Zechariah 1:5 Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever? I. SOME GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 1. No distinction which men wear m society can possibly exempt them from the stroke of death. 2. Although our ancestors have departed this life, we are not altogether to entomb them in oblivion. Many reasons may be assigned why we should preserve them in recollection. To many of them we were bound by the ties of natural affection. To others we are allied by official connection. We have entered into their labours. The monuments of their industry lessen our toil. 3. Though these distinguished deceased have left this world, they are still in some state of conscious existence. Probably the souls of the departed enter at once either into bliss or woe. II. THE BEST IMPROVEMENT WE CAN MAKE OF PROMINENT PERSONS' DEATHS. 1. By a serious remembrance. Not merely of their persons, but of their characters, and the labours in which they were engaged during their mortal sojourn. 2. Diligent inquiry, as to whether we have reaped any solid advantage from the ministrations in which they were engaged; and as to the manner in which we treated the servants of God while they were fulfilling their course. 3. Imitation of their holy example. There is always a limitation we must put when speaking of human example: "so far as he followed Christ." 4. Earnest prayer in connection with bereavements. 5. By preparation to follow the devoted servants of God to the place where they now dwell. 6. Cherishing a devout expectation of reunion with the departed servants of God, in a world of future glory and perfection. (J. Clayton.) Parallel Verses KJV: Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?WEB: Your fathers, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever? |
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