I PRAY THEE HAVE ME EXCUSED.
By S. Elmer
What a prayer! The Lord of glory has prepared a feast. His servants are inviting the guests. But the reply of many is, I pray thee have me excused. What folly is this! What base ingratitude! What! refuse to sup with the Prince of glory? Who would not be an heir of the King of kings and Lord of lords? Alas, there are thousands who would shrink from the thought of making such a plea as the above, who are, notwithstanding, constantly refusing to accept the invitation. They exert themselves to the utmost to gain the perishable things of earth, and thus forfeit all claims to eternal life. Warning after warning they have slighted, and mercy so long abused and insulted is about to take her final leave, and then justice will seal the sinner's doom. Then will come that great and terrible day so long foretold by prophets, apostles, and also by our Saviour. What anguish will seize the sinner as he beholds destruction on every side, and these words rush upon his mind with all their force: It is now too late! He beholds the people of God calm and composed, in the care of their heavenly Father. Well he remembers the prayers, and tears, and entreaties of his friends, the solemn warnings of the faithful servants of God. But as he would not hear, the Lord has answered his prayer that he might be excused, and he is left without a shelter. Nor do his sufferings end here. He must come up in the second resurrection; and as he stands before the court of heaven, ere the righteous Judge utters the final sentence, he beholds the inexpressible glory and surpassing beauty of the New Jerusalem. And as he beholds the rich reward of the faithful, the thought again strikes him, I too might have been a sharer of all this, had not I begged to be excused! And now I would say a word to those that are still rejecting offered mercy. Are there any pleasures of earth that you prize so much, that you are not willing to exchange them for eternal life? If not, why desire to be excused? Have you realized the fearful and full import of that prayer that is continually offered up by the thoughtless multitude; and that all those that still persist in such a course will join ere long in that general prayer, "Rocks and mountains fall on us?" O that they would now comply with the invitation which says, "Come for50all things are ready." Here are blessings adapted to the wants of all: food for the starving soul, strength for the weak, hope and joy for the desponding, inexhaustible riches for the poor and distressed, and life eternal for all who are ready to perish.
S. ELMER.
Ashfield, Mass.