Why Will Ye Die?

This question seems strange, as “it is appointed unto men to die,” and “in this warfare there is no discharge.” But there are different kinds of death. There is what is called the second death; and though we cannot escape that natural dissolution of the body, we may escape that which consists in a state of everlasting sin and misery.

Misery no one ever loved; it is abhorrent to every sentient being. Sin, however, may be loved — is loved by many. They who love sin, may therefore be said to choose death; for sin is the cause of misery. How strange the delusion, that men should cleave to sin for the sake of happiness; for no man ever chose sin for its own sake; there is always some lure held out to entice the sinner. Our first mother sinned because the fruit of the tree of knowledge appeared to her to be” good for food/7 and to be desired to make one wise. Some prospect of good or pleasure, or relief from present misery, is uniformly the motive to sinning. But in every case this is a delusion.

This earnest expostulation with sinners implies, that there is no necessity for them to die; yea, that they cannot die, unless they choose the road to death. Life and death are set before every man; and if any one perish eternally, it will be his own fault — his own perverse choice. Oh, what a pitiable case to see so many men turning their backs on heaven, and rushing on in the way that leads inevitably unto death!

But do they know their danger? have they been faithfully warned? Many have been, and yet neglect to turn from iniquity. They do not intend to die; they think of doing all that is necessary to escape from the second death at some more convenient season. Alas, such a season, to most neglecters of the great salvation, never comes. Time bears them along its noiseless, rapid stream; habits of sinning, instead of becoming weaker, become every day stronger by indulgence. And yet the delusion of a future escape is cherished.

0 sinner, stop! Pause in your downward course. God calls you to turn. God asks you, why you will die. He solemnly declares that he “has no pleasure in the death of the sinner.” Repentance, or a complete turning from sin, and accepting the mercy of God as offered in the gospel, is the only way of escape.from the second death. Omit this a little longer, and your case will be hopeless. God commandeth all men now everywhere to repent. “Now is the accepted time, and now is the day of salvation.” “0 that you were wise, that you would consider your latter end,” and speedily flee from the wrath to come.

Rednax.