THOUGHTS, &c. EMBARKED on the stream of time, and carried forward with uniform and irresistible force, how many thousands do we see amusing themselves in the pursuit of shadows, or gliding along in stupid unconcern, notwithstanding their surrounding companions daily disappear, and are gone they know not whither. We also, fellow-traveller, are making rapid progress in our course, and it will surely be wise to devote a few moments, to reflect upon the most important of all subjects which can possibly occupy our attention; the purpose of our existence, and the end of our voyage. If we consider our animal frame, composed of parts essential to the well-being of the whole, and put together with inimitable skill, or survey the means that have been appointed to sustain this fabric, during the limited period of its existence; if we look upon the inferior animals, or study the structure of the vegetable tribes; if, by means of the faculties we possess, we endeavour to understand a little of the laws which appear to regulate the operations incessantly taking place in this lower world; or, if we lift our eyes to those luminous bodies scattered through the immensity of space, all proceeding harmoniously in the paths prescribed to them, should not our souls be filled with awe and reverence? Nothing short of Infinite Wisdom could have effected this nothing short of Infinite Power could sustain it for a moment, This Wisdom and this Power, O fellow traveller is GOD, even thy GOD.. He has condescended to create thee what thou art. Kind and benevolent, as unlimited in power, he has provided for thy comfort, thy accommodation, thy pleasure, even here. He has furnished thee with suitable food, has enamelled the fields with flowers, and instructed every warbler of the grove in his peculiar song. He has endowed thee with reason, whereby thou mayst understand a little portion of his wonders; and, to crown the whole, has given thee a capacity to acquaint thyself with Him, the Author of them all, Every thing proclaims that the object of the Creator is the happiness of his creatures; and if thou be not happy, the fault is in thyself. Do not suppose that thou art placed in this transitory scene, merely to eat, to drink, and to sleep, and after a few years to vanish away like a 5 dream or a vision of the night. No:-thy great Creator has called thee into existence, at that period which was consistent with his Supreme Will; and, though thy frame shall go to decay when it may please him to call for the spirit which animates it, yet be assured that this spirit shall exist for ever. When the present life ceases, thou must enter upon eternity, which will be either miserable beyond description, or unspeakably hap py. The few and uncertain moments of thy present state, are all that are allowed thee to prepare for it. Be aroused then to a just consideration of thy condition; venture not to sleep on the brink of a precipice, but apply thyself in earnest to the great work, before that awful proclamation is made," He that is filthy, let "him be filthy still." [a] The only means of becoming happy here and hereafter, is by earnestly endea vouring to know and to perform the Will of God. This, we cannot do of ourselves; but He is graciously pleased to enable us, by giving to every one of his rational creatures, a portion of his good Spirit, [] which is secretly operating upon the soul. This it is which makes us uneasy when we do wrong, and which fills the mind: with comfort and joy when we do right.. |