The Influence of the Consideration of Eternity
What influence the consideration of eternity would have upon our hearts and lives, if soundly believed and considered. Especially if the supposition of dying this year be annexed to it.
With what humility, mortification, and self-denial, with what seriousness, watchfulness, and resolved constancy, would every Christian live on earth, did he act always under the influence and power of a confirmed faith, concerning the life to come! We should not then grudge at a little labour, or be frightened with a few difficulties in our way. What though I meet with injuries and aflPronts, hardships and inconveniences, being now in a foreign country, and every day I live, one day’s journey nearer ray eternal home! shall I not patiently bear momentary sorrows, while I believe I am hastening to eternal joys! Did I look more to the everlasting world, should not I make the pleasing of God, in order to my eternal welfare, the great business of my life! Should I not serve the Lord with more fervency of spirit, and be better fortified against the fears of man, who can but hurt andkWV
Da nor eveti that, without the permission of GoJf Should I not order all my affairs, answer all temptations, mortify inward lusts, live in the exercise of grace, and in circumspect persevering obedience, in order to it! Should I not watch more over roy heart, and lips, and ways, be more diligent to trim my lamp, more crucified to this world, more careful to call myself frequently to an accopnt, and renew my repentance I Would not my conversation be more useful and edifying, my discourses more savoury and full of religion, my prayers to God more humble and earnest, my charity to men more unfeigned and extensive, and my preparations every way more suitable to such a faith, and to such apprehensions of an everlasting state! Could we carry the thoughts of eternity about with us every day, and often admit them in our civil and secular affairs; did we repeat it frequently to ourselves, at least every morning, as soon as we are awake, that we are near eternity; this grain of incense would perfume the whole temple, and be an antidote against inward lust and impure thoughts, against the infection and defilement of bad company, and the snares of worldly business, and do much to prevent vain and sensual actions, and to cure vain affections.
Did we believe it, and believe it near, should we not take as. much pains to secure eternal life, as we see men do to get riches I Should we not use the same diligence, care, and circumspection, the same prudent foresight, watchfulness, and perseverance, to prevent everlasting destruction, as others do to provide against poverty, and to live in plenty a little while on earth I Should we not rejoice as much in the promise and hope of it, as others do in the prospect and expectation of some earthly advantage I LfOrd! I confess and bewail the weakness of my faith. How often have I concluded, and said, that heaven alone is the place of happiness, and yet my carnal heart is too much affected with earthly things! How often have I resolved, (upon the conviction of the certainty of the eternal world,) to mind this less, and to affect and see it no more as I have done! and yet my foolish heart is hankering after it still. O crucify my affections to things below! and let the believing thoughts of the next life render me victorious over all the temptations of this. Pardon and cure the staggering trembling thoughts of an unbelieving heart, by greater measures of a lively faith. That my desires may be strong and urgent; and my diligence and steadfastness in the way of truth be some way correspondent to this important article; let me live only for eternity, hope for nothing but eternity, design and intend nothing as my chief end but eternity, and seek and mind nothing in comparison with eternity! Did we believe it, how would every thing in this world be looked upon as eligible, or fit to be refused, as it is like to be a help, or a hinderance, with reference to eternity I ve should then endeavour to do nothing unbecoming such an expectation. Considering this world as our passage, and the invisible future world as our abiding country, where we are to dwell for ever; whatever we meet with here, whether sweet or bitter, easy or troublesome, pleasing or ungrateful, we should not much matter, but as it relates to hereafter.
And were I certain I should have no Vongex Xlvcsv of trial» in otder to diis ctcnil sUte, than this one ycoTy whidi is now begun; if a messenger from God should eonTincingly sssme me of it; what would I not do to prepare for death, and secure the interest of eternity! With what remorw and deep repentance should I reflect on the follies of my past life! With what importunate cries should I beg forgiveness! How patiently should I bear calamity, for so short a time! How little should I value the favours or frowns of men! How dreumspect to improve eveiy season of doing and receiving good! How careful to avoid temptation, and how resolute in resisting it! Did I verily believe I had no longer time to live on earth than this one year at most! how insipid would be the ofier of carnal mirth, vain pastime, sensual diversions, idle company, &c. How should I value every hour, every inch of my little time, under the apprehension that eternity is at hand! O my soul! shall I make no provision against the possibility of such a case! Is not my change as cer tain as if it were this year, as if it were to-morrow! though I am not certain it is so near, nor certain but it may be. Let me then “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” Let me 6x it well, and make it clear, that I have secured my great concern, and am ready for a sudden summons*