splendour shall burst forth as from behind a cloud™. They delighted to enjoy God ; they shall now see him face to face. They longed to glorify God ; they shall now have every faculty employed in his service for evermore.]
The most suitable improvement is suggested by our Lord himself" —
1. Let the profane ''hear" —
[You can be at no loss to determine whether ye be tares or wheat : your conduct will decide that point beyond a doubt". And are you willing to be daily ripening for the furnace? Know that, as ye are at death, ye will continue to all eternity. But ye may now be changed from tares to wheat. Though this change cannot take place in nature, it can in the kingdom of grace. Entreat the Lord then that ye may become new creatures P. All that are now in the granary of heaven were once as ye are^; and ye, if ye will seek the Lord, shall become as they are.]
2. Let self-deceivers hear —
[It is in vain to think yourselves the Lord's people when ye are not. Inquire whether ye have been truly born again '^? See whether ye differ from the world, and from your foraier selves, as much as wheat differs from tares. Be not satisfied with " a form of godliness," and " a name to live." The day of final separation is near at hand : let every day therefore be spent in earnest preparation for it.]
3. Let the upright also hear —
[The unavoidable mixture in the Church is doubtless a burthen to you ; and if you be not careful, it may also become a snare : but, without judging others, strive to approve your- selves to God^ Speedily will the period of your happiness arrive. Look forward then to death, with composure and gratitude ; regard it as the waggons sent to convey you home ; and, till it arrive, be praying for the influences of the sun and rain. So shall you be gathered in due season as a shock that is ripe, and be transported with joy to your eternal rest.]
m 'EKXdjjixpovaiy. n ver. 43. ° 1 John iii. 7, 8.
P 2 Cor. v. 17. 1 Eph. ii. 3. and Gal. iv. 12. in the Greek.
r John iii. 3. ^ 1 Cor. iv. 5.