them out? In like manner, if we could go into the invisible world, we should there see, what now we are so unwilling to believe, that not so much as one jot or tittle of God's word has ever failed. Of the unregenerate, not one has entered into the kingdom of God; and of the impenitent and unbelieving, not one has " escaped the damnation of hell." This is a fearful thought : but, if in no instance that is visible has God's word ever failed, so neither has it, or shall it fail in those which are invisible.]
Have not many who have gone before us borne testimony to this truth ?
[The Jews on many occasions acknowledged itc, and actually returned to God in consequence of the conviction impressed by it on their minds. In fact, every real penitent is a witness for this truth. He confesses, that his sins have found him out, and that, if mercy interpose not for his deliverance, all the judgments denounced against sin will in due season come upon him. Be convinced, then, whilst conviction may be of some avail : and wait not to learn, by bitter experience, what now, if credited, you might escape. Let not that come upon you, of which you are forewarned in the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. The Rich Man would not believe the evil and danger of a carnal life, till he was made to experience its bitter fruits. His surviving brethren, too, who walked in his steps, accounted themselves sure of happiness in the eternal world, when, if a message could have been sent to them from the dead, they would have been better informed11. But they had Moses and the prophets ; and so have you ; yes, and Christ and his Apostles also, all bearing the same testimony. And therefore as unto dying men I would speak ; knowing that I myself also am soon to die, and that both preacher and hearers must, in a very little time, appear at the judgment- seat of Christ ; — I, to give an account of my ministry ; and you, of the use you have made of it. I beseech you, receive not the grace of God in vain ! In the name of the Lord of Hosts I declare unto you, that, if you will turn unto him in humilia- tion and faith, he will turn unto you in reconciliation and love ; and that, if you will " turn from all your transgressions unto the Lord Jesus Christ, your iniquities, great and manifold as they have been, shall not be your ruin."]
c Lam. ii. 17. and iv. 11, 12. Dan. ix. 11 — 13. d Luke xvi. 27, 28.
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