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 Now, it is this state, and these impure and selfish principles, that are to be overcome, and "he that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." To overcome, not only implies the subduing of the affections that are opposite to the heavenly state, and to the purity of the Lord's kingdom, but the perfect fixing in the mind of good and heavenly principles; for no one can overcome unless he is in the spiritual affection of truth, even to the end of his life in this world. At the close of natural life the work is finished; for as the tree falls, so it lies; man remains to eternity such as he then is, namely, such as his life has been to that term; natural death is its completion. Now, if the principles of evil are to be subdued and overcome, can we begin the important work too soon? The natural man, by a continual spirit of procrastination, is always ready to say—"it is never too late to mend," while the spiritual-minded man, anxious to improve each moment of time, is always ready to observe, it is never too soon to begin!

Surely, when we are convinced of the uncertainty of this life, and of the certainty that we must shortly appear in the eternal world, and receive the just reward of our doings, we shall doubtless be zealous to overcome all those evil affections and impure thoughts which unfit the soul for the participation of celestial blessedness. Can any one doubt of the uncertainty of all earthly enjoyments? Certainly no thinking mind can for a moment doubt it, for in regard to our existence in this life, the moment we begin to live, we begin to die! and every inspiring breath brings us nearer to eternity. Let all, then, hearken diligently to the spirit of truth; by so doing they will overcome