45. In thinking of this, deny if thou canst
that a recompense is paid by divine judgment. The former feels
happy in his heart, the latter wretched; that man on his own verdict is
guiltless, this one a criminal; that man again is happy in leaving the
world, this man grieves over it. Who can be pronounced guiltless
that is not innocent in the sight of his own conscience?
“Tell me,” he says, “where is the covering of his
tabernacle; his token will not be found.” Job xxi. 28. The life of the criminal is as a
dream. He has opened his eyes. His repose has departed, his
enjoyment has fled. Nay, that very repose of the wicked, which
even while they live is only seeming, is now in hell, for alive they go
down into hell.