Tribute to the Memory of John B. Skinner: Containing a Brief Account of His Last Illness, Death, and Funeral Obsequies (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from Tribute to the Memory of John B. Skinner: Containing a Brief Account of His Last Illness, Death, and Funeral Obsequies

We know of no other orden of intelligences, circumstanced as we are, who have to hold the balance of temporal and eter nal interests with an even hand, and carry the clue of recti tude through all the labyrinth of Conflicting interests. The nice adjustment of these interests has been made a subject of special revelation. Our earthly duties are unfolded, our eternal relations disclosed, and the important issues which depend upon the manner in which we discharge the trust committed to us, are clearly set forth. Our text is a complete summary of the duties required of us Not Slothful in busi ness; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord. The first clause, Not Slothful in business, is very comprehensive, including not merely what we designate by the word business, but every duty which presents itself. It is the exhortation of the wise man condensed into a single expression, - Whatsoever thy hands find to do, do it with thy might. The second Clause of our text sets forth the Spirit which is to animate thisactivity - whole-hearted devotion to the work committed to us; while the last clause reveals the true inspiration to such a life - Serve the Lord. The active labor, of whatever kind it may be, the toil of our hands or the labor of our minds, is to be service rendered to the Lord; while the fer vent spirit of devotion is to be continually ascending like sweet smelling incense to His throne. The whole life is thus to be made a sacrifice and a service, holy and acceptable to God.

We all admit that this is a very difficult requirement. It is the ideal of a perfect life. In Christ alone have we its per feet realization. Those who approximate nearest to it are most like Him. To copy His example perfectly would be to obey perfectly the exhortation of the text. He neglected no duty for the sake of devoting Himself more exclusively to other, and what might have been regarded as higher, duties. It mattered not whether He was occupied in the carpenter's shop at Nazareth, or was preaching upon the mountain's side to a great multitude. In the one place as well as in the other He was about His Father's business.

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