The hour of death is uncertain, and the second coming of Jesus is equally so; therefore we are commanded to be always ready, and to be on the WATCH. His coming is the grand object of our hope, and should be our daily desire and prayer. It will be awfully grand.
We are deeply interested in it. It is certain, necessary, and will be sudden. We know not the day, month, or year. God has purposely concealed it, in wisdom, in mercy, and for our good. He commands us to awake, and keep awake. To be at our post, and employed in our calling.
In order to our watching we must be daily believing Jesus will come; thinking and praying to be found ready. We should watch the signs of the times; the workings of our own hearts; and over our daily conduct. We should walk as we wish death or Jesus to find us; and transact every business as though Jesus was at the door.
Would you, beloved, wish to be found idle--contentious--at enmity--or murmuring--or indulging in any sin? If not, watch against these things; put off the old man, and put on the new.
Behold, the awful day comes on, When Jesus on His righteous throne Shall in the clouds appear: With solemn pomp shall bow the sky And in the twinkling of an eye, Arraign us at His bar.
Written by James Smith for his own flock around 1840, but such was the demand that by 1846 over thirty thousand copies where in circulation.
James Smith was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841-1850. He also ministered with great blessing in Cheltenham. His devotional, The Believer's Daily Remembrancer, subtitled Pastor's Morning and Evening Visit, was very popular in its own day, and has received a new lease of life through recent republication.
The hour of death is uncertain, and the second coming of Jesus is equally so; therefore we are commanded to be always ready, and to be on the WATCH. His coming is the grand object of our hope, and should be our daily desire and prayer. It will be awfully grand.
We are deeply interested in it. It is certain, necessary, and will be sudden. We know not the day, month, or year. God has purposely concealed it, in wisdom, in mercy, and for our good. He commands us to awake, and keep awake. To be at our post, and employed in our calling.
In order to our watching we must be daily believing Jesus will come; thinking and praying to be found ready. We should watch the signs of the times; the workings of our own hearts; and over our daily conduct. We should walk as we wish death or Jesus to find us; and transact every business as though Jesus was at the door.
Would you, beloved, wish to be found idle--contentious--at enmity--or murmuring--or indulging in any sin? If not, watch against these things; put off the old man, and put on the new.
Behold, the awful day comes on, When Jesus on His righteous throne Shall in the clouds appear: With solemn pomp shall bow the sky And in the twinkling of an eye, Arraign us at His bar.