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Look at this subject in two points of view.

I. AS A QUESTION OF SOLEMN REMONSTRANCE. That the Lord has come, we know; that the Lord will come, we profess to believe. The Scripture tells us much about that coming, but leaves much that is uncertain. One thing is clear — the return is to be sudden. But the very suddenness of that return teaches us that when the time comes

for the Lord's appearing, then the time of preparation is past. When our blessed Lord does come suddenly, He returns for judgment; no nice distinctions will then be drawn; party spirit must then sleep, and sleep for ever. Then shall it be seen who have worshipped God in spirit and in truth. A difference, however, will be made, absolute and relative — absolute to the right or to the left — relative, for we know there are degrees in glory. At the Lord's coming no secret shall be hidden, the mere outward appearance of religion will be unavailing. Then we shall learn who can abide His coming. There is a true and a false profession: and then the false profession will be detected, the veil of hypocrisy will be rent, and the mere formal hypocrite will be made known to all. It seems that the very teacher may then be lost. Then search and see whether there is Christian practice with the Christian profession. Those who have crowded together to hear the Word of God will then be detected.

II. AS AN APPEAL TO OUR CHRISTIAN CONFIDENCE. The Apostle says that some can stand in that day. Who? The real Christian alone: the man who has the Spirit of the living God dwelling in his heart. What is your preparation for eternity? Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is essential. The man that stands now, stands by faith. The man that does not trust Christ — I care not what his morality may be, I speak of him as one weighed in the balances of eternity.

(Bishop of Carlisle.)

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KJV: But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:

WEB: "But who can endure the day of his coming? And who will stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire, and like launderer's soap;