the diversity of opinion, which prevails amongst the sincere disciples of the Lord Jesus, on many questions of minor importance; when they approach their latter end, they express the same sentiments, breathe the same spirit, anticipate the same felicity, and disengaging themselves from the trammels of prejudice, they mingle their affections together as fellow-heirs of the grace of life. The distinctive denomination of Churchman and Dissenter of Presbyterian and Independant of Methodist and Baptist-of Moravian and Friend; is cast off as a thread-bare garment which was worn during the period of their minority: and being cleansed from the defilement which they contracted in their intercourse with the world, they prepare to put on the spotless robe which is without seam woven from top throughout. With feelings of the deepest selfabasement, and with the most humiliating acknowledgement of their own demerits, they cast themselves without reserve on the grace of God, displayed through Christ Jesus. They speak of Christ in the most familiar and the most exalted terms; and ascribe their redemption, their sanctification, and their hope of glory, to the efficacy of his death; and instead of expecting to derive any superior advantages in heaven, from the peculiarity of their religious connection on earth, they will often heave the last sigh over a remembrance of their sectarian bigotry, and then exult in pros

pect of uniting with all the redeemed, who serve the Lord day and night in the same temple. Their united testimony is, "We are saved through faith; and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."*

The author has classified the facts which heh as collected; made some few alterations in the style of the original biographers, or speakers; and introduced such observations and reflections, as he deemed useful; and he now commits it to the candour of the reader, and the blessing of the Divine Spirit: fully rewarded for all his toil, if it answer the design which he has in view, of affording consolation to the timid Christian, when anticipating the hour of his departure. He has not deemed it necessary to arrange them, either in alphabetical, or historical order; but rather according to the relative degrees of interest which they possess; and though he cannot presume to hope, that his plan or the manner of its execution, will meet with unqualified approbation from his readers, yet he thinks no serious objections can be urged against it. He is not vain enough to suppose, that the spirit of modern scepticism,

Eph. ii. 8---10.

which has transformed the seat of judicial criticism, into the scoffer's chair, will condescend to notice this publication, as it savours too strongly of the incense of pure evangelical truth to suit its taste; but if it should, as he has no apology to offer for the facts he has embodied in the work, he dreads no sàrcastic virulence which may be directed against them. They are facts—well attested, and which demonstrate, beyond the force of the most powerful argumentation, thé supréme importance of faith in Christ, to support, to animate, and to entrance the human soul in the season of her departure; and when scepticism can bring forward an equal number of her disciples, who in their expiring moments, have displayed placidity, as calm; hope, as bright; joy, as great; and unshaken fortitude, às courageous, he will confess she has made some progress toward justifying her claims on the public attention. Till then, Christianity ought to be considered as reserving to herself the exclusive ability, of turning the shadow of death, into the brightness of the morning; and of giving to the death-bed scene, all its interest and glory.

The first class, includes the death-bed scenes of those who departed in triumph: the second, those who were more calm: the third those who were agitated by alternate fear and hope-of deep depression, and elevated joy; the fourth, those

who died suddenly; or under some peculiar circumstances, impressions or feelings; and the fifth, the sayings of some of the eminently wise and good, when in the immediate prospect of their dissolution.