A FEW years back, several young men were induced to attend a gospel preaching; they seemed impressed by what they heard, and some among them even professed to be converted, But, alas! the good seed had fallen upon " stony places " (Matt. 13:20, 2120But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. (Matthew 13:20‑21)), and that which sprang up soon withered away.
The hearts of those who watched for their souls were saddened after a short time by the young men absenting themselves from the gospel services, and eventually they gave up the outward profession of Christianity, and joined a company of freethinkers.
Ah! how little these deluded ones imagined that their professed free-thought was but a veil drawn over their eyes by Satan, that they might not see the chain with which he bound them to his cruel service ! How little they knew that those only whom the Son makes free are free indeed! How little they thought that, while they were hardening themselves against God, and blaspheming His Holy Name, He was mercifully forbearing with them—holding back the judgment they deserved and defied—yea, that He was waiting to be gracious, even to them, if they would but turn and confess their sin and folly !
One of these young men, through God's infinite grace, had his eyes opened eventually to see the fearful abyss towards which he was I hastening. He heard the voice of mercy, “Turn ye, turn ye, why will ye die?" repented of his sins, came back to God, and, believing the message of His love, found pardon and peace through the precious blood of a crucified Savior, and became a bright and happy witness for Christ.
Another of them went farther and farther in the way of evil; he denied the existence of God, and laughed at the thought of heaven and hell. He had been warned—he had been offered pardon, salvation, and eternal life, but he had scorned the grace of God.
One morning, not very long ago, he went out with some companions, bush-felling—a common occupation in the colonies; he expected, of course, to return in the evening.
Perhaps he had looked forward to another clever speech from the infidel lecturer—another opportunity of laughing at eternal realities, and at those who believed them—another opportunity of defying God and mocking at His Word—but it never came, and never will!
In the midst of his work, without warning, a large branch fell upon him, and in an instant he was dead.
There we must leave this poor man, who had rejected God's grace.
"There's no repentance in the grave;
Nor pardon offered to the dead."
"Today, if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts!”
You have not a moment to lose. Flee to the refuge provided in Christ; for God will soon “sweep away every refuge of lies"; and those who trust in them will stand exposed to that withering word, " Because I have called, and ye refused ; I have stretched out My hand, and no man regarded. . . . I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh." (Prov. 1:24-2624Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; 25But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: 26I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; (Proverbs 1:24‑26).) P.