reflecting on the importance of his life to the welfare of the Church, he was willing to forego his own personal happiness, and to have a life of labour and of suffering prolonged to him, that he might still further advance the interests of God's people1. Thus should the hope of benefiting others endear life to us ; and every effort be made, as long as life shall last, to transmit to others the light which we ourselves have received.]
And now, Brethren,
1. Let me call you to the performance of this duty —
[It is a duty equally pertaining to all, (so far as they have an ability to discharge it,) to " render unto the Lord accord- ing to the benefits conferred upon them :" yea, all should strive to be, in this respect, patterns and examples to those around them. To those in like circumstances with ourselves, we should be able to say, " Let all of you praise God, as I do this day." But permit me to ask of the generality amongst us, What would be the state of things, if all were to take you for their pattern? Would God be glorified in any measure as he ought ? or would his truth be diffused as it ought to be ? Would not rather the mercies of God pass unacknowledged, and his revealed will be almost utterly forgotten ? Do not think that a mere lukewarm engagement in God's service will suffice. If, indeed, the bless- ing of life call for nothing better at your hands than this, I will be content that you shall render him nothing better : but if life be of such importance as I have represented, then I call on every living soul to say with David, " Praise the Lord, O my soul : while I live will I praise the Lord ; I will sing praises unto God while I have any being V]
2. Let me urge it by that most appropriate consi- deration which occupied the mind of the grateful Hezekiah —
[" The grave cannot praise God, nor can death celebrate him1." This is the only time for serving and honouring God in this world. And how soon this opportunity may have passed away, who can tell? Another day, and all power to serve your God may have passed away for ever. I must then say to you, " Work whilst it is day ; for the night cometh wherein no man can workm." Should your soul be required of you before you have given yourselves up to God, how painful will be your reflections to all eternity ! But did ever any man think that he had begun to honour God too soon ; or had too dili- gently engaged in that blessed work? Is there one in heaven that regrets he began to serve his God so soon ? or is there
* Phil. i. 21—25. k Ps. cxlvi. 1, 2.
1 ver. 18. m John ix. 4.
919.] hezekiah's thanksgiving. 109
one in hell that curses not his folly for neglecting to improve the advantages that were afforded him ? I call you, then, to prevent those sad reflections which a neglect of God will occasion in a dying hour ; and to secure now the eternal appro- bation of your God, by dedicating yourselves altogether to his service.]