Blessing Quote by Thomas Watson
“Thus it is in hell; they would die, but they cannot. The wicked shall be always dying but never dead; the smoke of the furnacedascends for ever and ever. Oh! who can endure thus to be ever upon the rack? This word "ever" breaks the heart. Wicked men do now think the Sabbaths long, and think a prayer long; but oh! how long will it be to lie in hell for ever and ever?”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: "The Torments of Hell" by Thomas Watson, 1685, Puritan preaching
A vivid depiction of eternal punishment, emphasizing the endless suffering of the wicked and the impossibility of escape, urging moral vigilance.
In simple terms: Hell is portrayed as endless suffering for the wicked, urging moral vigilance.
Key Takeaway
Take heed of moral choices to avoid eternal suffering.
Themes
eternity
punishment
spiritual vigilance
religion
sin
Mood
somber
intense
didactic
Type
religious
philosophical
When to use this quote
- preaching
- personal reflection
- ethical decision making
- spiritual counseling
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
Theology
afterlife
moral urgency
human frailty
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this portrayal of hell reveal about 17th‑century religious concerns?
- How can such imagery be applied to contemporary moral discussions?
A Different Perspective
The intensity may be overwhelming for modern audiences.
