.
He heard their shouts! From a distant hill-top they had spied him. He
could not find it in his heart to desert the little one whom he loved
so dearly.

Then, what do you suppose Metabus resorted to? There were a great many
reeds by the river side, with his dagger he reaped them down, and he
wrapped the babe up in rushes and reeds thickly round it, and tied them
together with his girdle, and then he raised the little bundle in both
his hands, and flung it with all his might across the river. After
that he sprang into the water and swam across to the other side. He
picked up the dear little bundle, took the child out, found it quite
unharmed, and escaped with it lying next his heart.

My Brethren! Is not this something like us?--we may have our little
ones, and be called on to part with them. There lies the river, the
dark rolling river of death. We must cross sometime ourselves. Safety
is yonder. Danger, destruction, here. In God's name, trusting in Him
when He wills it, we part with those so dear to us. We wrap them up in
their white wraps, and close them from sight in their coffin, and cast
them away. They are gone--over the river, and then we are ready in our
turn to plunge in and follow.

Now it is a great encouragement to u