to the full: for of all the ransomed of the Lord it is said, " They shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd ; and their soul shall be as a watered garden ; and they shall not sorrow any more at all. Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow. And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness ; and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the Lordp." Indeed, you have a promise peculiar to yourselves : for God has said, " They that seek me early, shall find meq."]
2. The busy —
[I would not have any one neglect his proper occupation in life. We are as much bound to be " diligent in business," as we are to be " fervent in spirit :" in the one, as well as in the other, we may " serve the Lordr." But, in comparison, our zeal in the service of God should swallow up that which we exercise in reference to the world. Our Lord says, " Labour not for the meat that perisheth, but for that which endureth unto everlasting lifes." I will suppose that you succeed to the utmost extent of your wishes in this world, what satisfaction will it afford you in the eternal world, if you have not secured " an inheritance amongst the saints in light?" There is no occupation whatever that can justify a neglect of your eternal interests. There may be other things desirable; but this is needful, yea, "the one thing needful ;" and therefore I say, " Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," and leave it to God to " add other things to you" in the measure which in his unerring wisdom he shall see fit1.]
3. Those advanced in life —
[Our text has a peculiar force as it relates to you. Much of your time is gone : and what is done either by you or for you, must be done quickly. There is, indeed, no time to be lost. The work of the soul is not to be left to a dying hour. Verily, that is but an unfavourable season for such a work ; and the reality of it, when commenced at that season, is always dubious. Be in earnest now. Delay not another hour. Cry mightily to God, " O satisfy me early with thy mercy ! " " Blot out my transgressions as a morning cloud :" wash them away in my Redeemer's blood. " Bring me out of the horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon the rock, and esta- blish my goings ; and put a new song into my mouth, even praise unto my Godu." " Then will I bless thee while I live:
p Jer. xxxi. 12 — 14. fi Prov. viii. 17. r Rom. xii. 11.
s John vi. 27. l Matt. vi. S3. » Ps. xl. 2, 3.
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I will lift up my hands in thy name : my soul shall he satisfied as with marrow and fatness ; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips, when I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate upon thee in the night-watches x." " Yea, when my flesh and my heart fail, thou shalt be the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."]
x Ps. lxiii. 4.