That the godly when on the verge of eternity, are divinely influenced to warn their friends, and predict the good or evil before them, was an opinion which prevailed among the ancients.  Therefore the sacred attention paid to their dying words, and scrupulous regard of their dying counsels.  Whether we admit, or reject the sentiment, the counsels which are given at such seasons are serious, solemn, and the effect of love unfeigned.  Those to whom they are given commonly view matters in the same light, and consider them as interesting realities, when they come to be themselves in similar circumstances.

Have our pious ancestors left ought in charge to us?  It concerns us to consider their counsels and injunctions; and unless we have clear and strong reasons forbidding, we are bound to obey them.

Children are usually safe in following the last counsels of their parents.  Few who sustain that endearing relation, are devoid of concern for the honor and happiness of their offspring.  However they may have themselves conducted, while in the pursuit of worldly objects, or under the influence of appetite or passion, when they come to stand on the brink of another world, the fascinating charms of this, lose their power—­the infinite difference between time and eternity appears; and the true value of objects is seen and estimated.  Then the counsel which is given is that of wisdom—­it points to duty —­to peace and honor—­to joy and glory,

It is further observable that rich promises are made in scripture to those who honor and obey their parents, and dreadful curses denounced against those who despise and disobey them.  “Honor thy father and thy mother, that it may be well with thee and that thou mayest live long upon the earth.  This is the first commandment with promise.  The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.”  These scriptures are not of private interpretation.

V. Where the blessing of heaven hath long rested on a family, and religion been prevalent in it for many generations, the right way becomes comparatively easy.  Those born there, grow up in the fear of God, and are early taught to know and serve him.  But how aggravated the guilt of those who under such circumstances forsake the way of the Lord—­cut of the entail of mercy and entail a curse on their posterity—­shut up the kingdom of heaven against their own offspring; neither going in themselves, nor suffering those who are entering to go in?

Lost to the fear of God, such hardened sinners may cry peace, but there is no peace to them!  It concerns them to look to themselves, for evil is before them!  A descent from pious ancestors will not turn away the wrath of God, from those who harden themselves in sin.  No—­It increaseth their guilt and will increase their condemnation.  The Jews flattered themselves “because they had Abraham to their father; but many came from the east and from the west and set down with Abraham in the kingdom of God, and the children of the kingdom were cast out” —­Yea, having filled up the measure of their sins, wrath came upon them, to the uttermost, in this world; and in that to come, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha than for them.