Page:Cross of Christ, the Christian's glory (1).pdf/21

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A Walk to the Burying Place.
21

Here the man of buſineſs forgets all his favourite ſchemes, and diſcontinues the purſuit of gain. Here is a total ſtand to the circulation of merchandiſe, and the hurry of trade. In theſe ſolitary receſſes, as in the building of Solomon's temple, is heard no ſound of a hammer and axe. The winding-ſheet, and the coffin, are the utmoſt bound of all earthly devices: Hitherto may they go, but no further. Here the ſons of pleaſure take a final farewel of their dear delights.

The wicked ſeem to lie here, like malefactors in a deep and ſtrong dungeon! reſerved againſt the day of trial.———Their departure was without peace. Clouds of horror let lowring upon their cloſing eye-lids, moſt ſadly foreboding the blackneſs of darkneſs for ever. When the laſt ſickneſs ſeized their frame, and the inevitable change advanced : When they ſaw the fatal atrow ſitting to the ſtrings, ſaw the deadly archer aiming at their life; and felt the invenomed ſhaft, ſaftened to their vitals-Good God! what fearfulneſs came upon them! What horrible dread overwhelmed them! How did they ſtand ſhuddering upon the tremenduous precipice; exceſſively afraid to die, yet utterly unable to live! O what pale reviews what ſparkling proſpects conſpire to augment their ſorrows; they look backward, and behold a moſt melancholy ſcene! Sins unrepented of, mercy ſlighted, and the day of grace ending. They look forward, and nothing