22
fought a good fight, I have finished my course (illegible text) have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up (illegible text) me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, (illegible text)righteous Judge, shall give me at that day, and (illegible text) to me only, but unto all them also that love his (illegible text) pearing." The experience of every believer, will (illegible text) found more or less to correspond with that of (illegible text) apostle in this passage, according to the strength (illegible text) his faith in the divine testimony, and the conviction which he has of things not seen. Paul does (illegible text) mean that his death should be a sacrifice for sin, (illegible text) only an evidence of his faith in Christ, of his attachment to him, and of this belief of the excellency (illegible text) the truths which he taught. He was ready to (illegible text) by whatever means. He did not put off the conce(illegible text) of eternity till a dying hour. He knew whom (illegible text)hud believed. He made his calling and election s(illegible text)aird, therefore, was prepared for death, and could (illegible text) rejoice in the prospect of it, patiently waiting for (illegible text) king of terrors. He knew that death to him would (illegible text) gain; that when the earthly house of his tabern(illegible text) is dissolved, he had a building of God, an house (illegible text) made with hands, eternal in the heavens. He, therefore, desired to depart and to be with Christ, w(illegible text)was far better than anything under the sun. (illegible text) knew that the time of his departure was at hand, (illegible text) he was not pat to confusion. He was ready to (illegible text) with Simeon, " Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace. according to thy word: for n(illegible text) eyes have seen thy salvation." He was superior (illegible text) the fear of death, and, therefore, 'he speaks of i(illegible text) the most pleasant and composed manner as a departure. A departure from a world of trouble, of (illegible text)row, of misery and disappointment, to a land of pe(illegible text)happines, joy, unspeakable pleasure and eternal (illegible text)ty: a departure from a waste and howling wildi(illegible text)ness, to a land flowing with milk and honey: a departure from an enemy's country, 'to his father's ho(illegible text)
