When the corn has attained maturity, the sickle is put to it ; thus, when our measure of sin or holiness is complete, we shall be reaped down —
[Our existence in the world is entirely dependent upon God1." None can shorten or protract it beyond its appointed bounds"1.]
The saints will be "gathered into the garner of their Lord" —
[Saints, at their departure, ascend immediately to Godn ; but in the day of judgment their bodies also will rise. They shall then be carried to their eternal home.]
The wicked will be " bound in bundles, and cast into the fire " —
[They, who die in sin, immediately sustain their just pu- nishment0 ; but at the last day their bodies also shall be restored to life. Then shall they too be collected by the ministry of angels, and receive their final doom in fire unquenchable.]
Address —
1. Those who are ripening for destruction —
[You may easily discern your real state, but who can ex- press the misery of it ? You ripen, however involuntarily, every day. Notwithstanding your security, you will quickly fall. The great husbandman will easily distinguish you from the saints; and he will most assuredly, yea, eternally, separate you from them. But, through the mercy of God, you may yet be changed. Though you be tares at present, God can make you wheat p. Seek then this divine change ere it be too late.]
2. Those who are ripening for glory —
[What thanks do you owe to God for his distinguishing grace ! And how well may you be reconciled to the afflictions of life ! There is no event which does not promote your matu- rity. Look forward then for the blessed period of the harvest. Reflect on the happiness of the state for which you are pre- paring i. Still seek the showers of the Spirit, and the influences of the Sun of Righteousness. Thus shall you, in due season, be transmitted to the mansions of eternal bliss.]
1 Ps. xxxi. 15. m Job xiv. 5. n Luke xxiii. 43.
0 Luke xvi. 23. P 2 Cor. v. 17.
i No wintry blasts, no scorching suns, no worm at the root, &c.