to be saved after all. O how many has this false hope thrown into hell, who once spoke thus, and who now are lost, for whom there is now no deliverance! What man would ever wish to be damned? Yet he is accursed of God who sins in the hope of mercy. “ Cursed is the man who sins in hope.” You say, I will commit this sin and afterwards confess it. Who. knows if you will have time for that? Who can give you the assurance that you will not die immediately after you have committed this sin? Meanwhile you lose the favour of God; and what will become of you if you do not obtain it again? God is merciful to those who fear him, but not towards those who despise him. “ His mercy is to them that fear him.” ( Luke i. 50.) Do not say, it is all the same whether I have two sins to confess or three — no; for God may pardon you two sins, but not perhaps the third. God suffers long, but he will not suffer always. “ He will punish them in the fullness of their sins.” ( Zach . vi. 14.) When the measure is full, God pardons no more, But punishes sinners suddenly with death, and casts them from him, so that they go on from one sin to another, until they fall into hell — a punishment far worse than death itself. O my brethren, mark well what you now read; cease from sin and give yourself to God. Fear lest this should be the last warning which God will send you. You have gone on in your offences long enough. He has borne with you long enough. Tremble lest the first mortal sin you again commit after this, God will pardon you no more. Consider well: your soul is at stake — all eternity is at stake. How many have been moved by this great thought of eternity to leave the world, and live in cloisters deserts, and caves ! O unhappy sinner that I am !
