DISCOURSE: 2203 WATCHFULNESS ENJOINED 1 Thessalonians 5:1. _Of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction com... [ Continue Reading ]
DISCOURSE: 2204 THE DUTIES OF MODERATION AND WATCHFULNESS 1 Thessalonians 5:8. _Let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breast-plate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation_. THE exact season of the day of judgment is wisely hid from our eyes. If it were revealed to... [ Continue Reading ]
DISCOURSE: 2205 THE NATURE OF TRUE RELIGION 1 Thessalonians 5:16. _Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you_. THE just union of personal and relative duties is the brightest ornament of the Christian profession. T... [ Continue Reading ]
DISCOURSE: 2206 QUENCHING THE SPIRIT 1 Thessalonians 5:19. _Quench not the Spirit_. THERE is a harmony between all Christian graces, and a dependence of one upon another; so that none can be exercised aright, unless all be allowed their due place and influence. There are doubtless many occasions of... [ Continue Reading ]
DISCOURSE: 2207 INVESTIGATION OF TRUTH RECOMMENDED 1 Thessalonians 5:21. _Prove all things; hold fast that which is good_. THERE are many who, either from an indifference about truth, or from a conceit that they are already sufficiently acquainted with it, neglect the public ministration of the Gos... [ Continue Reading ]
DISCOURSE: 2208 ABSTAINING FROM ALL APPEARANCE OF EVIL 1 Thessalonians 5:22. _Abstain from all appearance of evil_. SIN is a tremendous evil. The consequences of one single sin are beyond all our powers of thought or conception. If one only be hardened by it, who can tell where his influence may e... [ Continue Reading ]
DISCOURSE: 2209 COMPLETE SANCTIFICATION TO BE SOUGHT AFTER 1 Thessalonians 5:23. _The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it_. PAR... [ Continue Reading ]