Page:Some Reflections on the Importance of a Religious Life.djvu/10

6 death and misery in the world to come; whilst “the gift of God is eternal life:” “to be spiritually minded is life and peace:” godliness has the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

The work of religion is indeed an individual work: it is that which no man can perform for another. We must each give an account of his own deeds at the judgment-seat of Christ, whether they have been good or bad. “All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

Our Lord himself hath taught us the duties which we are each of us to fulfil. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.” “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be who go in thereat, because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” This same blessed Teacher, Christ Jesus himself, hath, however, given us this gracious assurance, “Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you.” Come, then, in prayer unto God, through Him who is our ever blessed Mediator and Advocate: spread your cause before the Lord; ask counsel of him; pray for the