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Jer_30:24
This last passage is usually interpreted as if “the latter end” were synonymous with death. This we apprehend is not exactly the case, except in so far as that death is “the latter end” of all that belongs to man’s life and conduct in this world. The latter end appears rather, in the primary signification, intended to refer to the closing period of a course of action or conduct, when it can all be looked back upon, and when the effects are seen and the results experienced. The great practical point is to urge upon us the necessity of closely examining our own heart and life, with especial reference to the light in which it will appear even to ourselves hereafter—when we have already reaped all that we have sown, or have come to reap it—and, above all, when we come to cast one long look behind, as our feet totter on the borders of the grave.
To many it may seem difficult thus, by due consideration, to realize at one time of life, or at one station in a course of action, the point of view which seems to belong to another. But it is not so. It is, in fact, easy to those who wish for it and strive after it. It is simply the true point of view; and it were hard for us if the Lord had not provided for our guidance into all truth, not only of essential doctrine, but of life and conduct, at every period of our course, and under all circumstances that can possibly arise. We have, in the Scriptures, a sure and certain light unto our path; and he who has been careful to store his mind with its holy teachings will never be at a loss in deciding upon his own conduct, or upon any course of action he contemplates. Our Lord himself said of those that would not “receive” his words though they heard them: “The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him at the last day.” And this is true also of all the words spoken in Scripture. If a man has heard these words—whether at the time he heeds them or not—whether he receives them or not—they fail not to judge him in his own consciousness, not only at the last day, but in his latter days—those great days of decision. That such a standard of conquering and invincible truth should be erected in the mind, constraining man to become his own judge, and enabling him to decide promptly between the accusings and excusings of his conscience, is a matter of vital moment, and evinces the importance of filling with the knowledge of Scripture even those minds which may not, at the time, entertain any adequate impression of its saving truths.
If this were not enough, the mind earnestly desirous of realizing these most true latter end view of things, may obtain them through the most gentle teachings of the Divine Spirit which were never yet denied to any who sought them in singleness of heart.
With these essential and sure guides to the consideration urged upon us by the sacred writer, we are without excuse if we neglect the duty, and brutal if we despise the privilege.
Ah, who is there among us, who, in looking back upon the past, cannot now discern grievous stains, fearful short-comings, distressing faithlessness, evil, if not the appearance of evil, dishonoring to Christ, and defiling to our own souls, burdensome to our consciences, in the fairest and sunniest periods of our lives, when these things were but lightly heeded; and how are we then compelled to exclaim—‘Oh that I had considered—given one thought to God and the latter end, before I took the burden on my soul!”
The longer this habit of consideration is postponed, the more burdensome it becomes. There is much in a heart-searching retrospect over the earliest and most innocent period of life to awaken compunction and regret; but if the wholesome check which the habit of considering the latter end imposes, be not formed in good time, the blackening horror of the later and more advanced period makes that early time seem bright in the comparison, and gives birth to feelings which have found expression in such words as these—
“Lost days of youth! Oh holy days,
When joy was blest with prayer and praise—
When this sad heart. now deeply dyed
With many a thought unsanctified,
Trembled at every venial stain,
And shrunk from sin as now from pain!
Oh, not that even in that hour
Of early reason’s dawning power,
My soul was pure from thoughts of sin;
But now so dark the past has been,
That those first stains of young offence
Bear the light hue of innocence.” Note: The Christian Physiologist. London, 1830.