history in which to carry out his designs. The dispensations follow one another with no haste. The ages are the province within which God works. II. 'fHE APPLIOATION OF THIS TRUTH TO IMPENITENT SINNERS, It cannot be other- wise than that those who defy God's authority should be affected by the deliberation with which the Almighty Ruler conducts his government. 1. Judgment deferred is made an excuse for perseverance in sin. If the Divine King were under the same restrictions as to time by which an earthly ruler is governed, the case would be other- wise. As it is, the withholding of retribution is misconceived, Yet jtidgment deferred is, in truth, not judgment reversed, but judgment delayed. 2. If the matter be regarded from the Divine side, another lesson comes to light. Judgment delayed is an oppor- tunity for repentance. Long-suffering on God's part has this merciful significance. Time may teach when other instructors are disregarded; forbearance may be fruitful even when threatening is barren. III. 'fHE APPLICATION OF THIB TRUTH TO THE TRIED AND TEllPTED PEOPLE OF GOD. Sometimes deliverance deferred is made a ground for fear that deiiverance may never come. But the Christian is appointed to learn that deliverance deferred is only deliver- ance delayed. The day of disappointment, of persecution, of seeming desertion, may appear to the afflicted like a year; the year may appear to be an age. But if the matter be regarded from the Divine side-as our text invites us to regard it-what a change comes over it I 'I'he distinction between a longer and a shorter period now almost vanishes. "What of the night? The morning cometh ; and also the night." The rescue is near; the daybreak has already begun. Interposition is to be measured, not by years or by centuries, but by Divine purposes and promises. APPLICATION. These considerations should check the arrogance of scoffers and unbelievers; and should sustain the faith, the courage, and the hope of the Church militant.-J. R. T. Ver. 13.-The abode of righteousness. If the catastrophe which the apostle describes in the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth verses stood alone, it might well fill the mind of the believing reader with foreboding and with awe, and paralyze all his energies. But the inspired writer looks beyond the scenes of dissolution and destruction to the fair and beautiful visions which become clear to the eye of faith when enlightened with a heavenly ray. I. 'I'HE SUBSTANCE OF THE CHRISTIAN'S EXPECTATIONS. Science sometimes foretells with some definiteness the future of the material universe, that is, so far as dissolution is.concerned. According to a universal law of rhythm-so we are told-this earth shall be dissipated into atoms. But little is said upon scientific grounds of any process of reconstruction. Now, it is admitted that Scripture goes into no details with regard to the future. But, at the same time, whilst admitting the perishableness of all created things, revelation passes beyond the epoch of destruction, and assures us that what seems the end is not the end of all things. The old will certainly decay, but only to give place to the new. Bow this reconstitution is to be effected, we know not ; yet that it shall be brought to pass is assured in the promise of "new heavens and a new earth." II. THE MORAL CHARACTER OF THE CHRISTIAN'S EXPECTATION. If there is vagueness as to what is material, nothing could be more explicit than so much of the revelation as relates to the spiritual. It matters very little what are the visible and tangible accompaniments of a future state, if only its ethical character be satisfactorily deter- mined. And this is done in the language, "wherein dwelleth righteousness." In such a revelation as this the judgment and conscience can peacefully rest. The contrast between the prevalence of unrighteousness on this earth, and the reign of righteousness in the reconstructed world, is striking in itself, and it furnishes a true satisfaction to the mind which by reason alone cannot confidently anticipate a change so blessed. III. THE DIVINE BASIS OF THE CHRISTIAN'S EXPECTATION. This is DO surmise of sagacity ; it is no poetic dream. Our anticipation is "according to Gocl's promise." Here is the all-sufficient justification. Building upon the assurances of him who cannot lie, we secure a firm foundation for our faith and hope. We know that what he has promised he is able to perform. In the region in question all created might 80 THE SECOND EPISTLE GENERAL OF PETER. [cH, m. 1-18,
i, powerless; if the result is to be brought to pass, it must be by the exorciso of ,)11111ipotcnce itself. IV. THE PREPARATIO~ FOR TRE FULFILMENT OF TIIE CmttSTIAN'S EXPECTATION, If we "look for" such a glorious future as these words suggest, our attitude must be other 1han mere hope. We shall cherish. fortitude amidst ills that must soon pass away ; we ,hall cultirnte that habit of righteonsness which shall be congenial to the state which ,rn anticipate; and we shall seek that harmony with the Divine will that shall ma.ke :s truly and for ever at home in every world of God.-J. R. T.