We may learn from hence,
1. How to judge of our state before God —
[Mere morality is by no means a sufficient criterion whereby to judge of our state: we may be free from gross violations of God's law, and yet be far from yielding obedience to the Gospel. Let us then inquire whether we be obeying the Gospel by a simple dependence upon Christ, and by a spirit and temper suited to our profession ? This is the test to which we must bring ourselves, since we shall be tried by it at the last day. In vain will be our morality, if Christ be not our only foundation ; and in vain will be our professed adherence to Christ, if we do not adorn the Gospel by a holy conversation. Let us then examine ourselves, that we may know beforehand what our end shall be.]
2. The importance of considering our latter end —
[We are ready enough to contemplate the circumstances to which we look forward in the present life ; but O, how backward are we to reflect upon our latter end ! Yet the events of this life are not worthy of a thought in comparison of eternity. I pray you, brethren, consider how fast your end is approaching, and what it is likely to be, an eternity of bliss in heaven, or an eternity of misery in hell ? O, lose not an hour in preparing for your great account ! and be careful so to pass through things temporal, that you finally lose not the things eternal ]