What
would we think?
(James Meikle, "A
Periodic Interview with
the King of
Terrors" December 20, 1791)
What would we think of those who had
lost
their nearest and dearest relative, carried
off
by ruffians--and yet felt no alarm?
What would we think of those who could feast
cheerfully at their sumptuous table--while their
friends were destitute of all the comforts of life?
What would we think of those who could
sleep pleasantly on their downy beds--while
their friends were denied the least slumber,
by the torturing hand of their cruel foes?
What would we think of those who could
quaff and carouse with sparkling wine--while
their friends could not procure a drop of water
for their scorched tongue?
Now, to apply.
Where are any ruffians--like the infernal fiends?
Where is a state so utterly destitute of all
comforts--as the state of damnation?
Where are any tortures--like the torments
of hell, and of damned devils?
And where, but in the burning lake, are sufferers
so
completely miserable--who cannot even get a
drop of water to cool their tormented tongue?
And yet the death of those sinners, who lived
without God, and died without hope--makes
no impression on their surviving friends!"The rich man also died and
was buried. In hell,
where he was in torment . . ." Luke 16:22-23