259. Macian of Glencoe
In 1691, Breadalbane, issued a proclamation asking all Highland chiefs to take the oath of allegiance to King William before January 1st, 1692, declaring that all who refused would be treated as traitors. Mac-Ian of Glencoe held out until December 31st. Then he went to Fort William, but no magistrate was there. Across snow-clad hills he tramped, reaching Oban on January 6th—beyond the day of grace. His pride and procrastination resulted in his death, and the massacre of his clan on February 13th. To sinners the year of grace will pass, and the day of vengeance must come (Isa. 61:22To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; (Isaiah 61:2)).
260. Robin, the Tollman
Robin kept the toll-bar on a Gloucester road. A cry of "gates" from a late traveler, brought the answer "coming" from within. Then all was still. The rider dismounted, knocked at the door with his whip, but got no response. Lifting the latch, and walking in, he found Robin asleep. Waking at his call, the old man said, "I've got so used to the cry of Gates,' that I says 'Coming,' and falls over again." So, alas, it is with some awakened sinners.
261. One Day Before
"Turn to the Lord one day before you die," was the advice given by a sage to his followers. "And who can know the day of his death, master?" asked one who heard his counsel. "True," said the sage, "and for that reason, you should turn to the Lord to-day, for you may die to-morrow" (Prov. 27:11Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. (Proverbs 27:1)).
262. How the Empire Was Lost
"Shall we fire?" asked the General in command of the troops of King Louis Phillippe, as his palace was being besieged. "Not yet," was the King's reply. Unable to defend the castle longer, the King said to the general, "fire." "It is too late now, sir," was his reply. The empire was lost. So sinners procrastinate, and lose their souls (see Acts 24:2525And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. (Acts 24:25)).
265. "I've Missed It at Last."—
A sick young man was visited by a Christian doctor, who, after making a careful examination of his patient, informed him that he had only a few hours to live. "Then I've missed it, doctor. Yes, I've missed it at last." "Missed what?" "I've missed the salvation of my soul. I was awakened some years ago, but put it off, thinking I had plenty of time. But I see I've been a fool, and sold my soul for a straw. Yes, O yes, I've missed it at last." And with these words just uttered, he died.
264. Hell in My Way
Awakened under the preaching of Brownlow North, a young lady in Society, was led back to indifference through her ungodly parents. Soon after, she lay dying, and to one who sought to speak words of Gospel grace to her, she said, "It's no use now. I cannot get to heaven when hell is in my way." Psa. 9:1717The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. (Psalm 9:17) plainly tells the end of a Christless life.