MY dear fellow, it would never do for me to think of those things. It would make me miserable, and I should not be able to get through the business of the day.”
So said a young man to the writer, when seeking to press upon him the importance of giving heed betimes to his soul's salvation.
“But you do not expect to live forever? And the matter must be considered some day," I replied.
"True," said he, "but I'll tell you my thoughts about it. I hope, before I die, I shall have a long illness, and then I intend to think of these subjects, and make my peace with God.”
"But should you be called away without a moment's warning," I answered, "think what your state would then be.”
"I know it," he rejoined; "but I must chance it, as thousands do.”
And so our conversation ended.
The Bible tells but of one man who found salvation in his dying hour, and that was a crucified thief. This one case only is given that none may presume too much on God's long-suffering grace. It does not appear that the other thief was saved.
Had you invested your fortune in merchandise, which you were going to ship to some distant port across the seas, would you not insure it, so that you might not be ruined if the ship went down? And is not your eternal salvation of more value than many fortunes?
“What shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Can you answer the question?