Proverbs 27:1 Boast not yourself of to morrow; for you know not what a day may bring forth. It is not the doctrine of repentance men scruple to acknowledge, but the time for doing it. They say, "To-morrow will be time enough." And they say this, again and again, through all the stages of life. Press on attention the absolute necessity of our present performance of this great work of repentance. I. SHOW THIS BY THE DANGEROUS UNCERTAINTIES WHICH ALL DELAYING MEN HAVE TO DEPEND UPON. There is no such thing hinted at in Scripture as future repentance. There is no ground for hoping that a late repentance will avail men who knowingly and wilfully defer that repentance which is the duty of the present. 1. What certainty can there be in that which depends upon so uncertain a foundation as the life of man? Who can ensure a hereafter to repent in? 2. As life is uncertain, so is the continuance of God's grace uncertain also. II. HOW IMPROPER THE TIMES RESOLVED ON BY SUCH MEN TO REPENT IN WILL BE FOR THE WORK OF THEIR REPENTANCE. Such as the time of sickness, or of old age, or of death. III. EVERY EXCUSE WHICH MEN MAY MAKE IN FAVOUR OF THEIR DELAYS MUST, IF SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED, OBLIGE THEM TO HASTEN THEIR REPENTANCE. 1. Excuse — their sins are so small; they can be easily cast off at pleasure. 2. Sins are so great; it is too difficult to repent. 3. Life is just now too full of other things. Consider that every moment consumes somewhat of the thread of life; and that of all business and employments none can possibly be more requisite than our making our peace with God. (William Bramston.) Parallel Verses KJV: Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.WEB: Don't boast about tomorrow; for you don't know what a day may bring forth. |
    |