First, that life is of such different duration in different cases, because we have individual capabilities and responsibilities, and some by many trials and length of days are proved, others quickly and easily made perfect, or wholly hardened; and because a discerning, ruling GOD is ever at hand to close the trial at the fit moment. Secondly, that we are individually kept uncertain of the duration of our life, to counteract the sad proneness which belongs to us, of putting off eternal interests, and following our own ways to the uttermost; to give to every moment, and every act of life, such vital importance, that we may fear to squander or pervert it; to keep us ever mindful of our latter end, and always intent upon doing the LORD’S work, and preparing ourselves for heaven; that the GOD at hand may never be slighted, and the world be always so loosely held, that we may easily and readily let go of it whenever the LORD will. “Go to now, ye that say, To-day or to-morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the LORD will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” SERMON IV. THE UNKNOWN GOD. ACTS, XVII., 22, 23. _Ye men of Athens_, _I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious_. _For as I passed by_, _and beheld your devotions_, _I found an altar with this inscription_, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. _Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship_, _Him declare I unto you_.