214 CONCLUSION, 



A. The examples are often before us.-^The seed 

 has capacities of further advancement, that is, of 

 shooting up into a tree, when it apparently dies in 

 the earth ; and the consequence is, the death is only 

 apparent. The tree actually succeeds. The worm 

 has capacities of further advancement, of advancing 

 from the earth to the air ; and the consequence is, it 

 leaves its shroud, and soars upwards from a state of 

 seeming insensibility, to enjoy the more beautiful ex- 

 istence of a butterfly. Prior to experience, neither 

 of these events would have been anticipated. We 

 see a butterfly in a maggot no more distinctly than 

 we see an immortal spirit in mortal man. 



T. But in so important a case might we not have 

 expected some further evidence ? 



A. That evidence we enjoy in the Revelation 

 by Jesus Christ, who has brought life and immortality 

 to light. 



T. And what has Christ Jesus taught us respect- 

 ing a future life ? 



A. That it shall be a state of recompense accord- 

 ing to our characters. He has told us that the pres- 

 ent life is a state intended to prepare us by the 

 knowledge of God we here acquire, the holy dispo- 

 sitions here formed in our souls, and the practice of 

 piety and virtue, for a state of heavenly felicity ; and 

 that if we love wickedness, neglect our minds, and 

 hearts, and abuse the talents which God has given us, 

 — the consequence will be misery hereafter. 



T. Do you see any thing in the present course 

 of Divine Providence in this life, to correspond to this 



