Conviction

“Conviction, Hindrance of”

“Some years after the young man was taken ill and sent for this same minister.  The minister did not know him.  “Do you remember preaching at such-and-such a village?” asked the young man. “I do.”  “Your text was very deeply laid to my heart.” “Thank God for that,” said the minister. “Do not be so quick about thanking God,” said the young man.  “Do you know what you talked of that evening afterwards, when I went to supper with you.  Sir I shall be damned!  And I will charge you before God’s throne with being the author of my damnation.  On that night I did feel my sin; but you were the means of scattering all my impressions.”  That is a solemn thought, brother, and teaches us how we should curb our tongues, especially those who are so light hearted, after solemn services and earnest preachings, that we should not betray levity.  Oh! let us take heed that we are not of the world, even as Christ was not of the world.” 

[Spurgeon, MTP, Vol. 2, 327]