Mace(i)
1 It is not necessary, my brethren, to specify the exact time:
2 for you very well know, that the day of the Lord steals on like a thief in the night.
3 whilst they flatter themselves with peace and safety, destruction shall fall upon them, like the pangs of a woman in travail, and they shall not escape.
4 but you, my brethren, are too well inform'd to be surpriz'd by that day, as by a thief.
5 you inherit the advantages of meridian light: we are not involv'd in the obscurity of night.
6 therefore let us not sleep away our time like others, but be vigilant and temperate.
7 they that are sober take their rest in the night, whilst they that are sots, are drunk in the night:
8 but let us, who enjoy the light, be temperate; let us be arm'd with the breast-plate of faith and charity, and for an helmet, with the hope of salvation.
9 for God did not design to make us the objects of his displeasure, but to effect our felicity by the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us,
10 that whether we happen to be alive or dead, we may be secure of living with him.
11 wherefore comfort and edify one another, as you have hitherto done.