3. On his side is every man, the very instant he enters into the eternal world —
[Think you that there is a man in heaven that is not like- minded with David ? or, that there is one in hell who would not assent to it as a truth which he could no longer doubt ? Here, men are blinded by their love of earthly things ; but in the eternal world they view things as they really are : nor is there one to be found either in heaven or in hell that would not prefer the state of Lazarus with all his privations to that of the Rich Man with all his indulgences. Whence was it that the Rich Man was so anxious to send a messenger to his five surviving brethren ? was it not to undeceive them, and to make known to them the proper mode of estimating the things be- longing to their peace ? So, if it were permitted, would they who are daily and hourly going into the eternal world : gladly
would they send to warn their surviving relatives ; but that cannot be : and if we will not believe Moses and the prophets, we shall learn the truth when it is too late to avail ourselves of it. But all this may serve at least to shew us that the decision of David was truly wise.]
Learn, then, from hence,
1. How to form a right estimate of your state— [You must not judge of yourselves by your actions only,
but by the tendencies and habits of your minds. What is your taste ? is it for communion with God in holy exercises ? or is it for the vanities of this present world? God himself teaches us to judge of ourselves by this standard : " They that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh ; and they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit f." If your taste accord with that of David, it is well ; you have so far an evi- dence that you are the Lord's : but if it be the reverse of his, deceive not yourselves; " ye are yet in your sins," children of the wicked one, and heirs of wrath.]
2. How to make your profiting to appear —
[Cultivate this high and heavenly disposition. Let the things of this world sink in your estimation— sink, I had almost said, into absolute insignificance; and let communion with God be the delight of your soul. Let it be a small matter to you whether you have more or less of the honour that cometh of man ; and seek the honour that cometh of God onlv : and " let your conversation be more and more in heaven, from whence you look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ," with whom you hope ere long to participate an eternity of bliss.]
f Rom. viii. 5.