“If aught gives one virtuous man a superiority over another, it is
only by as much as he exceeds the other in Gratitude.”
Gratitude, though a single word, contains a volume of expressions: it is
the brightest jewel in Virtue’s diadem. It comprehends every social
duty, and every celestial virtue, that adorn mankind; it renders them
objects of Almighty love, and worthy the admiration of their
fellow-creatures. Divested of Gratitude, what are we? Nought but
solitary reeds, blown by every breeze, and beat down by every shower,
that God, in the plenitude of his mercy, sends to chear the rest of the
world.
Gratitude may be said to consist of two orders--to God, and to man.
Gratitude to God is indisputably our first and chief duty. Can we for a
moment contemplate the creation of the world, the coming, sufferings,
crucifixion, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, without
acknowledging that Gratitude to God is our first and chief duty? God
forbid! There are few, in this world’s sphere, but daily, nay even
hourly, experience the goodness of the Almighty. How are we extricated
from difficulties? How are we relieved, even when desponding misery
rankles in the heart? And how do we enjoy our health, or happiness, but
from the excess of that mercy which gently drops from Heaven? Can, then,
our lives be better spent than in devoting them to those purposes
esteemed worthy in God’s all-seeing eye, and expressive of our gratitude
for the blessings we receive?
“Never let day or night unhallow’d pass,
But still remember what the Lord has done.”