would be judged in the last day; and according to them would their eternal destinies be fixed.
And is not this a reason of equal force in relation to you? Yes verily. To this test must you be brought ; and by this touchstone must you be tried. Do not imagine that the world's standard of holiness will suffice; or that any part of that whicii God has required can be dispensed with. God will lav judgment to the line, and righteousness to the phnnmet, and will scrutinize with unerring accuracy your whole life ; and assign to every one of you your portion in heaven or in hell, according as you shall be found to have neglected or fulfilled the duties required of you. Would to God I could impress this upon your minds ! I beseech you. Brethren, lay it to heart. It is no new thing that I am bring- in'' to your minds : it is nothing but what you all know and are established in. But alas ! alas ! how little is it remem- bered by the generality ! and how much do the very best amongst us need to be reminded of it ! "I pray God to keep it for ever in the imaginations of the thoughts of your hearts, and to prepare your hearts unto it**."]
2. Because he knew that his opportunities of reminding them of these things was drawing to a close —
[The Lord Jesus Christ had told him many years be- fore, that when he should be old, he should be bound and crucified by his enemies*. This time was now near at hand : and with such sweet composure did the Apostle contemplate it, that he speaks of it as only the taking down of a tent or tabernacle to rear it again in a better place. But as this would put a termination to his earthly career, he was anxious to im])rove his few remaining hours in fixing these things upon their minds, " in order that they might have them in remembrance after his decease." He well knew how ready persons were to turn aside from the truths which had been delivered to them. " Joash did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest V but no longer : and Moses had not been removed from the people forty days, before the whole nation of Israel made for them- selves, and worshipped, a golden calf.
And is there no reason to fear that you also, my Brethren, will forjfet the warnings which have been given you, when the tongue that uttered tliem is silent in the grave ? Look at ])laccs that have enjoyed the most faithful Ministry, and see what their state is within the space of a few years: how many that were once awakened to some sense of eternal
things,
■^ 1 Chron. xxix. 18. " John x\i. 18, ig. '2 Chron. xxiv. 2.