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To his Brother Israel, at College, written a few Months before his Death.
_Boston, June 30, 1747._
_My dear brother_,
IT is from the sides of _eternity_ I now address you. I am heartily sorry, that I have so little strength to write what I long to communicate to you. But let me tell you, my brother, _eternity_ is another thing than we ordinarily take it to be. Oh, how vast and boundless! Oh, how fixed and unalterable! Oh, of what infinite importance is it, that we be prepared for _eternity_! I have been just dying for more than a week; and all around me have thought so: in this time I have had clear views of _eternity_: have seen the blessedness of the _godly_; and have longed to share their happy state; as well as been comfortably satisfied, that I shall do so; but Oh, what anguish is raised in my mind, to think of an _eternity_ for those who are _Christless_, for those who bring their false hopes to the grave with them! The sight was so dreadful, I could by no means bear it: my thoughts recoiled, and I said, “Who can dwell with everlasting burnings!” Oh, methought, that I could now see my friends, that I might warn them, to see to it, they lay their foundation for _eternity_ sure. And you my dear brother, I have been particularly concerned for; and have wondered I so much neglected conversing with you about your spiritual state at our last meeting. Oh, let me beseech you now to examine, whether you are indeed a _new creature_? Whether the glory of God has ever been the highest concern with you? Whether you have ever been reconciled to all the perfections of God? In a word, whether God has been your portion, and a holy conformity to him your chief delight? If you have reason to think you are _graceless_, Oh, give yourself no rest, till God arise and save. But if the case should be otherwise, bless God for his grace, and press after holiness.
Oh, my dear brother, flee fleshly _lusts_, and the inchanting _amusements_, as well as corrupt _doctrines_ of the present day; and strive to _live to God_. Take this as the last line from
_Your affectionate dying brother_,