ETERNAL REST GIVE UNTO THEM, O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM. AMEN.
Gratitude is a debt that is due in justice for favours bestowed gratuitously. Action and reaction are equal; and beneficence should produce its reaction in kindly feeling, thanksgiving, and a return of good offices. This debt of justice is due principally to God on account of the immensity and absolute gratuitousness of His gifts, and also to those of our brethren who have done us any service. At all times and among all men the virtue of gratitude has been highly esteemed; and ingratitude has been regarded as a peculiarly disgraceful vice, as contrary to the primary instincts of nature, and as a sign of a mean and contemptible character. There are few of the beasts even that are insensible to this emotion. Yet there are some men who are abnormally sensitive to the smallest slight or sign of wrong done to them, and are eager to do themselves justice, as they account it, by revenge; and at the same time they can receive favours, without thinking of the justice which requires at least an acknowledgment of them, and remembrance and requital. Such is the attitude which many take up towards their Supreme Lover and Benefactor. The talents they have received they turn against the Giver. His mercy they insult, because they think they can do so with impunity. They have received nothing but kindness, and they requite it with hatred and rebellion, because they are invited to lives of holiness and restraint. There is nothing more degraded and horrible on earth.
