he way to heaven, if we would be happy, we must be holy. We
are encouraged to walk in that way.
- Here is a very serious question concerning the character of a
citizen of Zion. It is the happiness of glorified saints, that
they dwell in the holy hill; they are at home there, they shall
be for ever there. It concerns us to make it sure to ourselves
that we have a place among them. A very plain and particular
answer is here given. Those who desire to know their duty, will
find the Scripture a very faithful director, and conscience a
faithful monitor. A citizen of Zion is sincere in his religion.
He is really what he professes to be, and endeavours to stand
complete in all the will of God. He is just both to God and man;
and, in speaking to both, speaks the truth in his heart. He
scorns and abhors wrong and fraud; he cannot reckon that a good
bargain, nor a saving one, which is made with a lie; and knows
that he who wrongs his neighbour will prove, in the end, to have
most injured himself. He is very careful to do hurt to no man.
He speaks evil of no man, makes not others' faults the matter of
his common talk; he makes the best of every body, and the worst
of nobody. If an ill-natured story be told him, he will disprove
it if he can; if not, it goes no further. He values men by their
virtue and piety. Wicked people are vile people, worthless, and
good for nothing; so the word signifies. He thinks the worse of
no man's piety for his poverty and mean condition. He reckons
that serious piety puts honour upon a man, more than wealth, or
a great name. He honours such, desires their conversation and an
interest in their prayers, is glad to show them respect, or do
them a kindness. By this we may judge of ourselves in some
measure. Even wise and good men may swear to their own hurt: but
see how strong the obligation is, a man must rather suffer loss
to himself and his family, than wrong his neighbour. He will not
increase his estate by extortion, or by bribery. He will not,
for any gain, or hope of it to himself, do any thing to hurt a
righteous cause. Every true living member of the church, like
the church itself, is built upon a Rock. He that doeth these
things shall not be moved for ever. The grace of God shall
always be sufficient for him. The union of these tempers and
this conduct, can only spring from repentance for sin, faith in
the Saviour, and love to him. In these respects let us examine
and prove our own selves.
he way to heaven, if we would be happy, we must be holy. We
are encouraged to walk in that way.