quence of the number of the damned. 3. Exceedingly loathsome and nauseous. 4. It will be a place, "where the shadow of death, and no order, but everlasting horror dwelleth." (Job x. 22.)
II. Consider the nature of the pains suffered in hell. 1. They will be most severe and excruciating, without relaxation or respite. Hence the rich glutton could never obtain one drop of water to cool his tongue. 2. The damned will suffer every variety of torture; "Let him pass from the snow waters into excessive heat." (Job xxiv. 19.) These torments will be increased by the company which the reprobate will be always obliged to keep: devils and damned souls, odious to themselves and all around them, will be their constant companions — add to those, vipers and snakes. " He shall suck the head of the asp, and the viper's tongue shall kill him; he shall be punished for all that he did, and yet shall not be consumed." (Job xx. 16.) How horrid a thought, to dwell in such a place of woe!
III. Consider the eternal existence of these pains. Millions of years will pass away and still these torments will exist as if they were only just beginning. Alas! they will endure forever, — yes, forever. " The smoke of their torments shall ascend up for ever and ever; neither have they rest day nor night." (Apoc. xiv. 11.) 1. They will be eternal, because the human soul is immortal; "They shall desire to die, and death shall fly from them." (Apoc. ix. 6.) 2. Because that place of torment will never cease to exist. 3. Because the reprobate will be there, "where the worm dieth not and the fire is not extinguished." (Mark ix. 43.) Lastly, the decrees of God are immutable, and He will have said to them, "Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting flames." What ought you not to undergo to avoid the danger of such suffering!
