atural effects of dissolution on the body, to comfort the
passing spirit of his child. Whether visions or real voices are actually
seen or heard, is of no consequence, so long as the soul has a rational
and assured hope. Some means are unquestionably used in every case to
make the dying believer feel that he is safe. He is not compelled to
wait in uncertainty and fear for a moment. His fears are anticipated; he
is among other friends, the moment that he grows insensible to those who
watch his departing breath. Neither are we to suppose that heaven breaks
upon the senses of the spirit with such an overpowering brightness, as
to excite confusion and pain. No doubt the revelation is gradual and
most pleasant. Perhaps the celestial city appears at first in the
distance, having the glory of God most precious; the approach to it is
gradual; voices are heard afar off, and from the convoy of ministering
spirits, such information and instructions are received as prepare it
for the full vision of heaven. Every thing is calm and serene; the light
is attempered to its new and feeble vision. He who makes the sun to rise
by slow degrees, and does not pour straight, fierce rays upon the waking
eyes even of sinful men, certainly will not torment the soul of his
child with any such revelations of unseen things as will give pain. The
same care which has redeemed and saved him, will order all these things
in covenanted love.

Some of the preceding thoughts are well expressed in the following
anonymous lines, written on seeing Mr. Greenough's group of the Angel
and Child ascending to Heaven:--

"CHILD. Whither now wilt thou proceed?
ANGEL. Come up hither; I will show thee.
Follow me with joyful speed;
Leave thy native earth below thee.
CHILD. Stop! mine eyes cannot contain
Such a wondrous flood of light.
ANGEL. Come up hither. Thou shall gain,
As thou risest, stronger sight.
CHILD. Lost in wonder without end,
Joyful, fearful, longing, shrinking,
Lead me, O thou heavenly friend;
Keep a trembling child from sinking.
O, I cannot bear this glory!
Angel brother! how canst thou?
ANGEL. I will tell thee all my story;
I was once as thou art now.
CHILD. When some sorrow did befall me,
Or I felt some strange alarms,
Then my mother's voice would call me,
To the shelter of her