to the contrary : and perhaps in our whole lives we never had the suggestion seriously proposed to us in reference to any departed soul, "Where is he?" To entertain a doubt of the happiness of any, would be deemed uncharitable in the ex- treme. But, be it known to you, that, however the wheat and the tares may resemble each other whilst growing in the field, a different end awaits them : the one is growing for the gra- nary ; the other for the fire, which, at their separation in the last day, will assuredly be their doom.]
Forcible as the question is when considered gene- rally, it will acquire tenfold importance if we regard it with a special application of it to our own souls —
1. Where are we ?
[The general answer to this would be, " I am in a vain and transitory world." This is true. But there is another answer, to which I would wish to draw your attention ; and it is this : " I am on Mercys ground " Could we but view life in this light, what an insight should we have into the great ends of life ! We are sinners, condemned sinners, respited for a little season, till it shall be seen whether we will avail our- selves of the overtures of mercy which our God and King has sent us. Regardless of the sentence that has been passed upon us, we are wasting our time in thoughtless gaiety, or spending it in unprofitable pursuits. One and another is led forth to execution ; but, not being eye-witnesses of their fate, we con- tinue unaffected by their removal, till we ourselves are sum- moned to participate their lot. The Rich Man, of whom we have before spoken, had five brethren, who were following the steps which he had trodden before them, and were hastening unconsciously to the same awful end. So it is with us. We see not the state of those who have gone before us ; and we put far from us all thought of the destruction in which their ways have issued, till, by bitter experience, we find that the warnings which have been given us are true.
Remember, then, that the time which is yet allotted us is given on purpose that we may seek reconciliation with our offended God, and avert, by a believing application to the Lord Jesus, the misery that awaits us. If we will consider life in this light, and improve it for this end, we shall be truly happy.]
2. Where shall we be in a little time ?
[This is the question which every one of us should ask from day to day : nor should we ever rest, till we can give to it a satisfactory answer. Let us, then, put it to ourselves with