Gold Nugget 274 - Death Without Mourning
It is bad enough when a man’s death is only felt by a very few souls. With the many opportunities we have of connecting ourselves honourably and attaching ourselves strongly to our fellows, we ought to be so much to our neighbours, that when we pass away there will be many to regret us and to speak with a kindly sorrow of our departure. Poor and fruitless must that life have been when this is not so.
It is seriously sad when a man’s death excites no regret; when “the mourners” do not mourn; when the only thing that is real about the funeral scene is the drapery of woe. It is a pitiful thing when Christ’s minister cannot pray for Divine comfort, because, though there are those who are bereaved, there is none that is afflicted.
It is a most melancholy thing when a man’s death is felt to be a positive relief; when, as he is borne to the grave, those who knew him cannot help being glad that one more root of mischief is plucked up, one more source of sorrow taken away. That a man created to be a light, a refuge, a blessing, a brother, a deliverer, should be put away with a feeling in every one’s heart of gladness that he will be seen no more, put out of sight with the sentiment that the sooner he is forgotten the better, - this is sad indeed. …
The conclusion of the wise? It is this: “Let me die the death of the righteous.” But the disappointing career of the author of these words should be a solemn warning and a powerful incentive to form the firm resolution to live the life of the righteous, lest, … death should overtake us when we are in the ranks of the enemy.
The Pulpit Commentary, Proverbs p. 230, Proverbs 11:7-10, (W. Clarkson)
Gold Nugget 274
Death Without Mourning
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