,transcribed from the #ahee ,john ,colbran edition by ,david ,price1 email ccx#jgdpglaf4org 8,,the ,,blessed ,,hope40 99 99 99 99 99 ,a ,,sermon ,,on ,,occasion ,,of ,,the ,,death ,,of ,,mrs4 ,,francis ,,cunningham4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,by ,,the ,,rev4 ,e4 ,,hoare1 ,m4,a41 ,incumbent of ,trinity ,church1 ,tunbridge ,wells4 99 99 99 99 99 ,tunbridge ,wells3 ,,printed ,,by ,,john ,,colbran1 ,,library1 ,,high ,,street4 #ahee4 ,the substance of the following ,sermon was preached at ,st4 ,peter's1 ,,lowestoft1 on ,sunday1 the #aith of ,august1 #ahee1 after the death and funeral of ,,mrs4 ,,francis ,,cunningham1 the beloved wife of the beloved ,vicar of the ,parish4 ,with great animation of spirit1 and remarkable energy of natural character2 with an unwearied watchfulness over the young1 and a no less laborious care for their parents2 with a fervent missionary spirit1 only equalled by her zeal in the work at home2 with real natural eloquence1 and an admirable tact in her intercourse with all kinds of character2 with a tender sympathy for the afflicted1 and a most friendly kindness to all who needed friendship2 and above all1 with an unceasing spirit of believing prayer1 she laboured for forty years in the parishes of ,pakefield1 ,kirkly1 and ,lowestoft1 in the happy service of the ,saviour whom she loved2 till at length after meekly receiving at her ,lord's hand the gradual decay of voice and strength1 she peacefully fell asleep in ,him on ,august the #abth1 #ahee4 8,the path of the just is as a shining light1 which shineth more and more unto the perfect day40 99 99 99 99 99 #a ,,thessalonians1 #d4 xiii4 8,but ,i would not have you to be ignorant brethren1 concerning them which are asleep1 that ye sorrow not1 even as others which have no hope40 99 99 99 99 99 ,this world is full of sorrow1 for the simple reason that it is full of sin1 and wherever sin is1 separation and sorrow are certain1 sooner or later1 to follow in its train4 ,so have they followed at this present time1 for the event that has brought us together is a separation that has called forth a general sorrow throughout the place4 ,it has not been merely respect that has led to so kind and almost universal an exhibition of feeling throughout your town1 for respect is1 after all1 but a cold thing1 and there has been nothing cold on this occasion4 ,there has been a deep and tender sympathy1 the mournful sense of real bereavement in very many affectionate hearts4 ,now let us none suppose that real1 true1 heartfelt1 and sympathizing sorrow is inconsistent with the christian character1 for if such a thought could be for a moment entertained1 it would be removed at once by the one simple statement1 8,jesus wept40 ,the tears of true sorrow1 therefore1 are in perfect harmony with the character of ,christ4 ,sorrow is not eradicated by the ,gospel1 but has its character changed by it4 ,the ,holy ,spirit does not harden the heart against grief1 but comforts the mourner in the midst of it4 ,the deep waters are not frozen1 so that the child of ,god can coldly walk across dry footed2 but they retain their character1 and are deep waters still2 and the believer is held up in passing through them1 so that1 though deep1 they cannot overflow him4 ,the effect is much the same as that of the coloured glass upon the light2 the light shines still1 but a new hue is given to it4 ,just so is it with sorrow4 ,like the light it remains within the soul1 and is not extinguished by the power of grace2 but like the light passing through the coloured glass1 it acquires a new colouring1 and is beautifully softened by the sacred hope presented to us in ,christ ,jesus4 ,thus the passage does not simply say 8that ye sorrow not10 for if it did1 it would imply that grief was sinful1 but it says 8that ye sorrow not even as others that have no hope10 so teaching us that through still felt1 sorrow may be softened within the heart4 ,the passage also teaches what is the principle by which this change is to be effected1 viz3 hope2 for when there is no hope1 there is nothing left but the sorrow of the world4 ,i feel therefore that ,i cannot select a safer subject for our careful study on this solemn day4 ,the ,spirit indeed appears especially to have stamped it with his own authority as peculiarly suitable for such a season1 for ,he has said in v4 #ah1 8,wherefore comfort one another with these words40 ,may ,he grant then his own blessing on the words which shall be now spoken6 ,may ,he raise our thoughts to things above6 ,may he teach us to realize the blessed hope6 ,and may ,he so make use of the present sorrow as to prepare our souls for a tearless re-union before the throne of ,jesus6 ,i4 ,the first thing to be noticed in the passage1 is the light which it incidentally throws on the present state of departed believers4 ,the prominent point of hope presented to our view is very clearly the glorious coming of our blessed ,lord1 with the accompanying resurrection and reunion of his saints4 ,but the present position of the soul is three times incidentally mentioned1 and each of these times is described under the beautiful figure of sleep4 ,twice are our dear brethren described as those 8which are asleep10 and once as those 8which sleep in ,jesus40 ,what then are we to understand by this expression8 ,are we to regard it as proving their present state to be one of unconsciousness or stupor8 ,god forbid6 for then how could such a spirit as hers that has now left us1 say1 8,to me to live is ,christ1 to die is gain40 ,she could truly say during her life time1 8,i delight to do thy will ,o ,lord10 and it could be no gain to such an one to sink down into stupor and inactivity4 ,but still they are said to sleep in ,christ1 and the beautiful suitability of the expression may be seen from two points of view4 ,in the first place1 death is the separation of the immortal spirit from the mortal body1 and the body alone now lies sleeping in the grave4 ,when we assembled around that opened grave on ,friday1 it was to leave there the body4 ,we committed her body to the grave1 8earth to earth1 dust to dust1 ashes to ashes40 ,and this body may be justly said to sleep4 ,it sleeps1 for it is without feeling4 ,there is no pain or languor now1 no advancing illness1 or exhaustion from decaying strength4 ,this is all over now1 and the poor body sleeps in ,jesus4 ,then again it is a sleep1 for the time of labour has now passed4 ,that beautiful and cheerful activity which for twenty-five years has been such a blessing and example to this place1 is now over4 ,the night is come when she cannot work1 and let us who remain learn the lesson that while the day lasts1 we must be1 like her1 most vigorously employed for ,god4 ,and lastly it is a sleep1 for it is not permanent1 but only for a time4 ,the night is quickly passing2 already we see the streaks of morning2 and when the ,son of ,righteousness appears1 the sleeping body shall spring from the couch of its slumber1 and take its place in the great company before the throne of a risen ,lord4 ,thus the body may be well said to sleep in the tomb4 ,but the immortal spirit who shall fetter1 who shall entomb it8 ,the immortal spirit never sleeps1 it needs no sleep1 for it knows no fatigue1 and the language of the ,scripture is1 8,they rest not day and night1 saying ,holy1 holy1 holy1 ,lord ,god ,almighty1 which was1 and is1 and is to come40 ,rev4 iv1 #h4 ,but again1 with reference to the soul itself1 the present state is well represented by the figure of sleep1 and for this reason3 that sleep is the season of repose1 and the repose of those we love above is perfect4 ,you remember the voice heard from heaven1 the voice of the ,holy ,ghost bearing testimony on this peaceful subject1 8,i heard a voice from heaven saying unto me1 #8,write1 blessed are the dead which die in the ,lord from henceforth3 ,yea saith the ,spirit1 that they may rest from their labours40 ,they rest1 therefore1 in sweet repose1 but repose is not insensibility4 ,it involves no want of consciousness1 and accordingly you have two passages apparently conflicting1 but really in perfect harmony1 the one saying that they rest1 the other that they rest not1 for the one refers to labours1 the other to thanksgiving2 the one describes the perfection of repose1 the other the equal perfection of joyous1 unceasing1 and unfatigued activity4 ,thus as to all that shall harass1 distress1 and grieve1 there is repose or sleep4 ,the world may be distracted by war and all its horrors1 but the soul above is undisturbed by the tumult1 for no storm can ruffle the calm surface of the sea of glass4 ,there may be bitter sorrow filling many a broken heart1 but it is unknown there1 for as ,god himself has undertaken to wipe away all tears from their eyes4 ,no fears or doubts are known there1 for they are all allayed and scattered by the actual presence and perceptible love of their ,saviour himself in the very midst of them4 ,above all there is no sin there4 ,while sin lasts there can be no repose2 but there1 sin never enters2 it may be sought for1 but cannot be found1 for it is all blotted out by the blood of the ,lamb1 and is remembered no more before the throne of ,god4 ,and so it is with the beloved spirit now departed4 ,she has wept1 and those who knew her best remember well what a true mourner she was1 and how deep was her feeling of heartfelt grief when it pleased ,god to remove from her the dear relatives whom she tenderly loved4 ,but she weeps no more2 every tear is dry1 and every sorrow passed for eternity4 ,she has had her fears1 her doubts1 her conflicts of soul1 but there are none now2 her race is run1 she rests in her ,lord1 she sleeps in ,jesus4 ,she has struggled against sin1 she has wrestled with ,god for holiness1 as many of you know well1 who have had the privilege of uniting with her in the outpourings of her soul before the throne4 ,but it is all past now4 ,there is not a spot in the white robe3 she reposes a spotless conqueror before ,god4 ,as to all that may distress1 therefore1 there is repose4 ,but as to the sinless emotions of a living soul1 we have the clearest evidence of ,scripture that there is all the joy of activity without fatigue4 ,no6 there is no stupor1 nor any want of consciousness to that light and lovely spirit4 ,it is all life now1 and life unfettered by the clogs and hindrances of decaying flesh4 ,memory is not dormant1 for remember the vivid glow of gratitude with which the living ones before the throne adore the ,lamb for having redeemed them by his blood from the various nations of mankind4 ,nor hope1 for in that same song we find the joyful anticipation of their future reign4 ,nor praise1 for the language of heaven is full of praise2 and wherever the ransomed spirits speak it is in praise4 ,think not that the love is lost or deadened1 for these sweet hymns in which so many amongst you have so often rejoiced to join with the departed4 ,it is dangerous in such a matter to attempt to draw aside the veil1 and we must not venture to let go imagination2 but yet it seems as though we could almost perceive the new joy at the new song2 the deep emotion1 the elevated expression1 and the hallowed animation with which she has already taken her place in the blessed chorus before the throne of her ,lord4 ,when1 therefore1 we speak of sleeping in ,christ1 we must not understand a state of insensibility1 or any want of consciousness2 but of sacred rest1 of conscious1 intelligent rest1 in the peaceful enjoyment of the presence of the ,lord4 ,but as stated already1 this rest1 however glorious1 is only the intermediate state1 and it is mentioned as it were1 incidentally1 while drawing your thoughts to the crowning point--the grand expectation of the church of ,christ4 ,,ii4 ,let us consider then1 secondly1 ,the bright hope of the whole family4 ,by the whole family1 we mean the whole vast multitude of the children of ,god1 8the whole family in heaven and earth20 now divided for awhile into two classes1 the living and the departed2 but really one in ,christ1 and about to be one in their common enjoyment of the blessings of his advent4 ,of these two portions neither has reached beyond the range of hope4 ,the blessedness of the departed is unbounded now1 but there are greater things in store for them2 their cup seems full1 but it shall be fuller still when ,christ comes4 ,the resurrection1 not the death-bed1 is the hope of the believer4 ,we look not so much to the day when we enter the grave1 and dear friends in bitter weeping part with us1 as to the happy hour when we shall quit it1 and those same friends rejoicing rise with us4 ,to this long expected hour the passage clearly refers1 8,for if we believe that ,jesus died and rose again1 even so them also which sleep in ,jesus will ,god bring with him4 ,for this we say unto you by the word of the ,lord1 that we which are alive and remain1 shall not prevent them which are asleep4 ,for the ,lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout1 with the voice of the ,archangel1 and with the trump of ,god2 and the dead in ,christ shall rise first40 ,the first point to be here noticed is clearly the resurrection4 ,death has been already said to be but a sleep1 for it is not permanent4 8,she is not dead but sleepeth10 may be applied to her whom we left in the grave on ,friday4 ,that grave shall shortly give up its tenant1 and very body1 that tendering beloved body1 shall arise again in fresh life and beauty4 ,as the springs from the acorn1 and the butterfly from the chrysalis1 so shall that animated form rise forth with a fresh and heavenly animation2 that very hand shall hold the palm1 and that very voice unite once more in the praises of her ,lord4 ,but though the same1 it will be infinitely more glorious4 ,you have seen lately a beautiful planet shedding its soft light over the ocean1 and1 evening after evening1 it has appeared very lovely1 but yet how far does it fall short in splendour of a summer's sun in a cloudless sky6 ,just such we are taught in #a ,cor4 xv1 #da1 is the wonderful difference between the dying and rising body4 ,it was a bright and beautiful star that has been shedding forth its lovely light these many years in the midst of you2 but1 though beautiful1 it is not to be compared to what we are about to behold in the resurrection4 ,it was sown in corruption1 little by little laying her low2 but it shall be raised in incorruption1 no more to be silenced by disease1 or to give up through decay of strength4 ,it was sown in dishonour and though dearly loved must be buried from the view2 but it shall be raised in glory1 to form a part of the triumphant retinue of the ,king of ,kings4 ,it was sown in weakness1 and perhaps it was one of the most beautiful features of her character that that weakness was so meekly met1 and so cheerfully submitted to2 but it shall be raised in power1 the power of undying strength1 and everlasting life from ,god4 ,it was sown a natural body1 subject to the multiplied infirmities of a ruined1 fallen1 sin-stricken humanity3 and none felt their hindrances more than she did2 but it shall rise a spiritual body1 fully fitted for spiritual work1 without impediment and without decay4 ,can we wonder then that with such a prospect full in view1 the ,apostle should write to the bereaved ,thessalonians1 and remind them 8concerning those which are asleep1 that they sorrow not even as others which have no hope80 ,but this is not all4 ,there is another blessing promised1 and that is reunion4 ,the great sorrow of this day is separation4 ,it is a sense of separation1 of loss1 and bereavement1 that has drawn forth so many tears4 ,indeed there is little besides to cause a tear4 ,as far as she is concerned there is no cause for sorrow4 ,if ever there was one of whom it might be said 8she fought a good fight1 she has finished her course1 she has kept the faith10 it was of her4 ,she was one who walked before ,god faithfully1 who loved affectionately1 who laboured cheerfully1 who trusted simply1 who rejoiced unfeignedly1 and now she has sunk gently into the arms of her ,lord1 to repose there in perfect peace till the time comes when she shall be called forth to accompany ,his advent4 ,can we say there is sorrow in all this8 ,can we exclude the thoughts of even joy at such a conclusion of such a course8 ,yes1 there is sorrow1 and that because there is separation1 and wherever there is true affection1 the separation1 however peaceful1 must leave a void which nothing else upon earth can fill4 ,the home is left desolate after all1 and however sweet the assurance for the departed above1 the heart still aches when left alone to tread a solitary path below4 ,how beautifully then is this met in the passage6 ,there is to be a reunion as well as a resurrection4 ,we shall not rise separately1 but as a reunited body in ,christ4 ,there is one beautiful clause that clearly teaches this1--8,then we which are alive and remain1 shall be caught up1 together with them1 in the clouds40 ,so that our blessed ,lord when he comes against will not merely restore life1 but companionship4 ,he will undo all that death is doing4 ,death kills1 ,he raises2 death divides1 ,he unites2 death keeps us at a distance from those who are gone before1 ,he brings us once more together1 so that with them we should have the joy of one common life and glory4 ,nor will the ties of life be lost or forgotten in that new and sacred fellowship4 ,the strong affections which ,god has planted will not be obliterated in the grave2 for you remember that remarkable passage in this very epistle1 in which the ,apostle anticipates the joy of meeting these very ,thessalonians at that blessed hour4 ,in chap4 ii1 #ai1 he says 8,what is our hope1 or joy1 or crown of rejoicing8 ,are not even ye in the presence of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ at his coming80 ,he clearly then expected to meet and recognize these converts at that day4 ,for nearly #ahjj years both he and they have slept in their graves1 but the close and intimate tie that then united them shall appear with undiminished strength in their resurrection1 and the risen ,apostle shall rejoice in his risen converts before the ,lord4 ,then will be the day for the regathering of broken families1 and the healing of broken hearts4 ,then will be the reunion of the minister with the people1 of the parent with the child1 of the brother with the sister1 of the husband with the wife2 a reunion without the possibility of separation1 for there shall be no more death1 and the promise is that together with them we shall ever be with the ,lord4 ,but the passage carries us one step higher still1 viz3 to the uninterrupted enjoyment of the presence of our ,lord himself4 ,there is first the resurrection1 then the reunion1 but the crowning promise of the whole is an everlasting fellowship with ,christ himself4 8,so shall we ever be with the ,lord40 ,now this must ever be the longing desire of the child of ,god4 ,nothing created can ever satisfy the soul that is born again of the ,spirit4 ,friends may cheer1 and counsel1 and animate1 and sympathize1 but they cannot really satisfy1 and a union with ,christ is the only thing that can give abiding peace4 ,you1 whose privilege it was to kneel beside the loved and departed one in prayer1 and to unite in the outpouring of the soul before her ,god1 you can well remember how ardently she thirsted for ,him2 not merely for his gifts but for himself1 that we might be satisfied with his love and filled with his ,spirit4 ,it was this ardent desire that led to her early rising in winter and summer1 in order that she might make use of the blessed privilege of communion with ,god4 ,it was this that made the ,lord's day a delight to her soul1 for she could rejoice in it as one altogether separated unto him4 ,she thirsted to have her soul filled with the love of ,christ1 and when we reflect on such a character1 what a power is there in the promise1 8,so shall we ever be with the ,lord06 ,then all thoughts will be absorbed in him1 all hearts satisfied in him2 and whether we be found among the living to be changed1 or the dead to be raised1 all will be one in him1 to behold his glory1 to hear his voice1 to wonder at his love1 and though faintly1 yet sinlessly1 to reflect his character4 8,beloved now are we the sons of ,god1 and it doth not yet appear what we shall be1 but we know10 we do not merely think1 or hope1 but we know1 8that when he shall appear we shall be like him1 for we shall see him as he is40 ,such then is the blessed hope with which our ,god has directed us to comfort each other in the day of sorrow2 and though our perception of it be but imperfect1 we must all admit that it is sufficient4 ,if this be not enough what more can we require8 ,but before we close it is important that we all bear in mind that there is a limitation to the promise2 not indeed as to the excellence of its rich gifts1 but as to the persons by whom these gifts will be enjoyed2 and there are two short clauses in the passage1 which though short are very full1 and mark with the utmost clearness who those are that shall be partakers of this blessed life4 ,they are those who 8sleep in ,jesus02 or in other words those who are 8dead in ,christ40 ,the whole work is the simple result of the great and perfect redemption wrought out by our ,blessed ,lord4 ,if it had not been for the atonement there could have been no forgiveness1 and no fellowship with ,god2 and without his resurrection there could be none to follow for his people4 ,all springs from redeeming ,love1 and all is enjoyed simply though ,christ4 ,those that are without ,christ must be given up to hopeless sorrow1 for to them the passage is without its joy4 ,but to those who are in him2 not merely in his church1 but in him2 forgiven through his blood1 justified through his righteousness1 baptized by his ,spirit into his body1 to them the words are full of inexpressible consolation1 and present a prospect so brilliant that it may well raise the heart above the sorrow of the intervening separation4 ,the great1 grand1 lesson for the day is therefore this1 that we each one seek1 and that without delay1 for this unchanging union with ,christ4 ,you have seen amongst you the fruits of such a union1 you have had residing in your midst for the last twenty-five years one who was without a doubt in ,christ2 who1 ,i would rather say1 is in ,christ1 who is with ,christ1 and who will rise in ,him at his appearing4 ,you have seen the character formed on such a union4 ,you have witnessed the holy peace1 the warm affection1 the brightness of ,christian joy1 the tender and ever ready sympathy1 the untiring zeal for souls1 the patient labour1 and the earnest endeavour to bring poor sinners to their ,saviour4 ,all this you have seen yourselves4 ,nor must we lay it down simply to natural character or inborn qualifications4 ,we do not exclude these1 for there was undoubtedly a beautiful character as the basis2 but it was the union with ,christ that gave to all its true beauty4 ,it was the gift of the ,holy ,spirit earnestly sought in unceasing supplication before ,god4 ,there never yet was one more ready to confess her own utter nothingness1 or who felt more deeply that ,christ ,jesus1 and ,christ ,jesus alone1 was her every and only hope4 ,and we must enjoy the same union if we would glorify ,god4 ,do we wish to walk in the steps of those that are gone before1 or rather to follow ,him whom they followed8 ,we must seek the strength to do so in this union with ,christ4 ,do we want to overcome sin1 to fight manfully against the corruption of a depraved and fallen nature8 ,our only hope1 and1 thanks be to ,god6 it is sufficient1 is in this union with ,christ4 ,do we desire to labour for ,god1 and like her that is gone1 to spend the powers which ,he has given in the delightful effort to gather in poor sinners to his kingdom8 ,as the work must be for ,christ1 so the power must be in ,christ1 and the whole blessing granted through a union with ,him4 ,do we wish to be able to meet the day of sorrow1 and when the heart is overwhelmed to repose peacefully in the sure fidelity and tender sympathy of a gracious ,god who has loved us with an everlasting love8 ,again are we driven to the necessity of the same union1 for through ,him it is that the ,holy ,comforter descends into the soul4 ,and do we desire to pass peacefully through the valley of the shadow of death1 to be kept at peace when all around us fails1 when the outward man decays1 when the voice becomes silent1 and the eye dim8 ,do we wish then to fall asleep in perfect safety8 ,our hope must be in that same blessed union with that same blessed ,saviour2 for not merely in the present may we then look up and say 8,i will fear no evil for thou art with me10 but we may look beyond the valley and add 8,them that sleep in ,jesus will ,god bring with him40 ,let this then be the deep impression produced by the day4 ,let us go home to consider well the nature and evidence of our own union with ,christ4 ,you1 dear children in the schools1 for whom it may be well said1 that she 8travailed in birth till ,christ be formed in you40 ,you young persons that have grown up under her care1 and over whom she has watched with almost a maternal interest1 since the day that you first crossed the threshold of the infant school4 ,take good heed every one of you to this great subject1 and ,god grant that when ,christ comes1 like her1 you may be found in ,him4 ,you that have been members of her different classes1 and have had the privilege of uniting with her in the sweet communion of prayer and ,christian intercourse1 let the savour of those sacred hours long remain with you1 and let the recollection ever rouse you to fresh and vigorous watchfulness as to your own union and abiding fellowship with ,christ4 ,ye that are mourners here this day3 ye that have come to this house of ,god with bleeding hearts4 ,dear ,brethren1 let your hearts be comforted4 ,think of her union with ,christ4 ,remember well her past fellowship with him4 ,think of her now as sleeping with him1 and soon about to return with ,him4 ,see what ,he has already done for her1 and let the thought serve to raise your own heart heavenwards4 ,let it tend to satisfy your own soul in ,him4 ,let it lead you to say1 8,all my fresh springs are in thee10 and may ,he 8supply all you need according to his riches in glory by ,chris ,jesus60 ,and1 lastly1 you that are still strangers to that blessed ,saviour2 still unconverted persons1 with the burden of sin still on you2 with no hope in the advent1 and quite unprepared to die2 let the death speak to your heart now if the life has failed to reach it4 ,perhaps you may be young persons trained in the schools1 and under her influence from your very childhood1 but still strangers to ,christ4 ,remember then the earnestness of her exhortations1 and the fervour of her prayers4 ,remember how she longed for your souls1 and let this be the last day either of hardness or indifference4 ,could that voice speak from the grave how earnestly would it now appeal to you1 and let the recollection of that voice now silenced move each stubborn heart to turn to ,god4 ,the offer is now made to you1 and none can say he is excluded4 ,the atonement was made for all1 and the offer is made freely to each individual4 8,hear1 and your soul shall live40 ,it is impossible that any offer more magnificent could be made to the sinner4 ,here is pardon1 peace1 joy1 union1 resurrection1 and everlasting fellowship with ,god1 all offered to the most guilty sinner1 and all without money and without price4 ,shall men remain hardened8 ,shall the sinner remain indifferent8 ,shall there be none this day resolved to cast themselves at his feet1 that all sin may be blotted out through his blood1 that when they depart hence1 they may sleep in ,him2 and that when the trumpet shall sound1 they may rise at his bidding1 and spend eternity in the full enjoyment of his everlasting love8 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 ,john ,colbran1 ,printer1 ,high ,street1 ,tunbridge ,wells4