c11n never re11ch the depths of mysterious, blessed meaning which lie hid In thOBe two simple words. He died th11t we, whether we watch or sleep, while we remain 11mon" the living, w11tching for his coming, and while we sleep with those who are l11id to sleep through Jesus, should evE>r live together with him. His death is our life; by his death he took 11wny the power of sin, which is the death of the soul. He died that we might live in that holy life which is in fellowship with him. That lifo begins now. "Ye have eternal life," Ht. John says. Christ's saints live with him and in him, for he is their Life. 'l'hey live with him during their earthly pilgrimage; they live with him in Paradise, where the holy departed are with Christ; they shall live with him in that e':lory which eye bath not seen, nor ear heard, neither bath it entered int.o the heart of man. 9. Practical concluBion. (1) They must comfort one another. The word wavers in its meaning between comfort and exhortation. The two ideas, indeed, run very near together, as the etymology of the English word "comfort" suggests. To comfort, according to its derivation, is to strengthen. Comfort, consolation, is a source of strength. The despondent, those who brood over their sufferings and fret them- selves in their troubles, are timid, devoid of energy and strength. Comfort helpR them to "lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees," and stimulates them to look forward to the ruture with hope and courage. • The Thessalonian Christians needed both comfort and exhortation. 'l'hey had a great trial of affliction; they suffered much persecution from the beginning. No earthly comfort is so great as the sympathy of loving Christian friends. And those who sympathize with us stir ua up by their example, by their loving words; their sympathy implies exhortation; it issues in exhortation, it makes exhortation real and effective. (2) They must edify one another. To edify is to build up. The wise builder builds his house on the rock, which is Christ. He is the Foundation ; Christians are" built up in him." In the deepest sense he is the Builder, "On this rock I will builu my Church." But, St. Paul says," we are labourers together with God." Such grace he gives to his servants that they a.re privileged to help on the great work, to build upon the one Foundation. There is no higher, holier work than this, to prepare the living stones, to build them up into the one holy temple, the Church of the living God. The Thessalonians were doing it. St. Paul recognizes their loving labours, and urges them to persevere. Be it ours to follow them, LESSONS, 1. It is not for us to know the times and seasons ; be not too curious; but: 2. Prepare in quiet faith: "the Lord is at hand." 3. Live as sons of light; pray for grace t.o realize the presence of God, to see the cross by faith, to watch in hope anti love. 4. Each Christian, however humble, has his place in building up the Church o/ Christ; let each do his part.-B. C. C. Vera. 12-22.-0losing exhortations. I. THE HINISTERS OF THE CHt7BCB. 1. Thei1 duties. (1) They labour. The work of the Christian ministry involves much labour- unseen labour in prayer and study, outward labour in preaching, in visiting the sick and aged, in feeding the Church of God which he purchased with his own blood. They are unworthy of their high calling who do not labour. (2) They preside ove1 the flock, but it is "in the Lord;" by his appointment, in his strengtl., in accordance with his will, with a view to his !!:lory, not their own. They must not seek to be "lords over God's heritage," but rather be ensamples to the flock, first in humility first in self-denial, first in Christian love. (3) They admonish-a difficult, a painfu; duty, but often the duty of a minister; not to be neglected by those who watch fm souls as they that must give account, but to be performed in humility and gentleness.. with many prayers for guidance and for wisdom. 2. Ths respect d'I/,/! to their ojfi,;e. St, Paul beseeches the Thessalonians (mark his earnestness) to recognize the labours of their presbyters; perhaps there had been some neglect of them. It is good for Chris- tians themselvt'S to know the ministers who work among them, to take a lively interest in their work, their difficulties, their necessities: so they m11y share in that holy work themselves. Such an interest will lead them to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake, for its dignity and importance, but also for the faithfulness with which It ia performed. The indolent and careless will not win this esteem. Re,•tJrijnce towards those aet over us and due subordination, tend to promote the peace ol the Ohurch. That peace 111 of the utmost moment. Our unhappy divitiion1 give occasion to 118 THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS. [ea. v.1-28.
the adversary to ■peak reproachfully, and draw Christian■ away from the quiet pursuit "f holiness into the unhealthy atmosphere of controversy. II. THE DUTIBB OF THE BRETHREN GF:NERALLY. 1. .Admonition cind encoumgement. 0