As a boy was returning home with a basin filled with hot meat and vegetables which he had procured from an eating house, to which he had been sent by his mother for the family’s dinner, he was run against by a gentleman, who knocked the basin out of his hand, which was broken to pieces, while its savory contents were spilled upon the ground. The gentleman did the best that was in his power to remedy the mischief which he had done, by making an apology, and paying the full amount of the loss which he had occasioned. The amount agreed upon, consisting of a piece of silver and some pence, was placed in the boy’s hand, and then the gentleman hastened on his way.
As soon as he had gone, the boy acted in a most extraordinary manner, for he cast away the money, and declared that he would not take it home. Those who were about him gathered up the scattered coin, and remonstrating with him for his folly, endeavored to persuade him to take the money to his mother, as the only proper answer which he could give for the loss of the basin and of the expected dinner. But nothing could induce him to change his determination; and he went home without the viands for which he had been sent, and without the liberal recompense which the gentleman had paid to him.
Striking as this incident is, I should not have related it except for the purpose of illustrating the folly and madness of the rejection by the sinner of the grace and love of God, presented in the person and work of His beloved Son. The sinner is in himself unfit for the holy presence of God; yet, when God has provided full and finished redemption in Christ for the believing sinner, how solemn it is to turn away from His salvation! How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation? (Heb. 2:33How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; (Hebrews 2:3)).
What satisfactory answer could the boy give to his mother? And what reply can the sinner give to God for rejecting the only way by which he can be saved? “And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment. And he saith unto him, Friend, how earnest thou in hither, not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.” (Matt. 22:1111And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: (Matthew 22:11)). “Ye will not come to ME, that ye might have life.” (John 5:4040And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. (John 5:40)).
T.