The consideration of this solemn truth may well prepare us for,
II. The exhortation grounded upon it —
1. Be sober —
[Sobriety does not merely import temperance with rela- tion to meat and drink, but moderation with regard to our desire of earthly things, or our enjoyment of them. Our minds are apt to be very strongly fixed on the things of time and sense ; we are fascinated with the prospect of some plea- sure, some honour, some emolument, for the attainment of which we labour day and night, and in the possession of which we are ready to say, " Soul, take thine ease." But should we do thus, if we considered how transient our enjoyment of them will be? Should we not rather sit loose to the things of this world, seeking them as though we sought them not, and using them as though we used them note? Let us then culti- vate this spiritf. We need not on this account relax our diligence in our earthly vocations ; for diligence is our bounden dutyg, and will consist very well with the devoutest frame, and most ardent exertions in the Lord's service11: but " the affec- tions must be set on things above, and not on things below1."]
2. Watch unto prayer —
[Prayer is indispensably necessary for the salvation of the soul. Without prayer, we can obtain nothing from God, no pardon of sin, no strength for obedience, no preparation for eternity. If we live without prayer, we shall die without hope. But it is no easy matter to persevere in prayer. We can complain to a fellow-creature with ease and fluency : but the moment we attempt to express our wants in prayer to God, our minds wander to the very ends of the earth, and our mouths are shut before him. Any trifling occurrence is suffi- cient to divert us from prayer : and we postpone this duty from time to time, under the idea of having some more favourable opportunity for the performance of it. But would it be thus with us, if we were duly impressed with the shortness and uncertainty of time? Even the most abandoned malefactors will weep and pray when their execution is drawing nigh : and should not we, if we felt that " the end of all things is at hand?" Let us then watch against every thing that may either divert us from prayer, or distract us in it : yea, let us watch that our prayers be such as our necessities require, and such as God will accept. Let them be offered up with con- stancy, with fervour, and with faith. And the nearer we
e 1 Cor. vii. 29—31. f Phil. iv. 5. s Eccl. ix. 10.
h Rom. xii. 11. • Col. hi. 2.