Page:Profit and loss, or, The Christian merchant.pdf/7

 condemned already, because he believeth not on the name of the Son of God.” And when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven, with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, it will be to be avenged on all them who obey not the gospel' of Christ; who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.

When the question is stated, "What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" it is dearly implied, that the world stands in competition with the gain of the soul; and that the soul maybe lost while the world is eagerly pursued, and much of it gained. That the world, and the things in it, are the objects of supreme desire, and eager pursuit of many, is as evident as that the world itself exists. What is the meaning of all the bustle and eagerness which we see around us every day? It is solely for the gain of this world, the acquisition of its wealth, a place of distinction in it, or the enjoyment of its pleasures.

Reader, Is the world the object of your supreme delight? Is your heart eagerly set upon being rich? Does this occupy your thoughts by day, and your dreams by night? There are many who, if they would be candid, would answer these questions in the affirmative. There are many labouring every day, and all day long; and whose hearts can take no rest in the night. Even the day of sacred rest is no sabbath to them. They cannot suspend their devotion to the world for one hour; or, if an hour should witness their bodies in the place of worship, their hearts and souls are in the place of business. With such industry and application they will very probably gain