March 13 AM

Again he limiteth a certain day, saying, To-day, if ye will hear his voice. Heb. 4:7.

No marvel, that among other devices of Satan to distress sinners, and cause them to despair of God's mercies in Christ Jesus, he urges this also, 'Your day of grace is past, the time of your visitation is ended.' Hence many poor souls have been drove to their wits end. And have not some preachers been so too, who have increased such persons' fears by speaking in a most unscriptural manner on this point? But such are the effects of human systems, and free-will notions, with their offers of Christ, their proffers of grace. I heard one declare, 'This is the last offer; if it is not now accepted, eternal damnation will be the inevitable consequence.' Does thus preaching hell and damnation make converts to Jesus? From such harsh, unwarrantable declarations, these unscriptural conclusions have been drawn by sensible sinners, 'that they have withstood the offers of mercy, and their day of grace is for ever ended; and that there is no place for repentance, though they seek it carefully with tears.'

Most injurious thoughts of a God of love! most dishonorable thoughts of precious Jesus! Never was any sensible sinner half so willing to be saved from wrath as Jesus was to suffer wrath for sinners. Never was any weary, heavy-laden sinner, half so willing to come to Jesus as he is to receive him. "The Lord is long-suffering, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2 Pet. 3:9. Therefore he hath limited a certain day; the day of gospel-light and salvation; the day of glad tidings to poor sinners. In the day of his power, his people are made willing to trust to Jesus' blood and righteousness; to come to his feet, claim him as their king, and submit to his laws and government. His voice of grace is first heard in his word: when that is believed in the heart, his voice of love is heard in the soul. While the gospel is proclaimed, God's arms and heart are open to sinners; the chiefest and vilest sinners out of hell. His word assures, "the elect have obtained, and the rest were blinded." Rom. 11:7. But who blinds them? Not the God of love. No; "the god of this world blinds the eyes of those that believe not." 2 Cor. 4:4. Who hardens them? Not a God of grace; "but they are hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." O! if any sinner's heart is soft and yielding to Jesus' love and salvation, "this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes." How long hath he waited to be gracious to thee! Remember thy past conduct with shame; think on thy present state with gratitude; look forward with hope; hear his voice with joy; come to him with boldness; "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith thou art called." Eph. 4:1.