o are of yesterday, and
know nothing. It looks as if it had been created yesterday, yet the truth
is, and a believer knows, it is near the grave. Gray hairs are here and
there upon it, though many know it not, and Jesus the Lord is at hand to
put an end to it. Now, what should be your condition in the meantime? What
should immortal souls do, that are to remain for ever, and outlive this
habitable world? How should they be employed? The spirit and soul is to
endure longer than the man's possessions, goods, honour, and place. How,
then, should ye look upon these things? Here it is. Be sober in the use of
all things. Use the world as if ye used it not, watch unto prayer. Ye are
encompassed about with manifold temptations. Therefore watch, and be as
men on their way waiting for the Bridegroom. The bride's exercise, since
Christ hath ascended unto heaven, should be to say, "Lord Jesus come
quickly."

In discoursing upon this subject, I: We shall speak of these three parts
of a Christians duty severally. II: Consider how they help one another,
and so jointly speak of them. And then, III: Of the reason and motive to
them all, and how it enforces such an exercise. As to be the first of
these, we observe, that sobriety is a duty becoming every Christian, that
is united unto Jesus Christ, and is separated by God's holy calling from
the rest of the world. I add these two considerations because of the
preceding verse. For in the first and second verses he lays down an
excellent ground of all kind of mortification, viz. the believer's union
with Christ crucified. Jesus Christ suffered and died for us, as a Common
Person, to sustain the guilt of our sins. He died as a Cautioner and
Undertaker for us and as our Head and King, and we by virtue of that, are
obliged to crucify sin also. In verses 3d and 4th, the other consideration
is set down. There ought to be a vast difference between a believer now,
and before his conversion. He should not be the same man, but as Paul,
say, "I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but
Christ liveth in me." Gal. ii. 20. He should be separated from the world,
that all the world may wonder at him, and think it strange to see his
conversation. Now I conceive this exhortation is gathered from both these,
and the word of reference _therefore_ relates to the preceding verse, as
well as his reason in the words now read. Now therefore be sober. This
sobriety is not limited to meat, drink o