i. 3. _My people doth not consider._
In a former discourse we noticed that one of Satan's chief devices
was to keep men from consideration, and we referred to a variety of
subjects upon which it is important that we should reflect. We now
call your attention to _the true character of religious
consideration._
+I. It should be serious and earnest.+ The subjects are too solemn
and weighty to be hastily dismissed. It must not be a mere cursory
survey, a rapid glance at these great concerns, but a careful,
deliberate contemplation of them; just as a prisoner about to be
tried for a capital offence would consider his defence, or a wrecked
mariner how he shall escape a watery grave, or a traveller how to
accomplish some momentous journey or voyage. If it be done lightly
and hastily, it will not profit us or please God. +II. It should be
prayerful.+ The exercise will be irksome to the natural heart. We
shall be disposed to give it up, or do it slightingly. The grace of
God alone can give the spirit necessary for the right discharge of
it. Therefore begin, continue, and follow it out with prayer.
+III. It should be pursued in connection with a diligent use of the
public means of grace.+ Hearken to the Divine Word as it is read in
the sanctuary, and to the preaching of the gospel, Christian
conversation, &c. Consideration will not profit us if God's means and
ordinances are neglected. All are needful to the soul, as wind, sun,
rain, and dew are all needful to the ripening of fruit. +IV. It
should be continued and persevering.+ Not too much to devote a
portion of every day to it. The first and last moments would be thus
profitably exercised,[1] _and it must be followed out._[2]
In conclusion, notice +some reasons why you should consider.+
1. _Because you have powers to do so._ God made you for this end,
that you should consider. In neglecting this, you despise your own
souls, you sink to below the level of the brute creation. They do
answer the end of their existence, and obey their several instincts.
"The ox knoweth his owner." Nearly every creature disposes of its
time and means wisely; but an inconsiderate man defaces the faculties
within him. 2. _Because it is your duty._ God enjoins it--He urges,
expostulates. To neglect it is, therefore, to despise God and rebel
against Him. 3. _It is essential to the possession of true religion._
Various are the ways in which God brings man to Himself; by a variety
of instruments and means, but none without consideration. Manasseh in
prison--Jonah in the belly of the whale--the prodigal in his misery,
&c. It is the first great step towards saving religion. 4. _By
prudent men, it is never neglected in worldly things._ In entering
upon any contract, in buying and selling, in all business
engagements, in all secular pursuits. We consider, in reference to
the body, our houses, food, and raiment, our families, &c. Are the
soul's eternal concerns the only things not deserving of it? 5. _God
may compel you to consider._ By bereaving you of the dearest objects
of your hearts, by afflicting your bodies, by embittering all earthly
good. Is it not better to avoid these corrections, sorrows, and
griefs? 6. _You may consider when it is too late._ Perhaps on the
verge of eternity, if not in eternity itself. The foolish virgins
considered when the cry was heard: the rich man considered too late;
the wicked will consider in the great day of Christ's wrath, when
they cry to the rocks and hills, &c. The consideration of the lost in
eternity will be in vain--will be bitter beyond description--will be
everlasting, and as horrible as it is durable. Therefore, consider
_now,_ while consideration may yet profit you.--_Jabez Burns, D.D.,
Pulpit Cyclopædia,_ vol. ii. pp. 37-39.