Page:Spiritual Reflections for Every Day in the Year - Vol 2.pdf/146

 whether good or evil, is openly manifested, and the man, stript of all earthly covering, shews outwardly the real nature, state, and quality of his interior life. It is in this judgment, when the books are opened, that in man appears either the kingdom of heaven or the kingdom of hell. His inward quality is seen at once, and he is judged according to the things written therein; that is, the real quality of his soul judges him either to heaven or hell, and fixes for ever his final state. Think not, because evil doers appear to prosper, while the good are oppressed, that the ways of God are not equal: the books must be opened soon, and every one must stand or fall by his own state! Fear not, ye who belong to the flock of Christ, "for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid that shall not be known." (Matt. x. 26.)

Such, then, is the judgment; and if we desire that our final state should be a happy one, we must labour earnestly to establish the kingdom of heaven within our souls. The more it is persevered in, the more easy shall we find it. Goodness and truth will then accompany us through this chequered scene; and having heaven within, we shall constantly feel our true support in, and dependence upon God. Our happiness will be daily increasing in this present world, and when our books come to be opened, and our judgment finished, our heaven will be permanent, and our final state be that of perfect peace, joy, and eternal happiness.