SERM. XENIX.] THE RIGHT IMPROVEMENT OF LIFE. 161 to get safe within the walls of paradise : the thief on the cross, who was called at the last hour of life, obtained this privilege : but let thy ambition rise higher, and reach at some of the more exalted stations in that kingdom. Then shall it appear; that life is thine in the sweetest sense, when every stage and period of it shall add new honours to the name of thy God, give new blessings to the world, and advance thejoys of thy owneternity." Second Reflection. If life be such a privilege to a christian, and be a part ofhis treasure in this sense, then what a dismal account hath an old sinner to give, who bathwasted life and time in follyand guilt, and no part of it hath been improved for his eternal happiness. Omiserable creature ! Neither life nor death is thine. Bethink thyself a little, and review the dismal scene : Say to thy soul, " What have I been doing these fifty or sixty years ? I came into life guilty ,and unclean, and am now upon the borders of death unclean and guilty still. I was born a child of wrath, and am a son or daughterof wrath still. I was by nature an enemy to God, and I am an enemy to God still, and have no interest in his love. Life was given me that I might seek reconciliation and grace ; but I have neglected and abused offered grace, and am not yet reconciled to my almighty and offended Maker. The Judge is just at hand, methinks I hear the sound of his chariot wheels, and a dismal ac- count have Ito give of all my wasted life. I have done no real service for God, nor have given an example of ho- liness to men : but alas ! I have been a pattern of ini- quity, or at least, I have followed a multitude to do evil : Every year have I heaped up to myself new treasures of wrath in hell, instead of securing a crown in heaven, and advancing my station and my joy there. Is there any hope for me in the poor remains of life that may yet be allotted me ? Is the grace of the gospel sufficient to save such a wretch as I,am ?" " Yes, O sinner, it is sufficient, for Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, even the very chief of them. There is grace in the heart of the Father to re- ceive thee : there is sufficient virtue in the blood of Christ to cleanse away all thy guilt; there is influence enough in the blessed Spirit to soften thy heart, and re- VOL. II, M
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