ontrary to the New, for both in the Old and New
Testament everlasting life is offered to mankind by Christ. Wherefore
they are not to be heard who feign that the old fathers did look only for
transitory promises, that is temporary promises, promises which would be
fulfilled only in this life, and end and pass away when they died.

But some one will say, how can that be, when so many of the old Hebrews
seem to have known nothing about the next life? Moses, for instance,
always promises the Children of Israel that if they do right, and obey
God, they shall be rewarded in this life, with peace and prosperity,
fruitfulness and wealth; but of their being rewarded in the next life he
never says one word--which last statement is undeniably true.

Is not then the Old Testament contrary to the New, if the Old Testament
teaches men to look for their reward in this life, and the New Testament
in the next? No, it is not, my friends. And I think we shall see that
it is not, and why it is not, if we will look honestly at this very
important text. If we do that we shall see that what St. Peter meant--
what the VII. Article means is the only meaning which will make sense of
either one or the other; is simply this--that what causes a man to enjoy
this life, is the same that will cause him to enjoy the life to come.
That what will bring a blessing on him in this life, will bring a
blessing on him in the life to come. That what blessed the old Jews,
will bless us Christians. That if we refrain our tongue from evil, and
our lips from speaking deceit; it we avoid evil and do good; if we seek
peace and follow earnestly after it; then shall we enjoy life, and see
good days, and inherit a blessing; whether in this life or in the life to
come.

And why? Because then we shall be living the one and only everlasting
life of goodness, which alone brings blessings; alone gives good days;
and is the only life worth living, whether in earth or heaven.

My dear friends, lay this seriously to heart, in these days especially,
when people and preachers alike have taken to part earth and heaven, in a
fashion which we never find in Holy Scripture. Lay it to heart, I say,
and believe that what is right, and therefore good, for the next life, is
right, and therefore good, for this. That the next life is not contrary
to this life. That the same moral laws hold good in heaven, as on earth.
Mark this well; for it mus