cont’d
[4] The fourth misery is, that original sin without repentance, exposes to hell and damnation. This is the second death. Revelation 20:14. Two things are in it:
(1.) Punishment of LOSS. The soul is banished from the beatific presence of God, in whose presence is fullness of joy.
(2.) Punishment of SENSE. The sinner feels scalding vials of God’s wrath. It is penetrating, abiding, John 3:36, and reserved, 2 Peter 2:17. If when God’s anger is kindled but a little, and a spark or two of it flies into a man’s conscience in this life, it is so dreadful; what will it be when God stirs up all his anger? In hell there is the worm and the fire. Mark 9:44. Hell is the very epitome of misery! In hell, there is judgement without mercy. Oh what flames of wrath, what seas of vengeance, what rivers of brimstone—are poured out there upon the damned! Bellarmine is of opinion, That one glimpse of hell-fire were enough to make the most flagitious sinner to turn Christian; nay, live like a hermit, a most strict mortified life. What is all other fire compared to the fire of hell—but painted fire? To bear it will be intolerable, to escape it will be impossible! And these hell torments are forever, they have no end put to them. "They shall seek death, and shall not find it." Origen fancied a fiery stream in which the souls of sinful men were to be purged after this life, and then to pass into heaven. But the miseries of hell are forever! The breath of the Lord kindles that fire; and where shall we find buckets to quench it? "And the smoke of their torment ascends up forever and ever, and they have no rest day nor night." We can thank original sin for all this misery.
Use one: What dreadful thoughts should we have of original sin, which has created so many miseries! What honey can be gotten out of this lion? What grapes can we gather off this thorn? It sets heaven and earth against us. While we choose this bramble to rule, fire comes out of the bramble to devour us!
Use two: How are all believers bound to Jesus Christ, who has freed them from that misery to which sin has exposed them! "In whom we have redemption through his blood." Sin has brought trouble and a curse into the world: Christ has sanctified the trouble, and removed the curse. Nay, he has not only freed believers from misery—but purchased for them a crown of glory and immortality! "When the chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive an unfading crown of glory!"
