his life accords with the inward principle.  He is not whiffling and unsteady, “carried about by every wind of doctrine”—­taken and drawn away by every new scheme of religion; but “holds fast the faithful word; and is able by sound doctrine both to exhort and convince gainsayers.”  He doth not “put his hand to the plough and look back,” but perseveres to the end, and is faithful unto death.  The fear and love of God reigning in his heart, govern his life and direct his way, rendering him an uniform character Therefore do those most intimately —­acquainted with him, convinced of his integrity—­:  that he is free from duplicity, and that he abhors evil, and all approaches toward it, both value him themselves, and make him known to others; and by bringing him into public view, render him a public blessing.  Neither doth he disappoint their expectations, but according to his ability, acquits himself with honor, and doth good to all around him.

Others may differ from him in speculative opinions; other good men.  Such differences are unavoidable in this state of darkness and uncertainty.  No two persons see alike in every thing, whatever may be pretended.  But those who know the perfect and upright man, will generally allow that he acts sincerely towards God and man.  While those who are connected with him by tender ties, who are so happy as to make with him the journey of life, are led by a thousand kind offices and nameless acts of benevolence and goodness to revere and love him.

Such is the character intended in the text—­Such the perfect man and upright in himself, and in the estimation of those who know him.  Thus doth he pass through life, feeling and confessing his deficiencies, lamenting that he can do no more for God’s honor, and relying on grace alone in Christ, for acceptance with him.

When a person of this description “having served his generation, by the will of God falls asleep,” not only relatives and near connexions, but all who know his worth, mourn his exit, and weeping around his corse, bedew his hearse with tears.  His name is revered, his memory is blessed, and even envy is silent.

II.  We are to consider his peaceful end—­The end of that man is peace.

By a person’s end, his death, the period of his mortal life is intended.  It doth not intend the end of his existence—­the modern infidel terms used to express death.  So in other scriptures; as when God foretold the destruction of the old world—­“The end of all flesh is before me.”  So Balaam, when looking forward to his exit out of life—­“Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his.”  Had death been the period of his existence, it would have been a matter of indifference whether it found him righteous or wicked.  As to hope in death there would have been no difference.  But this is not the case.  Man hath an immortal part within.  At the period of mortal life, he enters on an interminable state.