REFLECTIONS,

I. The day is coming which will scatter the darkness or the present state.  Here many things confound us.  “We see but we understand not.”  We wonder sometimes at what God orders, and oftener at what be permits.  The time approaches in which all these mysteries will be cleared up.  We shall perceive wisdom and goodness in all the divine administration.  Our wonder at providential regulations will terminate.

Now we often wonder at things done by our fellow men—­are unable to discover the motives which actuate them—­perhaps frequently mistake them.  But this uncertainty will not be perpetual.  The veil spread over these things will be removed when the hidden things of darkness are brought to light and the counsels of the hearts made manifest.  Then, every hidden purpose will be laid open, and every secret counsel disclosed.

II.  Vain are the attempts of mankind to conceal their crimes, or disguise their characters.  For a time they may hide their nefarious views, and pass themselves for other manner of persons than they are; but it is only a temporary matter; all are hastening to an omniscient tribunal which will open every heart and life to general inspection.  Every one will then be made to stand out, as he is to public view!  “Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.  Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.”  Hitherto there are secret sins, and mistaken characters; but ere long there will be neither.  “Every man’s work shall be made manifest, for the day shall declare it.”

What folly then is hypocrisy?  Every one would despise the delinquent, who, while passing to trial should impose on his fellows with protestations of innocence, when he knew the judge acquainted with his guilt, and that he would soon disclose it, and open it to public view.  Such is the part acted by those who endeavor to hide their true characters while making their way to the bar of God.

III.  These considerations, speak comfort to the righteous, and terror to the wicked.  The sincerity of the former will ere long be made manifest.  All the injurious charges brought against them, will appear to be injurious, and they will he cleared of every aspersion.  Their integrity will be displayed, and they will have praise of God.  Nothing they shall have done or suffered, out of regard to God will be forgotten or go unrewarded.  Yea, their desires and purposes to honor him here, though ability or opportunity to carry them into effect might not be allowed them, will be proclaimed and rewarded.  “God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love”—­“David did well that it was in his heart to build an house to God’s name” —­therefore the divine promise “to build him an house and establish the throne of his kingdom forever.”