engage his attention : and, if it betray itself in his religious deportment, it will be very unjust to ascribe that to religion which proceeds only from his own imbecility, and would equally shew itself in any other occupation or pursuit. But this I will say, that this divine principle will go far to direct him, where his judgment, not so regulated, would err : and that, consequently, he will on the whole excel in wisdom those whose capacity and attainments are in other respects on a level with his own. I will further say, that, in proportion as he advances in true piety, his profiting in wisdom also will appear unto all.]
Let us view this principle yet further, III. As completed in a better world —
The applause which ungodly men gain from their blind companions is of very short continuance. But that which piety secures will endure for ever.
The man who fears the Lord is not without ap- plause in this world —
[What if he be derided by some ? it is only by those who know not what true wisdom is : and who, if they acted in refe- rence to earthly things as they do in relation to their heavenly concerns, would themselves be regarded by all mankind as fools and idiots. By every man whose good opinion is worth having,
the godly man is loved and honoured yea, and God
himself also honours him with the richest manifestations of his presence and love ]
And how is he honoured in the eternal world ! —
[Thither the angels of God bear him on their wings, exult- ing in the office assigned to them of ministering unto him. And no sooner is he arrived at the portals of heaven, than he is welcomed by God himself, who, in the presence of all the heavenly host, addresses him, " Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Behold the crown prepared for him ! the throne also made ready for his reception ! Behold the kingdom awarded to him as his inheritance, of which he takes possession as an " heir of God, and joint-heir with Christ ! " Yes, truly, this is his praise ; and will be so when they who here despised him shall " awake to shame and everlasting contempt." " This praise, too, endureth for ever." Whilst his once contemptuous enemies are " weeping and wailing and gnashing their teeth" in hell, he will be in the full enjoyment of glory and honour and immortality, in the bosom of his God.]
Address —
1 . Those who despise religion — [Whence is it that ye despise it? Your contempt of it is altogether founded on your own ignorance and wickedness.