Those who are quieting a guilty conscience with the thought that they can change a course of evil when they choose, that they can trifle with the invitations of mercy, and yet be again and again impressed, take this course at their peril. They think that after casting all their influence on the side of the great rebel, in a moment of utmost extremity, when danger compasses them about, they will change leaders. But this is not so easily done. The experience, the education, the discipline of a life of sinful indulgence, has so thoroughly molded the character that they cannot then receive the image of Jesus. Had no light shone upon their pathway, the case would have been different. Mercy might interpose, and give them an opportunity to accept her overtures; but after light has been long rejected and despised, it will be finally withdrawn.

De, der beroliger en skyldbevidst samvittighed med, at de kan ændre deres onde kurs, når de selv vil det, og at de kan blive ved med at høre nådens stemme, selv om de ringeagter dens indbydelse, løber en stor risiko. De tror, at de kan skænke al deres indflydelse til den store oprørers sag, for så at skifte leder, når de kommer i den yderste nød. Men så let går det ikke. Den erfaring, undervisning og oplæring, man har fået gennem et helt liv i synd, har dannet karakteren så grundigt, at Jesu billede ikke kan præges i den på et øjeblik. Hvis lyset ikke havde skinnet på deres vej, ville sagen have stillet sig anderledes. Da kunne nåden have grebet ind og givet dem lejlighed til at tage imod sin indbydelse, men når lyset er blevet forkastet og foragtet gennem lang tid, vil det til sidst blive trukket tilbage.