1. The equity of the future judgment —
[The decision of the Judge will be grounded entirely on our works. No man that was righteous in this world, shall perish ; nor shall any man that persisted in his wickedness, be saved. The reward indeed that will be given to the righteous, will be the gift of grace for Christ's sake : whereas that which vnU be given to the wicked, will be the just ivages of their iniquity ^ Still however, the quality of every person's works will determine his state ; and the happiness or misery of each will be proportioned to his improvement or abuse of the talents committed to him. You all know, if you see one man indus- trious, sober, frugal, and another idle, dissipated, extravagant, what must in process of time be the difference between them. Each of them is laying up for himself a treasure which in due season he must reap : nor are you at all surprised when you see the one enjoying the fruits of his industry, and the other reaping the bitter fruits of his folly. Such will assuredly be the issue of our conduct in reference to religion. Let every person therefore remember, that he is daily and hourly treasur- ing up for himself that which shall be delivered to him again at the day of judgment* : and that, if he perish for ever, he will have none to blame for it but himself.]
2. The importance of preparing for our great ac- count—
[If the declarations in the text proceeded from man, they might well be disregarded. But they are the words of God ; and are as truly spoken to us by him, as if they were now uttered by an audible voice from heaven. Should we not then take warning ? Should not the wicked inquire how they may become righteous ; and the righteous increase their diligence to hold on in God's holy ways? Would to God this effect might now be produced ! how gladly should we set Christ before you as an all-sufficient Saviour ! and how joyfully should we proclaim the promises of God, both to sincere penitents",
" Ps. Ixxxi. 11. o Job xxi. 14. and xxii. 17.
P Matt. xxv. 41. 1 Ezek. xxxiii. 8. >■ Matt, xviii. 18.
5 Rom. vi. 2.3. ' Gal. vi. 7, 8. » Isai. Iv. 7.