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I. THE TWO COURSES SPECIFIED. "Life and good, and death and evil." We shall take the latter first; that is, "death and evil." Now, we observe —

1. That this is the course in which all men are involved by nature and practice.

2. This state is one of extreme wretchedness and misery.

3. It is only the shadow of the woes which await the sinner in the eternal world. Now, that is the dark side of the text.Let us look at the other course specified, "life and good."

1. Life is presented to us. For we are already dead, and life is the first essential blessing we need. Now, the life offered to us is —

(1)  Freedom from the sentence of death.

(2)  Regeneration of spirit.

2. Good is also presented to us. The favour of God the chief good; the love of God in the soul; the good providence of God; the good promises of God; the good enjoyments of God; and last of all, in eternity, pure unmixed good forever and ever — fulness of joy.

II. THESE THINGS ARE SET BEFORE US.

1. Where are they set before us?

(1)  In the Word of God. In the Law, in the Prophets, the Gospels, Epistles, etc.

(2)  In the ministry of the Gospel. See the great commission: it is to publish these great truths.

(3)  In the influence of God's truth on the conscience. Do you not feel an internal something speaking to you, etc., warning, etc.?

2. For what are they set before us?

(1)  For our solemn consideration.

(2)  For our own determination and choice.Application —

1. The way of life and good is easy and free to you all. Repentance towards God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. God is the willing Saviour of all men

2. None can perish but those who willingly choose death and evil. Every lost soul has destroyed itself.

3. The necessity of now choosing life and good. Did you ever know the diseased man to choose death; the condemned man, the shipwrecked man, etc.?

(J. Burns, D. D.)

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KJV: See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;

WEB: Behold, I have set before you this day life and good, and death and evil;