Mr. JOHN GRAY, the treasurer of the Royal Anthropological Institute, describes, in a recent number of a scientific magazine, a machine invented by him, and capable, it is said, of measuring people's motives and analyzing their character.
In spite of the marvelous nature of the inventions of the last fifty years, we certainly do not take the story of this latest invention too seriously. But suppose that it were true. Suppose that the machine were really able to reveal your motives and intentions, and to analyze your character, so that all might know what is in your mind and heart! Is there one of us that would care for such an exposure?
If the reported invention of a mind-reading machine must be received with a good deal of skepticism, it is nevertheless true that your motives and most secret thoughts and wishes are known, and your character revealed, in the Word of Him, who knows all about you. And in the Day of Judgment the secrets of the heart and mind will be brought to light, and will receive their due retribution. (See Rom. 2:1616In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. (Romans 2:16).)
This adds great seriousness to the thought of the judgment day. And it will indeed be a terrible occasion for the unconverted sinner, when all the wicked workings of his mind, as well as his idle words and sinful actions, are marshaled before his vision in awful array, and when God will deal with him accordingly, in strict righteousness.
In view of this, God in grace has sent glad tidings to us, telling us that all our sins may be removed from His sight by the precious blood of Christ. Sins of thought and motive, sins of word and deed may all be cleansed, so that God will remember them no more. (See Heb. 10:1717And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (Hebrews 10:17).)
This becomes true of every sinner, who flees to Christ for refuge, and puts his confidence in Him. In this way the sinner is saved, and his mind is renewed. (See Rom. 12:22And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2).) Will you not seek this priceless blessing while opportunity remains? H. P. B.