Decision

Indecision. — “Now,” says the prophet, “how long halt ye?” or, if you like to read it so, “how long limp ye between two opinions’?” (How long wriggle ye between two opinions? would be a good word, if I might employ it.) He represents them as like a man whose legs are entirely out of joint; he first goes on one side, and then on the other, and can not go far either way. I could not describe it without putting myself into a most ludicrous posture.

The Great Decision. — I can scarcely recall the details of a little incident in Russian history which might illustrate the emergency: but the fact, as far as my memory serves, was this. The Czar had died suddenly, and in the dead of night one of the counselors of the empire came to the Princess Elizabeth and said to her, “You must come at once and take possession of the crown.” She hesitated, for there were difficulties in the way, and she did not desire the position. But he said, “Now, sit down, Princess, for a minute.” Then he drew her two pictures. One was the picture of herself and the Count thrown into prison, racked with tortures, and presently both brought out to die beneath the axe. “That,” he said, “you can have if you like.” The other picture was of herself with the imperial crown of all the Russias on her brow, and all the princes bowing before her, and all the nation doing her homage. “That,” said he, “is the other side of the question. But, to-night, your Majesty must choose which it shall be.” With the two pictures vividly depicted before her mind’s eye she did not hesitate long, but cast in her choice for the crown. Now, I would fain paint to you such pictures, only I lack the skill. You will either sink forever down in deeper and yet deeper woe, filled with remorse because you brought it all upon yourself, or else, if you decide for Christ, and trust in him, you shall enter into the bliss of those who forever and forever, without admixture of grief, enjoy felicity before the throne of God. To my mind, there ought to be no halting as to the choice. It should be made. I pray God’s Holy

Spirit to help you to make it to-night. On this winged hour eternity is hung. The choice of this night may be the cooling of the wax which now is soft. Once cooled, it will bear the impress throughout eternity. God grant it may be a resolve for Christ, for his cause, for his cross, for his crown.

Solemn Decisions. — I am told that just under the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral there is the mark of a workman’s hammer, and it is said that years ago one who was engaged in the roof fell down and there met his death. It is the place where a soul departed, where a man died. I do not know where it is, but it may be that there is a solemn spot here to-night where a soul will be lost for ever. Maybe the moment has come when the wax upon the soul’s death-warrant shall grow cold, when it shall say in its heart, “I will have none of these things,” and when God shall say, “Thou shalt have none of them; I will let thee alone; thy conscience shall never be troubled again; thou shalt go through life in peace, thou shalt go to thy death with carelessness; only in hell shalt thou ever open thine eyes.” God grant that it be not so, but I feel as if it would be so with some of you, unless sovereign and irresistible grace should decide otherwise, and then, to-night, there will be a spot in this house of prayer where a soul will be born to God. What man is he that just now gives his heart to Christ? Are there none of you? Must I go back to my Master with no joyful tidings? Is there no heart here that says: —

*’ I’ll go to Jesus, though my sins

Have like a mountain rose;
I know his courts, I’ll enter in
Whatever may oppose.”

Prompt Decision. — Suppose yourself placed in the same position as King Antiochus. When the Roman ambassador met him and asked him whether it was to be peace or war, he said he must have time to consider. The ambassador with his sword drew a circle in the sand. “Give an answer,” he said, “before you move out of that circle, or if you step out of it your answer is war.” I think there is such a phase in a man’s life, when he must give a prompt reply. I know what that answer will be unless God the Holy Ghost makes you give the right one, but you must give it one way or the other, and if the man saith, “No, I will give no answer,” yet if he stop beyond that appointed hour, it is war between him and God forever, and the sword shall never be sheathed, nor go back into its scabbard. He hath thrown down the gauntlet, by refusing to give a decisive pledge of obedience. The Lord hath declared eternal war against him; peace shall not be made forever. Before you go farther, which shall it be?