and death is such a hideous monster that the soul that brings it into being faints with horror at the sight. There is no keener torment than remorse. The nearer the dentist's probe approaches the nerve, the more it hurts, because the nerve communicates directly with the brain, and the brain with the soul. How exquisite the pain would be did the probe directly touch the soul, as actually occurs when man awakens to a consciousness of guilt. Thus it happens that sinners crowd into a moment sufferings that savor of the torments of the damned. Thenceforth they know no peace. Each whispering breeze of paradise alarms Adam; Cain is startled at the stirring of a leaf; the erstwhile valiant David dreads the subaltern Urias, and Judas, alarmed at a shadow of suspicion, goes and hangs himself. True, you may have sinned and yet not suffered so; you may know sinners that are even happy. Ah! the devil is a skilful bird-catcher. He catches one and feeds him well and teaches him to sing and seemingly enjoy captivity, but why? To lure others into the snare and so deprive them of their freedom and mayhap their lives. But if you, being caught, are making merry in a life of sin, believe me, there will come a time — your dying hour — when conscience will awake. Esau sold his birthright for a mess of pottage, and ate and drank and went his way rejoicing, but when in the final adjustment of their affairs he found his father had blessed his brother Jacob and made him heir, he roared like a lion for very anguish. Face to face with death you will — you must — realize your pitiful bar
