Revelation 20:11-15 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away… I. A perfect memory, then, will accompany judgment. The fields of memory at some magic touch give back again all the lights and shadows which have ever swept across their surface. The children of memory rise again from their graves, and wander in without warning into the once familiar rooms which they have long ceased to visit. The canvas of memory is retouched by some artist whose skill restores the tints which had faded away. The colours of memory are like those in Egyptian halls, long concealed by sand, but fresh as if they had just come from the painter's hand when the drifted heaps are blown away. Is there absolute oblivion? What destroys memory and effaces her work finally? Not the loss of a sense — the deaf musician still possesses the strain which the outward ear has not heard for years. Not old age — the old man's memory is the one thing more touching than his forgetfulness. Not madness, or the fever which for a time seems to calcine the images of the mind. Memories retain in very different degrees, like the sand, like the freestone, or the marble; but all are gifted with this possibility of resurrection. II. With a full perception of the reality of judgment accompanied with a revived memory we shall most profitably enter upon a consideration of the danger of evil thoughts. Let us suggest some simple rules of self-examination. 1. We should then, really examine ourselves, if possible every day, with this prayer — "try me, O God, and seek the ground of my heart; prove me, and examine my thoughts." We should ask ourselves two questions every night. First, have I led any into sin this day? We sin together — can we repent together? Second, have I harboured willingly and knowingly any evil thoughts? Have I allowed the birds of evil omen to settle down upon the sacrifice, and failed to sanctify Christ as Lord in my heart? In the dreadful chronology of sin, the actual fall is often not the first, or the hundredth sin. 2. I now suggest some simple rules. When unholy thoughts come, pray quickly — "Spirit of evil! in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, depart." "Blessed Spirit of purity! quench this sinful thought." After falling into sin, pray — "God, be merciful to me a sinner! For the sake of Jesus Christ, lay not this sin to my charge." Occupy yourselves with business. Go into virtuous society. Do not go about visibly brooding. Take freely to wholesome literature and innocent recreations. III. Enough, perhaps, of details. A word of motives. 1. A great commentator on Scripture advises us, if we are tempted to unholy thoughts, to look through our window. "Gaze," he says, "upon the serenity of the sky, and be possessed with a loathing of impurity." But what if we have lost the faculty for such a sight? what if we are colour-blind to all the blue of heaven? Seek for a purer joy. 2. Dwell upon the reality of judgment: Without this you will be liable to strange falls. You will be like sailors who are lost because they have not calculated for the "send" of the sea. (Abp. Wm. Alexander.) Parallel Verses KJV: And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. |
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