Selections from the Conversations and Unpublished Writings of REV. Edward Payson, D.D., Late of Portland - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1836. Excerpt: ... LUKE XT. 10. God now commandeih all men, every where, to repent. I lay this command across your path: you cannot proceed one step farther in a sinful course without treading it under foot. You are urged to the immediate performance of this duty by a regard to your own interest; for except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. You are urged to it by all the blessed angels, who are waiting with desire to rejoice in your conversion. Above all, you are most powerfully urged to it by the blessed Redeemer, whom you are under the strongest possible obligations to love and obey. He has done and suffered much for you. For you he has toiled, bled and died. For you he cheerfully endured the scoffs and cruelties of men; the rage and malice of devils; and the overwhelming weight of his Father's wrath. In return for all this, he asks of you one small favor. He merely requests you to repent and be happy. If you comply with this request, he will see of the travail of his soul, and he satisfied. O, then, be persuaded to give joy to God, to his Son, and to the blessed angels; to make this day a festival in heaven, by repenting. Even now, your heavenly Father is waiting for your return, and the Redeemer stands ready with expanded arms to receive you. Even now, the white robes and the ring are provided, and the fatted calf is made ready to feast returning prodigals. Even now, angels and archangels are ready to pour forth their most joyful songs to celebrate your return. Will you, then, by persisting in impenitence, seal up their lips 1 Will you say, There shall be no joy in heaven, this day, on our account? God shall not be glo rified, Christ shall not be gratified, angela shall not rejoice, if we can prevent it? If there be any of whose feelings and conduct this is the l...