The way to heaven, if we would be happy, we must be holy. We are
encouraged to walk in that way. - Here is a very serious question
concerning the character of a citizen of Zion. It is the happiness of
glorified saints, that they dwell in the holy hill; they are at home
there, they shall be for ever there. It concerns us to make it sure to
ourselves that we have a place among them. A very plain and particular
answer is here given. Those who desire to know their duty, will find the
Scripture a very faithful director, and conscience a faithful monitor. A
citizen of Zion is sincere in his religion. He is really what he
professes to be, and endeavors to stand complete in all the will of
God. He is just both to God and man; and, in speaking to both, speaks
the truth in his heart. He scorns and abhors wrong and fraud; he cannot
reckon that a good bargain, nor a saving one, which is made with a lie;
and knows that he who wrongs his neighbor will prove, in the end, to
have most injured himself. He is very careful to do hurt to no man. He
speaks evil of no man, makes not others' faults the matter of his common
talk; he makes the best of every body, and the worst of nobody. If an
ill-natured story be told him, he will disprove it if he can; if not, it
goes no further. He values men by their virtue and piety. Wicked people
are vile people, worthless, and good for nothing; so the word
signifies. He thinks the worse of no man's piety for his poverty and
mean condition. He reckons that serious piety puts honor upon a man,
more than wealth, or a great name. He honors such, desires their
conversation and an interest in their prayers, is glad to show them
respect, or do them a kindness. By this we may judge of ourselves in
some measure. Even wise and good men may swear to their own hurt: but
see how strong the obligation is, a man must rather suffer loss to
himself and his family, than wrong his neighbor. He will not increase
his estate by extortion, or by bribery. He will not, for any gain, or
hope of it to himself, do any thing to hurt a righteous cause. Every
true living member of the church, like the church itself, is built upon a
Rock. He that does these things shall not be moved for ever. The grace
of God shall always be sufficient for him. The union of these tempers
and this conduct, can only spring from repentance for sin, faith in the Savior, and love to him. In these respects let us examine and prove our
own selves.
Psalm 15
1 Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
Who may live on your holy mountain?
2 The one whose walk is blameless,
who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from their heart;
3 whose tongue utters no slander,
who does no wrong to a neighbor,
and casts no slur on others;
4 who despises a vile person
but honors those who fear the Lord;
who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
and does not change their mind;
5 who lends money to the poor without interest;
who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
Whoever does these things will never be shaken.
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