IT is all up with him, and yet he struggles on!
He runs, and yet see the odds against him 1 He is pursued by footmen, who weary him; he is followed by horses, more swift than those, who must overtake him in the long run; whilst, ahead, rolls the deep dread swelling of Jordan. What chance can the runner have? Oh! but he runs and struggles splendidly. He means to die hard. See how he shakes off footman after footman, and horse after horse, although, in the effort, he loses ground perceptibly.
There is something profoundly interesting in witnessing the struggle. It is a race for life; or, rather a race against death; or, indeed, against a succession of deaths, against premonitions that most certainly declare a, final defeat.
The fight is brave, but futile! These footmen, like little troubles, torment the runner. Now there is an attack of fever, soon shaken off by medical skill; now a bereavement, that dejects for a time; now a financial loss, that causes temporary anxiety; now an accident, that pulls him up awhile. These are, however, speedily overcome, and possibly forgotten, though their scar remains, and the runner is by them wearied. The horses, however, are like mighty judgments upon the soul; they tell of a power greater than man’s, of a force more than human. There are seasons when the conscience of the sinner is brought face to face with God―there are dark misgivings as to the future. Horse after horse pursues the poor halting runner with the memory of sins unpardoned, and deeds of darkness committed. Yet horse after horse is thrust aside, and such unpleasant memories are swiftly banished.
And the race continues! But the distant roll of Jordan breaks upon the runner’s ear, and its broad deep swelling has yet to be crossed!
But, victorious hitherto, why not swim securely over the tide? So many difficulties already overcome, why not succeed manfully at last? But a horse, pale and mysterious, long held in, follows in swift and silent stride. His rider is called “Death,” awful name! Oh! how different from every predecessor! What were the footmen with their stings, or the other horses with their strength, compared to this?
Well may the runner quail! He is hemmed in between death and a swelling, Jordan! Fearful position!
The pale mysterious horse has a second rider, for Hell followed Death. What a trinity of evils for the runner!
Yes, “How?”
And again the Scriptures say, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God’ (Heb. 10:3131It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Hebrews 10:31)).
Yes, “Fearful.”
Did my first statement read somewhat light? I must repeat it now, “It is all up with him,” ―the runner is beaten, the man is undone, the impenitent sinner is damned!
God’s judgments, varied, patient, wise, and divinely suitable, have all been disregarded, spurned, and thrust aside. They may have been sent like “footmen,” or like “horses,” in ways comparatively gentle, or in ways comparatively severe, ―yet these were God’s messengers to the soul, and designed by Him for the sinner’s salvation and good. If unheeded, what then?
They fell on Job like an avalanche, but were the instrument of his everlasting blessing; and David said, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I have kept thy word.” He too reaped the benefit of his afflictions.
My reader, are you running too? You have a swelling river ahead of you, and are followed, slowly but surely, by death and hell. Ah! that pale unwearying horse, with its two riders, is in stern pursuit of you, and is certain to overtake you one day!
Stop running! Cease resisting!
Yield some day you must―then yield now!
St Augustine said, “The way to flee from God, is by fleeing to God.” Now you try that and flee just as you are, and now!
Far too many months and years have you permitted to slip away. The hand of time is leaving its mark upon you. You may have neither another year, nor another month! The pale horse presses hard on your footsteps. It is your wisdom and safety to come now to Jesus, for He says, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:2828Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)).
“If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?” (Jer. 12:55If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan? (Jeremiah 12:5).)
J. W. S.
DOUBTLESS many a friend will just now wish you “A Happy New Year!” I wish you the same, and I will give you the secret of one. Begin, and continue it with Christ. If you have Him for your Saviour, by simple faith in His blessed Name, God as your Father, the Holy Ghost as your Guide and Comforter, and the blessed Word of God as your Chart for each hour of the day, you will assuredly have a very happy New Year.
W. T. P. W.