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weighed in the balance of truth? Is it the praise of the good and great? Is it the praise of those whose opinions and feelings are founded upon the eternal relations which the Creator has established in this world? Such an approbation were more or less identical with that of God. But no, it is not this. It is rather the praise of those who overlook the authority of God, who are guided by pride and selfishness, and who are under the predominant influence of impure and earthly affections. Of what value, then, allow me to ask, is this praise? Is it not the praise of those "whose breath is in their nostrils," and who are "crushed before the moth?" who are themselves pensioners upon the patience and long-suffering of God, and are hastening to that awful tribunal of Christ, from whose award there lies no appeal? Will their opinions endure the shock of death and the illumination of eternity? Will those who hold such opinions have the slightest influence over the welfare of others, or be able to ward off one single blow which eternal justice may level against their peace and security? It is very plain, that the praise of men, independently of that of God, is a worthless delusion; that if it be contradicted by truth and by the decision of God, it is but as the chaff driven at last before the strength of the whirlwind!

My brethren, throw forward your thoughts

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into eternity. A few years, and the winding-up of the great and solemn results of Christianity will take place. The voice of God will be heard, and his judgment be ratified by succeeding events. A few years, and all the dreams of the world will be dissolved. Sensual pleasures, riches, ambition, an earth-born philosophy, these will shrink into worse than insignificance before the manifestation of the glory of the sons of God. Then the true distinction will be conformity to his will, attachment to his cause, delight in his friendship, joy in his redemption, hope in his eternal promises.

When the "heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat;" when the framework and emoluments of human ambition shall utterly vanish; when conscience shall awaken her ten thousand voices, and carry her loud and long appeals to the heart; when the gay, the thoughtless, and the profane and the earthly, will be driven forwards, however reluctant, into the absolute perdition of hell,-Oh, tell me, what will then be your estimate of the praises of men? To have lived amidst the smiles of approving friends; to have placed their opinions in opposition to the decisions of God; to have passed a few years of existence in conformity with their maxims, and wishes, and actions; and to have died amidst the testimonies of their

respect and love; what will be the sum total of such a life and of such an approbation? Of what avail, let me ask, will be the mutual congratulations of criminals, of what value the flatteries of each other, if at length the judgment shall be set, and the books be opened, and the trial terminate, and the verdict be recorded, and the sentence of death be executed? To perish on the same scaffold; to have loved the same delusions; to have opposed the same high and infinite authority; to have rejected the same momentous redemption, and to have flung back the mighty offers of the same redeeming love, and to reap the same harvest of disgrace, ingratitude and rebellion; and to encounter this terrific destiny, simply buoyed up by that unholy league miscalled friendship, what is this conduct but the exhibition of a madness which defies the power of thought to ascertain its limits!

My friends, my friends! awake from this dream. "Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils;" for whereof is he to be accounted of? Rather believe God, revere his judgments, form your opinions from his word, and link your hopes and joys to the promises of his salvation! All else around you is crumbling to dust. Every scheme of life, and every object of pursuit, which is distinctly separated from God, is absolute vanity, and the forerunner of eternal dis

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appointment. Hear, then, I implore you, the record of inspiration: "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end of the ways thereof is death." "He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son hath not life, but the wrath of God abideth on him." 66 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be." "Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world." Many things which are highly esteemed amongst men, are abomination in the sight of God." Repent then, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." And then you shall hear the heart-thrilling approval, not of men, but of God: "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord!"

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SERMON VII.

THE NEARNESS OF ETERNITY.

1 PETER iv. 7.

"BUT THE END OF ALL THINGS IS AT HAND; BE YE THEREFORE SOBER, AND WATCH UNTO PRAYER."

It is the privilege of a Christian to contemplate future events without alarm. His main interests are secured; he is "preserved in Christ Jesus," and "kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation." Hence, although many may be his previous afflictions, "the Lord at length delivers him out of them all." It is therefore to him no matter of disquietude, to throw forward his thoughts into futurity. Death is in fact to him the gate of life: "to me to live is Christ, but to die is gain." This power of regarding the future without alarm, is a great and substantial blessing. Worldly men are wont to hide the future from their view. Death is to them (at least while prosperity is their lot) a subject of disturbing meditation. Until adversity, or pain, or bereavement may

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