Delaying repentance leads to lost opportunities and spiritual ruin despite warnings.
The Rev. Mr. Clark states, that an acquaintance of his was called on to attend a young man's funeral, of whom Mr. C. learned the following facts:—Some time before his death, young G— had regularly attended the narrator's church, and the truths of religion had made some impression upon his mind. His pastor observed this, and had several interviews with him, but in vain. The influences of the world pressed hard upon him—his convictions were dissipated; and he seemed to gird himself up to tread, with more determined step, the whole round of earthly pleasure. But, in the midst of gay scenes of fashion and amusement, he heard a new note of alarm. He was suddenly laid upon a sick-bed, and brought to the very brink of the grave! He was now overwhelmed with his reflections, and he resolved to enter at once upon a religious course of life. The minister before referred to called to see him at this time, faithfully warned and counselled him; and young G—faithfully promised, that if raised up from that sick-bed, the Lord should be his God. He was spared, raised up, but his vow was not kept. But a few weeks had passed by, after he left his sick-room, before he was again immersed in the pleasures and follies of the world.
Mr. M—, his ministerial friend, learning his conduct, shortly after called to pay him a visit. G—had made arrangements to spend the evening of that very day amid a scene of reckless gayety and dissipation. Mr. M—, with the fearlessness of a faithful minister of Jesus Christ, told G—that the course he was taking would ruin his soul—that his broken vows would one day rise up in judgment against him—that if he now hesitated to repent, this might be the last call that God would ever send him.
After his departure, when G—found himself alone, and thought of all the past, he could not refrain from tears, which gushed forth amid the bitterness of his soul. He could not but admit the truth of all that had been said to him; still he was undecided. While absorbed in these reflections, and still in this state of indecision, it was announced to him that a gentleman was waiting to see him. It was one of his gay companions. He had called to make some arrangements in reference to the anticipated party. They had not long been discussing their plans before all serious impressions were effaced from young G—'s mind, and he entered the illuminated festal hall that evening with a light and bounding heart. But the last call of God had indeed reached his ear, and been rejected, and now he was going like an ox to the slaughter. In the midst of that intoxicating scene of pleasure, where the splendid and gay costume of each passing group was reflected from a hundred brilliant lamps, and where music poured forth her enchanting strains, in the very act of passing through the varied movements of a spirited waltz, young G—suddenly drooped, and fell lifeless to the floor!
