Psalm 37:37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. Like boats or other objects borne down on a mighty river, unable to stop in their course, unable to return upon it, — we, too, are gliding on with the race of a stream, and will in a short period arrive at the point of its disemboguement into the vast ocean of eternity, Not only is death inevitable, but it is usually a most appalling event. One element of good there is, with which we may mitigate the cup we have to drink; and that element is — peace of mind. I. One leading and essential element of peace is AN ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS OF THE NEW COVENANT, BY FAITH IN THE ATONING BLOOD OF CHRIST, We are all too far gone from original righteousness, as well by nature as by practice, to expect salvation, or to rely upon a peace, whether in life or in death, which is independent of the merits of the Redeemer. Yet, though this be the foundation of the Christian's hope, though peace be preached through Jesus Christ, it is by no means derogatory to that eternal truth to affirm, that the faith which on, braces his atonement must evince by holiness its genuineness and its life. II. Among these ingredients of peace in the latter end of life, a man ought to be supported by A CONSCIOUSNESS OF HIS HAVING MADE SOME PROVISION FOR THOSE WHO ARE TO COME AFTER HIM, and who would otherwise suffer, in a temporal sense, by his departure (1 Timothy 5:8). III. Another material ingredient in that mental peace to which we look forward in our latter end, must consist in THE SATISFACTORY REFLECTION ON OUR HAVING LIVED TO SOME PURPOSE IS THE WORLD. The fig-tree, luxuriating in the pride of leaves, was denounced, not because it distilled poison, but because it produced no fruit; and it was not the positively criminal, but the merely unprofitable servant, in the Gospel, who was cast into outer darkness. IV. A SENSE OF RECONCILIATION WITH MANKIND wilt furnish a contribution to the peace with which the disciple of Jesus may expect to cheer his last moments. V. A fifth particular contributory towards a latter end of peace is AN EARLY AND SINCERE REPENTANCE. (J. Grant, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.WEB: Mark the perfect man, and see the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace. |
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