THE FIRES OF GEHENNA by JOS. CLARKE.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 21, 1869

THE FIRES OF GEHENNA.

By JOS. CLARKE.

LANGUAGE fails to describe the pain which heat inflicts upon the physical frame. But what shall be the racking pains of the wicked, as they sink in the conflagration of the earth, in the vast ocean of flames which shall wrap the whole earth in the final burning?

Think of it: the earth an ocean of flame! As it was once deluged with a flood of water, now deluged with fire, and the vast assemblage of the wicked unable to escape sinking in the ocean of the heated elements, a molten sea of fire; their cries vainly ascending for mercy. Too late! too late! The righteous, protected within the jasper walls of the city, have already concurred with the judgment of God in the destruction of the wicked, as the last blow inflicted upon the serpent, according to the first prophecy concerning him, “It shall bruise thy head.”

The sermon contained in REVIEW, vol. xxxiii, No. 26, should be read and re-read on this important subject. It is not to be a mere destruction of life, but a severe punishment—terrible to the evil-doer—each according to his works. What erroneous views the nominal churches hold on this point; and the Universalist and infidel hold as erroneous an extreme.

Let it be our effort and aim to avoid the terrible fires of gehenna; to escape by a thorough preparation for life and immortality; escape from the convulsed and burning earth; escape from the fiery deluge of burning flame.

JOS. CLARKE.