A Reminder of Mortality
1 Thessalonians 5:2
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.…


One of Gotthold's friends had a little scent box, made in the shape of a death's head, with a screw at the skull for opening and taking it asunder. It then showed various cells filled with fragrant balm. Being asked why he had made the box in this particular shape, he replied, "In order to have something continually reminding me of my mortality." On this, Gotthold rejoined, "You have done well if such was indeed your object, and not, rather, to possess a curiosity for people to gaze and wonder at. The thought of the mortality to which, like all your race, you are subjected, may be infinitely more profitable to you than all kinds of balm. If seized with the delirium of pride, reflect that death will one day reduce you to dust and ashes, and wither your pomp like a flower. If overcome by angry passion, take to heart that death stands behind you with his axe, and only waits the signal from God to reduce you in an instant to the impotency of a dead gnat. If your heart ache, and your head be distracted with cares, recollect that all your trouble and anxiety will one day come to a blessed end."



Parallel Verses
KJV: For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

WEB: For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night.




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