I. It is a subject well worthy of the serious consideration of all persons who desire to be in the safe way of salvation how commonly it happens that the best intentions and resolutions, made in times of danger and affliction, are thought little or nothing more of when the alarm is over. Every one knows that numbers of persons who have been on the very brink of death, and have been restored, yet have been in no respect whatever the better afterwards for such a fearful warning. Indeed, it is so common a case that no one wonders at it.
II. To a reflecting mind it seems little less than a- miracle that we should be preserved in the manner we are from day to day. And is not this matter for daily thankfulness and should not the consideration of it make us ever feel as persons every moment rescued from the brink of ruin, every moment supported by an unseen, almighty hand? However, as these daily mercies are so slightly regarded, our tender Father frequently by some more signal visitation calls us back from carelessness and folly. It is a truth ever to be remembered by us that the resolutions and vows we make in such hours of trial and on the bed of sickness are remembered and recorded in God's book. They will be brought forward again in the great day of final account.
III. We ought to be very careful of trusting to a partial amendment, of thinking that because we are better than we once were, or better than many other people, therefore we are in the way to heaven. Amidst this dim and perplexing prospect, the comfort is that our heavenly Father knows our weakness and our wants, that Christ Jesus, who is hereafter to be our Judge, is now touched with the feeling of our infirmities.
Plain Sermons by Contributors to" Tracts for the Times"vol. i., p. 126.
References: Psalms 78:38. Preacher's Lantern,vol. iii., p. 57. Psalms 78:40. F. E. Paget, Helps and Hindrances to the Christian Life,vol. i., p. 88.