156 THE RIGHT IMPROVEMENT OF LIFE. [SERM. XSYI$. when these are the persons of every party who are the most excellent in the earth; these are the guards and walls of defence to the nation, ".the_ chariots of our Is- rael, and the horsemen thereof 2Kings ii. 12. xiii. 14. V. Life is yours; for it a ords means for brighten- ing your evidence for heaven, and improving your own preparation for glory. Surely you are not willing to de- part from this world, till you have good hope of an inte- rest in a better state, and acomfortable expectation that it shall be well with you for ever. Does God prolong your days on earth? See then, that the principles of piety and goodness be well rooted in your hearts, and that your graces grow up under the influences of heaven. See that they bud and blossom with fair flowers, to the honour ofyour profession, and to the joy of your own consciences. Let the sacred fruits of your love and zeal break out upon alljust occasions : Shine brighter in ho- liness every day of your mortal life, and bring forth fruits meet for life everlasting, that ye may know and be as sured that the seeds of glory are sownwithin you, such divine seeds as will bear a rich and blessed harvest in the great day. " He that has this hope will purify himselfas ,Christ is pure," 1 John iii. 3. and his increasing purity will con- firm his hope. Believe it; christians, as your life and practice grows more divine and undefiled, the image of Christ will appear in you. with fairer evidence, and raise your hopes of dwelling with him to thejoys ofassurance. Many souls have gone to heaven as in a chariot of tri- umph, after some years of their practice of christianity, who, at their first profession of it, were oppressed with many doubts and fears, and were often trembling upon the borders of despair. Life was their blessing indeed, when it taught them to die with faith and honour, and enter into the world Of spirits with divine joy. Let it be said then concerning you, O christians, that you sensibly approach nearer to heaven every month of your continuance upon earth, and that you look more like the inhabitants of that upper world, by how much the longer you continue in this lower state; that when you depart hence, you may be assured of a joyful admis- sion into paradise. May your graces shine bright, and your evidences for heaven appear so glorious and uncon-
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=