2. How entirely our future abundance depends on our present moderation !
[We ai'e told by our Lord that " The cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and render it unfruitful:" and we see in Demas this sad effect: " Demas hath forsaken us, having loved this present evil world." The things of this life are as " thick clay to the feet" of one who is running a race, or as " a long garment" that impedes his every step. Hence we are told to cast off both the one and the other, that we may " so run as to obtain the prize." Now no one would doubt the wisdom of complying with this advice when striving for an earthly crown ; nor can any one doubt it in re- ference to the spiritual " race that is set before us." Hence, when the question was put to Da\dd, " Who will shew us any good?" he replied, " Lord, lift thou up the light of thy coun- tenance upon us^."]
Seeing now that this Shunamite's choice was so wise,
let us INQUIRE,
1. Whence it is that this disposition is so rare —
[She improved for the Lord the property she possessed. She spent it not on carnal gratifications, but devoted what she could to pious uses. Now by acting on that principle we sup- press all worldly-mindedness, and attain a superiority to all covetous desires. But how few do act on that principle ! How few regard their property as given them of the Lord for the carrying on of his service, and for the promotion of his glory! Hence it is that worldly advancement is so coveted ; and that few, with such prospects as were now opened to this pious wo- man, would have the wisdom or the fortitude to follow her example.]
2. How we may attain it —
[Nothing will so soon or so effectually deliver us from worldly desires, as the acquisition and experience of heavenly joys. Our I^ord told the Samaritan woman that " whosoever should drink of Jacob's well, would thirst again ; but that whosoever should drink of the water that he would give, should never thirst." And so we find it invariably. " By the cross of Christ, the world will become crucified unto us, and we unto the world." Let us then " set otu" affections on things above, and not on things on the earth : " so shall we both advance our happiness here, and secure a more exalted happiness in the realms above.]
e Ps, iv. a.
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