Page:Last sermon of the Reverend James Hervey.pdf/4

 on the contending parties, and brought all their differences to an amicable concluſion. Here enemies, ſworn enemies, dwell together in unity. They drop every imbittered thought, and forget that they once were foes. Perhaps, their crumbling bones mix, as they moulder, and thoſe who, while they lived, ſtood aloof in irreconcileable variance, here fall into mutual embraces, and even incorporate with each other in the grave. Oh that we might learn from theſe friendly aſhes, not to perpetuate the memory of injuries; not to foment the fever of reſentment, nor cheriſh the turbulence of paſſion; that there may be as little animoſity and diſagreement in the land of the living, as there is in the congregation of the dead!

Here the man of buſineſs forgets all his favourite ſchemes, and diſcontinues the purſuit of gain. Here is a total ſtand to the circulation of merchandiſe, and the hurry of trade. In theſe ſolitary receſſes, as in the building of Solomon's temple, is heard no ſound of a hammer and axe. The winding-ſheet, and the coffin, are the utmoſt bound of all earthly devices: Hitherto may they go, but no further. Here the ſons of pleaſure take a final farewel of their dear delights.

The wicked ſeem to lie here, like malefactors in a deep and ſtrong dungeon! reſerved againſt the day of trial.--Their departure was without peace. Clouds of horror ſet lowring upon their cloſing eye-lids, moſt ſadly foreboding the blackneſs of darkneſs for ever. When the laſt ſickneſs ſeized their frame,