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own place. His mercy will be withdrawn from them, because they have abused it; but in itself it will remain the same, for it is written, "His mercy endureth for ever." Ps. cvi. 1.

The vast importance of human life will appear to every person of serious reflection, when the doctrine of rewards and punishments is duly considered. Brutes live and die without reflection; and this is quite in character. They are not accountable. It is the general opinion that they perish in death; but man will live in happiness or misery to all eternity. All depends on his conduct while he sojourns on earth, during the space of a few fleeting years. The subject, viewed in this light, assumes an important aspect; and well may it be said, as we have often heard, that "on this moment hangs eternity!"

Would we know the value of an immortal spirit? Let us weigh it in the balances of eternity. It will exist when countless ages have passed away. What is the length of time, including every moment, from the creation of the world to its final dissolution? It is a small and imperceptible point, and is as nothing in the sight of the Lord. Ps. xxxix. 5. of man is immortal; and this inestimable value. The whole system of matter, in the inconceivable extent of the universe, is valueless when compared with the value of the soul. Eternity points out its worth. And shall

But the soul stamps it with

we risk the loss of the soul for the pleasures of sin, which are but for a short season? Moses renounced those pleasures; and all that are wise will follow his example.

Let us cultivate a deep and awful sense of divine wrath and justice. "God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth; the Lord revengeth, and is furious; the Lord will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies." Nahum i. 2. Those views of his goodness and mercy that exclude his justice and wrath, are extremely dangerous in their tendency; and have led many inconsiderate persons to carelessness and trifling in the discharge of those high and important duties which God requires of man. Those, on the other hand, who view the Deity as he is, and as he has declared himself to be, while they hope in his mercy, stand in awe of his majesty and glory, and are as much afraid of sin as they are of suffering.

Frequently meditate on the rewards of the righteous, and take encouragement from them to persevere in the paths of holiness. Those rewards are revealed, to strengthen and encourage good men in all their difficulties and dangers; and when they are viewed by faith, and sweetly anticipated by hope, we go on our way rejoicing. Storms and tempests meet us in the heavenly road; but there is a peaceful abode prepared for us at the end of our journey. Are we tempted? we shall soon be out of the

reach of the tempter. Are we persecuted? we shall soon be out of the reach of persecutors. Are we sick? we shall soon enjoy perfect health. Are we despised? we shall soon be crowned with honour and glory. Do we lose our friends? we shall soon find them again in a better world. Are we afraid of death? we shall soon conquer that enemy, and shout victory. All the ills of life will shortly terminate; and then "sorrow and sighing shall flee away." Isai. xxxv. 10.

But that we may be serious, and watchful unto prayer, let us not forget the sufferings of the damned. They are banished from the presence of the Lord; they are plunged into an abyss of darkness; they are tormented with reflections on their past conduct, and with prospects of future sufferings. Their depraved nature torments them more than the tongue can express, or the heart of man conceive. The covetous have lost all their hopes of gain; the sensualists have lost all their sensual pleasures; the proud and vain have lost all their honours; and the oppressive tyrant has lost all his power to injure and oppress. Anger and hatred, malice and revenge, burn in their breasts like raging fire. They hate God, who made them; and they hate one another; for there is no love in hell. Besides all these evils, it is clearly revealed that they will be tormented in everlasting fire. And shall we, like fools, expose ourselves to all those torments? Every human being,

be

while he remains in a state of probation, may saved. Let us lay this subject to heart, and cry aloud for mercy.

While we have time and opportunity, let us obtain a right to heaven, by faith in the merit of Jesus; and a fitness for it, by the sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost. Our works in Christ are rewardable; but they are not meritorious. Our only title to the happiness of the upper world, is the merit of our blessed Redeemer. Through that, and that only, we claim the kingdom as our own. When we are justified, we gain our title to glory; and when we are wholly sanctified, we gain our meetness for it; and while we stand in this state, we have not any thing to fear, either in time or in eternity. Time is passing away, and the coming of the Lord is at hand; but may we find a resting-place, at the end of the day; and may we wear the crown of life, which the righteous Judge shall give unto all them "that love his appearing!"

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CONCLUSION.

WE should ever keep in mind these important doctrines and duties; and we should often examine ourselves both as to our faith and practice. How is it with us now? Do we believe what God has revealed? Do we obey what he has commanded? Do we enjoy what he has promised? Have we that religion which makes us happy in ourselves, and useful to others; that with which we wish to live, and that with which we hope to die? We have been guided too long by popular opinions, by unruly lusts and passions, and by the enchanting pleasures of the world. Let us now follow the calm dictates of reason, the inward illuminations of the Holy Spirit, and the unerring directions of the sacred Scriptures.

It is easy to speculate on religious creeds; but obedience is better than fanciful speculation. The wise heartily close in with the truth, and pursue the substantial good which it presents to the mind of man. Three things are absolutely necessary in religion: first, useful knowledge; secondly, sound experience; and, thirdly, a holy life. If any one of these be wanting, the others will prove useless; for they stand connected in the order of divine things, and the one constantly follows the other. Christian knowledge discovers the right way; experience is a renewal

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