THE ONLY HOPE ON THE DEATH BED ". . . Christ in you, the hope of glory:" Col. 1 : 27 Strong finishers are focused on the finishing line. Not the cheers of spectators, not the noise of the people, not the sound of the drum, not the glory of the beginning, or the victory of the past, but the final line of glory. That final line is inevitable, some cross it into eternal glory, some into eternal agony. After reading this short story of a Christian comrade, you will be encouraged to yearn for the shout of victory and not the noise of the battle. ~NOT THE SHADOW OF A DOUBT~ "John P. Finley, my brother, was born in North Carolina, June, 1783. He was in the ministry about fifteen years. He was ordained deacon by Bishop Asbury on the 17th of september 1815. He received ordination as elder at the hand of Bishop Roberts, July 2, 1820. At the time of his death he was a member of Kentucky Annual Conference actively dividing his time and energies between the business collegiate instruction and the labour of the pulpit. . . . As a minister, in the pulpit he was able, impressive, and overwhelming. THE CROSS OF HIS REDEMPTION was his theme; and in life and death, it became to him the "EMPHASIS OF EVERY JOY". In all these relations, I knew him well, and can, therefore, speak from the confidence of personal knowledge and accredited information. . . . He died on the 8th of May, 1825, in the forty- second year of his age, and sixteenth of his ministry: and at the same time that bereaved family wept upon his grave. The sadness of the Church told that she had lost one of her brightest ornaments. Just before his triumphant spirit rose and sigh no more, he was asked how he felt, and what were the prospects of entering the dark valley and shadow of death. He replied, in language worthy of immortality, Not the shadow of a doubt, I have Christ within, the Hope of glory. That comprehend all." and then, with the proto-matyr, he 'fell asleep'" ====>AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF REV. JAMES B. FINLEY This short reality is full of messages between the lines. This great soldier never compromise the standard of His (JESUS) words for the world. All he preached is THE CROSS OF HIS REDEMPTION (from a sinful world). On the beautiful bed of death, he victoriouly proclaim, "NOT A SHADOW OF DOUBT, CHRIST IS WITHIN, THE HOPE OF GLORY. . ." As we sail toward the shore of eternity, where we will soon step into from the boat of life, here are two question we must answer in our secret place with God. "Have I not compromise to the standard of this world? Is Christ, who is the hope of glory still within me?" No doubt, if we have Christ within us on that final day, we will cross into eternal glory with triumph, without doubt or fear, but if not, or not sure if Christ is still inside, this is the right time to seek God's presence in our heart. His plans towards us is to give us an expected end. Just to remind you we have a home above, with God, free from labours and tears. What joy to know heaven is mine. Amen. —