arrived at a knowledge of this truth? Aware, then, of his special predilection towards us, in making known to us this sublime truth to us who could never aspire to such knowledge it be comes our duty to pour forth our gratitude in unceasing praises of his goodness and clemency.
Another important advantage to be derived from deep reflection on this Article is, that in it we shall experience a balm, to heal the wounded spirit, when we mourn the loss of those who were endeared to us by friendship or connected with us by blood; a balm which the Apostle himself administered to the Thessalonians when writing to them "concerning those who slept." [1]
But in all our afflictions and calamities, the thought of a future resurrection must bring relief to the troubled heart; as we learn from the example of Job, who supported himself under an accumulation of afflictions and of sorrows, solely by the hope of, one day, rising from the grave, and beholding the Lord his God. [2]
It must also, prove a powerful incentive to the faithful to use every exertion to lead lives of rectitude and integrity, unsullied by the defilement of sin; for, if they reflect, that those riches of inconceivable value, which God will bestow on his faithful servants after the resurrection, are now proposed to them as rewards; they must find in the reflection the strongest inducement to lead virtuous and holy lives. On the other hand, no thing will have greater effect in subduing the passions, and withdrawing souls from sin, than frequently to remind the sinner of the miseries and torments with which the justice of God will visit the reprobate, who, on the last day, shall rise to the resurrection of judgment. [3]
ARTICLE XII.
"LIFE EVERLASTING."
THE wisdom of the Apostles, our guides in religion, suggested to them the propriety of giving this Article the last place in Creed. the Creed, which is the summary of our faith; first, because, after the resurrection of the body, the only object of the Christian's hope, is the reward of everlasting life; and secondly, in order that perfect happiness, embracing as it does, the fulness of all good, may be ever present to our minds, and absorb all our thoughts and affections. In his instructions to the faithful, the pastor, therefore, will unceasingly endeavour to light up in their souls, an ardent desire of the proposed rewards of eternal life; that thus they may look upon whatever difficulties they
