SERMON XL. 579 lives may pass away, but what may turn to Our account in the years of eternity. While God is pleased to delay our heaven, let our continuance on earth be filled up with the various exer- cise of such graces as are suited to our present stations. Let this be anew spring and motive to our zeal, that we are doing such honours to God and our Saviour here on earth, of which none of the saints above are capable, and for which this life is the only season ; And let it appear in the day of retribution that the length of Our life here on earth, has been a great, and real, and everlasting advantage to us, by, preparing us for a higher station after death, and a fairer inheritance in that world which is everlasting. II. °" Though your hopes of heaven be never so well ground- ed, yet be not too impatient of dwelling longer on the earth : And though your burden's 'and sorrows may be very great in life, yet be not too hasty and importunate in your desires of death." Support yourself under all the fatigues, trials and difficulties of the present state, with this consideration, that you are now em- ployed in such service for God, and paying such a tribute of honour to him in your suffering circumstances, as all the saints in heaven cannot do. Some of the children of God in this world have been too impatient of life, and too eager in their importuni- ties for death and the grave. Job andElijah were great favour- ites of heaven, but they failed a little in this point : And God, in thecourse of his providence, afterward madeit appearwhat emi- nent service he had for them both to do before they left this world. Elijah was designed to reform the whole nation of Israel from idolatry, and Job to he parent of a new large family, and give the world an example of God's rewarding providence. If lye beyours, O christians, and be numbered among your pos- sessions, be not too hasty to part with it, nor to throw away that talent which may yet in days to come be employed to thesignal honour of thy God and Saviour. III. " If life be almost spent, and you have done little for God, see that in your last, your dying hours, if possible, you speak and act for his glory. Let not the whole season of life quite pass away, and be turned over like a blank leaf which has none of the praises of God* written upon it. A word of warning from a death-bed may make a deep and happy impression on those that hear it, and through divine grace. may save a soul; and if so, thou shalt hear of it again with honour * It was a custom in former days for merchants in their books of accounts to have " Laus Deo, or Praise to God'," written in the beginning of every leaf, and itstood on the headof the page in large and fair letters, to put them always in mind, that in their human affairs they should carry on a divine design for the glory of God. 2 p3
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=