Sick bed promises.
"I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed." "Conversion during trouble difficult and unsatisfactory." Most men forget God while they are free from trouble; some remember him in trouble, and the remembrance brings an increase of trouble. Salvation, conversion, on a sick bed (death bed) difficult and doubtful.
I. IT IS DIFFICULT.
1. The mind is sometimes oppressed with such fears as to prevent the exercise of faith and love. Prospect of immediate death, and the sudden light cast upon the memory.
2. The enfeebled state of the mind and the pains of the body hinder us from receiving any spiritual impressions.
3. The greatness of the change requires all the powers of health. Painter and astronomer in a storm.
II. THE REALITY OF IT IS DOUBTFUL.
1. The want of experience to prove its soundness. Temptation, etc.
2. The suddenness of it, without striking a blow.
3. The mind may have been deeply impressed without being changed.
In prospect of eternity, remembered sins would impress. Faith, love, hope, necessary to change the mind.
Address two classes.
1. Those who have not fulfilled their sick bed promises.
2. Those who are trusting to a future sick bed conversion.—S.
Psalms
Psalms 77 - psalms-77 - worlddic.com