THE DEVOTED SERVANT OF CHRIST. A SERMON DELIVERED AT THE FUNERAL OF THE REV. PAUL LITCHFIELD, OF CARLISLE; WHO DIED ON THE FIFTH AND WAS BURIED ON THE NINTH OF NOVEMBER, 1827, aged 75. BY JOHN H. CHURCH, D. D. ANDOVER: PRINTED BY FLAGG AND GOULD. 1828. SERMON. ROMANS XIV. 7, 8. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord; whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. THE spirit of the devoted servant of Christ is here expressed. Here is the mark of his high calling in Christ Jesus. This is the self-denial, so much inculcated in the gospel, and so essential to a life of communion with God, and a meekness to glorify and enjoy him forever. The passage, in its connexion, enforces the duty of christians to receive each other as servants of the same Lord and engaged in the same cause; while sincerely differing in things not inconsistent with vital godliness. Notwithstanding their difference in minor things, they were agreed in living, not to themselves, but to the Lord, as being entirely his, in life and in death. This is the spirit, which we should ardently strive to possess. It should constantly be the object of our pursuit. It comprises, in substance, all our personal religion. It should be the main-spring of all our actions. Nothing should be done, without this spirit of entire devotedness to the Lord. The subject may be illustrated by describing this spirit; and showing its influence on the Christian in living and dying to the Lord. I. In describing this spirit, two thoughts occur; a feeling conviction that we belong to the Lordand a purpose of heart to be wholly devoted to him. 1. A feeling conviction that we belong to the Lord. What truth is more sensibly felt by the fervent christian. How forcibly it strikes his mind in every direction. What is not the Lord's? He hath made all things for himself. How must the lively christian feel himself, and all he has, to be the Lord's, if he only considers him as his Maker, and Preserver, and the Giver of all his talents. In this view, he has nothing, which he has not received of the Lord. And the whole is still the Lord's. What can the believer call exclusively his own? But the Lord has still higher and more endearing claims upon him. He has bought him for himself. Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price. And what is this price? Is it corruptible things? Is it silver and gold? No; it is the precious blood of Christ. The only begotten Son of God has been made a curse for him, and redeemed him from the curse of the law. The Son of God has loved him, and given himself for him. O let this truth be wrought in his mind by the exceeding greatness of Divine power, and how deep and habitual must be his conviction that he is not his own, but the Lord's, to live, and to die to him? 2. A purpose of heart to be wholly devoted to the Lord. Deny thyself, is the sweet command of Christ to every humble follower. His cheerful obedience to this command distinguishes him from the selfish and unholy. "Inordinate self-love is the ruling passion of their hearts, and the governing principle of their lives. They have but one interest, and that is their own. A supreme regard to their own happiness is the main spring of all that they do for God, of all that they do for themselves, and all that they do for their fellow men." This is the spirit of the world-of every false-hearted professor. In appearance, he does much for God, for the Church, and for his fellow men. But his supreme regard is to himself. He would make every thing subserve his own interest, or honor, or enjoyment. Even the Lord himself must serve him. Nothing is right, unless it is for his good. All is well, if his happiness is secure, or his benefit promoted. All his kindness to others is very partial and very limited, and intended chiefly for his own advantage and comfort. What a different But how different is the ruling purpose of the devoted friend of Immanuel. principle prompts him to act. principle, but the love of God? self, and subordinates all its interests to the Divine glory. The love of God gives to the mind a single eye, and fills the body with light. It inspires due regard to every object. God is loved supremely, because he is supremely excellent; and his glory is the riches of all worlds. What can the christian allow to interfere with the Divine glory? What can he so ardently desire as this--" Father, glorify thy name." In this supreme love to God is involved sincere love to one's own soul, and to every |