p. 115 | The Rebellious Sinner

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 3, 1859

The Rebellious Sinner

THE REBELLIOUS SINNER.—What rebel under proclamation of mercy stands out, when he knows he shall be brought in by the hand of justice? Yet how many refractory sinners, with those invited guests in the gospel, deride the messengers of peace, until they are slain by the men of war. Indeed, hast thou counsel, wisdom and strength for the battle—could thy heart endure, or thy hands be strong in the day that God shall deal with thee, this were much; or could the gods whom thou servest deliver thee out of the hands of Christ, this were more; but alas!, thou must some day be brought under his legal power, either in favor or fury, either in the praise of his glory, or to the magnifying of justice.

If thou hate his throne, thou shalt be made his footstool; if thou wilt not have him to be thy head, thou shalt be trodden under his feet; if he be not thy Jesus, he will be thy Judge. In a word, if thou wilt not touch the golden scepter of his mercy, thou shalt be crushed with the rod of his justice. As for these mine enemies, that would not that I should reign over them, bring them hither, and slay them before me. Therefore now sit down, and see thy weakness, and while the King is yet a great way off, send out the ambassadors of thy prayers, and acquaint thyself now with God, and be at peace. For my part, I had rather come in a favorite, than be brought in a traitor.—Sel.