This is a solemn consideration for both preachers and hearers. How needful for the preacher to be plain and faithful, that he may be clear from the blood of all men; and how needful for the hearer to see that he neglects not God's great salvation. For, as the apostle says, " How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" Escape, rest assured, 0 thoughtless soul, is impossible! This is a strong way of insisting on the certainty of divine judgment overtaking all who neglect this salvation. And in proportion to the greatness of the salvation neglected, must be the greatness of the condemnation that falls on those who neglect it. The very thought of having slighted by indifference, or despised with contempt, so great and glorious a deliverance, must be gall and wormwood to the soul. The following lines are said to have been penned by one in this condition shortly before he died. But alas! it was the end of a godless life.
" My days are in the yellow leaf,
The flower, the fruit of life is gone;
The worm, the canker, and the grief
Are mine alone."
How melancholy! What forcible words these are! But what a difference between the deathbed of the poor mechanic, and the death-bed of this highly-gifted nobleman! The one had Christ; the other had the world in its fullness and glory. The one fell asleep in Jesus amidst the shouts of victory, the other died amidst the terrors of an awful eternity.
But now, why, oh why, my fellow sinner, be indifferent another moment? This nobleman was cut down suddenly in the prime of life. He caught cold, I believe, which brought on inflammation; but nothing could arrest its progress. Oh, why wilt thou die-die the second death? There is eternal life for thee in Christ. Why not accept this choice gift of Heaven? Why delay this great business? It ought to be the one business of thy earthly days. Why not now accept, from the hands of love, this priceless treasure-the salvation of thy soul? Jesus died for sinners, and His love is the same to-day as it was the day He died on Calvary. Still He waits, and still He says, " Come unto me.... I will give you rest." And still He affirms, " Him that cometh to me I will in nowise cast out." Oh! that He may have thy immediate, deep, heartfelt response, " Lord Jesus, I come." Be assured that all scripture is clear and strong as to the result of gospel hearing; and that all who do not believe in Jesus, and trust in Him, are classed with the despisers of salvation. There can only be but two great results as to the final issue. Neutral ground is unknown in scripture. It must either be the blessed home above, or the fearful hell beneath-the bright glories on high, or the lake of fire below.
But the word of God decides the solemn question now, as to every gospel hearer. We have not to wait until we reach the judgment-seat. " He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." John 3:18, 1918He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3:18‑19).
And the great apostle, too, when preaching the gospel, applies the solemn warning of the prophet to the unbelieving Jews then before him. " Beware, therefore, lest that come upon you which is spoken of in the prophets. Behold, ye despisers and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you." Acts 13:40, 4140Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; 41Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you. (Acts 13:40‑41).
Here, then, we have this solemn truth, in the words of holy scripture. Each one that crosses the threshold as he leaves the place of preaching, is seen by God, either as a receiver, or a despiser of Christ. There can only be two classes. Most solemn, searching thought! Would to God, cries my soul, that gospel-hearers would lay this to heart! To which class, let me ask, does my dear reader belong? Ask thyself, I pray thee, this plain question. Compared with this one, all others to thee are unimportant. Stay not till another opportunity of preaching comes round. It may never come to thee. Stay not till thou hast laid down this paper, or come to its close. Look to Jesus now, believe in Jesus now, flee to Jesus now, lean all thy weight on the Person of Jesus now; and a full Christ shall be thine-a whole Christ shall be thine. Yes, my dear reader, the Christ of God-the salvation of God, the righteousness of God, the peace of God, the glory of God, thine, thine now, thine through all thy pilgrim days, and thine throughout the countless ages of eternity.
" Farewell, vain world! I've had enough of thee: I long a brighter, better world to see,
I long the happy saints above to join,
I long with them to sing, with them to shine; I long my Savior's blessed face to see,
I long to be from sin forever free;
I long to reach my bright, my blest abode, I long for the embraces of my God;
I long Thy promised rest, 0 Lord, to share, I long for glory,-when shall I be there?"