privileges, and improve them. But if they reject these, as thou hast formerly done, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.

Here the extraordinary communication between Dives and Abraham, was abruptly concluded the celestial vision was suddenly withdrawn, the door of the rich man's dungeon was instantly closed, and his complaints swallowed up in everlasting silence.

This remarkable parable presents us, my brethren, with all that our Lord has thought necessary to reveal concerning the final destiny of those, who live and die in an impenitent state. The case here reported, involves in it considerations of the most tremendous importance, and is calculated to excite in us inexpressible anxiety respecting the concerns of the eternal world. It comes home to every man's bosom, and urges there the grand inquiry, whether all be right between us and that omniscient Judge, with whom we have to do. But, notwithstanding the very impressive character of the passage before us, it may reasonably be questioned, whether the generality of Christians are likely to pay any more regard to its state

ments than Dives and his brethren were wont to pay those of Moses and the prophets. Let it however be remembered, that we have not here a cunningly devised fable, the mere fabrication of a disordered fancy; but as exact and graphic a representation of the invisible world, as the divine wisdom itself could furnish us with. Every contrary statement which sceptical men may presume to bring forward, must necessarily be the produce of uncertain conjecture; while this possesses all the authority that can be given it by the sacred sanction and seal of a faithful Creator.

Let us then meditate upon this portion of Scripture with all the seriousness becoming so momentous a subject. And let us never dismiss it from our thoughts, till it has produced upon our minds all its intended effects; detaching us powerfully from every form of ungodliness, and firmly fixing our affections on things above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God.

More especially, my brethren, let the concluding scenes of these two contrasted individuals very frequently engage your

attention and

may they never depart from your remembrance, before they have wrought in you a fixed determination to abhor that which is evil, though all the world should unite to commend it; and steadily to prefer things that are excellent, though all mankind should agree to reject and condemn

them.

Look at Lazarus the beggar ascending from his cottage, surrounded with an innumerable company of angels, and triumphantly borne away to that city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Then turn and fix your eyes upon the affluent Dives, when unexpectedly summoned to appear before that dread tribunal, from which there is no appeal. The voice of mirth has ceased in his altered habitation. The harp and the viol, the tabret and the pipe, were lately accustomed to enliven his entertainments: but now their sound is heard

no more. His gay companions have forsaken the gloomy chamber, where he lies struggling in the agonies of death, and are gone away in search of scenes more congenial to their taste. The sun of his pro

He is

sperity is setting, to rise no more. driven away in his iniquity. There is no hope in his end. As he tremblingly approaches the confines of eternity, not a single blessed spirit issues forth to bid him welcome. He is greeted from no quarter with the voice of peace; but is left to make his way in silence down, through darkness and despair, to his appointed place.

Let a spectacle so fearful and affecting, prevail with you to flee from the wrath to come. Renounce every plea for delay, remembering the uncertainty of time and the brevity of life. The day is far spent, the night is at hand: let us, therefore, cast away the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Dare we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Can our hearts endure, or our hands be strong, in the day that he shall deal with us? Who can stand before his indignation! Who can abide the fierceness of his wrath! Or who among us can dwell with devouring fire! If his favour is better than life itself; so his displeasure is more to be dreaded than death itself. If the If the cup of his salvation is made up of sweets, which

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can neither be described nor exhausted; so the cup of his fury is made up of deadly bitters, without mixture or measure. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

But it is the glory of our gracious God and Father, that he keepeth mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yea, God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, to the end that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. And ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye, through his poverty, might be made rich. He gave himself a ransom for all: and in his name the most pressing invitations of grace are going everywhere abroad into the world; so that whosoever will, may come and take of the water of life freely. Wherefore, I beseech you, brethren, give all diligence to make your calling and election sure: for the grace of God, which bringeth salvation, hath appeared unto all men for this special purpose, that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and