this world is," would produce in us, if not an indifference to the concerns of time, yet at least a moderation in our regard for them\]
2. To augment our diligence in preparing for eternity —
[Who that considered the uncertainty of life, would defer the concerns of his soul, which are of more importance than ten thousand worlds ! It were rather to be expected that such an one would give neither sleep to his eyes nor slumber to his eyelids, till he should have secured, beyond a possibility of doubt, the favour of his God. One would think that every hour spent in any other pursuit should be grudged by him ; and that, whatever efforts were made to divert his attention to any other subject, he should say with Nehemiah, " I am doing a great work, and cannot come down^" With what care, under such impressions, would a person read the word of God ! With what humility would he attend divine ordinances ! With what strong crying and tears would he present his supplications at the throne of grace ! How, in all that he did, would he resemble those who contended in the Olympic games, running, wrestling, fighting as for their very life ! The man with the avenger of blood close at his heels would not exert himself more to reach the city of refuge, than such a one would in *' fleeing from the wrath to come." It is only those who pro- mise themselves days and months to come, that can sleep at their post, and dream of more convenient seasons, which may never
arrive ^ ■
In this view then I cannot too earnestly entreat you to offer, each of you for yourselves, the prayer of David, " Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is ;
that I may know how frail I am!" And I beseech you
to get his estimate of human life so graven on your hearts, that you may walk under the influence of it to the latest hour of your lives. In a word. My heart's desire and prayer to God for every one of you is, that you may be so " wise as to redeem your time," and be so taught to number your days as to apply your hearts unto wisdom^."]
^ 1 Cor. vii. 29—31. i Neh. vi. 3.
k Jam. iv. 13, 14. i Ps. xc. 12.