death, and the judgment to come.
overmaster them. I speak now of the fears that they have of men—for 'the fear of man brings a snare.' Though they seem to be eager for Heaven, so long as the flames of Hell are about their ears—yet, when that terror diminishes, they begin to have second thoughts. They then think that it is wise not to run the hazard of losing all—or, at least, of bringing themselves into unavoidable and unnecessary troubles—and so they return to their worldly ways again.
"Another stumbling-block which lies in their way, is the shame which attends religion. They are proud and haughty—and religion is base and contemptible in their eyes. Therefore, when they have lost their sense of Hell and the wrath to come—they return again to their former sinful course.
"And finally, the feelings of guilt, and meditation on terrifying things—are grievous to them. They do not like to see their misery before they come into it; though perhaps, if they truly believed the sight of their coming misery—it might make them flee where the righteous flee and are safe. But, as I hinted before, because they shun even the thoughts of guilt and terror—when once they are rid of their awakenings about the terrors and wrath of God, they gladly harden their hearts, and choose such ways as will harden them more and more."
CHRISTIAN: "You are pretty near the root of the issue—which is their lack of a true change of mind and will. They are therefore like the felon who quakes and trembles before the judge, and seems to repent most heartily; but the reason is his fear of the noose—not that he has any true remorse for his crime. This is evident, because, if you but let this man have his liberty—he will continue to be a thief and a rogue. Whereas, if his mind and heart were really changed, he would be far otherwise."
HOPEFUL: "I have shown you my reasons for their going back to their sinful course. Now, please show me the path of their backsliding."
CHRISTIAN: "So I will, gladly.
1. They purposely draw off their thoughts from any remembrance of God, death, and the judgment to come.