equent time. The case of all such is hopeless.

Those professed Christians who come up to that last fearful conflict
unprepared, will, in their despair, confess their sins in words of burning
anguish, while the wicked exult over their distress. These confessions are
of the same character as was that of Esau or of Judas. Those who make
them, lament the _result_ of transgression, but not its guilt. They feel
no true contrition, no abhorrence of evil. They acknowledge their sin,
through fear of punishment; but, like Pharaoh of old, they would return to
their defiance of Heaven, should the judgments be removed.

Jacob's history is also an assurance that God will not cast off those who
have been deceived, and tempted, and betrayed into sin, but who have
returned unto Him with true repentance. While Satan seeks to destroy this
class, God will send His angels to comfort and protect them in the time of
peril. The assaults of Satan are fierce and determined, his delusions are
terrible; but the Lord's eye is upon His people, and His ear listens to
their cries. Their affliction is great, the flames of the furnace seem
about to consume them; but the Refiner will bring them forth as gold tried
in the fire. God's love for His children during the period of their
severest trial, is as strong and tender as in the days of their sunniest
prosperity; but it is needful for them to be placed in the furnace of
fire; their earthliness must be consumed, that the image of Christ may be
perfectly reflected.

The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can
endure weariness, delay, and hunger,--a faith that will not faint, though
severely tried. The period of probation is granted to all to prepare for
that time. Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His
victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer. All who will
lay hold of God's promises, as he did, and be as earnest and persevering
as he was, will succeed as he succeeded. Those who are unwilling to deny
self, to agonize before God, to pray long and earnestly for His blessing,
will not obtain it. Wrestling with God--how few know what it is! How few
have ever had their souls drawn out after God with intensity of desire
until every power is on the stretch. When waves of despair which no
language can express sweep over the suppliant, how few cling with
unyielding faith to the promises of God.

Those who exercise but little faith now, are i