But if we be too proud to stoop, or too idle to exert ourselves, we violate the plainest law of our nature, and render ourselves unworthy of the Christian namef.]
The foregoing history may be improved,
1 . In a way of reproof —
[There is not one of us who does not stand indebted to God for an infinite multitude of mercies. But in what man- ner have we requited him ? Perhaps " in the time of trouble we have visited him, and poured out a prayer when his chasten- ing was upon usg." But no sooner has his rod been removed, than, like metal from the furnace, we have returned to our former hardness. We have resembled the hypocritical Jews, and forgotten all the vows which we made in trouble11. Ah ! what a contrast between us and this pious matron ! Let us be ashamed, and humble ourselves before God. Let us remem- ber how awfully Hezekiah was punished for his ingratitude1. Let us instantly awake from our lethargy to the discharge of our duty, and " glorify Christ with our bodies and our spirits which are his."]
2. In a way of consolation —
[Whether we go up to God's house, or be confined on a bed of sickness, we may have access unto Jesus. He is with us at all times and in every place ; and we may go to him with our petitions either for ourselves or others. What a rich source of consolation is this! And have we no disorders, bodily or spiritual, which need his aid? If our body be healthy, is not our soul languishing ? Or if we ourselves be lively, have we no friend or relative that is in a sickly con- dition? Let us then apply to this almighty Physician, and we shall find him as condescending and as gracious as ever. He calls himself by this endearing name, " The Lord that healeth theek." He will "send his word and heal us;" yea, he will strengthen us for the most active and difficult services. Let all of us then surround his throne, and cry with united voices, " Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercy's sake1."]
f Unthankfulness to God is specified as the summit of wickedness even in the heathen world, Rom. i. 21.
e Isai. xxvi. 16. h Ps. lxxviii. 34 — 37. ' 2 Chron. xxxii. 25. * Exod. xv. 26. > Ps. xliv. 26.