I. The considerations which have been suggested afford comfort to the
righteous, while groaning under the burdens and sorrows of life, and
support in the solemn hour of death. They minister consolation also to
those who mourn the loss of pious friends--an occasion of sorrow which
we often experience in this vale of tears.
Here all have trials and afflictions--_the perfect and upright_ not
excepted. But the time is short. The good man's trouble terminates
with mortal life. _His end is peace_--his immortality glorious.
The wicked are dismayed when they look forward and consider their end,
or the time of their departure. To the good man it is desirable--"He
then rests from his labors, and his works follow him." St. Paul, "had
a desire to depart, and be with Christ." He knew that "a crown of
righteousness was laid up for him which the Lord, the righteous Judge,
would give him at that day." This was not peculiar to him; it is
common to all those "who love Christ's appearing." Those now in glory
were lately sufferers here: But their sufferings are ended--"They
have entered into peace: They rest in their beds, walking in their
uprightness."
II. Our subject teacheth the conditions on which only we can hope for
peace in death, and happiness after death. These depend on the use
which we make of life--on the manner in which we are affected by the
overtures made us in the gospel; they are the fruit of receiving
Christ and obeying the gospel; for it brings salvation only to those
who obey it.
Would we "die the death of the righteous, and have our last end like
his," our lives must be preparatory--we must "mind the things which
belong to our peace--live in all good conscience before God, and not
suffer ourselves to be moved away from the hope of the gospel."
III. Though when "the mystery of God shall be finished, his judgments
will be made manifest;" hitherto, "his way is in the sea, and his
judgments are a great deep." We know that his way is perfect; but
witness many things in the divine administration, which we do not
understand. We have no line to fathom the depths of providence.
Often _the perfect and the upright_ are early removed out of life
--those who are friends of religion, and supporters of order and
justice; whose hearts are filled with benevolence--who are the
excellent of the earth! While those of different characters, who we
should suppose might well be spared, yea, whose removal, we should
judge a mercy to the world, are left to prolong their days! Some who
are early vicious, and daily grow worse are nevertheless continued,
and permitted to dishonor God, and spread error and mischief among
mankind, till at "an hundred years old they die accursed!"
Such events often occur, and under the divine administration! They are
permitted of him who cannot mistake! In a sense, they are the Lord's
doings, and marvelous in our eyes!
"The Lord reigneth, let the earth, rejoice--Clouds and darkness are
round about him: Righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his
throne. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen
thine heart; wait, I say, on the Lord."
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