If there be any principle fully ascertained by religion, it is, that
this life was intended for a state of trial and improvement to man. His
preparation for a better world required a gradual purification, carried
on by steps of progressive discipline. The situation here assigned him
was such as to answer this design, by calling forth all his active
powers, by giving full scope to his moral dispositions, and bringing to
light his whole character. Hence it became proper, that difficulty and
temptation should arise in the course of his duty; ample rewards were
promised to virtue; but these rewards were left, as yet, in obscurity
and distant prospect.
The impressions of sense were so balanced against immortality, as to
allow a conflict between faith and sense,--between conscience and
desire,--between present pleasure and future good. In this conflict the
souls of good men are tried, improved and strengthened:--in this field
their honours are reaped;--here are formed the capital virtues of
fortitude, temperance, and self-denial;--moderation in prosperity,
patience in adversity, submission to the will of God, charity and
forgiveness to men amidst the various competitions of worldly interest.
* * * * *