BERM. VIII. FALLING SHORT or HEAVEN. 143 dreadful company. What gay and swelling figures so- ever you have made on earth, you will make but a poor and wretched one in that world, if ye are found distitute of the riches of grace; and it will be a mournful inscrip- tion written on your tomb, " This richman died- Land he lift up his eyes in hell ;" Luke xvi. X23. But, belov- ed, we hope better things of you, though we thus speak, and things that accompany salvation, lieb. vi. 9. Thus I have finished the first general exhortation, to those who have any valuable qualities attending them, but through the love of this world are tempted toneglect heaven. The second exhortation is addressed to those who are weaned, in some good degree, from this world, and have treasures. in heaven, but are defective in those good qualities which might render them amiable upon earth. I confess I have no direct commission frommy test to address you here : But I am unwilling and ashamed that a rich young man should go to hell with some more lovely appearances upon him than you have, who are in the u'ay to heaven. You have chosen God for your eternal portion, and your highest hope ; you have chosen his Son Jesus for your only Mediator, and your way to the Father; you have chosen the worship and the ordinances of God as your dearest delight; ye are the chosen objects of the love of God, and his grace has inclined you to love him above all things. Methinks I would not have any blot cast upon so many excellencies. Be ye advised there- fore to seek after that agreeable temper and conduct which may make you beloved ofmen too ; that the wisest and best of men may chuse you for an honour to their acquaintance and company. This will render your pro- fession more honourable, and make religion itself look more lovely in the sight of the world. What a foul blemish it is to our christianity, whenwe shall hear it said, " Here is a man who professes the gos- ,pel of grace, but he does not practise the decencies that the light of nature would teach him ". He tells us that he' belongs to heaven; but he has so little of humanity in his deportment, that he is hardly fit company for any upon earth." Shall it be said of any of you, " Here is a man that pretends to the love of God, but he is morose in his
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