GOD has so far blessed you, let your poor relations be remembered by you; and forget not to acknowledge the goodness of divine providence, by dedicating some part of your gains to pious and charitable uses; this, if it is done from a principle of faith and love, will be the best means to entail a blessing upon what you leave to your posterity. Being thus prepared by internal piety and external prudence, death may be expected, but need not to be feared. You may then cheerfully leave your calling on earth, to receive "the prize of the high calling of GOD, in Christ Jesus our Lord." To whom he glory for ever and ever. Amen.

"O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end, Deut. xxxii. 29.

"If a man die, shall he live again! All the days of my appointed time will I wait till my change come, Job, xiv. 14.

Whatsoever thy had findeth to do, do it with thy might, for there is no work, nor knowledge, nor device, nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goest, Eccles. ix. 10.

"In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death; and Isaiah the prophet came unto him, and said, Thus saith the Lord, set

thine house in order, for thou shalt die, and not live, Isa. xxxviii. 1.

"I am now ready to be offered; and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give to me at that day, and to them also that love his appearing, 2 Tim. iv. 7.

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours, and their works do follow them, Rev. xiv. 18."

1

AN

APPENDIX,

Shewing the only way to obtain power for Christian duties, or the necessity of a change of state and nature, before we can acceptably serve GOD, and practice the precepts of Religion.

IT is the common error of many, when their consciences are convinced of the excellency and necessity of christian duties, to rush immediately upon the practice of them in their own strength and na

tural state; and not attending to the method and order, which the infinite, wisdom and mercy of God has established in the gospel for obtaining holiness and happiness through Christ Jesus, they often labour long and zealously in religion without effect. Whereas until the persons of sinners are reconciled to GOD, and justified by his grace through Jesus Christ; and then by virtue of union to the Lord Jesus and faith, in him, they derive from him the Spirit of life and holiness, it is impossible they should please GoD, or find acceptance with him, Rom. v. 1. John xv. 5. For, 1st, (as was before observed) our natural state is a state of enmity against GoD, and is not subject to his holy and spiritual government, neither indeed can be, Rom. viii.