The text is an exhortation founded upon that expectation; and it is followed by Divine counsel as to the manner in which it becomes those to live and act, who profess to be looking forward to so great an event; to whom it is promised that unto them that look for Him He shall appear the second time, without sin, unto salvation. Under the impression of the solemnity of this subject, let us consider the exhortations given us in the Epistle for this day, praying for the grace of the Holy Spirit to be vouchsafed to us, to apply His blessed word to our hearts, for our edification and admonition, and to the glory of His holy Let us notice in the

name.

First place, the solemn warning with which the text commences, The end of all things is at hand. This is true with regard to every one of us as individuals, whether it be true or not comparatively with regard to the world in general. It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. As individuals we know not the day of our death. How often does death come suddenly, unexpectedly, with little previous notice; perhaps a few days', or a few hours' illness may precede it; perhaps none at all. In such cases a degree of alarm is excited for a short time among those who have witnessed the suddenness of the decease of a friend or relative; but it commonly passes away after a little while, and is almost forgotten. We all of us know the

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uncertainty of life, we know not what a day may bring forth. We cannot be sure, when we lie down to sleep at night, that we shall rise up in the morning; yet how little are mankind affected by the solemn consideration, though an eternity of happiness or misery depends upon the state in which we die. Death frequently comes as a thief in the night, and finds men unprepared for it. And so likewise the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in the same manner as the flood came in the days of Noah. It is needful then that the ministers of Christ should continually sound the alarm, The end of all things is at hand; time is passing away, eternity is approaching. Are you prepared for death? Are you prepared for judgment? These may come upon you unexpectedly. Be prepared to meet them; for you must die, and you must stand before the judgment seat of Christ. In the same state and condition as we are found to be at death, we shall appear in the day of judgment; for there is no repentance in the grave. May this solemn truth then produce a permanent impression upon our minds; may it have an abiding effect upon us all the days of our life, "that we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal," or that everlasting blessedness which is reserved for the children of God in His eternal kingdom and glory, The conduct which becomes those who are impressed

with the conviction that the end of all things is at hand, is described in the text and the following This is the

verses.

Second point to which our attention is to be directed. The apostle exhorts, Be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. To be sober, is to be of a sound mind. Wherein this sobriety consists, we learn from a similar exhortation of the apostle Paul. Let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. This is Christian sobriety; and that which the maturest reflection and thoughtfulness will approve of. It is the opposite of that which is wild and fanatical. It consists in putting ourselves in an attitude of self-defence against our spiritual enemies, and being equipped with that armour which will not only enable us to maintain the conflict with them, but will ensure the victory. The breastplate, or that which defends the heart against the assaults of the world, the flesh, and the devil, is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour of sinners, and love to Him for having accomplished the work of our redemption. When the heart is protected with this breastplate, it is assaulted in vain by the powers of darkness. By faith in Christ pardon is brought home to the conscience of the penitent sinner, who humbly confesses his transgressions unto the Lord. And love to Him who has had mercy upon us, will

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ever accompany the humble hope of forgiveness. And as we have received mercy we faint not,50 but take courage to persevere in the conflict in which we are engaged. The Christian warrior, having for a helmet the hope of salvation through Christ, is emboldened to lift up his head with confidence and joy, and not to fear the power of his spiritual enemies; because he is persuaded, that in the strength of the Lord, and in the power of His might, he shall assuredly obtain the victory, and receive the end of his faith, the salvation of his soul; so that he shall not be ashamed nor confounded, world without end.51

But together with this, being sensible of his own weakness and insufficiency, in his own strength, to contend with his unrelenting, violent, and subtil foes, notwithstanding he is provided with the armour of God, he watches unto prayer; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance.52 Thus he engages Divine aid to protect him, which his adversaries are utterly unable to withstand. He may therefore lift up his head with boldness in the most severe conflict with his spiritual adversary, and say, The Lord is on my side, I will not fear. For though Satan may thrust sore at him, to make him fall, the Lord will be his Helper,53 and will enable him

502 Cor. iv.1. 51 Isaiah xlv. 17. 52 Eph. vi. 18. 53 Ps. cxviii. 6,13-15.

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to rejoice, The right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly: The Lord is my strength and my song, and is become my salvation. Prayer is however to be continued. He is to continue instant in prayer. His prayers are also to be multiplied. The word is in the plural number: Watch unto prayers. These are to be repeated again and again. As long as we are in this world, which is our enemy's country, we are safe only while we pray for help from God. Unsustained and unprotected by Him, we fall an easy prey to the enemy of our souls. It is only while we continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving, that we can expect to obtain the victory over him. Those who are of a sound mind will therefore ever watch unto prayer; in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, making known their requests unto God; that the peace of God which passeth all understanding may keep their hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The apostle having given this direction respecting the importance of maintaining intercourse with God, in order to be prepared for the end of all things, proceeds to exhort Christians as to the manner in which they are to act towards each other. Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves. Where love to Christ reigns in the heart, love to the brethren, who are children of the same heavenly Father, will be manifested in the conduct. This love is to be fervent, not cold