We observed, a moment ago, that the idea, of holding up a retribution in the future world, weakens the force of virtue, and strengthens the cause of vice.  This has, perhaps, been abundantly shown in the arguments already offered as being manifest in the daily conduct of men; yet we will, in a word, bring the subject plainly before you.  To persuade a sinner that he is to be punished in the future world for his sins in this, is plainly saying that sin has many pleasures and conveniences here, and so far as it failed of rendering him his due desert, the balance is to be made up in another state of being.  Because the balance of punishment due him there, is to make up the deficiency of punishment, which sin did not pay him here.  And certainly, so far as sin did not pay him here, he must have been happy in its commission.  And the expectation, that he should be happy in it here, was the very cause that induced him to continue in transgression, with the expectation of repenting and escaping punishment hereafter.  Thus he flattered himself, that he could sin with impunity, and escape its punishment in this world and the world to come.

And to satisfy a man that he is to be rewarded in the future world for his righteousness in this but persuading him, that virtue is attended with misery, and that so far as it failed to reward here, the balance is to be made up hereafter.  Because the balance of happiness due to him there, is to make up the deficiency of happiness which virtue did not pay him here.  And so far as virtue did not pay him here, must have been miserable in its practice.  And the impression that sin is productive of many enjoyments, and that righteousness is attended with misery, has a tendency to make him choose the former and reject the latter, and trust to a future repentance.

We often hear it proclaimed by those, who profess to be the guardians of the public morals, that the righteous have a hard course in warring against the corruptions of their heart, in the service of God, while the sinner goes on unconcerned and easy in the pleasures of sin.  In doing this they defeat the very object, they are striving to obtain, which is the conversion of the sinner.  These very impressions are one obvious reason why so many continue in sin and reject the path of righteousness and peace, which alone conducts to a good name, that is of more worth than great riches, and more durable than silver and gold.

As then there is no happiness in vice, as all its allurements are deceptive and vain, how important that we should shun it, and pursue that bright path of virtue and peace, which will lead to the invaluable possession of a good name.  Engaging in the cultivation of all the better affections of the heart, we shall by habit so refine our natures, that “loving favor” will take entire possession of our minds, and mould them into the spotless image of heaven. This loving favor is rather to be chosen than silver and gold, for these will corrupt, and at last crumble into dust, while this shall survive the ruins of death, and flourish in those peaceful realms, where our felicity will be unbroken and perpetual.