The Time When Conscience Makes Itself Heard
Genesis 42:21-22
And they said one to another, We are truly guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he sought us…


Have you ever heard of the great clock of St. Paul's in London? At midday, in the roar of business, when carriages, and carts, and waggons, and omnibuses, go rolling through the streets, how many never hear that great clock strike, unless they live very near it. But when the work of the day is over, and the roar of business has passed away — when men are gone to sleep, and silence reigns in London — then at twelve, at one, at two, at three, at four. the sound of that clock may be heard for miles around. Twelve — One! — Two! — Three! — Four! How that clock is heard by many a sleepless man! That clock is just like the conscience of the impenitent man. While he has health and strength, and goes on in the whirl of business, he will not hear conscience. He drowns and silences its voice by plunging into the world The time will come when he must retire from the world, and lie down on the sick bed, and look death in the face. And then the clock of conscience, that solemn clock, will sound in his heart, and, if he has not repented, will bring wretchedness and misery to his soul.

(Bp. Ryle.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.

WEB: They said one to another, "We are certainly guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the distress of his soul, when he begged us, and we wouldn't listen. Therefore this distress has come upon us."




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