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"For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of
the wicked. From their callous hearts comes iniquity; the
evil conceits of their minds know no limits. They say, 'How
can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?' This
is what the wicked are likealways carefree, they increase in
wealth. When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive
to meuntil I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood
their final destiny. Surely You place them on slippery ground;
You cast them down to ruin. How suddenly are they destroyed,
completely swept away by terrors!" Psalm 73
Oh, how little is that man's condition to be envied, who for
these short pleasures of sinmust endure an eternity of
torments!
O sirs! Do wicked men purchase their present pleasures at
so dear a rateas eternal torments? And do we envy their
enjoyment of them so short a time? Would we envy a man
going to execution, because we saw him go up the ladder
with a gold chain around his neck and a scarlet gown on
his back? Surely not! Oh, no more should we envy the
grandeur of worldly men, for every step they take, is
but a step to an eternal execution!
Oh, how much more worthy of our pity, than envyis that
man's condition, who has all his happiness confined to the
narrow compass of this present lifebut his misery extended
to the uttermost bounds of an everlasting duration!
"The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he
was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away,
with Lazarus by his side. So he called to himFather
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!" Luke 16:22-24
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