She was dying of consumption, but she did not believe she was near eternity; she was expecting to get better, and would not give up hopes of life. When pressed to come home as a sinner to Christ, she said, “I must think about it.”
A Christian determined to tell her she had only a few days to live. He came, and found her reading a novel; the Bible had been thrown aside, and although she was gasping for breath as she lay dying, she was seeking to drown the voice of conscience in this way. The Christian said, “Can you read a novel at such a time as this?” She answered, angrily, “I can’t always be reading my Bible.” “Oh! do you know that you are on the very point of death? Has no one told you that the doctor has pronounced your case utterly hopeless? You may be before God in a few hours.” A despairing look came into her eyes, as she heard the Christian speak. “Can it be true?” She cried, as she cast the novel aside. “Yes, it is true,” was the answer, “and I am come with a message of grace for the last time; do believe in Jesus.” He went on pleading, “Will you accept Christ now?” The answer was given, “Not tonight.” The Christian took up the Bible and placed it near her, saying, “May God have mercy on your soul.” He rose to go; when he reached the door, he looked back for a moment, and he saw her hand upon the novel; her choice was made. In a day or two she was gone; she died with bitter curses against God and herself; with cries for mercy choked with imprecations. “Lost,” she exclaimed, “Too late, I have thrown it away.”
There was no coming home for her. But you will come, will you not? You will decide for Christ now. We are now before God; heaven is bending over you; God is beseeching you; Christ is calling―now is the accepted time. Beware of the lake of fire! Beware of the endless torment of the lost!
May God the Father be known to you as your Father now! May Christ the Son be acknowledged now by you as your Savior! May the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, shed abroad the love of God in your hearts even NOW.―Amen.