Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons Ezekiel 24:15-27 Also the word of the LORD came to me, saying,… I. SOCIAL CONNECTIONS ARE DESIRABLE ENJOYMENTS. 1. They are various; being derived from different sources. (1) Consanguinity, or oneness of blood (Acts 7:26). (2) Affinity, or matrimonial alliance; such are the most endearing and indissoluble connections of Life (Matthew 19:5). (3) Friendship, or union of hearts, formed by mutual benevolence (1 Samuel 18:1). (4) Piety, or an affectionate concern to promote each other's salvation (Philippians 2:20). 2. They are justly desirable. They are so, because our present state is a state of — (1) Ignorance, and society is favourable to the attainment of useful knowledge (Proverbs 11:14; Proverbs 15:22). (2) Weakness and danger, and society affords help — in bearing burdens — performing duties — and resisting enemies (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). (3) Affliction, and society is productive of mutual comfort (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Psalm 133:1). (4) Probation, and society promotes our eternal interests. This it does by rendering us capable of extensive usefulness (Galatians 6:10); by preserving us from apostasy (Hebrews 3:12, 13), and by exciting us to holy diligence (Hebrews 10:25). Hence we should recollect our obligations to God for relative comforts. Our subject also teaches us the wisdom of employing our social influence for pious purposes. II. THESE ENJOYMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO THE STROKE OF DEATH. 1. The stroke of death should be expected by us all. However useful to society, beloved by mankind, dear to God — all must die (2 Samuel 14:14; Ecclesiastes 3:21; Hebrews 9:27). 2. We should seriously prepare for the stroke of death; because death is awfully important in its effects. 3. Our preparation for this stroke should be habitual. We should immediately seek this preparation, and very carefully retain it, because the time when this stroke will be laid on us is to us unknown (Matthew 24:44). 4. The saint's recovery from this stroke should be anticipated, by faith in God's promises (Hosea 13:14; Philippians 3:21), and hope of renewed communion with saints in heavenly glory (1 Thessalonians 5:8-10; 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17; Revelation 1:18). This reminds us — III. THE STROKE OF DEATH IS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF GOD. 1. The death of our pious friends is only a removal; it is not annihilation — they still live with God (1 Thessalonians 5:10), and to Him (Luke 20:38). They are taken away from toil, sorrow, and danger (Revelation 7:16), to complete rest, happiness, and security (Revelation 14:13). 2. They are taken away by God; by God heir proprietor, who had a right to dispose of them (Matthew 20:15); by God their rewarder, who has taken them to crown them (2 Timothy 4:7, 8); by God our benefactor, who kindly indulged us with their society (1 Timothy 6:7) Hence His hand in their removal should be piously acknowledged, both with resignation and gratitude (Job 1:21). (Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons.) Parallel Verses KJV: Also the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, |
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