Psalm 102:24 I said, O my God, take me not away in the middle of my days: your years are throughout all generations. In all undertakings, success very much depends upon the plan we have laid down to guide our conduct. What, then, are the plans by which your course is to be steered throughout the coming year? Life's voyage will lie among hidden rocks, as well as over stormy seas. Of the dangers you will meet with, some are evident, but some cannot yet be known. How, then, do you propose to conduct the frail bark in which your all is ventured? On what principles, in what direction, do you purpose to proceed? I. SOME EVENTS MAY BE FORESEEN. 1. The duties which our station will demand. 2. The difficulties with which our station in life is usually connected. We should foresee, in order to resist and conquer them. Shall we pass on as heretofore? No fresh precautions! Such indifference is the prelude to destruction. 3. What facilities our condition in life will afford for spiritual improvement. Is not the Lord's Day such an one? II. SOME EVENTS ARE CONTINGENT AS REGARDS OURSELVES, THOUGH NOT SO IN THE SIGHT OF GOD. The preparation they demand is that which events call for that may come soon, and of which some at least must come at last. 1. Unexpected sorrow may surprise us; and how soon we cannot tell, for we know not. what a day may bring forth. 2. Sudden prosperity may await you. "In all time of our wealth, good Lord, deliver us." 3. There is another trial which may overtake us lengthened sickness. 4. Death itself may appear within the limits of the present year. Should not a great seriousness mark our deportment? Should not the world be less, and heaven far more, in our thoughts? (J. B. Marsden, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations. |
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