In our course through life, our minds are liable to be placed in certain states of feeling strongly marked, and for the time strongly prevailing, and this by causes, by influences, and circumstances independent of our will. These states of feeling, thus involuntarily produced, should be carefully turned to a profitable account; we should avail ourselves of what there is in them specially adapted to afford improvement.
I. It would surely be a wise application of a pleasurable state of feeling to seek most seriously that some of it may be directed into the channel of gratitude to God. These bright and warm states of feeling should be regarded as cultivators regard the important weeks of the spring; as mariners regard the blowing of favourable winds; as merchants seize a transient and valuable opportunity for gain; as men overlaboured and almost overmatched in warfare regard a strong reinforcement of fresh combatants. The spring and energy of spirit felt in these pleasurable seasons of the heart should be applied to the use of a more spirited performance of the Christian duties in general, but especially to those which are the most congenial, such as the exercises and services most directly expressive of gratitude to God, the study and exertions for promoting the happiness of men.
II. The infelicitous season of the soul shall it not be turned, by wisely "guiding the heart," to lasting advantage? Now that light thoughts, and brisk spirits, and worldly pleasures and hopes are aloof for a while, take the opportunity for serious consideration.
III. We will apply the admonition to one more state of feeling which not seldom visits an observer of mankind; namely, an indignant excitement of mind against human conduct. This may enforce on you the necessity of a most carefully disciplined judgment. It may surely contribute to aggravate your permanent impression of the extreme evil of sin, and therefore to justify the Almighty in that part of His economy which is directed in hostility against it, to impress upon you that what is so much to be hated is no less to be dreaded.
J. Foster, Lectures,1st series, p. 28.
Reference: Proverbs 23:19-23. H. W. Beecher, Sermons,4th series, p. 368.