February 28

2 Peter iii.—1. This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you, in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:

2. That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:

3. Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

4. And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for, since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

5. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water;

6. Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

7. But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

8. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

9. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering

to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

10. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat; the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

11. Seeing, then, that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

12. Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens, being on fire, shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

13. Nevertheless, we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

14. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

15. And account that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation.

17. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.

18. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.

"The heavens and the earth" denote this world with its atmosphere, which is the medium through which man is acquainted with the heavenly bodies,—that material constitution of things with which man is directly connected, and through which he is connected also with the whole physical universe. The world, as the abode of man, was once destroyed by water; but the earth was not annihilated, nor were the sun, moon, and stars affected by the flood, except as they were blessed not to the view of man. A geological change upon a grander scale will hereafter take place through the agency of fire, which even now rages in the interior of our globe, rend-

ing it with earthquakes, and belching footh through volcanoes. That fiery convulsion will consume every vestige of sin; and the renovated, reconstituted earth, with its pure, bright, ethereal atmosphere, or "heavens," will be one mansion of the redeemed in the vast area of their "Father's house."

The certainty of this coming destruction should cause us to lead unworldly, godly lives; the delay of it should discipline our faith, and lead us to improve the time in bringing men to holiness; the fact that it will come suddenly should keep us watchful against sin; the prospect of the glory beyond should make us diligent in the service of Christ.

APPROPRIATE HYMNS.]

Prayer.

[Nos. 39, 46, 91.

Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundations of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands. They shall perish; but thou remainest: and they shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed; but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. In thee, O Lord! do we put our trust: let us never be confounded. With our affections on things above, may we be ever looking for that blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of the great God, our Saviour Jesus Christ, like waiting and expectant servants, seeking to occupy till our Lord comes! Keep us from inactivity and sloth. Let our loins be girded, and our lamps burning. Let us be growing in faith and love, in charity and meekness, in diligence

and faithfulness, rejoicing in hope of the glory of God.

Father, glorify thy name. Darkness is still covering the lands, and gross darkness the people; but may the Lord arise, and his glory be seen on the earth! May the time to favor Zion, yea, the set time, speedily come! Revive thy work in the midst of the years; in the midst of wrath do thou remember mercy.

We bring to thee our personal and family wants, praying thee to guide, help, and bless us. We come with thanksgiving for the mercies of the night and of our past lives; and for our future, trusting only in thy grace, we would commit our souls unto thee as to our faithful Creator. To whom be glory and dominion forever. Amen.