The Character and Happiness of Them That Die in the Lord / A sermon, preached Oct. 13, 1822, in Park Chapel, Chelsea, on occasion of the death of the late Rev. John Owen

The sermon expounds a passage from Revelation that pronounces blessing on those who die in the Lord, identifying the Lord as Jesus and applying the promise both to martyrs and ordinary believers. The preacher defines dying in the Lord as possessing true, living Christian faith — a sure trust in God’s promises that issues in moral reform and good works — and argues that the character of a life provides the best evidence of a hopeful death. He insists that faith must be active, producing holiness and charity, warns against mere outward profession, allows for late repentance, and comforts mourners by affirming rest from labour and the enduring value of faithful deeds.