blasphemers to their cursing, the uncharitable to their detraction, the drunkards to their intemperance, while the unjust refuse to make restitution, and the vindictive to lay aside their hatred. Thus the sermons they hear about the divine justice only serve to make them more hardened in vice, and less excusable before the tribunal of the Almighty. This, I repeat, is what appears to me far more terrible than all that you have hitherto heard about Christ our future Judge; and that also is what I am most in dread of. O God of goodness, effect the contrary by Thy powerful grace in our hearts, of which Thou art Lord and Master; grant that this fear of mine may be unfounded, and that instead of that fearful curse, which I dare no more utter through terror, we may all hear Thy loving voice inviting us, “Come, ye blessed,” enter into the joy of your Lord. Amen.
Another Introduction to the same sermon for the fourth Sunday of Advent.
Text.
Videbit omnis caro salutare Dei.—Luke iii. 6.
“And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”
Introduction.
So all flesh shall see the Saviour. And shall mine and yours, and also the flesh of dead sinners and the wicked? Yes; “all flesh shall see the salvation of God;” all flesh without any exception. But where? In the crib of Bethlehem, where in a week’s time we shall celebrate the festival of His Nativity? In the house at Nazareth in which He dwelt? In the temple of Jerusalem, in which He preached? On Calvary, where He was crucified? No; for we were not alive in those days; that happiness fell to the lot of other men. Perhaps in the kingdom of heaven? Alas, we shall not all enter there! Where then? In the place where all flesh shall be assembled at the last day after the general resurrection, before the judgment-seat of God. There “all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” Oh! we shall see Him then! “Who shall stand to see Him?”[1] cries out the Prophet Malachy, filled with awe and fear; to see that Judge who is a God, and a God without mercy; that Judge who is a Man, and a Man filled with wrath against the sinner; that Judge who is a Saviour, but whose
- ↑ Quis stabit ad videndum eum?—Malach. iii. 2.
