But, in the midst of his satisfaction and joy, there is a consideration, which strikes a damp upon his soul, and fills him with grief and terror; it is, the miserable condition of those his fellow-creatures, who have been regardless of their salvation and have perished: the Saviour “called, but they would not answer;” He assured them of the coming desolation, but they would not take heed; He offered them mercy, but they turned away: and the flood came upon them unawares; and it is painful to think of them, where they now are, and how many they have been. And not only for those who are gone, but for numbers still living, does the charitable Christian also feel: it is not for him to be forward in judging, not for him to condemn; “he hopeth all things, and believeth all things;” but when he sees multitudes around him manifestly walking in the “broad way of destruction,” he cannot help feeling both pity and pain; especially if any of his neighbours or friends be found in this awful state of heedlessness and sin; especially if any who are near and dear unto him. He cannot help grieving for them; they will have, at least, his tears and his prayers. Would that such sinners might feel for themselves, what others feel for them; would that they might turn and live! Their case is not like the case of those who were perishing in the flood; they are not yet consigned to destruction; would to God that they might turn and live!
At length, “the waters were dried up from off the earth, and the face of the ground was dry.” “And Noah went forth” out of the ark, and “builded an altar unto the Lord, and offered burnt offerings upon the altar,” in thanksgiving for his miraculous preservation; “and the Lord smelled a sweet savour;” { 69} He accepted the incense of the sacrifice, approved and honoured the piety and gratitude of Noah.
In all our deliverances and escapes, in all the benefits and blessings we receive at the merciful hands of God, let us never fail to imitate this bright example of righteousness: be it our first, our immediate act, to waft unto the skies the incense of adoration and praise. The faithful and observant Christian does indeed perpetually notice the interposition of divine Providence in his behalf; and he never fails to render the tribute of his heart at least, if not of his lips, to the great Deliverer: but besides this, there are few of us, who have not, in some striking instances, been wonderfully rescued from imminent danger and destruction; preserved in frightful accident, or raised from a sickness which was seemingly unto death. Has the favour been duty remembered with gratitude? Did it bring us on our knees before the throne of mercy? Did we present our offering with that humble sense of our own unworthiness, and that devout acknowledgment of God’s love, which gave us just reason to believe that the offering was accepted, through Jesus Christ our Lord? And ever since, has an altar been raised in our hearts; have our affections been dedicated to God, as a memorial of the past deliverance, and a fulfilment of the purpose for which we were mercifully spared?