As then there is no happiness in vice, as all its allurements are
deceptive and vain, how important that we should shun it, and pursue
that bright path of virtue and peace, which will lead to the
invaluable possession of a good name. Engaging in the cultivation of
all the better affections of the heart, we shall by habit so refine
our natures, that "loving favor" will take entire possession of our
minds, and mould them into the spotless image of heaven. _This_ loving
favor is rather to be chosen than silver and gold, for these will
corrupt, and at last crumble into dust, while _this_ shall survive the
ruins of death, and flourish in those peaceful realms, where our
felicity will be unbroken and perpetual.
Flatter not yourselves with the vain hope, that there is one solitary
thrill of joy in the indulgence of sin. He, who indulges in
dissipation and vice--he, who slanders his neighbor, who wrongs his
fellow men, or even utters one oath against the unsullied name of his
Maker, is a most profound unbeliever in the sentiment we proclaim. He,
who possesses a hope so full of immortality as to believe, that God
will finally save from sin, and bless him and all his fellow men, will
cleanse his hands and wash them in innocency. Tell me not that you are
a Universalist, when the very oceans of God's goodness do not affect
your heart, nor lead you to repentance. He, who is satisfied that
there is no happiness in sin, will abandon it. He, who deliberately
pursues a vicious course, expects to find happiness in it; and it is
impossible that he believes in God's _universal grace_. It is
absolutely impossible in the very nature of things, that he can be a
UNIVERSALIST. A salvation from sin is the doctrine of the Bible, and
holiness itself heaven. He, who believes such a salvation to be
happifying, will abandon sin, as the enemy of his peace, and seek
righteousness, which alone can afford him tranquillity. Jesus says,
the kingdom of heaven is righteousness and peace. If you wish to
satisfy men that you _really_ desire the whole human family to meet in
heaven, then show your sincerity by being righteous yourself.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account