Letter IV

From Letter IV:

[17] The world is divided into two parts. Those who amidst a thousand imperfections and deviations, are habitually aiming at this, “in sure and certain hope” of a joyful immortality; and those who are satisfied with the present scene as a portion, are intent only on the gratification of the moment, thinking little, and caring less about the future. O, my dear children, you cannot surely hesitate a moment which party you will join. To be on the side of all good persons who have ever existed; to have angels for your friends, God your approver, heaven your portion, [18] or—————— but I cannot, dare not, paint the contrast; for as “eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him;” so no language can describe that region of darkness, “where there is weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth.” When you feel the force of these important truths, you will be desirous to “depart from all iniquity.” This you will understand, is what I mean when I urge you so frequently, to endeavour to discover what is right, and to pursue it without hesitating, without compromising. Studying your Bible, and associating with the excellent of the earth, are means to this end; but these will be insufficient, without the powerful influences of divine grace, which must be sought by communion with him who is light and truth itself. He has said: “Those who seek me early, shall find me.” And those only who are guided by his counsel, will he afterwards receive to his glory.