Page:True religion a source of happiness.pdf/22

22 fought a good fight, I have finished my course have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up  me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, righteous Judge, shall give me at that day, and  to me only, but unto all them also that love his pearing." The experience of every believer, will found more or less to correspond with that of  apostle in this passage, according to the strength  his faith in the divine testimony, and the conviction which he has of things not seen. Paul does  mean that his death should be a sacrifice for sin,  only an evidence of his faith in Christ, of his attachment to him, and of this belief of the excellency  the truths which he taught. He was ready to  by whatever means. He did not put off the conce of eternity till a dying hour. He knew whom hud believed. He made his calling and election saird, therefore, was prepared for death, and could  rejoice in the prospect of it, patiently waiting for  king of terrors. He knew that death to him would  gain; that when the earthly house of his tabern is dissolved, he had a building of God, an house  made with hands, eternal in the heavens. He, therefore, desired to depart and to be with Christ, wwas far better than anything under the sun. knew that the time of his departure was at hand, he was not pat to confusion. He was ready to with Simeon, " Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace. according to thy word: for n eyes have seen thy salvation." He was superior the fear of death, and, therefore, 'he speaks of i the most pleasant and composed manner as a departure. A departure from a world of trouble, of row, of misery and disappointment, to a land of pehappines, joy, unspeakable pleasure and eternal ty: a departure from a waste and howling wildiness, to a land flowing with milk and honey: a departure from an enemy's country, 'to his father's ho