[Present time is often wasted, as though it were of no value. But many would be glad on a death-bed to recall the seasons in which they had heard the tidings of salvation, or felt the motions of God's Spirit. Such wishes, however, are all in vain.]
Their seasons lost may never be renewed —
[We are apt to promise ourselves days and years to come1. But how often does death disappoint our expectations !]
Every lost season has greatly aggravated their
guilt —
[The means of grace are most important and valuable " talents." The neglecting to improve them will be severely punished0.]
Every season they have lost has hardened their hearts —
[The word that does not quicken and save will stupify and condemn11.]
Every lost season has grieved the Holy Spirit more and more —
[God will not alvvay strive with those who resist his motions6. If he cease to strive with us, our destruction is inevitable f.]
How should we compassionate those who are in such a state ! How should every one adopt the words following my texts! But their condition is not des- perate :
III. The remedy that yet remains for them —
We might be ready to suppose that such persons were incurable ; but the animated interrogatories in the text shew the contrary —
[Christ is a " physician " able and ivitting to save those
who come unto him — His blood is a " balm" that heals
the most deadly wounds11 The true reason that so
many die in their sins is, that they will not come to Christ for
salvation ' Let every one then acknowledge that it is
his own fault if he be not saved.]
b Acts xxiv. 25. c Matt. xxv. 26, 30.
d Matt. xiii. 14, 15. 2 Cor. ii. 16. e Gen. vi. 3. f Hos. ix. 12. e Jer. ix. 1.
h Isai. i. 18. 1 John i. 7. ; John v. 40.