punish the inhabitants of the earth for

their iniquity."

I hasten

II. To the manner in which a befitting watchfulness must be exercised.

1. And first, we should strive to understand "the signs of the times."

"Whoso

is wise will ponder these things." Our Lord rebuked the Jews for not having recognised the tokens of his first approach: and he will equally rebuke us, if we be blind to the omens of his second advent. I am very far from encouraging vain and speculative inquiries into things which God has hidden; but I must say, the broad lines of prophecy, the great general features, as delineated in scripture, you

ought to know. There is an especial blessing pronounced on him that readeth, and on those that hear the words of that book, in which is recorded the prophetic history of the church, and that "keep those things which are written therein *." And surely, if as the hours of darkness roll on, and the dawn approaches, it becomes us to be wakeful, we ought by no means now to omit the inquiry, "Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?"

2. Next, let it be the point of chief importance, to attain that one needful thing, the saving knowledge of God in Jesus Christ. His servants are then, when the signs of his approach are seen, to

* Rev, i. 3.

lift up their heads, as their "redemption draweth nigh-to them that look for him shall he appear, the second time, without sin, unto salvation :"-they that have their lamps trimmed and burning go in with him to the marriage. There is nothing, believe me, which, whether in the hour of tribulation upon earth, or in the day of final judgment, can uphold the soul, but simple lively faith in Christ. With this, you need not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea." And therefore, my friends, cultivate, I pray you, personal religion. You are all, by nature, in danger of God's wrath; if you die as you were born, you cannot see the

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H

kingdom of heaven. You must be washed from your sins in Christ's precious blood; you must be renewed by his holy Spirit ; you must enlist under his banner; you must be clothed in his armour-so only can you "stand in the evil day."

Recollect that "a fiery trial" is to try you;

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not, indeed, as though some strange

thing" happened to you; but the piercing eye of God will judge you, will search your heart, and prove your reins; and if you have only that religion which the world deems sufficient, you will then be found miserably wanting. Christ is now willing to save you. Flee to him for pardon. Plead his blood and righteousness. Lay hold on his promises. And thus entering into

chambers of security, and shutting the doors about you, you shall hide yourselves "as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.”

3. Again: keep a steady grasp upon first principles. No man in a shipwreck loads himself with trifles; he waits for the parting of his vessel, with those things only about him which are of greatest value. And so, "hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown," was our Lord's admonition to the Asiatic church in the prospect of his coming. One characteristic of the last days, is a running, with "itching ears," after curious and unsound speculations. Be aware of Satan's devices. He would have you blown about