589. JER 28:16. THE SENTENCE OF DEATH. (A NEW YEAR’S SKETCH.)

Jer_28:16. The Sentence of Death. (A New Year’s Sketch.)

"Therefore thus saith the Lord: Behold, I wilt cast thee from off the face of the earth: this year thou shalt die, because thou hast taught rebellion against the Lord."’97Jer_28:16.

The book of human destiny is in the keeping of Jehovah, and no man, however wise, can tell what tomorrow will bring forth. Ignorance of the future is one of the evidences of God’s goodness to us, and care over us. To see clearly the page of our onward history, would often incapacitate alike for present duty and enjoyment. Yet we may indulge a little in probable conjecture. Supposing that book were handed to you, and you were allowed to peruse the records of the year on which you have entered. One would find that the record would be dark and ominous’97a year’s troubles, and bereavements, and sorrows. Another would find that it would be a year of moral deterioration, and that his downward path would be rapid and fearful. Another, that continued procrastination had driven away the striving Spirit, and that conscience would become callous and seared. Another, that his winding-sheet and shroud were already woven, the wood of his coffin dry and ready, and he would see written in characters of terrific solemnity’97"This year shalt thou die." The text was spoken to a wicked, false prophet (see Jer_28:15), and was carried into execution on the seventh month, Jer_28:17.

I reminded you before, that in a congregation of this size, the annual mortality would be from ten to twelve persons. So that it would be next to a miracle if the text should not be realized in the history of many present. Ought not the question to arise in every mind, "Lord, is it I?" Does the text belong to me? It is not for the preacher to say to whom it is applicable. But let us just consider,

I. The grounds of probability of the text being realized in us. And,

II. The influence which even this probability should exert upon us.

I. The grounds of probability of the text being realized in us.

1. From the precarious tenure on which life is suspended. No marvel that men should die. The wonder is, that we should live. So many operations necessary to preserve life. Seeds of mortality sown in our mortal bodies. Often breathe the atmosphere of sickness and mortality.

"Our life contains a thousand springs,

And dies if one be gone:

Strange that a harp of thousand strings,

Should keep in tune so long."

One violent spasm might stop the heart. One fit of coughing may prevent respiration, or break a blood-vessel. One little obstacle cause the blood to rush to the head and suffuse the brain. One small wound fester, inflame, and kill. One cold introduce the seeds of insidious consumption or fearful fever. Just think of these things, and do not wonder that we say, "This year you may die."

2. From the events of the past. How many died last year, who bade fair to live. Not only the aged and infirm, and afflicted and delicate,’97but the hale and robust, and vigorous and active, and young. Many with bright prospects. In important stations. Ministers, philanthropists, statesmen, &c. Many of the most likely for life. Now such have been all past years, and this therefore will no doubt be the same, and form no exception to the rule.

3. From the previous indications which afflictions have given you. Some of you have suffered great afflictions during the past year. Had narrow hair-breadth escapes. Many loud warnings. Now these are designed to be subject-matter for serious reflection. They proclaim your mortality, and remind you that this year you may die. To many this probability is increased,

4. From the evidences of old age and decay. What says that feebleness’97that paralyzed trembling’97that hesitation of gait’97dimness of sight’97and other infirmities of the senses? Others may go before you, the sun may go down at noonday, but it must at evening. The night is surely approaching, which to you must be the night of death.

II. The influence which this probability of death should exert upon us.

1. Should it not lead to solemn inquiry? We ask,

(1.) What is death? The extinction of animal life. The cessation of existence on the earth. The separation of body and soul. The return of the body to the dust.

(2.) From what does it remove us? From the world in which we live. From the society of friends, &c. From the Christian sanctuary and the means of grace. From the field of hope. From the sphere of gospel mercy.

(3.) To what does death introduce us? Into the immediate presence of God. And thence to heaven or hell,’97glory or perdition. To the society of the beatified, or to the company and regions of the lost.

2. Should it not lead us to reflection? Two questions of importance.

(1.) Am I fit to die? Is sin forgiven? Have I a now heart? Have I a title to eternal life?

(2.) Am I preparing to die? There is an evangelical fitness, and a spiritual readiness. Both necessary. Are my worldly affairs in an orderly, settled state? Do I often think of death? Pray in reference to it? Watch, that I may not be surprised? Be ye therefore ready, &c.

2. Should it not lead us to activity? When there is much to be done, and a small amount of time for doing it, activity is especially important! Two passages:’97"Whatsoever thy hand findeth," &c. "I must work while it is day," &c. What claims are there on me? Family’97Church of Christ’97The world! My talents, time, and wealth, are God’s, &c. It is the Christian’s glory to die in the field of labor. Working for God and eternity, &c. Surely no time for idleness and trifling.

Application

1. To the unconverted. How awful if you should die, &c. I beseech you, consider,’97repent. Flee to Christ. Do so this very evening. Delay not’97for behold, the Judge may be even at the door.

2. To the young of this congregation. Do not think the text is of no importance to you. This year may be your last. Several young persons have died from our midst the last year. Religion will make you fit for life and ready for death.

3. To those who fear God. If the text should be realized in your experience, that passage will be fulfilled’97"Better is the day of a man’s death," &c. Then it will be farewell trials, sorrows, enemies, temptations, sins. Welcome purity,’97glory, the rapturous vision, eternal life. Oh, think of the subject, and exemplify as well as utter the wish’97"Let me die the death of the righteous,"

Autor: JABEZ BURNS