Портрет художника в юности
Chapter 3
Imaginesuchacorpseapreytoflames,devouredbythefireofburningbrimstoneandgivingoffdensechokingfumesofnauseousloathsomedecomposition.Andthenimaginethissickeningstench,multipliedamillionfoldandamillionfoldagainfromthemillionsuponmillionsoffetidcarcassesmassedtogetherinthereekingdarkness,ahugeandrottinghumanfungus.Imagineallthis,andyouwillhavesomeideaofthehorrorofthestenchofhell.
—Butthisstenchisnot,horriblethoughitis,thegreatestphysicaltormenttowhichthedamnedaresubjected.Thetormentoffireisthegreatesttormenttowhichthetyranthaseversubjectedhisfellowcreatures.Placeyourfingerforamomentintheflameofacandleandyouwillfeelthepainoffire.ButourearthlyfirewascreatedbyGodforthebenefitofman,tomaintaininhimthesparkoflifeandtohelphimintheusefularts,whereasthefireofhellisofanotherqualityandwascreatedbyGodtotortureandpunishtheunrepentantsinner.Ourearthlyfirealsoconsumesmoreorlessrapidlyaccordingastheobjectwhichitattacksismoreorlesscombustible,sothathumaningenuityhasevensucceededininventingchemicalpreparationstocheckorfrustrateitsaction.Butthesulphurousbrimstonewhichburnsinhellisasubstancewhichisspeciallydesignedtoburnforeverandforeverwithunspeakablefury.
