Proverbs 24:11-12 If you forbear to deliver them that are drawn to death, and those that are ready to be slain;… As descriptive, the words of the text draw our attention to the heathen, and give us a very affecting representation of their state. As imperative, they turn our attention to ourselves, and point out the work which God has given us to do — to use every possible effort to rescue our perishing neighbours from the state of peril and danger in which they are placed. I. THE STATE OF THE HEATHEN WORLD. As described in the text, "drawn unto death," and "ready to be slain." 1. As respects this world. In Hindustan there are four modes whereby men and women are "drawn unto death" — women by being burnt alive on the funeral pile of their husbands, and by being buried alive in the same grave; men by being crushed beneath the wheels of the ponderous car of Juggernaut, and by being drowned in the river Ganges. 2. As respects the next world. Look at their never-dying souls; think of the everlasting importance of the world to come. They are drawn to the pains of eternal death by their numerous and enormous iniquities; by the god of this world; and by the almighty arm of a holy and righteous God. II. THE IMPERATIVE FIXTURE OF THE TEXT. We must look at ourselves. 1. Our duty is clearly pointed out. We are to preach the everlasting gospel. Who will go? To whom can we look with so much propriety as to those who are already ordained to preach the gospel? But some may plead, "I am already useful and acceptable at home"; or "If I go to preach abroad, I shall inflict an injury on my own country"; or "I am not competent; I do not possess the requisite qualifications: and if. I were to make the attempt I should fail"; or "We cannot see it to be our duty to embark in this work at once, and for life"; or "I am already comfortable at home, and I do not like to give up my delights." 2. We are to present fervent supplication to the throne of grace. We must pray as well as preach. 3. Another means to be employed is, liberal contributions to defray the expenses of so great an undertaking. God will not hold him guiltless who neglects this duty. (Henry Townley.) Parallel Verses KJV: If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; |
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