Are They Happy?

“Do you accotmt him a happy ma7i who is co7ideimied to die, because he hath a plejitiful allowance till his execution? Or him a happy man that makes a fair show abroad and puts a good face upon his ruinous and breaking conditioji, while at home he is pinched with wantaiidmiseiy, which is ready to come upon him like a7t armed man; one who revels 17i all manner of pleasure to-day but is to die at 7iight? Then those who renmin ifi the guilt of their si7is may be happy If we view unpardoned sinners aright we shall heartily pity them. Let their condition be what it may, at this present the wrath of God abideth 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 against the great day of the wrath of God? We wonder at the mirth of men condemned to hell, their infatuation is terrible to behold.

Hence we cannot join with them in their carnal mirth. Sinners may dance, but it will not be to our piping. They may revel and riot, but we dare not countenance them in their jollity, for we know that their day is coming. Let no desire to share their base delights lurk in your mind if you be indeed a child of God. Be not envious at the transgressors. Who would envy a criminal about to be executed his last draught of wine? Let not their frivolities attract you. Every sensible man pities the wretch who can dance under the gallows. Sinners on the road to hell sporting and jesting are worse than mad, or their singing would turn to sighing.