LET US NOT SLEEP, AS DO OTHERS

 

EVENING DEVOTON by James Smith

JULY 7

 

1 Thessalonians 5:6

Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; 

but let us watch and be sober.

 
Sleep is here used in a figurative sense.
 
The apostle does not refer to the repose of the body, but to the state of mind.
 
He refers to a suspension of the energies in faith, prayer, and holy affection.
 
An improper withdrawment from the senses of action.
 
A state which is next door to death.
 
Others are asleep.
 
Many others are asleep.
 
Professors are asleep.
 
“But let us not sleep as do others.”
 
If we sleep. It is like sleeping, where?
 
On the plains of Waterloo, after that dreadful battle, among the wounded, the dying and the dead.
 
In a city infected with the plague, while we possess the remedy, which if applied, would heal the infected.
 
In an island of slaves, while we have the act of emancipation in our pockets.
 
In a town of madmen, while we have the means of restoration.
 
In a starving country, when we know where there is plenty of food.
 
If we sleep, it is like sleeping, when?
 
In the day, on the harvest, the great day of opportunity.
 
If we sleep, it is like what?
 
Like the labourer sleeping in the harvest field, when the storm is coming, and his master’s crops are all exposed.
 
Like the soldier sleeping on duty, when to foe is in the field.

 

See the professors round thee sleeping,

Rouse my soul, awake ! arise

Carefully the precepts keeping,

Labour for the glorious prize.

 

James Smith