should we be so, if we knew all that is comprehended in it ! It is in vain to attempt to describe the anguish which the body shall endure in the lake that burnetii with fire and brimstone. But we are persuaded that the soul will bitterly bewail the necessity it is under of being re-united to that body, which once,
instead of governing it aright, it pampered and obeyed
And its misery will be fearfully augmented by the increased capacity of anguish which it will derive from its union with the body ]
This difference will correspond with, and be
founded on, their moral characters —
[The Scriptures uniformly declare the connexion that subsists between our present conduct and our future state. Nor need we be afraid of stating the truth precisely in the same manner, provided we bear in mind what is implied " in doing good, and doing evil." To do good is, to serve God cheerfully and without reserve. Now the very first " commandment of God is, that we believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ." This at once lays the axe to the root of all self-righteousness ; and necessitates us to look unto Christ both for righteousness and strength. And we do not hesitate to say, that all who serve God in conformity with this fundamental principle, shall have a resurrection to life.
If, on the contrary, we " do evil," neglecting this adorable Saviour, and living to ourselves rather than to him, we shall certainly " come forth to everlasting shame and contempte."
Each of these truths is so firmly asserted in the Scriptures, that no doubt of them can be entertained f. We want only to have them brought home with more feeling to our hearts.]
Address —
[Consider for which of these states you are preparing. You may delay, under the idea that the time will never come : but " the hour is coming," as fast as the wings of time can bring it forward. Let not your preparation for it be deferred : for life is uncertain ; and as death finds you, so will judgment find you. If you live and die obedient followers of Christ, }'ou will be happy. If you rely not on him, or devote not your- selves unreservedly to him, it will not be in the power of God himself to save you : for " he cannot deny himself;" and he has expressly said, that all such persons shall have " a resurrection to damnation."]
e Dan. xii. 2. f Gal. vi. 7, 8. Rom. ii. C— 10.
z 2