ASK the dying, not the living, what they think of things. Not one of them has ever pronounced gold, or earthly honor, or this world's pleasure of real value to them on a death bed. Nor do they testify to the wisdom of a life of sin, or putting off the question of their eternal future to a death bed.
No, at such a time things begin to assume their true proportions. People who have only lived for time wonder why they have forgotten eternity. They knew that they had to enter it sooner or later, they knew that there was no return journey, no revoking the past, no altering of decisions, and yet, as if the heart were lulled to sleep by a deadly opiate, they went on and on, as if they were as ignorant of the future as the brute creation, having no existence after death.
Would that the living paid heed to the testimony of the dying. Nay, further, would that they would listen to the pleadings and warnings of a Savior— God. God says, "Behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation." He says, "Come, for all things are NOW ready.”
The solemn question is asked, How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?
Surely none. If the invitation is to all, if there is nothing to pay, if there is no labor demanded at your hands, if it is the free gift of God, surely there is no excuse if you miss the blessing. If NOW is the hour of mercy, there can be no excuse.
You have often heard of these things. Be wise then, and ask yourself the question of all questions, "What must I do to be saved?" What a simple, blessed answer, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." (Acts 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31).) A. J. P.