The Christian serving his own generation

The Christian serving his own generation - A sermon occasioned by the lamented death of Joseph John Gurney, Esq.

p. 2The following sermon, which the Author composed and preached without the slightest intention of publishing it, and which he prepared for the press at the bedside of a dying son, is now presented to his congregation, in compliance with their earnest request; and to the public, in the hope that they will mildly censure its defects, and that they will imitate the example of Christian excellence which it describes. There are, as you will readily perceive, several interesting points of resemblance, between David, here spoken of, and our beloved and honoured friend, whose lamented death has occasioned this discourse. Both of them became religious early in life; and consecrated their youth to the God of their fathers. Both of them were men after Gods own heart; who, in the midst of human infirmities and imperfections, reverenced the divine authority, looked for pardon and salvation to the divine mercy, and esteemed the divine loving-kindness to be better than life. Both of them had the tongue and the pen of a ready writer; and said much, and wrote much, for the edification of the church of God. Both of them contributed largely and cheerfully of their own property, for the support and extension of the cause of God and of true religion. Both of them, when brought into various tribulations, found it good to be afflicted, and made the everlasting covenant of their God, all their salvation and all their desire. And of both of them it may with propriety p. 4be said, in the language of our text, They served their own generation by the will of God; they fell on sleep; and they were laid to their fathers. There are also, as you are aware, some points of difference between them, as well as of resemblance; to which, however, it is not needful to refer particularly; especially as I am desirous to direct your attention, in this discourse, not so much to specific instances of resemblance between these holy men, as to the beautiful accordance which there is between the description given in our text, and the life and character of Mr. Gurney. There are indeed various terms by which he might be appropriately designated; yet the one which is used in our text, though in some respects the humblest, is perhaps the best. He was a servant; and till he fell asleep in death, and was laid unto his fathers, he was employed in serving his own generation by the will of God. I think that all who were acquainted with him, will acknowledge that his whole life was service; service as opposed to selfishness, and idleness, and injuriousness; service done for God, on behalf of the church and the world; and service which he was prompted to undertake by Jesus Christ his Lord and Master, and from the exercise of which he became eminently beneficial to society, and eminently holy and happy in his own person. As he was, to a great extent, a public man, well known not only to you who compose this numerous congregation, but to most of our fellow-citizens, and to many of our fellow-countrymen, I may without impropriety speak of him more freely and more fully than I would speak of a more private individual; and especially as I am desirous that his character and conduct, as a christian servant, should be clearly and influentially perceived by us all; that by the grace of God we may imitate his example, and enable survivors to say of each one of us, He served his own generation by the will of God, and fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers. In order therefore p. 5to describe and recommend to you the christian servant, we shall consider the office which he sustains; the manner in which he is to discharge it; and the state in which it terminates. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 63770
Author: Alexander, John
Release Date: Nov 15, 2020
Format: eBook
Language: English