CVmJ T-3PU iz m * Duke University Libraries It is a fearful Conf Pam 12mo #591 IT IS A FEARFUL THING TO LIVE. BY REV. ANDREW BR0AD1>1 DEDICATED TO OUR FAITHFUL SOLDIERS. Few of the human family are so reckless as to be void of seriousness, in view of the fact that they must die. — In heathen as well as in christian lands, all possess an in stinctive shrinking from approaching dissolution. The soldier, who goes forth in defence of his country, fondly bopfis that lie shall pass through the deadliest conflicts that await him, and "not fall into the embraces of the des troyer. . There are many reasons why men prefer not to die; but the dread of the unknown tuture, witfc its tre- mendous realities, is that which, more than aught else, binds them to life. Now, while it is greatly wise to think much on Jiath, it is equally so. to think on "the life that now is;" yet I fear that many who may chance to read this, bestow but little reflection on the subject. I propose, therefore, a few suggestions on the solemnities associated with living; hop- 2. ing that they may serve, at least, to awaken serious reflec- tion on this great subject. Mrst, then, I observe, our creator has invested us with certain faculties and susceptibilities, in the use of which, to glorify him. He would have us consecrate all those powers to the well-being of our race, and thereby bring honor to His great name. It is a sad mistake, made by many, that he contemplates simply our individual happi- nesss. He calls us into His vineyard, that, having enter- ed it, we may labor for the advancement of the true in- terests of our race. How solemn the thought, that instead of " serving their day and generation," thousands are pros- tituting their immortal powers to the pleasures of sense ; unmindful altogether of this most reasonable requirement of their Maker. Better had such persons never lived than to be making utter shipwreck of their qualifications for doing good. Secondly, It is imposssible for any to live, without exerting an influence upon those around them, either for weal or for woe. All have influence, devolving upon them the most fearful responsibilities; and it is melancholy, that very many, not only madly refuse to labor for the good of their fellows, but are indulging in practices, the imitation of which, without Divine intervention, must lead others the downward road. To have lived here, to no better purpose than to effect the ruin of immortal beings, were worse than never to have lived at all. I repeat, then, i t is a fearful — an awful thing to live. Thirdly, It is while men live, that they bid defiance to the laws of the God of the universe, and slight and des- pise His infinite goodness. Thus they subject themselves to the penalties due to rebellion. Sustained by His boun- tiful providence, and fostered continually by His kind'ly 3. guardianship ; by persisting in sin, they develope a heart- lessness which is " nigh unto cursing." Had they never lived, of course, they had never deserved as they do, " the vengeance of eternal fire." Never could they have turned away from Him, who so sweetly invites to come and enlist under Hi banner. Again, He. who lives in this world, must live forever. Live we must, since we live at all, as long as He who gave us life shall live. As, therefore, we can never cease to live j and as life beyond the grave must needs be made happy or miserable by the manner in which we live here, how solemn the fact that we ever began life's endless ca- reer ! Better, methinks, had it been for many, if the All- wise had spared them an introduction to this mortal exis- tence. Let none indulge the impious thought, however, that, He who knew the end from the.beginning, committed an error, when He breathed into their nostrils the breath of life ; for rely upon it, He designed us all for His glory, which can be promoted in no way so effectually as by our giving our hearts to Him, and employing our time and talents in His reasonable and delightful service. Some one, perhaps may say, " if what the writer says is true, that it is a fearful thing to live, I wish I had never lived. " Such a wish is simply vain. You do live, and although you might commit suicide, it would but transfer you from time to eternity, there to continue forever, the life begun on God's footstool. In view of the above considerations, what is necessary to render life here, and life hereafter, a blessing rather than a curse ? I rejoice that " Grace has contrived a way " by which the awfulness associated with living may be done away; and every one who will embrace it be made to rejoice that he is counted worthy a place among the 4. *B l« sons of men. When Jesus lived, ne laid the plan by which "P