Alas, who can conceive what it
is to lie down in everlasting burnings? By Charles Simeon. To believe and obey God's word
is our truest wisdom and happiness. and attention to the voice of
God in his word would comfort us under all troubles, and keep
us steadfast amidst all the vicissitudes of life. Luke chapter 16 verses
23 to 24 In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and
saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to
him, Father Abraham, have pity on me, and send Lazarus to dip
the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I
am in agony in this fire. Who would not rather be in the
forlorn condition of Lazarus, and attain his glorious end,
than live as the rich man did for a little time, and then lack
a drop of water to cool his tongue for ever? Alas, who can conceive
what it is to lie down in everlasting burnings? Who would not rather
be Paul in prison, notwithstanding his chains, than to be like King
Agrippa on his throne? Yes, the most afflictive circumstances
of a pious man are infinitely preferable, all things considered,
to the most prosperous state which an ungodly man can enjoy
while on earth. The pious man sows in tears to
reap in joy, the ungodly man sows the wind to reap the whirlwind. Let us then be persuaded that
to serve God is our truest happiness, and that in keeping His commandments
there is great reward. They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold. They are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned.
In keeping them there is great reward. Psalm 19 10-11