be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying; neither shall there be any more pain; but all tears shall be wiped from their eyes: Rev. xxi. 4. and they shall for ever enjoy the most perfect and consummate happiness, and sing eternal Hallelujahs of praise and thanksgiving unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb for ever and Amen. ever. THE CONCLUSION. IF a good life be attended with so many advantages as, I hope, I have shewn it is; if it will make us live happily, die comfortably, and at last entitle us, through the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ, to an eternal inheritance in that kingdom which he has purchased for us with his most precious blood, if, on the other hand, guilt be its own punishment in this world, and everlasting misery will most certainly be the lot and portion of the wicked and impenitent in the next; what manuer of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness! and how stedfast and immoveable should these reflections make us in the ways of God's laws, and in the works of his commandments! with what indignation and abhorrence should we look upon sin; and with what speed should we flee from that dreadful enemy of our souls, which would rob us of our present, as well as future, happiness! how should the consideration of these things make us take heed lest there be in any of us an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God! Heb. iii. 12. and how stedfastly should we resolve to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but to walk as children of light in the ways of true piety and holiness; not delaying for one moment the care of our immortal souls! for the day is far spent, the night is at hand, and there is no time to be lost. We have a great work to do a work that requires and deserves our utinost care and diligence. If we perform it well; great will be our reward in heaven: for, faithful is He that has promised. We may be as sured that if we are diligent and industrious in the work which God hath assigned to us in this world, our labour shall not be in vain in the Lord; for, if we have our fruit unto holiness, our end will be everlasting life. But if, instead of working out our salvation with fear and trembling, Philip ii. 12. that is, with the greatest care and circumspection, we are negligent and remiss in the service of our great Lord and master Jesus Christ; if, instead of living soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world, we lead vicious. and wicked lives, and spend our days in sin and vanity; miserable will be our condition both here and hereafter. For, although God is a being of infinite goodness and mercy, and is patient and long-suffering toward sinners; being unwilling that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance; yet we must remember, that he is also infinitely just, and will assuredly vindicate the honour of his laws. sin and wickedness is an abomination in his sight: he is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity; and if his wrath be All kindled, yea but a little, what will become of the wicked and ungodly! nothing but a sincere repentance and amendment of life, will be sufficient to secure them from the vengeance which he hath threatened to pour down upon all obstinate and rebellious sinners: but true repentance will most undoubtedly avert his anger. He hath declared himself to be a God merciful and gracious, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; and hath promised pardon to all those who with hearty repentance and true faith, turn unto him. He hath no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked should turn from his way and live. In order to assure us of this his great love to mankind and of his desire te reconcile us to himself. He hath sent his Son, his only, his beloved Son, into the world, to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have everlasing life. John iii. 16. It hath pleased God, of his infinite goodness, to establish a most gracious covenant of mercy to mankind through the mediation of his own Son; and the condition on his part of the covenant, namely, the remission of sins, is always ready to be made good, if we fail not on our part, of sincere repentance and a thorough reformation of our lives. Our Saviour hath made a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world. He hath suffered a cruel and ignominious death upon the cross for our sakes; and by his death and sufferings hath purchased this grace for us, that real repentance, and the sincere endeavour of perfect obedience, shall be accepted, instead of innocence: but without this repentance, and renewed endeavour of perfect obedience, we shall not be accepted upon any terms. The sacrifice which Christ offered upon the cross, although of infinite value, will be of no avail to us, unless, in conformity with his death and resurrection, we die unto sin, and rise again into newness of life. Nothing but a good life will enitle us to the favour and love of God: and, without his favour, we are of all creatures the most miserable. Better had |