Page:Serious thoughts for the living.pdf/16

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man, and know not when the dead warran may arrive; let me die to ſin, and die to the world, before I die beneath the ſtroke of a righteous God. Let me employ the little uncertain interval of reſpite from execution, in preparing for a happier ſtate, and a better life; that, when the fatal moment comes, and I am commanded to ſhut my eyes upon all things here below, I may open them again, to ſee my Saviour in the manſions above.

Since this body, which is ſo fearfully and wonderfully made, muſt fall to pieces in the grave; ſince I muſt ſoon reſign all my bodily powers to darkness, inactivity, and corruption; let it be my conſtant care to uſe them well, while I poſſeſs them!———Let my hands be ſtretched forth to relieve the needy; and always be "more ready to give than to receive."—Let my knees bend, in deepeſt humiliation, before the throne of grace; while my eyes are caſt down to the earth, in penitential confuſion, or devoutly looking up to heaven for pardoning mercy

In every friendly interview, let the "law of kindneſs dwell on my lips;" or rather if the ſeriousneſs of my acquaintance permits let the goſpel of peace flow from my tongue. O! that I might be enabled, in every public concourſe, to lift up my voice like a trumpet; and pour abroad a more joyful found than its moſt melodious accents, in proclaim-