( 147 ) SERMON XXXIX. THE RIGHT IMPROVEMENT OF LIFE, 1 COR. Ili. 22. Whether life or death, all are yours. IT is a large and fair inheritance that belongs to the children of God. They have no need to divide them- selves into little parties, and to quarrel about their par- ticular interest in one minister in another, or one blessing or another; for whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, whether life or death, all things are theirs. (My former discourses have explained in what sense Christians possess all things, and that is, that all things present or to tome, that can any way affect or concern them, shall certainly turn to their benefit, and subserve their great and final interest. I proceed now more par- ticularly to enlarge on the words, which I had chiefly in my design, " whether life or death, all are yours." The first doctrine arising from the words is this, " Life itself, and the continuance of it to the saints, is for their advantage," Now to improve this proposition to practical purposes, I shall do these things : I. I shall make it appear under a variety of instances, that life is designed for the benefit of christians. II. I would amplify and confirm the doctrine yet fur- ther, by discovering what a variety of graces may be ex- ercised on earth, which can have no place in heaven : and make it appear, that in some respects, asaint belo* hath advantage above the saints that are on high. III. I shall answer a considerable objection or two that seems to rise against the doctrine, while I am treat- ing of it : And, at last, Sqme inferences will be drawn from the whole discourse., First let me shew, wherein life appears to be a benefit to true believers. Life is yours, O christians, for L This is the time that was given you for your recón- ciliation to God, and securing your everlasting interest. L
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