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"Let us not sleep, as do others." - 1
Thessalonians 5:6
There are many ways of promoting Christian wakefulness. Among the rest, let me
strongly advise Christians to converse together concerning the ways of the Lord.
Christian and Hopeful, as they journeyed towards the Celestial City, said to
themselves, "To prevent drowsiness in this place, let us fall into good
discourse. " Christian enquired, "Brother, where shall we begin?" And Hopeful
answered, "Where God began with us. " Then Christian sang this song-
"When saints do sleepy grow, let them come hither, And hear how these two
pilgrims talk together; Yea, let them learn of them, in any wise, Thus to keep
open their drowsy slumb'ring eyes. Saints' fellowship, if it be managed well,
Keeps them awake, and that in spite of hell."
Christians who isolate themselves and walk alone, are very liable to grow
drowsy. Hold Christian company, and you will be kept wakeful by it, and
refreshed and encouraged to make quicker progress in the road to heaven. But as
you thus take "sweet counsel" with others in the ways of God, take care that the
theme of your converse is the Lord Jesus. Let the eye of faith be constantly
looking unto him; let your heart be full of him; let your lips speak of his
worth. Friend, live near to the cross, and thou wilt not sleep. Labour to
impress thyself with a deep sense of the value of the place to which thou art
going. If thou rememberest that thou art going to heaven, thou wilt not sleep on
the road. If thou thinkest that hell is behind thee, and the devil pursuing
thee, thou wilt not loiter. Would the manslayer sleep with the avenger of blood
behind him, and the city of refuge before him? Christian, wilt thou sleep whilst
the pearly gates are open-the songs of angels waiting for thee to join them-a
crown of gold ready for thy brow? Ah! no; in holy fellowship continue to watch
and pray that ye enter not into temptation.
See Also:
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