This man almost did not make it to heaven. He had his conversion on his dying bed, after hearing a "sermon". But what would happen if it is a sudden death?
"Think deeply of the weeds which have been growing in your
heart so long and scattering their seed in other soil around you. Think of
the ripening harvest from your sowing, and that "whatsoever a man soweth that
shall he also reap.’ Think of the rich man in torment, remembering good only to
lighten his sorrow, knowing it might have been otherwise with his soul, but now
being tormented he could see ‘Lazarus afar off in Abraham’s bosom.’
"As these considerations are before you, haste with all speed
to Him who alone is able to save you. Oh, do not live longer as if there
were neither a bed of death nor a bar of judgment. Be wise; look your
danger in the face. Anticipate the day when you shall behold a God in
judgment and a world in flames; and flee to your God from the wrath to come."
With this the man bowed his head again and with sobs of emotion mingled with joy
and grief, he arose and said: "Oh, thank God, I remember it all and was
earnestly praying when the chariot called for me. Oh, I did and do hate
every sin of the past. I do love God. I am His forever.
Hallelujah to Jesus!"
Go to Chap 19, An Earthly Sermon Repeated in Heaven for more
