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I. THE CONDITION OF SAINTS IN THIS PRESENT WORLD, as to the trials they are subjected to. We are born sinners into a world that lies in wickedness; and hence are brought forth to sorrow, as the sparks fly upward. We are cast on a climate where Satan rules. And those who are new-born, are the peculiar objects of his hatred and rage: whom he will, by policy or power, seek to deceive and destroy. It were hence easy to show, that the trials of saints in the present life are neither light nor few.

II. THE SOUL'S FAITH IN THE GOODNESS OF GOD in the land of the living. That is, the felicity of the better world. Now, this faith is

1. Of a very earnest kind.

2. It causes the soul to prefer this goodness of the Lord above all things else.

3. It is accompanied with a well-grounded hope of the happiness to be enjoyed above.

4. It works the heart to a patient waiting for it.

5. It excites to most serious diligence that they do not come short.

III. IN WHAT MANNER THIS FAITH KEEPS THE SOUL FROM FAINTING,

1. Because of the transcendent excellency the believing soul discerns in what God has promised.

2. Because such souls see in their sufferings that which will prepare them for the heavenly felicity (1 Corinthians 4:17).

3. Because they anticipate what awaits them there.

4. Because it arms them against all present temptation and murmuring of the flesh, and endues them with courage to hold on their way.

IV. APPLICATION.

1. It is vain to expect peace on earth.

2. Hence be assured there is an after-state where God will distinguish between the good and the evil.

3. Consider how great our privilege in the Gospel.

4. Make sure that you be born again for a better world.

(D. Wilcox.)

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KJV: I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

WEB: I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of Yahweh in the land of the living.