352 THE RIGHT IMPROVEMENT OF LIFE. this life, through the various stages of it that recommended him as a pattern to the believers of his day, in all the various circum- stances of their lives ; and the longer he lived, the more glorious example he left behind him, for the benefit of the saints, that they might befollorcers of hint as he was of Christ; 1 Cor. xi. L. And I may add in the Fourth place, Where a Christian of shining virtues and of diffusive goodness is blessed with a long life, the memory of his example, and the sweet savour of his graces, remain the longer on earth, after his own departure to heaven. It is like a rich perfume that has lain some considerable time among garments, is communicates a pleasant frragrancy to theapparel long after the perfume itselfis removed. Thus many a saint, by the sweet odour of his name, has done honour to the gospel in the place where he lived, while his bones are mouldering in the dust: The history of his various virtues has dwelt long on the lips of the surviving neighbours, and perhaps, bath awaken- edothers to an imitation of such a pattern many years after his decease. Whether example be of any use in heaven, or whether the saints of lower rank there may be excited to holy imitation, by the superior graces or glories of more eminent saints, is not so well known to us ; but this we may be well assured of,, that the exam- pieof christians can have nouse in that happy world, toguard the doctrine of Christ from profane reproaches, or to convinceor convert sinners and infidels. It is the living, and the living alone, that can do this service for Christ, and glorify his gospel in such instances as these : But I proceed to another advantage of our continuance in this world. IV. Life is yours; for it gives opportunity for abounding in good works to the great benefit of mankind. The longer a saint lives, if he maintains his character with honour, he becomes so much a greater blessing to the world. But what a deal of good ceaseswith the life of a good man ! Christians, ye are required to maintain good works for the honour of your Father, and for the gloryof your Saviour, who bath purchased you to be a peculiar people, zealous of good works : But there is another reason for them too, and that is, " these things are good and profitable to men ;" Titus ii. 14. compared with the third chapter, verse S. Every day of life opens some new scenes, wherein you may be serviceable to your 'neighbours, your relatives, your fellow-creatures, and so make the world the better for you. The days and years of life should be numbered by the
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