communication, no doubt, fuperfede the use of human language. The language of heaven is univerfal. What infinite gratification will it be to meet, on equal terms, all the great characters which have been admired in the world, in ancient and modern times!

But as only the good can mix in this glorious affembly, it may be one, among our many incentives to holiness, to confider how far we may be qualified to unite with them. Both reafon and Scripture affure us, that we fhall carry with us the fame frame of mind, with which we leave this world, into the next. Learning and abilities are not the leading parts of a heavenly character. Our worldly knowledge, we have it on record, shall vanish away. A holy life alone, through the mercy of God in Chrift, is what we have to depend on. This only will procure us admittance to this illuftrious affembly, where all thofe diftinctions will be loft, which render human focieties formál and unpleafant; and all thofe topics advanced, which are moft interefting and delightful. Different degrees of fuperiority, it is probable from analogy, a heavenly ftate will exhibit, yet fill all thofe repelling circumftances we may be

lieve

lieve will be removed, which on earth make fo great a chafin between high and low.

If we may defcend to particulars, we all have fome virtuous friends, whom we value. How joyous will it be to meet them again in full felicity after all their toilfome trials on earth! On the other hand, how dreadful the thought of being fecluded for ever from those whom once we fo tenderly loved!

F f 2

LI.

PSALM lxii. 10.

IF RICHES INCREASE, SET NOT YOUR HEART

UPON THEM.

A

T firft fight, this might be thought an unneceffary caution. If riches increase, one should suppose there were less occafion for that care and anxiety, which imply fetting our hearts upon them. But the rule is accurately formed on a knowledge of human nature. An addition of more commonly generates a defire of more; as, when a man has gotten a habit of drinking, thirst always creates thirft.-In conformity to this natural pravity of the human mind, our Saviour framed the parable of the rich man, who pulled down his barns to build larger. As his riches increased,

6

creased, his defires and his ftore-houfes increased with them.

The obvious conclufion is, that the more it pleases God to bless us with abundance, the more we should guard against this vicious propensity; and, instead of increasing our desires to get more wealth, we should increase our endeavours to be of more use.

Ff3

LII.

ROM. i. 20.

THE INVISIBLE THINGS OF HIM

FROM THE

CREATION OF THE WORLD ARE CLEARLY
SEEN, BEING UNDERSTOOD BY THE THINGS
THAT ARE MADE.

HIS world may be confidered in many

ΤΗ

grand and inftructive lights. The most obvious idea it prefents, is that of a state of trial, in which they who are defirous of improvement, are disciplined as in a school, with good and evil, as the means of correcting their faults, and prepar ing them for a better life.

This world may likewife be confidered as a natural proof of a better. From the inequality of reward and punishment, which we observe here, we may well fuppofe, a juft God will rectify all this inequality hereafter.

But