as sheep from the goats, and widely different portions will be assigned unto them'". How can it be supposed to be other- wise, when the difference of their characters is considered?
If hell be not an abode fit for the righteous, much less
is heaven a proper residence for the ungodly ]
2. Most reasonable —
[We confidently appeal even to the ungodly themselves. If such troubles as are often inflicted on the righteous be per- mitted by God as the salutary purgations of his friends, what shall be inflicted by God as the vindictive chastisements of his enemies ? If such things come on his friends in this state of probation, what shall come on his enemies at the time appointed for final retribution ? If such be the visitations experienced by his friends in the day of his mercy, what must his enemies expect in the day of his wrath ? Verily I shall wonder if the conscience of any man be either so blind or so obdurate, as not to feel the force of this appeal. If there be such a hardened sinner, let him consult, and provide an answer to, other similar
appeals to Holy Writn To "die without mercy" is
bad enough ; but there is a " much sorer punishment" awaiting his unhappy soul0.]
See —
1. How desirable it is to ascertain your true
character —
[Surely it is no difficult matter to ascertain to which of the two forementioned classes you belong. Surely you may soon learn whether you are living in the daily habit of peni- tence, and faith, and unreserved obedience to your God. If God be true, your eternal state shall correspond with your character, whatever it may be? ]
2. What is that line of conduct which common
prudence demands —
[If there were no future state, you might go on in your own ways without much concern ; but if repentance, faith, and obedience are essential constituents of the character of the righteous, say, whether it be wise to disregard, or even to defer them ? The world may deride a life of piety as folly ; but it is true wisdom: yea, " the fear of the Lord is the very beginning of wisdom." Let every one then seek that righteousness, without which no man shall see the Lord.]
m Ps. i. 5. n Heb. ii. 3.
0 Heb. x. 28, 29. P Isai. iii. 10, 11.