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I. The departure of dear friends by death IS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE GREAT GOD. Death is not the result of accident, necessity, or any chemical or mechanical force, but of the will of God. This doctrine teaches three practical lessons.

1. The grand aim of life should be to please God.

2. The grand aim in bereavement should be to acquiesce in the will of God.

3. Our grand impression at every deathbed should be that the Lord is at hand.

II. The departure of dear friends by death is THE SOURCE OF GREAT SORROW. Sorrow for the dead indicates —

1. Something good in human nature. It always springs out of love, and love is Divine.

2. Something wrong in human nature. "As by one man sin entered into the world," etc. Man loves because he is human; man's love turns into agony because he is sinful.

3. Something wanted for human nature.

(1)  An assurance of a happy future life.

(2)  A hope of a happy future reunion. Whence comes this assurance? Not from human speculation, philosophy, or religion, but from the Gospel.

III. The departure of dear friends by death SHOULD NOT INTERFERE WITH MORAL DUTY.

1. Because indulgence in sorrow confers no benefit on others; the fulfilment of duty does.

2. Because indulgence in sorrow injures self, and the fulfilment of duty does good to self.

3. Because indulgence in sorrow does not suspend the claims of duty.

(Homilist.)

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KJV: Also the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

WEB: Also the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,