ót10 THE RIGHT IMPROVEMENT OF LIFE. And if thou art saved at last, it is so as by fire, it is like a brand plucked out of the burning, oras a man escapingnaked out of the flames, and passing on the very brink of hell into ever- lasting life." The Recollection of the doctrinal part. " And is life the only space given me to be reconciled to Go!, and am I still a stranger and an enemy ? Have I wasted away so manyyears of this golden season of hope, this day of mercy, and have I not yet received this mercy, nor laid hold on this hope set before me : Search, examine, enquire, what is thy state, ,O my soul? And if thou art yet a child of wrath, and unreconciled to God, make haste and fly for refuge to the grace of the gospel. Cry mightily for repentance and forgiveness in the 'lame and blood of Jesus. Let no more days of thy life pass away in such a dangerous and dreadful state, lest life should come to a speedy period, and then thou art banished from grace and hope for ever. " But if the character of a sincere penitent, and a holy christianbe found with thee, if thou art partaker of the love of God, through the grace of Jesus, then bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all thatis within me praise his holy name, that he has not cut me off in the days of my enmity to God, unsanctified, and un- pardoned ; that he has lengthened out my life and the seasons of his mercy, till he has changed my sinful nature, and secured me in the covenant of his grace. " Is lifegiven me as an opportunity of service to my Lord Jesus ? It is he that has redeemed me : it is he that has laid out his valuable life for me, what shall I do, O my Saviour, to make some humble returns of acknowledgment and love ? O let my useless and unserviceable yearsbe forgiven, and let the remains of life, whether long or short, be all devoted to the interests and ho- nours of my Redeemer. Were it possible for the saints, after they havedwelt some time in heaven, to come down and dwell on earthagain how would they multiply their labours, and lay out their new life in more activity and service for their God and Sa- viour .? When they havefound and tasted what aheaven of hap- piness succeeds the short labours of life, how would they double all their zeal and diligence, and be grieved they could do no more ? When they have seen and conversed with their beloved Lord, and beheld him face to face, with how much warmer love would they engage in his service ? Surely they would all cryOut, that the longest life on earth is much too short to shew their zeal, affection, and gratitude to so divine and glorious a friend. Think of this, O my soul, and remember, if thou ever arrive safe at hea- ven, thou wilt wish thou hadst done more for thy belovedLord hereon earth.
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