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children; but, when "the last enemy" gives the fatal stroke, we must bid them an eternal farewell, unless we have passed such a godly and virtuous life, as will afford the hope of our meeting them again, in a future and a better state. Such is the case, my christian brethren, with all those things of this world, which are most esteemed by the children of men; and sought after with the greatest earnestness and perseverance. They are like the shadow that departeth; like the guest that continueth but a day. They remain with us, at best, but a few years; for " yet "a little while, and they can no where be "found," and "the place thereof shall "know them no more. But, look now at the other side of the picture; look at the objects which religion presents to our attention; and see the difference between them, and the passing shadows of this mortal life. In opposition to that imperfect knowledge which we can attain to in this world, religion promises to the faithful a knowledge of those things, when we quit our present abode, which " eye hath not seen, nor ear heard," here below for they shall then "know, "even as they are known," they "shall "see Gon as he is;" shall "know CHRIST, "and the power of his resurrection;" they shall be filled with all spiritual knowledge,

and be able to comprehend with all saints, "what is the breadth, and length, and "depth, and height, and to know the love "of CHRIST that passeth all" human knowledge." In opposition to the short enjoyment which we can have of worldly riches, religion promises us eternal possessions in heaven; a treasure which the rust " and the moth cannot consume, nor the "thief steal away;"" fulness of joy at "God's right hand, and pleasures for ever

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99 more. "For I know," says St. Paul, "whom I have believed; and I am persuaded "that He is able to keep that which I have "committed unto Him against that day." "For here we have no continuing city, but

we seek one to come," "whose builder is "GOD." In opposition to the worthless praise and admiration of man, religion holds out to us the "honour which cometh from "God alone;" the praise of angels, and this approving sentence of JESUS CHRIST, "Well "done, thou good and faithful servant; "enter thou into the joy of thy LORD." "For," saith the apostle, in the happy expectation of this reward of his christian life, "I have fought a good fight; I have "finished my course; I have kept the faith. "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown "of righteousness, which the LORD the

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“ righteous Judge, shall give me at that day; "and not to me only, but unto all them, also, "that love his appearing." In opposition to that distressing separation, which we must all experience, sooner or later, from those we love, and honour, and esteem, in this world; religion tells us, that those who die in the LORD shall once more meet again, and never more to part; that we must not sorrow, even as others which have no hope, concerning them which sleep; for, "if we believe that JESUS died and rose 66 again, even so them also which sleep in "JESUS will GOD bring with him.".

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Such, my brethren, is the difference between the objects which religion sets before us, and those which the world presents to our notice; a difference, that makes religion, as I have before said, infinitely the most important concern that can engage the attention of a reasonable creature. It is, in truth, the one thing needful;" and, compared with it, all the advantages, and gains, and possessions of this world, are worthless, as the chaff that flies before the wind; for "what," I pray you, "is a man profited, "if he gain the whole world, and lose his "own soul? or what shall a man give in "exchange for his soul?" As religion is thus important to the happiness of man, so

GOD has been mercifully pleased to put it into every man's power to become religious, and to secure all the advantages which flow from it. He has given us, in the Bible, full instructions for that purpose; shewn us "the path of life;" pointed out the road to heaven; and promised us every help to assist us on our journey thither. In his son JESUS CHRIST, the wisdom of God is manifested unto mankind; and all the treasures of heavenly knowledge are given for our use. "He is the way, the "truth, and the life;" he goeth before us to shew us the way; he gives us the light of eternal truth, that we may not wander from our road; and he promiseth everlasting life to those who continue in it until the end, without turning to the right hand or to the left. There are now no clouds and darkness hanging over the way of salvation; all is clear and easy; and all that is neces sary to secure to us the inheritance of heaven when we die, is the proper and 'diligent use of the means of salvation while we live. In the text, (which is taken from the epistle of the day,) these means are pointed out to us; "increasing in the "knowledge of GOD, and being fruitful in

every good work;" in other words, having faith in our hearts, and manifesting righteous.

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ness in our conduct. Clear as the scrip tures are in this respect, in making religion consist in these two things; it is surprising to think, that there should be any disputes or difference of opinion among mankind, about "what we must do to be saved." the melancholy fact is, that the christian world is split into numberless divisions on this important point. From the language that many hold, one should imagine that real religion consisted in faith alone; in merely believing "in JESUS CHRIST, and "him crucified." They consider faith "as "all in all ;" and falsely conceive, that, if they have this principle strong in their hearts, no more is required of them; but that the merits of their Saviour will make up every other deficiency for them; and that all impurities and irregularities of life, however careless they may be of their conduct, and negligent in the management of their hearts, will be laid to the account of the cross. Nay, some go still further than this: and, so much do they dislike "good works" themselves, or so afraid are they that man should claim any merit on their account; that they are constantly speaking of them in a slighting way, as "filthy rags," and proofs of self-righteouness: thus laying the axe to the root of all virtue, honesty, tem

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