Psalm 103:15-18 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.… If we consider ourselves as offenders in many things, which we all are, death is a just consequence of our transgressions; for it is fit and reasonable that disobedient creatures should be deprived of the powers which they pervert and abuse. I. OUR PRESENT STATE OF MORTALITY IS UPON MANY ACCOUNTS CONVENIENT AND USEFUL. 1. It is convenient that we should die, because this world is a state of trial. 2. As the consideration of death hath a tendency to deter us from vice, it consequently prevents some disorders, and makes us live together in society better than we else should pass our days. 3. It is also convenient that we should die, because the future recompenses of obedience are of a spiritual nature. 4. Another reason why it is convenient that we should die, is, that our obedience at best being defective, death prepares us for the next state, and excites in the soul thoughts and inclinations which ought to accompany it at its entrance into the world of spirits, and into the presence of its Maker. 5. It is not only convenient, but desirable and profitable, that we should die, if death conducts us to life eternal. 6. If by obedience and perseverance we secure to ourselves an inheritance in the Kingdom of God, when that promised time shall come, and this corruptible shall have put on incorrutption, the remembrance of our former earthly state, and of all its inconveniences, may probably add to our happiness; and then it will be good for us that we once were mortal creatures. II. THE METHODS WHICH WE MUST USE, TO ALLAY AND RESTRAIN THOSE IMMODERATE FEARS OF DEATH, WHICH ARE BLAMEABLE, AND WHICH ALSO RENDER LIFE ITSELF, WITH ALL ITS CONVENIENCES, DULL AND COMFORTLESS. 1. Frequent thoughts of our latter end will assist to produce this good effect. 2. Another way of reconciling ourselves to death is to consider it as unavoidable. 3. Another consideration tending to make us more willing to die, is, that it is common to all. 4. The troubles of life, rightly considered, may help to remove a great dislike of death. (J. Jortin, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.WEB: As for man, his days are like grass. As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. |
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