The End of Man. I.
I. What were you a hundred years ago? Absolutely
nothing; and so you would have been forever, if God
had not deigned to give you an existence. He could
have given to the original matter, of which you were
made, an infinite number of other forms, but he was
pleased to endow it with a rational soul, and give you a
being among men. But for what object? Not to trifle
away your time and existence in folly, not to pursue the
honors and pleasures and vanities of this world, and to
terminate your lives like irrational creatures. "The
Lord has made all things for Himself." (Prov. xvi. 4.)
It is your duty then to serve and worship Him in this
world, that you may attain life everlasting in the next.
II. Consider the excellence of this end. Every other living creature is formed stooping to the earth, and is possessed of a soul that ends with its body. Man alone is raised to the sublime dignity of blessing and praising his Creator in a rational manner, and after a short life spent virtuously, of being crowned with immortal glory. With good reason holy David, full of wonder, exclaims, "What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? — Thou hast made him a little less than the angels, Thou hast crowned him with glory and honor, and hast set Him over the works of Thy hands." (Ps. viii. 5.)
III. Consider under what obligations you are to your Creator for so great a favor; and how diligently you ought to direct your whole life to His honor and service. These ought to be the only object of your actions, and even of your thoughts. Wherefore say with the prophet, "I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall be al-
