AnS4' Ari7I.] A SOUL PREPARED FOR HEAVEN. 46P to our entrance into the heavenly state ; and we must walk through this world, this defiling world, with all holy watchfulness, lest our souls be blemished with new pollutions, lest new guilt corne upon our consciences, and the thoughts of appearance before God be terrible to us. That soul is very much unfit for an entrance into the presence of a holy God, who is ever plunging itself into new circumstances ofguilt, by a careless and unholy conversation. To stand upon the borders of life, and the very edge of eternity, will be dreadful to those who have given themselves a loose to criminal pleasures, and in- dulged their irregular appetites and passions. But it is not only a conscience purged from the guilt of sin, by the blood of Christ, but a soul washed also from the defiling power and taint of sin, by the sanctify- ing Spirit, that is necessary to make us meet for the hea- venly inheritance. This is that purification which I now chiefly intend ; Mat. v. 8. " Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Nothing that defileth must enter into the city of God on high, nor whosoever maketh a lie, or loveth it;" Rev. xxi. M¡. No injus- tice, no falsehood, no guile or deceit, can be admitted within those gates: They must be without guile, both in their heart and tongue, if they will stand before the soul, with all the beauties of an upright heart and charac- throne of God ; Rev. xiv. 5. Sincerity and truth of ter, are necessaryto prepare an inhabitant for that blessed state. There must be no envy, no wrath or malice, no revenge, nor any of the angry principles that dwell in our flesh and blood, or that inflame and disturb the mind, will be found in those regions of peace and love. There must be no pride or ambition, no self-exaltation and va- nity that can dwell in heaven, for it cast out the angels of glorious degree, when they would exalt themselves above their own station. Pride was the condemnation of tia- devil," and it must not dwell in a;human heart, that ever hopes for a heavenly dwelling-place ;" 1 Tim. iii. 6. and Jude verse 6. There must be no sensual and intempe- rate creature there, no covetous selfishness, no irregular passions, no narrowness of soul, no uncharitable and party ,spirit, Will ever be found in that country of diffu- sive love and joy. And since the best of Christians have had the seeds of 2 x3
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