November 10

And the door was shut. - Matthew 25:10.

THE period for closing the door of mercy is twofold. First, At the end of the world as to the human race, when time shall be no more. Then the reign of justice will follow the reign of mercy. Secondly, At the end of life as it regards individuals.

Many things have been said of the day of grace, and of the termination of it before the day of death. The Scripture uses awful language: “They are joined to idols, let them alone.” “Oh, that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments, then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.” “Oh, that thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things that belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.”

There are seasons and opportunities peculiarly favourable, which may be closed before death: when the health of individuals has been in danger, and they have been as it were suspended over the grave; when the thoughts of their heart have been broken off, and their earthly schemes laid desolate; when the beloved of their heart, or the desire of their eyes, has been removed from them by a stroke; when God has come to them in these dispensations, he has removed intervening objects that he might be seen, and he has commanded silence that his voice might be heard. What seasons and opportunities are those when conscience has been awakened! When impressed by the word, they have been melted into tears.

Sometimes in their walks in the fields they have had sympathies with God, and seem to have been in communion with him. Then have they been able to make the surrender, and to say, “Lord, I am thine, save me.” Such were then not far from the kingdom of God. This was to them the “day of salvation.” Oh, that it had been the accepted time! Felix, when he heard Paul preach, trembled; but instead of cherishing the impression, he endeavoured to evade it, and said, “Go thy way for this time; when I have a more convenient season, I will send for thee,” which season however never came.

He saw Paul frequently afterwards, who spake to him of the faith of Christ; but there was no more trembling: that was gone by for ever. He felt then as he never felt before nor afterwards. But in general, while there is life there is hope. It is related in history, that when Alexander was besieging a place, he hung up a lamp; while this continued burning terms were offered, but when it went out no quarter was allowed. So

“Life is the time to serve the Lord,

The time to ensure the great reward,

And while the lamp holds out to burn

The vilest sinner may return!”