A sermon preached before the University of Cambridge, June 29, 1806, being Commencement Sunday / [Edward Maltby].

  • Edward Maltby
Date:
1806
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A sermon preached before the University of Cambridge, June 29, 1806, being Commencement Sunday / [Edward Maltby]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    by his parents’ sin, or the sin of the individual in a state of pre¬ existence *: but the sequel of the narrative seems to justify a con¬ clusion, that the inquiry rather tended to suggest a doubt concerning the worthiness of the unhappy sufferer, than to satisfy the reasonable curiosity of the inquirers. So far however as the question was de¬ signed for the purpose of information, it obtained a decisive and satisfactory reply. But our Saviour immediately added, in answer, as it should seem, to the thought which they entertained, but which they were unwilling to express; “ I must work the works of him “ that sent me, while it is day: the night f cometh, when no man can “ work.” As if he had said; “ Hinder me not in the exercise of the 44 important commission, entrusted to me by my Father. Here is an “ opportunity of doing good; of discharging that duty, which is “ especially assigned to me to perform. If I neglect it now, a similar “ opportunity may not recur: for there is a certain time appointed, of “ which I must make the best use in my power. Nor is the principle “ of this reply applicable to myself only, or merely to the present “ occasion. It is the principle, by which all the actions of man should “ be guided; and by which the proper employment of time must be 44 determined. It holds out therefore a most salutary lesson to each “ of you, my disciples, and to every individual of the human race.— “ To borrow an allusion from the most necessary labours of man.— “ Day is the allotted time for work: when night cometh, no man can “ work. It behoves him, who subsists by labour, to take care that he “ wastes no part of the hours, set apart for industry, in frivolous occu- “ pation or in complete vacuity. The period of darkness will come; “ and then, no wishes, however ardent, no exertions, however painful, 44 can possibly recall the light or the time that is fled. In like manner 44 it becomes you, and equally too does it become all mankind, to avail * The question may refer to an opinion of a different nature, which certainly was entertained aijnong the Jews, and which the learned Reader will find sufficiently explained in Lightfoot, Qpp. Tom. II. p. 639. f “ Illic, ut perhibent, aut intempesta silet noxGeorg. I. 247. Cumtempus agendi est nullum.” Varr. de Ling. Lat. lib. V. “ Intempesta nox, quo tempore nihil agitur.” Ib. lib. VI. “ Et Lunam in nimbo nox intempesta tenebat.” iEn. III. 587. Intempesta, quasi intempestiva, inactuosa, carens actibus, per quos tempora dignoscimus.” Servius in loc. See the Note of Hemsterh. upon Thom. Mag. in y.
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