Death of the Righteous

Rembrandt. Oil Study of an Old Man in Profile.

Believers at death, shall bid an eternal farewell to all sins and troubles. They shall be in a state of impeccability. Sin expires with their life. I think sometimes what a happy state that will be, never to have another sinful thought, and to have a quietus from all troubles. Here David cried out, “My life is spent with griefs, and my years with sighing.” Augustine once said, “Long life is merely long torment.”

Life begins with a cry, and ends with a groan; but at death all troubles die.

The saints at death shall not only have a sight of God—but shall enjoy his love. There shall be no more a veil on God’s face, nor shall his smiles be chequered with frowns—but his love shall discover itself in all its orient beauty and fragrant sweetness. Here on earth, the saints pray for his love, and they have a few drops; but there they shall have as much as their vessels can receive. To know the love that passes knowledge, will cause a jubilation of spirit, and create such holy raptures of joy in the saints, as are superlative, and would soon overwhelm them, if God did not make them able to bear it.

Thomas Watson. The Death of the Righteous.