an uncertain chance. say, that the hour and moment of death are uncertain; still people do not die without having some warning or their approaching end. Experience tells us that many thousands live in sin till their old age, and yet they are converted at last. Sudden death is the exception; most people die after an illness, and they can make their confession and reconcile themselves with God, and thus die fortified with the holy sacraments. So, I trust, it will be with me, and therefore I am not under the necessity of living in fear and dread all my life. Is that really possible? Christians, what are you thinking of? I will say nothing now about your assertion that most people die after an illness; I will answer that next Sunday, and from experience, too. But I ask you again, what are you thinking of? Do you know of what you are speaking? What the question is about? What we are treating of in the present instance? Is it about landed property, or a vineyard, or a sum of money? I am sure that if such were the case you would be very far from allowing your property to take its chance in an uncertain manner; but yoa would go to work with the utmost caution; although you could not be blamed if you were somewhat careless in this lattor instance, since earthly goods are not of much importance, nnd their loss can easily be repaired again, so that you may readily expose to danger all your wealth, strength, and reputation. But what are we speaking of now? “Ah,” exclaims St. John Chrysostom, “remember that you are speaking of the soul;”[1] of your own soul, of your only soul, of your immortal soul, which shall live forever, of that soul whose loss is irreparable, whose wound incurable. And do you speak and think of it so presumptuously? Are you so ready to imperil it so foolishly? Will you give it over to such an uncertain, blind, dangerous chance?[2]
They are mostly deceived by the hope of a timely conversion. Many men sin, and are converted afterwards, you say; and you are right. That may be the case with me, you infer. It may be, but also it may not be; it is uncertain. Many die in old age; that is true. But still a greater number die before old age; and that is true also. Perhaps i shall live to be an old man, and then lead a holy life. Pernaps, and perhaps not. Who has told you that such will be your lot? Most people get sick first, and are warned of the approach of death by their sickness, so that they can prepare; I hope for a similar chance. You
