James Hervey

“ Examining the records of Mortality, I found the memorials of a promiscuous multitude. They were huddled, at least they rested together, without any regard to rank or seniority. None were ambitious of the uppermost rooms, or chief seats, in the house of mourning. None entertained fond and eager expectation of being honourably greeted in their darksome cells. The man of years and experience reputed as an oracle in his generation, was content to lie down at the foot of a babe. ”

“ Among these confused relicks of humanity, there are without doubt, persons of contrary interests and contradicting sentiments, but death like an able days-man, has laid his hand on the contending parties, and brought all their differences to an amicable conclusion. Here enemies, sworn enemies, dwell together in unity. They drop every imbittered thought, and forget that they once were foes. ”

“ Resurrection, will be no privilege to them, but immortality itself their everlasting curse--Would they not bless the grave, that land! where all things are forgotten, and wish to lie eternally hid in its deepest gloom ”

“ Finding no other way of possible relief, they are constrained to apply unto the Almighty. With trembling lips and faultering tongue, they cry unto that sovereign Being, who kills and makes alive———But why, O why have they deferred their addresses to heaven so long! ”

“ The law they have violated, and the gospel they have slighted, the power they have defied, and the goodness they have abused: will all get themselves honour in their examplary destruction. Then God, the God to whom vengeance belongeth, will draw the arrow to the very head, and set them as the mark of his inexhorable displeasure. ”

“ They roll around their affrightened eyes on attending friends. And, if accomplices in debauchery, it sharpens their anguish, to consider the further aggravation of their guilt, that they have not sinned alone, but drawn others into the same snare. ”