When the ruins of Pompeii were brought to light, there was found a petrified woman, that is, the remains of a woman who had been turned to stone. The reason of this was that, while the torrent of burning lava was preparing to overwhelm the city, she spent her precious moments in gathering her gold and her jewels, as if these were of more value than her life. She saved these her treasures, but lost her life by so doing.
You will say that this woman acted a very foolish part, and say truly; but are you doing the same? The wrath of God is surely pursuing all who are not sheltered by the precious blood of Christ. Yet there are multitudes who are so absorbed in earthly pursuits, seeking pleasure, wealth, and other things, that they do not realize how near they are to eternal death and destruction. Such as these the Lord’s solemn question describes: “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
If you are not in Christ, the sinner’s only Refuge, you are now under the wrath of God. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John, 3:36). What an awful position and portion—to have the wrath of God abiding on the soul forever and ever!