Psalms 77:3 - Homilies By C. Short

Sick bed promises.

"I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed." "Conversion during trouble difficult and unsatisfactory." Most men forget God while they are free from trouble; some remember him in trouble, and the remembrance brings an increase of trouble. Salvation, conversion, on a sick bed (death bed) difficult and doubtful.

I. IT IS DIFFICULT .

1 . The mind is sometimes oppressed with such fears as to prevent the exercise of faith and love. Prospect of immediate death, and the sudden light cast upon the memory.

2 . The enfeebled state of the mind and the pains of the body hinder us from receiving any spiritual impressions.

3 . The greatness of the change requires all the powers of health. Painter and astronomer in a storm.

II. THE REALITY OF IT IS DOUBTFUL .

1 . The want of experience to prove its soundness. Temptation, etc.

2 . The suddenness of it, without striking a blow.

3 . The mind may have been deeply impressed without being changed.

In prospect of eternity, remembered sins would impress. Faith, love, hope, necessary to change the mind.

Address two classes.

1 . Those who have not fulfilled their sick bed promises.

2 . Those who are trusting to a future sick bed conversion.—S.