We pity the poor wretch who
can dance under the gallows!
(Charles Spurgeon, "Flowers from a Puritan's Garden" 1883)
"Do you account him a happy man,
who is condemned to die--
because he has a plentiful
allowance until his execution?
Do you account him a happy man,
who makes a fair show abroad--
while at home he is pinched with
poverty and misery?
Do you account him a happy man,
who revels in all kinds of pleasures today--
but is to die this night?"
If we view unpardoned sinners
aright, we shall heartily pity them!
Let their temporal condition be as
good as it may at this present time--
the wrath of GOD abides on them,
and they are "condemned already!"
And as for the future, it is
black with certain doom!
Alas for the unhappy man
against whom GOD sets HIS face!
What misery can be greater, than
to be reserved for damnation in
the great day of the wrath of GOD?
We wonder at the mirth of men
who are condemned to Hell--
their fantasy is terrible to behold!
Hence we cannot join with them in their
carnal mirth. Sinners may dance--
but it will not be to our music.
They may revel and riot--
but we dare not endorse them
in their jollity, for we know that
their day is coming!
If you are indeed a child of GOD--
let no desire to share their carnal
delights lurk in your mind!
Do not be envious of
the prosperity of the wicked!
Who would envy a criminal about
to be executed, of his last cup of wine?
Do not let their frivolities attract you.
We pity the poor wretch who
can dance under the gallows
which he will shortly hang on!
Just so, sinners who are on the road to Hell
sporting and jesting, are worse than mad!
Their singing will soon turn to sighing!
I had nearly lost my foothold! For I envied
the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of
the wicked. They have no struggles; their
bodies are healthy and strong. They are free
from the burdens common to man; they are not
plagued by human ills. From their callous hearts
comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds
know no limits! This is what the wicked are like--
always carefree, they increase in wealth."
Psalm 73:2-7, 12
it was oppressive to me--until I entered
the sanctuary of GOD; then I understood
their final destiny!" Psalm 73:16-17
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GraceGems has published William Nicholson's uplifting short article,
"Salvation with Eternal Glory".
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