Vol. 2

;606 ST. LUKE.his relations an example of a soft and voluptuous life,and likewise riches to enable them to imitate hisexample,leaves them two means of damning themselves,is punished in hell for so doing : and it is this punishmentwhich the rich man before us would willinglyavoid. One part of damnation consists in beingexposed to the reproaches of those whom we haveloved in a wrong manner, and thereby made companionsin our misery. A rich man, in the tormentsof hell,will wish that he could, by means of the poorthemselves, make satisfactionfor the thefts of whichhe has been guilty with regard to them, by his criminalexpenses and hard-heartedness : but it will bethen too late." 29. Abraham saith unto him. They have Mosesand the prophets; let them hear them.'*We have Moses and the prophets as well as they ;and we have, moreover, Christ and the apostles, thegospel and the apostolical writings, and yet we neglectthem. It is a very great instance of negligence fora man not to inform himself of his duty, by readingthe word of God whilst he has opportunity to do itand it is to expose himself to this reproach, whenthere is no longer any time to receive the least advantagefrom it. What is it to hear the word of Godas we ought, but to read it with faith, respect, andobedience; to make it the rule of our opinions, ourconduct, and our life ; and to have recourse to it inall our doubts, afflictions, and infirmities, as our onlylight, consolation, and strength ?" 30. And he said. Nay, father Abraham ; but ifone went unto them from the dead, they will repent."That man is under a great delusion who waits for