their sins are all " sealed up in a bag" against the day of judg- ment ; and the wrath of God is shortly coming upon them to the uttermost. Then it will appear how great a " difference there is between those who serve the Lord, and those who serve him not11." Let not this distinction then be made a subject of profane ridicule, but a motive to seek the Lord, that we may be numbered with his people, and be made partakers of his benefits.]
2. What inconceivable blessedness awaits the Lord's
people in a better world !
[Even in this life, as we have seen, their blessedness is exceeding great. But what will it be when once they shall lay down this mortal body, and enter into the joy of their Lord ? Now conflicts remain even to their latest hour ; and whatever victories they may gain, they must still remain girt for the combat. And, though " God has forgiven them all their tres- passes," so that he will never frown upon them in the eternal world, they still have occasion daily to implore mercy at his hands on account of their short-comings and defects. But in the day that they shall be taken into the immediate presence of their God, O! who can tell us what they shall " receive at
his hands ? " Dear Brethren, do not think lightly of
that joy; but be willing to sacrifice every thing for the attain- ment of it. Think in what estimation it is held by all who have entered into the eternal world. What would tempt those in heaven to part with it ? or what would not they who are now in hell, give to be made partakers of it? Be assured, that it will be fully commensurate with all your labours, though they had been a thousand times greater than they have ; and that one single hour of it will richly recompense all that it is possible for any finite creature either to do or suffer in the Saviour's cause ]
u Mai. hi. 18.