this present life. Alas ! what an awful contrast is there be- tween you and the true Christian ! What then, suppose ye, shall be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ ? The Apostle, in a fore-cited passage, tells you, it will be " vengeance b;" yes, and Jesus will bring it with his own hand. It is in vain to think that your portion will be the same with that of a diligent, self-denying Christian. But, blessed be God, grace is now brought to you by the Gospel ; yea, all the glory of heaven is now offered you by God himself0. Only repent, and go unto God as reconciled in Christ Jesus, then shall you " pass from death to life," and from hell to heaven.]
2. Those who are Christians indeed —
[There are some, who " shine as lights in a dark world :" some, who, while living on earth, " have their conversation in heaven." Doubtless, ye meet with many conflicts and troubles in your way. To you then in particular is the text addressed : for persons circumstanced like you these words were written d. Survey that grace which is now speedily to be brought unto you. Take a view of all the glory and felicity of the heavenly world; compare with that your light and momentary afflic- tions: you will then soon form the same estimate as St. Paul before you dide. Be not then diverted from the great object of your pursuit. Remember the solemn caution which God him- self has given youf — ; and take for your encouragement that faithful promise g — ]
b 2 Thess. i. 7, 8. c Acts ii. 38, 39. d 1 Pet. i. 1, 6.
e Rom. viii. 18. f Heb. x. 38. e Matt. xxiv. 13.