It was not without some sense of his own character, and some
forebodings of what was possibly brooding over him, that he uttered
these words of the text. But they were transitory emotions, and they
passed away.
I suppose that every man who hears the gospel proclaimed is, at some
time or other, conscious of dawning thoughts which, if followed, would
lead him to decision for Christ. I suppose that every man among us is
conscious of thoughts visiting him many a time when he least expects
them, which, if honestly obeyed, would work an entire revolution in his
life.
I do not wish to speak as if unbelieving men were the only people who
were unfaithful to their consciences, but rather to deal with what is a
besetting sin of us all, though it reaches its highest aggravation in
reference to the gospel.
Such stings of conviction come to us all, but how are they deadened?
_(a)_ By simple neglect. Pay no attention to them; do not do anything
in consequence, and they will gradually disappear. The voice unheard
will cease to speak. Non-obedience to conscience will in the end almost
throttle conscience.
_(b)_ By angry rejection.
_(c)_ By busy occupation with the outer world.
_(d)_ By sinful occupation with it.
Then consider that such dealing with our convictions leaves us far
worse men than before, and if continued will end in utter insensibility.
What should we do with such convictions? Reverently follow them. And in
so doing they will grow and increase, and lead us at last to God and
peace.
Special application of all this to our attitude towards Christian truth.