1 Chronicles 29:15-16 For we are strangers before you, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow… I. AS STRANGERS HERE WE OUGHT TO GUARD AGAINST AN EXCESSIVE AND UNRESTRAINED INDULGENCE OF OUR APPETITES AND PASSIONS. This objection will appear by reflecting — 1. Upon the nature of our present situation, and what our proper employment ought to be while we sojourn here. We are placed here in order to prepare for the perfection of the heavenly state. Our course ought to be a continued and gradual progress from lesser to higher degrees of piety and virtue. Like a river enlarging as it runs, these ought to increase, and flow in a stream continually augmented. It is a sign of a base and ignoble spirit to linger on the road, or set up his rest in a strange country, fond of its foreign entertainments, and neglecting to move towards his home, where alone his chief occupation and his chief happiness are to be found. As a man cannot easily travel who is heavily burdened, neither can any one make any progress in a virtuous course when fettered by the pleasures and interests of this world. 2. Upon the nature of those things which excite our desires and solicit our indulgence. These are: wealth, outward honours, fame, pleasure, everything included in the term prosperity. These are — (1) Deceitful. (2) Unsatisfying. (3) Beyond our control. 3. That death will put a final period to them all. II. AS STRANGERS HERE WE OUGHT WITH FIRMNESS TO ENCOUNTER AND WITH PATIENCE TO ENDURE ITS DIFFICULTIES AND DISTRESSES. This is suggested — 1. By the nature of our journey through this life. 2. By reflecting on the origin of our afflictions and for what end they are intended. They are appointed by God, and are intended to improve man in virtue and happiness. 3. By the fleeting and shortlived character of our troubles and misfortunes. To the present state they are confined, and with our bodies they shall die. (J. Drysdale, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. |
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