n they follow after. Likewise also the good works of some are
manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid."
Hitherto there are secret sins, and mistaken characters; but ere long
there will be neither. "Every man's work shall be made manifest, for
the day shall declare it."

What folly then is hypocrisy? Every one would despise the delinquent,
who, while passing to trial should impose on his fellows with
protestations of innocence, when he knew the judge acquainted with his
guilt, and that he would soon disclose it, and open it to public view.
Such is the part acted by those who endeavor to hide their true
characters while making their way to the bar of God.

III. These considerations, speak comfort to the righteous, and terror
to the wicked. The sincerity of the former will ere long be made
manifest. All the injurious charges brought against them, will appear
to be injurious, and they will he cleared of every aspersion. Their
integrity will be displayed, and they _will have praise of God_.
Nothing they shall have done or suffered, out of regard to God will be
forgotten or go unrewarded. Yea, their desires and purposes to honor
him here, though ability or opportunity to carry them into effect
might not be allowed them, will be proclaimed and rewarded. "God is
not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love"--"David did
well that it was in his heart to build an house to God's name"
--therefore the divine promise "to build him an house and establish
the throne of his kingdom forever."

But the wicked who may have passed through life under the shades of
darkness, been mistaken, perhaps, for the righteous, will rise at the
great day, "to shame, and everlasting contempt." Their sins will then
find them out. For "God's eyes art on the ways of man, and he seeth
all his goings. There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the
workers of iniquity may hide themselves." And all are written in God's
book, and reserved to judgment; when he "will give to every one,
according to his works. Woe unto the wicked, it shall be ill with him,
for the reward of his hands shall be given him." This will be enough
to make miserable. There needs no more than the withdrawing of mercy,
and leaving justice to take its course. This will be the portion of
those who neglect offered salvation. But,

IV. Sinners who have, at all, denied themselves, out of regard to the
divine authority, or done aught which God required, th