IN these words we have a lively description of Christs coming to the Last Judgement: Wherein we have 1. The Prepara­tion: 2. The Sentence. The former is set forth 1. In the Glory of Christ the Judge. 2. In his Retinue. 3. In his Mag­nificence, He shall sit upon his glorious Throne. 4. By his Power, All Nations shall be gathered before him. 5. By his Separation between the Elect and Reprobate. 6. By his Disposing of both sorts, the Elect to his right hand, the Reprobate to his left. In the Sen­tence we have 1. What he pronounceth to the Elect: 2. To the Reprobate.

In the Sentence pronounced upon the Elect, we have 1. A description of them; they are his Fathers blessed ones. 2. His sweet admittance of them into his fellow­ship. 3. His possessing them of their Inheritance; which Inheritance is set forth by the preparation of it of old.

The Reason he is pleased to yield of all this grace of [...] towards them, taken from his own work upon them, in shewing mercy to his Members and Brethren, which he reckons as done to himself. 5. Their modest question to him, as if they could not own any thing that they had done to him. 6. His gracious answer to them, and testification of his acceptance of what they had done for him in the least of his Brethren, to Ver. 41.

In the Sentence pronounced against the Reprobates, we have 1. A description of them; they are cursed ones. 2. His Abdication of them from his Presence, Depart fro [...] me: wherein the punishment of loss is set forth. 3. The punishment of Sense inflicted upon them, held out under the notion of Fire. And 4. The duration and continuance [Page 3] of that punishment; it is Everlasting fire. 5. The prepa­ration of it. 6. The woful Companions they must have in that fire, the Devil and his Angels. 7. The Reason of all this, taken from their unmercifulness to Christ in his Brethren and Members. 8. Their bold denial of his Charge of Unmercifulness, in the question they put▪ When saw we thee, &c. 9. Christs full answer to them, whereby he stops their mouthes that they shall not have a word to say against him. 10. The issue and result of all, both towards the Reprobate, and towards the Elect: The Reprobate go into everlasting punishment, and the Righteous into life eternal.

Doct. 1. From the Preparation. That there will be a time when the Lord Jesus shall come in his Glory, his holy Angels attending on him, 2 Thess. 1. 7.

For opening of which, let me shew 1. Wherein his Glory will then appear. 2. What his holy Angels are to do at that day. 3. Why he will come in such Glory. 4. The Uses.

For the first. He will come and manifest himself 1. In the Glory of his Power; then he will shew what a power­full One he is, in raising up all that are in their graves, and in conventing them before him, Joh 5. 28,29. 2 Cor. 5. 10. 2. He will come and manifest himself in the Glory of his Grace and Mercy towards his Elect ones, in receiving them to himself, Joh. 14. 3. 1 Thess. 4. 17. 3. He will come and manifest himself in the Glory of his Justice to both Elect and Reprobate, 2 Thess. 1. 6,7,8,9. 4. He will come and manifest himself in the Glory of his Faithfulness, in making good to the full all his Promises to them; for then there will be a full accomplishment of them all, Heb. 10,23, 1 Thess. 5. 24. 5. He will come and manifest himself in the Glory of his Kingdome, for then he will shew himself a glorious King, both in subduing his and his peoples Enemies, and in treading upon the necks of them: as also in gathering all his Subjects about him, and bringing them to the bent of his blessed will, 1 Cor. 15. 25,26,27. Mat. 6. 10. 6. He will come and manifest him­self in the Glory of his Humane Nature hypostatically united to the [...] Philip. 3. 21. 1 Joh. 3. 2. Time was when he was [...] our flesh, Philip 2. 6,7,8. when he was a disallowed Christ, [...] Pet. 2. 4. Acts 4, 11. Isa. 53. 2,3. but then he will come in his Glory; and though it were veiled upon earth, yet he will then shew forth the Glory what his Flesh and Humane Nature is invested with. 7. He will come and manifest himself in the Glory of his Deity, [Page 4] Rom. 14. 1 [...],11. His Deity was much veiled, and the glory of it, in the dayes of his flesh, though oftentimes it did shew forth it self in the Wonders that he wrought, as Joh. 2. 11. & 11. 4,40. but when comes, the Glory of his Deity will then be fully manifested, Apoc. 1. 7. 3. He will come in the Glory of his Retinue: so the Text. 2. Thess. 1. 7. Jude ver. 14,15. Dan. 7. 10. As other Kings have their Noble Courtiers about them, and their glorious Retinue with them: so the Lord Jesus at his coming shall have an innumerable company of Angels, which will be a great glory to him. 9. He will come in his Glory by the glory that believing Saints shall put upon him, 2 Thess. 1. 10. when he shall say, Behold, I, and the children which God hath given me, Hebr. 2. 13. As it will be a pleasant sight to the Father to behold; so it will be a great Glory to Christ. 10. He will come in the Glory of his Father, Mark 8. ult. Matth. 16. 27. which what that is, see Diodates Expo­sition.

Q. 2. What are his holy Angels to do at that day?

Answ 1. To wait and attend upon him, as Nobles upon their Prince, Dan. 7. 10. 2. To gather his Elect together, Mat. 24. 31. 3. To gather the Reprobates out of his Kingdome, and to cast them into a furnace of fire, Mat. 13. 41,42. 4. To take up those of the Saints that remain alive upon earth at the Lords Coming, 1 Thess. 4. 17. 5. To sever the wicked from the just, Mat. 13. 49. 6. To be the Lords Reapers, Mat. 13. 39. in the Harvest-day, and to gather his Wheat into his Garner, Matth. 3. 12. & 13. 30.

Q. 3. Why will he come in all this Glory?

Answ 1. From his deep Abasement when he was upon earth, Philip, 2. 5,6,7,8,9,10,11. 2. From the Glory wherewith he glorified his Father upon earth, Joh. 17. 4,5. 3. From the Fathers committing all Judgement to the Son, Joh. 5. 22,23. 4. From the Oath of God for this, Rom. 14. 11. He has sworn this. 5. From the Comfort of the Saints, 1 Thess 4. 17, 18. Joh. 14. 1,2,3. 6. From the Amazement and Terrour of the wicked, which, shall see his glory, but yet be abdicated from it, 2 Thess. 1. 9. This must needs be terrour and torment to them.

Use 1. for Information. 1. We see that the Lord Jesus, though on earth he was deeply abased when time was, yet will one day shew himself otherwise then once he was, and appear in his Glory. We must not look for him as a Suf­ferer, but as a Conquerour; not as one Humbled, but as one Exalted with Glory, Jam, 2. 1. 2 Cor. 5. 16. 2. We [Page 5] see that it matters not for worldly glory, whether we have it or have it not, so we have a share in this glorious One, that will one day come in his Glory. 3 We see how good it is to be a Servant to him who is such a glorious One, and that we should use all means that we may be entertained in his Service. Men labour to get into their service who are honourable ones, and have any outward glory upon them; how much more should we get into the Service of such a glorious One? Psal. 116. 16. 4. We see the misery of those that forsake Christ and his Service, and backslide from his Wayes, and that holy Profession that they have sometimes made: these forsake him, that they would glad­ly be entertained by another day, Matth. 7. 21,22,23. 5. We see that we can never put glory enough upon the Lord Jesus, for he is a glorious One in himself, and will one day come in his Glory. Men use to put glory [...] Kings and Princes, and glorious ones in the world▪ [...] but what Glory then should we put on Christ that glorious One! Psal. 2. 12. 6. We see how desireable his Coming should be to the Saints, for he will come in his Glory, Apoc. 22. 17,20. When he was to come to be humbled for us, he was much desired after, Hag. 2. 7. Mal. 3. 1. Oh how much more is he to be desired after, when he is to come in his Glory! 7. We see that surely all his Redeemed ones shall partake of his Glory, Coloss. 3. 4. Joh. 17. 24. 8. We see that he will be glorified in the Salvation of the Righteous, and in the Damnation of the Wicked: for he will come in his Glory, Prov. 16. 4. 9. We see what great reason we have to esteem highly of the Reproaches of Christ in his Members, as Moses did, Heb. 11. 26. 10. We see what great cause we have to endure the Cross, and despise the Shame we meet with, as Christ did, Heb. 12. 2,3. for he will come in his Glory, and put glory upon us after all our shame.

And in that holy Angels shall be his Retinue, we see 1. That the Angels delight in our holiness; for they are holy. 2. That the more holy we be, the more we resemble the blessed Angels. 3. That Holiness becomes those pla­ces where Angels are, Psal. 93. 5. 4. That Christs At­tendants are holy ones. 5. That neither Christ nor his Angels can endure, nor will endure any polluted person or thing, now or at that day. 6. That Christ Jesus is a great Master, that has so many Angels to attend upon him. 7. That unclean persons will be abashed and ashamed above others at that day. 8. We see that the Judges Great As­size at the last day shall be with great state. 9. We see what [Page 6] cause we have not to be ashamed of Christ and of his words here, Mark 8. ult.

Use 2. for Terrour: 1. To all those that have blas­phemed him, and rejected him, as Jews, and Turks, and other Infidels in these dayes. 2. To those that neglect that great Salvation. Heb 2. 3. 3. To those that have put reproach upon him, Psal. 69. 20. 4. To those that have not glorified him; when he comes in his Glory he will be glorified in their destruction.

Use 3. for Humiliation: 1. That we have put any dis­honour upon this glorious One any way. 2. That we have so few breathings after his coming. 3. That Afflictions are so grievous to us, Luke 24. 26. 4. That we are so [...]oth to die to partake of his Glory. 5. That we are so much delighted with earthly things. 6. That we have so few thoughts of this glorious One.

USe 4. for Exhortation: 1. To fit our selves for the Coming of this glorious One. And for that end, 1. Look that we be in a justified estate. 2. Look to our sanctifica­tion, Heb. 12. 14. 3. Be in continual expectation of him, Heb. 9. ult. 4. Watch and pray alwayes, Luke 21. 36. Mark 13. 35, 36, 37. 5. Be we found well-doing, Mat. 24. 44,45. 6. Make sure of Vessel-oyl, as well as Lamp­oyl Mat. 25. 4. 7. Improve we our Talents well, Mat. 25. 19,20,21,22,23. 8. Love his appearing, 2 Tim. 4. 8. [...]. Be children of the light, 1 Thess. 5. 4,5. 10. Be of a merciful disposition, Matth. 25. 34,35,36.

2. To be diligent, &c. 2 Pet. 3. 14. 3. To suffer with and for Christ, 2 Tim 2. 12. 4. To rejoyce in hope to see this glorious One, Rom. 12. 12. 5. To get an interest in this glorious One, Joh 19. 25,26,27. 6. To be weaned from worldly glory, Psal. 131. 1,2. 7. To beware of dis­honouring him. 8. To exalt him all that may be, and lift up his Name. 9. To be vile in our own eyes in all our ad­dresses to him 10. To admire with thankfulness that such a glorious one should ever look after us. 11. To meditate much of his Glory, Rom. 8. 18. 12. To be glorious Chri­stians. Prov. 4. 18. Philip. 1. 27, & 2. 15.

Use 5. for Consolation: 1. Against the dishonour put upon Christ and his Members. 2. Against all the afflicti­ons; what are they? 2 Cor. 4. 17. 3. Against all the base and unworthy affronts that wicked men put upon him and his. 4. Against the falling away of backsliders from him; the Angels put glory upon him.

[Page 7] Doct. II. is this; That the Son of God in his Humane Nature which he hath assumed to the Deity, shall be the Judge of Quick and Dead. The Son of man shall come [...] Glory: [...]o Acts 17. 31. Rom. 14. 10. 2 Cor. 5. 10. 2. Tim. 4.1.

Reasons. 1. From [...] Appointment, Acts [...]7. 31. and his Appointment must stand.

2. From his ra [...]ing him from the [...] Ibid.

3. From his O [...]dience to his Father in his Suffering, Philip. 6.7,8,9.

4. From the Father Authority that he hath committed to him, Joh. 5. 27.

5. From the Oath of the Lord for this, Rom. 14. 10,11,12.

6. From the Covenant which the Father hath made with the Son, Psal. 110.1.

7. From the Victory that he hath got over all his ene­mies. Conquerours are Judges over them that they con­quer, and do dispose of them: so Christ the great Con­querour of his enemies, is to judge them and [...] of them, 1 Cor. 15. 25.

8. From the Comfort of his People: for hereby they are incouraged much, in that they have him who is their [...] ­viour to be their Judge; and therefore the day of Judge­ment is called the day of Refreshing to the Saints, Act. 3. [...]9.

9. From the Terrour of those that have Crucified and slain him, Apoc. 1. 7. See also an image and representations of this, Apoc. 6. 15,16,17.

10. From his Kingly Office, which shall then be fully manifested, both towards his servants in rewarding them, and towards is enemies in punishing them.

Use. 1. for Information. 1. We see what great Honour the Lord has invested our Nature with, in not onely as­suming it to be united to the Deity in one Person in Christ, but also to take it so united to be the Judge of Men and Angles. What greater honour could be put upon our Na­ture? 2. We see what Glory and Honour we should put upon God in our Nature, glorifying him both in our bodies, and in our spirits, which are his 1 Cor. 6. 20. 3. We see a rea­son of that in 2 Tim 4. 8. and that in Heb. 9. ult. the Saints may well love his appearing, and look for him, and look with holy longings for him, seeing that he is to be their Judge that is their Saviour. 4. We see how convincingly he will judge the sinful sons of men of all that they have done against him; for he will judge as he is the Son of man, Jude, ver. 14, 15. He will shew himself in our Nature at that day. 5. We see what cause we have all of us every [Page 8] where to repent, according to that Command of God, Acts 17. 30, 31. Impenitent ones will never be able to stand before the Son of man at that day. 6. We see what cause we have neither to judge nor despise our Brethren, Rom. 14.10. 1 Cor 4.5. Mat. 7.1.

Use 2. for Terrour: 1. To those that have been the Betrayers and Murtherers of him, and that sate in Judge­ment-seats to Condemn him, he will at that day be a Judge to them. 2. To those that despise his Words, and his Servants that bring his Words: they do it to him, and how will they look him in the face at that day? 3. To those that have given out hard speeches against his people, Jude, ver. 14,15. 4. To those that are ashamed of him and his words, Mark 8. ult. 5. To those that are of­fended at him and his wayes and Saints. 6. To those that Put this day farre from them.

Use 3 for Humiliation to those 1. That have too few thoughts of this, that the Son of man is to be their Judge; for if they did, they would not be so discouraged as they are, nor be so afraid of the Judgement-day. 2. To those that are too apt to usurp Christ place, in too rashly cen­suring, and passing sentence upon others, for he it is that is to be Judge, Rom. 14.10. 3. To those that wound the weak Consciences of their Brethren, and so sin against Christ, 1 Cor. 8.12. 4. To those that have too little fel­lowship and Communion with Christ here, it might be just with him not to have fellowship with them at that day.

Use 4. for Exhortation: 1. To be upright before him, for he will have nothing to do with Hypocrites at that day. Mat. 7.21,22,23. Luke 13.26,27. 2. To perswade men, 2 Cor. 5.10,11. 3. To us Ministers to Preach, &c. 2 Tim. 4.1,2. 4. To beware of riotous courses, Mat. 24.48,49,50. 5. To be wise and faithful to give portions of meat in due season, Mat. 24.45,46. 6. To us all, to Watch and Pray alwayes, Luke 21. 36. 7. To take heed we have not a thought of our Lords delaying his Coming, Mat. 24. 28. 8. To kiss the Son, Psal 2.12. 9. To get assurance that he is our Saviour. How? (1) By our longing looks for him, Heb. 9. ult. (2) By our obedience to him, Heb. 5.9. (3) By our faith and hope in him, Heb. 6.19,20. Joh. 14.1,3. (4) By our fellowship with him, Gen. 5.22,24. (5) By our constancy to him. Mat 24.13. Apoc. 2.10. (6) By our patient suffering with him, 2 Tim 2.12. 10 To take need of those sins that strike directly at Christ, Prov. 8.36. What are they? 1. Refusing Tenders of Grace, Heb. 2.3. &, 12. 2 [...]. 2. Sins against weak ones, 1 Cor. 8. 12. [Page 9] 3. Hard speeches against his Servants, Jude, ver. 14,15. 4. Unbelief, Mark 16.16. 5. Impenitency, Luke 13. 3, 5. 6. Unmercifulness, Mat. 25.44,45. 7. Security, Mark 1 [...].36. 3. Deferring, Exod 16.21. Prov. 8.17.

Use 5. for Consolation: 1. Against all injuries that we meet with here, Christ will right our cause at that day, Eccles. 3.16,17. 2. Against fears of that dreadful day, he that is our Saviour will be our Judge, and that's com­fort. 3. Against the Riddles that were in his Providences, he will clear them all up at that day. 4. Against the wickeds insultings over them here, Christ will take their part at that day. 5. Against Satans malice against us, Christ in our Nature will condemn him and all his Angels. 6. Against faintings in adversity.

Matth. 25. 31. Then shall he sit upon the Throne of his Glory.

Doct. III. That Christ shall have a glorious Throne erected for him to sit upon, when he comes to judge the World, 2 Cor.5.10. Rom.14.10. Dan.7.9.

For opening of which, let me shew 1. Where this Throne will be set. 2. How it does appear he shall sit upon such a Throne. 3. Why he will sit upon such a glo­rious Throne. 4. The Uses.

For the first: The Place of this glorious Throne is by some thought to be in the Clouds, Mat. 24.30. 1 Thess. 4.17. and it is very like it shall be there, or in some vast and spacious place in the Air, which shall be able to contain those innumerable Companies of persons that shall appear before him.

For the second: How it does appear that he shall sit up­on such a Throne. It appears 1. By the multitude of his Attendants. Dan. 7. 10. for Princes sit upon their Thrones, when they have such a Train about them. 2. By the Judgement that he is then to give; and then do Princes and Judges sit upon their Thrones and Sears, when they are to give Judgement, and to pass Sentence, 2 Cor. 5. 10. 3. By the Conventing of all Nations before him, Matth. 25. 32. 4. By the summoning of them to appear by the sound of a Trumpet, and by the Voice of the Archangel, Mat. 24. 31. 1 Thess. 4. 16. 5. By the opening of all graves, Joh. 5. 28, 29. and those that were dead coming forth: The prisoners are brought forth, when the Judge is to sit upon his Throne.

For the third; viz. the Reasons. 1. He is a glorious King, Psal. 24.7,8,9,10. & 47.2. Apoc. 1.5. 1 Tim. 6.15. [Page 10] & 1.17. Apoc. 15.3. and therefore meet he should keep the state of a King, and sit upon his glorious Throne.

2. He is the onely Law giver, which is able to save and destroy, Jam 4. 12. and therefore meet that a Throne of Glory should be erected for him to give rewards to the obedient, and punish the disobedient.

3. He is the Judge of all the Earth, Gen. 18.25. and they use to sit upon their Seats of Justice that are Judges on earth; much more he.

4. He will be so much the more terrible to his enemies, as a King upon his Throne is, 2 Cor. 5.10,11.

5. He will be marvellous Comfortable to the Saints, when they shall see their Saviour which died for them, to be such a King upon his glorious Throne, Luke 21.28.

6. He will then shew exact Justice: if other Kings up­on the Throne deal impartially, much more he, 1 Pet. 1.17. 2 Thess. 1. 6,7,8,9. Rom. 2. 6,7,8,9.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see in what sense the Day of Judgement is called The great Day, Jude ver. 6. It must needs be so, when Christ shall sit upon such a glo­rious Throne, about such great things as Life and Death are, having such Attendance upon him by such great Prin­ces and Courtiers as the blessed Angels are. 2. We see how desireable a day it should be to Believers that are Members of Christ, for then they shall see their Head ex­alted, their King upon his glorious Throne: see for il­lustration Isa. 33. 17. 3. We see how despicable all worldly glory should be to believing Saints, while they [...]ix their eyes upon this glorious Throne of Christ. Take Solomons glory, or that of the greatest Princes on Earth, and it is not so much as a shadow of this Glory, see Esth 1. 4. We see that Afflictions are nothing, while wee look at this Glory. Rom. 8. 18. 2 Cor. 4.17. 5. We see what a rare sight it is to see Christ upon the Throne, and there­fore what diligence we should use that we may have a sight of it with comfort. What striving and crowding is there to see an Earthly King upon his Thorne? Oh what striving should there then be to see this rare sight, and to have the comfort of it! 6. We see the love of the Lord Jesus, in willing and desiring this of his Father for us, Joh. 17.24. that we may partake of it. 7. We see what a glorious Throne he will have in the highest Heavens, if such a Throne be erected in the Clouds for him, Apoc. 3. 21. 8. We see what diligence we should use in the service of Christ, for he is a King upon the Throne. 9. We see how terrible the day of Judgement will be to Devils and [Page 11] [...]amned ones, for they shall see the Judge upon his Throne. 10. We see that Tribunals on Earth see an image of this. 21. We see what need there is of that, 2 Pet. 3. 14. 12. We see how good it is to stand for Christ now.

Use. 2. for Terrour: 1. To all dissembling Hypocrites, Christ upon his Throne will discover them. 2. To those that have been prof [...]ne all their lives, how will they be able to stand before this glorious Throne? 3. To those that have been fearful to stick to Christ; Oh that Throne will daunt them! Apoc. 21. 8.

Use. 3. for Humiliation; 1. To those that have too few Meditations on Christ upon his Throne. 2. To those that are taken with any erroneous Opinion▪ Christ when he sits upon his Throne will shew what price he sets upon his Truth, Mark 8 ult. 3. To those that faint in the day of trouble, Apoc. 2. 10.

Use 4. for Exhortation: 1. To get a sure portion in him, and then we shall rejoyce to see him on his Throne, 1 Joh. 2. 28. 2. To despise all worldly pomp and glory▪ what's that to this? 3. To fear to come before him in our sins and in our rags, for he will not own us in such a state upon his Throne. 4. To long after that day where­in we shall see this glorious sight. 5. To suffer with him and for him cheerfully; for when he sits upon his glorious Throne, he will reward us to the full. 6. To beg grace and mercy at the Throne of Grace, that his glorious Throne may not dismay us, Heb. 4. ult 7. To set up a Throne in our Hearts to judge and condemn our selves; and then 1 Cor. 11. 31, 32. 8. To confess Christ here, Apoc. 3.5. Mat. 10. 32. 9. To follow Christ here, Mat 19. 28. 10. To be of a Royal Kingly spirit, and to minde the great things that are above, for we have a glorious One that will one day sit, &c. Coloss. 3.1,2.

Use 5. for Consolation: 1. Against the Afflictions that we suffer for Christ, 1 Pet. 4.12.13. 2. Against the shame and dishonour in particular that we suffer for him Act. 5.4 [...]. 3. Against want of great friends, which is a kind of glory. 4. Against Wealth and Riches, which is worldly glory, Gen. 31.1.

Ver.32. And before him shall be gathered all Nations. Doct. IV. from the Preparation to the Judgement, is this, That all Nations shall be gathered before the Lord Jesus at the Day of Judgement, Rom. 14. 10. 2 Cor. 5. 10. Apoc.20.12,13. 2 Thess.2.1.

For opening of which, let me shew 1. Who shall gather [Page 12] them. 2. By what means they shall be gathered. 3. In what manner. 4. Why they shall be all gathered before him. 5. The Uses.

For the first, Who shall gather them?

Answ. The Angels shall be imployed about them in ga­thering them together, Mat. 13.49. & 24.31.

For the second, By what means shall they be gathered?

Answ. 1. By the Power of Christ, Joh. 5.28,29. 2. By his Sovereignty, all Nations being his Subjects; which So­vereignty will then be shewed forth, and none shall resist, for then he will shew himself a King, Mat. 25.34. 3. By his commission that he gives out, Mat. 24.31. 4. By the signal Token of their Summoning before him, Ibid a great sound of a Trumpet. 5. By his own descent from heaven with a shout, 1 Thess 4.16. 6. By the will of Christ, Joh. 6.40.

Q. 3. In what manner shall they be gathered?

Answ. 1. Orderly; the dead in Christ shall rise first, 1 Thess 4.16. 2. Conspicuously, Apoc. 1.7. 3.Dread­fully to the wicked, 2 Cor. 5.10,11. Apoc 1.7. Mat. 24.30. 4. Comfortably to the godly, 1 Thess. 4.17,18. Luke 21.27,28. 5. Necessarily, there's no avoiding it, 2 Cor. 5.10. Rom. 14.10. 6. Suddenly and unexpectedly, 1 Thess. 5.1,2. Luke 21.35. 7. Speedily, Joh. 5. 28, 29. as soon as ever the Voice is heard, they shall come forth: so 1 Cor. 15. 51, 52. 8. Particularly; every person, one and an­other, man, woman and childe, 2 Cor. 5.10. 9. Severally, of all sorts ranks and conditions, High and Low, Rich and Poor, Noble and Ignoble, Kings and Subjects, Masters and Servants, Ministers and People, Parents and Children. 10. Certainly, Gods Word and Oath is to it, Rom. 14.10,11.

Q. 4. Why shall they be all gathered together before him?

Answ, 1. That every one may receive the due reward of their works, 2 Cor. 5.10. Rom. 2.6,7,8,9,10,11

2. That every one may give an account of himself to God, Rom. 14.12.

3. That every secret thing, whether good or evil, may be brought to light, Eccles 12.14. The secret good that the Saints have done, that they may have praise for it, 1 Cor. 4.5. and the secret evils that the wicked have done; the secret Plottings, Conspiracies, Combinations in a way of wickedness; the secret Mur [...]ers, Adulteries, Thefts, false Witness; the secret Atheistical, Profane, Blasphemous, Abominable Thoughts, and Wayes, and Workings, this way and that, which could never be discovered, which the Vultures eye could never see: that all these secrets may be made manifest to their shame and everlasting reproach, [Page 13] dishonour, and contempt: therefore all Nations shall be gathered before the Lord Jesus at the Judgement day.

4. That every knee may bow to him, Rom. 14.11. that they that would not stoop and how to his Scepter of Grace, may bow and stoop, and be broken under his Iron Rod, the Rod of his Justice and Severity.

5. That there may be an impartial dealing with every one of all sorts and conditions, that none may have any cause to complain, but every mouth may be stopped, Rom. 3 19. for when all come before him, and see that he is no respecter of persons, that he respecteth not the persons of Princes, nor regardeth the rich more then the poor, Job 34.19. but all receive according to their deserts, there can be no colour of just complaint against him, but all must needs say, It is just that is come upon them.

6. That there may be no vain Pleas preferred by any why they may not be judged, all Nations shall be gathered before him, to let them all see the unreasonableness of such pleas and excuses. There will be those that will plead as Mat. 7.22. & Luke 13.26. but as Christ will reject them, so the godly of all Nations (being of his minde) will look at them as frivolous pleas, for they approve of what he says, and so judge with him, 1 Cor. 6.2.

7. That the wicked may have all the shame and contempt that can be cast upon them, when their lewdness is dis­covered to all the Nations of the World, Da [...]. 12.2. Oh the confusion that will be upon all faces at that day! Oh the shame that will then cover them that have lived and died in their sins, at that day, when all the Nations of the Earth shall know what they have been! And surely, they that have been so cunning to hide their sin, God will shame them to purpose at that day.

8. That the godly may have all the honour that can be put upon them, All Nations shall be gathered before him, that the godly of All Nations may know and hear of what the Saints in all Ages have done, what holy thoughts they have had, what gracious words they have spoken, what blessed works they have done, what Prayers, Alms, Fasts they have performed, and all the good in any kinde, at any time, to any person, in any condition, that they have done. When All Nations that have been in All Ages shall know this, Oh what height of honour and renown shall the Saints have!

9. That he may separate one sort from another. But of that afterward in the Text.

10. That he may shew that in every nation, &c. Act. 10.35. [...] Pe [...]. 1.17.

[Page 14] 11. That he may declare that in Isai. 40.15,16,17.

12. That he may shew that he has some of all Nations where his Word hath come.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see the mighty Power of the Lord Jesus, that all the Nations of the World that ever were, or are, or shall be, cannot be able to resist, but they must all, will they will they, be gathered before him at the Judgement day. Great is the power of one Nation in one Age, but much greater the power of all Nations in one Age; but all Nations in all Ages have farre greater power then the other: But how great soever their power is, they will not be able to put any of it forth at that day against the Lord Jesus, but must be gathered all before him, and come to Judgement. 2. We see what powerful Spirits the Angels are, and how they do excel in strength, who are to be imployed in gathering all Nations before Jesus Christ at the last day. Well might the Psalmist say, Psal. 103.20. We are not able to conceive how strong and powerful they be. 3. We see what great incouragement we have in the performance of secret duties and services, for they shall be made known one day, and rewarded open­ly before all Nations, Mat 6 4, 6, 18. secret Alms, secret Prayers, secret Fasts, that none have known of, that no mortal eye hath seen, shall be made known before all the Nations of the World at that day. 4. We see what great cause we have to beware of Hypocrisie, for it will come all out at that day before the whole World, Luke 12. 1, 2. There are those that can feign themselves just men, and can smoothly and demurely carry themselves, as if they were truly godly, and seem to be forward in the waves of God, and out-stripped others, and yet have false and rot­ten hearts, and they may think well of themselves, and others may think well of them, and yet be vile Hypocrites, keeping some lusts that they will not leave: But these shall be discovered before all the Nations of the World at that day, Prov. 26.23—26. 5. We see how happy the con­dition of the Saints will be at that day, for all the World shall then know what they are. Here they have been cen­sured for Hypocrites and Dissemblers, for loathsome and vile persons▪ as Christ himself and John Baptist were, Mat. 10.25. & 11.18,19. Joh 19.12. and have go [...]e for this and that and the other in the repute of men, and have had many grievous Crimes laid to their charge, as Tertullian speaks of the Christians in his time: but at that day, when all Na­tions shall be gathered before Christ, then the whole World shall know what they are, and what wrong they have under­gone [Page 15] for Christ Jesus sake. 6. We see that all the wic­kedness of the wicked shall then come out, though never so cunningly contrived, and secretly committed, and under­hand, and under board brought about; Murthers in the dark, Adulteries and other Filthinesses in the dark, all the Night-pranks, that they durst not do in the day, that they would have been afraid that the Sun should have looked upon, these shall be known at that day, when all Nations shall be brought before Jesus Christ, Eccles 12.14. 7. We see that all unrighteous and ungodly persons that have been shameless in their wayes here, shall be horribly ashamed and confounded at that day, for then all Nations shall be gathered before him. Who is able to conceive the shame that such shall then be filled with? Oh the blushing that will be upon their faces, when all Nations shall know what vile persons they have been! Dan. 12.2. If Davids shame was great, when God threatned to punish him openly, and before the Sun, 2 Sam. 12.12. Oh what shame and disho­nour will cover them, whose wickedness shall be made known before God, Angels, and all the Nations of the World [...] 8. We see that all the Nations are nothing to God, Isa. 40.17. Oh who would not then fear him! Jer. 10.7. 9. We see how vain a thing it is for a man to resist and fight against God, when all Nations cannot do it, Acts 5. 39. 10. We see the miserable case of those Nations that know not God at that day▪ Jer. 10.25.

Use 2. for Terrour: 1. To all those that rejected Christ and his words here, and would none of him, they must all be gathered before him, 1 Pet. 4. 17, 18. Hebr. 2. 2, 3.

2. To those that have been vile in secret, Ephes. 5. 12.

3. To those that have been cruel to his Saints. 4. To those that talk of his delay in Coming, Mat. 24.48.

Use 3. for Humiliation: 1. That we breathe no more then we do after that day. 2. That we are so apt to fear men, Luke 12.4,5. 3. That we are so apt to be troubled at a company that rise up against us, 2 King 6.16. 4. That we glorifie and honour Christ so little, that hath all Na­tions at his command.

Use 4. for Exhortation: 1. To tremble to sin against Christ Jesus, that will convent all Nations before him.

2. To bow and stoop to his golden Scepter of Grace, that all Nations see us not broken with his Rod of Iron, Psa 2.9,12.

3. To beware that we resist him not, nor the motions of his holy Spirit, nor quench, nor grieve him. 4. To set up a Tribunal in our hearts before hand, that though it go [...] with the most of all Nations, yet it may go well with [Page 16] us, 1 Cor. 11.31,32. 5. To gather our selves together in a way of Repentance before this great gathering day▪ Zeph. 2. 1. 6. To get under Christs gathering wing, Mat. 23. 37. 7. To gather with Christ, Mat. [...]2. 30. 8. To Watch and pray alwayes, that we may be counted worthy to escape, &c. Luke 21. 36. 9. To gather in company with Saints here, in performance of such Duties as may sit us for this great gathering day, Mal. 3.16,17. 10. To beware we gather not in company with wicked men, lest we be scattered to our eternal ruine in that day. 11. To disperse and scatter abroad what God hath given us to the poor, Psal. 112. 9. Mat. 25. 34, 35. 12. To gather up all the words of Grace we hear into our me­mories and hearts, if Joh. 6.12. then, &c.

Use 5. for Consolation: 1. Against all the corrupt cen­sures of wicked men against the Saints; at that great ga­thering day they will be cleared. 2. Against the false imputations that Satan brings against them, he shall be found a lyar before all Nations. 3. Against the tyranny of Antichrist, and those that take his part: his wicked­ness will then appear before all Nations. 4. Against those wicked deeds and hard speeches that ungodly men have been guilty of, Jude, ver 14,15.

Ver. 32. And he shall separate them as a shepherd, &c. Doct. V. That Christ Jesus will at the last day separate the Elect and Reprobate one from another: They are mingled together here in Town-Societies, in Countrey-Societies, in Church-Societies, in Family-Societies, in all kinde of Relations, but then they shall be separated.

For the opening of which, let me shew 1. How he will separate them. 2. Why. 3. The Uses.

For the first: He will separate them as a Shepherd se­parateth his sheep from the goats.

Q. 1. How is that?

Answ. 1. Prudently, making a difference between the one and the other: here they are not so easily discerned to have such a difference made, the one is taken for another, and we cannot so well distinguish between them, but at that day there shall be a distinction made, Mal. 3.17,18. 2. Warily and carefully, so that there shall not be so much as one of the Elect among the Reprobate, nor one Repro­bate among the Elect: he knows all his Elect by their names, Joh. 10.3. 3. Diligently, as the Shepherd looks up diligently all his sheep, that not one of them may be, lost, or missing, or mingled with the goats: so will the [Page 17] Lord Jesus i [...] this separating work look that none be want­ing John 6. 39. For else there could not be a due separa­tion made. 4. Exactly and exquisitely: here an exact separation cannot be made, no not in the best societies that are, let officers in Churches be never so vigilant, let bretheren be never so careful who they admit into their Fellowship and Communion, yet some Hypocrites will get in and trouble Churches and defile and leaven them, 1 Cor. 5.6. but at that day Christ will be exact in separating the one from the other, no wicked persons shall thrust in a­mong the elect saints: there will be an exquisite separation then made, Psal. 1. 5. 5 particularly one by one, he shall shew that this is a sheep and this a goat for every man must be Judged one by one, 2 Cor. 5.10. & therefore [...] sepa­ration shall be one by one in a personal and particular way. 6. Evidently and manifestly, so that it may be known which are which; there is no sheep shall so much as seem to be a goat, nor no goat so much as seem to be a sheep, they shall be evidently manifested what they are. Esau shall not seem to be Jacob, nor Jacob Esau, it shall be as conspicu­ous as the Sun at noon day who they are both of one kind and of another. 7. Openly before all, so that though the wicked should beg and plead never so hard to be as the Righteous, yet a separation must be made between them and all shall see it, for this separate on must not be made in secret or done in a corner, but every eye shall see it.

Q. 2. Why will the Lord Jesus make such a separation at that day? Ans. 1. For the Terrour and Amaze­ment of the wicked, that they that abhorred the Saints com­pany in their life time, and would [...] with none but such as were like themselves, may not so much as be admitted in­to the Saints company at that day, they scorned the Saints fellowship when time was, & now they shall have none of it, and this must needs amaze, & be a terrour to them. 2. For [...] shame of hypocrites who were sometimes in company with the Saints, but not caring for them, but secretly despising them in their hearts, are now to be for ever removed from them, and this must needs fill their faces with shame▪ and cover them with confusion as with a mantle before the whole World. 3. For the comfort of the Saints, that they that have been troubled that they have been among the wicked to hear and see their wickedness as Lot was, 2 Pet. 2. 7, 8. and glad of the fellowship of Godly Pious ones, psal. 16 2. may now be for ever separated from all the wicked, and have the fellowship of the Elect for ever: this must need [...] rejoice their hearts. 4. For the [Page 18] welcome of the Saints together, some whereof have known one another and seen one anothers faces and sweetly con­versed together upon Earth, and others of them never knew nor saw each other: when they all meet together, Oh the sweet acquaintance they will take of one another▪ the Blessed welcome they will give one to another, it will be a comfortable meeting when they all thus meet together. 5. For the ugmentation of the misery of the Reprobate who when they all come together shall be torture and tor­ment one to another, especially they that have been com­panions in wickedness together when the whole Mass and pack of them come together and have none but such as themselves are, O what a wofull condition will they then be in, its unspeakable what their misery will be, incon­ceiveable what the torment of their Soules will be, when they all come together at the time that this separation shall be made between the Elect and them 6. For the glory of the Lords mercy and Justice in the discovery of those who are Elect and [...]f those that are reprobate, for as his mercy is Glorified on the Elect vessels of mercy, Ephe. 1. 6. so his Justice is Glorified on the vessels of wrath, Pro 16 4. and both will be [...] in the day of this separation. 7. For the manifestation of them, 2 Tim. 2. 19. for he had need know those that are his, that makes such a separation. 8. For the incouragement of the Lords people now in a way of well-doing, for though at present there seem to be little difference in some respects between them and others, Eccl. 9. 2. yet then there will be a difference made.

Use [...] For information: 1. We see that wicked men shall not [...]-yes be an affliction to the Saints, they shall not all­waies be thornes in their eyes▪ and pricks in their sides, by being in company with them, for at the Judgment day they shall never be troubled with them more, the Lord Jesus will make a perfect separation between one and the other, they may trouble them here, and fret and grieve their Spi­rits, but when the separation is once made, then they shall never afflict them more. 2. We see how patient the Saints should be in all the tribulations that they suffer for Righte­ousness sake from evil men, for there will be an end of them in the day of separation, when neither they shall come to us nor we to them, Jam. 5.7,8. 3. We [...] just the Lord is in his dispensation of himselfe to evil men, they could never [...] to keep company with the Saints on Earth▪ and at that day they shall be separated from them and never come at them more. It was a trouble to them to be with them at any time, and they were never well [Page 19] till they were out of their company, and God is just in parting them asunder for ever [...] them. 4. We see that though false-hearted and hypocritical Professors can­not alwayes be discovered here, yet they cannot be bid then, when the day comes wherein Christ will separate be­tween the Elect and Reprobate, Some are more gross, and cannot be hid here, 1 Tim. 5. 24, 25 but some are more close, and they are left to be discovered at that day, as Mat. 7.22,23. Luke 13.25. 5. We see that separation from true Churches, where the Ordinances are, though some not so purely dispensed, where many Saints are, and where the Lord is blessing, assisting, and breathing in those Ordinances and Saints, is certainly not of God, if we can with freedom i [...]joy them; for, if God be there, Shall mortal man be more just then God▪ shall a man be more pure then his Maker? Job 4.17. The separation of Elect and Reprobate is reserved to the great day, and who of us know who they be? see Jude ver 19. 6. We see that though Hypocrites may get into Churches, and may be thought as good as the best, and who but they: yet they shall not be able to get into the Church of the First born, into the Congregation of the Righteous: They, as well as others, must be separate from the Elect of Christ at that day. 7. We see what need there is that we should se­parate our selves what we can from the courses and com­pany of evil men, that we know to be such, Num. 16.26. 2 Cor. 6.17. 8. We see how tender we should be in cen­suring and judging others, for they may be better then we think they are; till the day of separation we cannot tell what they may be, Matth. 7 1. Jam 3. 1, 2. 1 Cor. 4. 4, 5. 9. We see that it is not safe in ti [...]e of temptation to con­clude against our selves, or pass a rash sentence against our selves, for we may be deceived. It is Christ that must make the separation, and not we, Lam. 3.18. Psal 31.22. 10. We see how dangerous it is to forsake the assemblies of the Saints, and the company of Believers: for if we do, God may justly separate between us and them another day, Heb 10.25,26. so Psal. 122.1. & 26.8,9. 11. We see how blessed a thing it is to converse with Saints, and to be de­lighted in their fellowship, for they shall all be together at the separation day. 12. We see that good men have no cause to envy evil men, because outward things prosper to them, & themselves are sometimes in adversity; for though the condition of evil men seem better for the present, in the day of separation, it will appear farre otherwise, Psal. 37.1,2. & 73.1,2,3,4,5,6,19,20. Jer. 12.1,2,3.

[Page 20] Use 2. for Terrour: 1 To those that despise the Saints, and will have none of their fellowship here; they shall for ever be separated from them at the last and great day. 2. To those that separate themselves from Church assem­blies where the Saints are, and Ordinances duely admini­stred and held up in their Purity, had rather be at home, or in corners, with some of their own faction and erring way, Jude, ver. 19 such may well fear that they shall never come in company with the Saints at that day.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To have no fellowship with the workers of iniquity, Prov. 1.10,11,12,13,14,15. & 4.14,15. Psal. 1. 1. for there must be a separation made between the Saints and these, 2 Cor. 6.17. 2. To long for the time when this separation shall be made, for here evil men are a great burthen to all Societies and places where they are, Apoc. 22.20. 3. To submit to the will of God, if we be cast upon such places where evil men be; for the day of separation is hasting, when we shall be never troubled with them more. 4. To make sure that we be not of that number that shall be separated from the Elect Saints at that day, 2 Pet. 1. [...]0. 5. To converse with good men, and walk in their way, Prov. 2.20. 6. To us Ministers, to separate between precious and vile, Jer. 15.19. Ezek. 44.23. 7. To make a difference between men and men, in our discharge of our duty to them, Jude, v.22,23. 8. To put a difference between them in our beneficence to their outward man, Gal. 6.10. 9. To think charitably of our brethren, 1 Cor. 4.4,5. for we know not who they be that are to be separate. 10. To take heed of Hypocrisie, Luke 12.1,2.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. Against the disturbances that Saints meet with from the company of evil men, they shall not alwayes be a trouble to them, but be for ever deliveres from them, as Moses said, Exod. 14 13. So here. 2. Against that small difference that the Lord seems to put between his own and others, as Eccles. 9.2. he will put a difference at that day. 3. Against all the Slanders that are cast upon them, it will be well enough known what they are, when the separation day comes. 4. Against the hypocritical censures of false ones against the righteous, Jam. 3.1.

Ver.33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, &c.

Doct. VI. is this, That the Lord reckons of his Elect as his sheep, and of Reprobates as goats.

We will speak of the first Branch first, That the Elect are sheep: so they are often called, Job. 10,3,4,11,14,26,27.

[Page 21] For opening of which, let me shew 1. In what respects they may be said to be sheep. 2. Why his sheep. 3. The Uses.

For the first: They may be said to be Sheep, in sundry respects. 1 In that they are marked out, for so are other sheep marked, and so are these, Iohn 1 [...].14,27. 2 Tim: 2. 19. 2. Sheep are meek and milde Isay 53 7. dumb when before the shearers, when in the Batchers [...], So was the Shepherd, and so are they Psal:44. 21. 2 Chron: 24 21, 22. 3. Sheep are serviceable to the owner, with their milk and with their wool, and with their increase. So are the elect Saints Acts 13.36. Rom: 1:9. Acts 26.7. 4. Sheep are easily ruled by the voyce and whistle of the shepherd, So are the Lords elect ones, easily ruled, a word from his mouth rules them Iohn 10. 27. 5. Sheep of all other creatures, are most simple, and unable to defend themselves Mat: 10.16. and most subject to be made a prey of. So the Saints Heb: 11.35.36,37. 6. Sheep are most acute and exact in knowing their shepherd, so the elect Saints are ve­ry skilful, in knowing Christ, Iohn 10.14. 7. Sheep have nothing in them but is of use, their very dung is not ex­cepted. So all of the Saints is of use, even that that is the worst of them, their afflictions, their Sinnes. 8. Sheep when they are killed they are wholy for their Masters use, so the Saints when killed are wholy for their Masters use and service, then they are wholy for him: though their bo­dies be unserviceable, yet in their soules they are most ser­viceable. Hebr. 12. 23. 9. Sheep keep together and feed together: so doe the Saints love to be together, Act. [...]. [...], Mal. 3. 16. 10. Sheep doe then most flock together in stormy times, so doe the Saints, they are most together at such times, love one another best then, Mal. 3. 16. 11. Sheep are very obnoxious, to be devoured and spoiled by dogs and wolves: so the Saints, Mat 7. 15. Act. 28. 29. 12. Sheep are subject to great scattering, so the Elect to be scattered by persecution, Act. 8. 4. Jam. 1. 1. 1 Pet. 1. 1.

Q. 2. In what sence are they his sheep?

Ans. 1. He hath bought and purchased them 1. Cor. 6. ult 2. He hath marked them out for himselfe. 3. He leades them, Joh. 10. 4. He knowes them, Joh. 10. 14. 5. He laid down his life for them, Joh. 10. 11. 6. He rules them by his rod and staffe. 7. He feeds them and causes them to lie down &c. Psal. 23.1,2. 8. He tenders them, Isai. 40. 11. 9 He preserves them in dangers, Psal 23. 4. 10. He sets his dogs upon them, Satan and his Instruments.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see that the Lord will [Page 22] not let his Elect want pasture, Psal. 23. 1, 2. John 10. 9. he will feed their soules with spirituall food, [...]. 34. 14. 2. We see a reason why they are so apt to wander and goe astray: so doe other sheep, and so doe they, Psal 119. ult. Isai. 53. 6. 3. We see a reason why he will reduce there and gather them from their wanderings; they are his sheep, and he will reduce them from their erring paths, Ezek. 34. 12. 4. We see why he gives such charge to his Ministers to feed them, they are his sheep, John 21. 15, 16, 17, 2. Tim. 4. 1, 2. 1 Pet. 5. 1, 2. 5. We see that surely the Lord will safely fold them up in his church here and in the king­dome of glory hereafter Ezek 34. Hebr. 12. 23. and that's a good fold indeed. 6. We see that he will surely gather the scattered of the Jewes together though they have been so long dispersed, John 10. 16. 2 Cor 3. 16. Hos. 3. ult. Rom. 11. 25, 26. 7. We s [...]e the mercy of the Lord to­wards us and the freeness of his grace in that he hath passed by so many thousands of Men and Angels and hath made us the subjects of his Electing love, made us his sheep when there are so many reprobate goats, Ephes. 1. 3, 4. 8. We see a reason of the patient suffering of the Saints in all ages. 9. We see how precious the Saints should be to us they are his chosen flock, and the sheep of his Pasture. 10. We see the miserable condition of those that are cruel to the Saints and kill them, they shall one day know whose sheep they were that they have been thus cruel to

Use 2 for Humiliation: 1. That we do so little resemble sheep. 2. That we are rather woolves then sheep one to an­other, makeing a prey one of another. 3. That we are so ig­norant in not discerning sheep from goates & goates [...] sheep

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To hear the voice of our blessed shepherd, John 10 27. 2. To follow him who goes before us and to be content to be led by him, ibid. 3. To be of a meek and patient spirit in all our sufferings as becomes the sheep of Christ, Hebr. 12. 1, 2, 3. 4. To feed in our green pastures and to thrive under the meanes God afford, 2 Pet. 3. 18. 5. To be thankful that he folds as in his Church here Psal. 23. ult. 6. To long to bee folded up in glory. 7. To pity those that want means that are faint and scattered as sheep without a shepherd. Mat. 9. 36. 8. To beware of woolves in sheeps clothing, Mat. 7. 15. sheep know one another. 9. To converse together much especially in evill times, Mal. 3. 16. Act. 2. 4 [...] 44. 10. To be harmeless as sheep are, Phil. 2. 15.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. That he will not see any of them lost: John 6. 39. & 10. 28. 2. That the Lord will be [Page 23] very tender over them, Isai. 40 11. 3. He will save them from dogs and wolves and all that would [...] upon them and [...] them. 4. That he will gather them to­gether into one blessed told, the whole company of his Elect ones.

Having finished the first branch of the sixth Doctrine,

That the Lord reckons of the Elects as his Sheep, It re­maines that we come to the second part, That the Repro­bates are goats.

For the opening of which, let me shew, 1. In what respects they may be said to be goats. 2. The Uses.

For the first, They may be said to be goats in many res­pects, 1. Goats are refractory and unr [...]ly creatures, all that know them, know this [...] item: So are wicked men and reprobates, of refractory and unruly spirits▪ will nor be ruled neither by the Lawes of God nor men, but break through all the [...] that God and men have set them: Hence they are called children of Be [...]al, 1 Sam: 2.12. and children of the wicked one, Mat: 13.38. and of the [...]e­vil, Iohn 8. 44. and Iohn 3.10. 2, Goats are harm full creatures, and make great spoyl where they come, if they get into an orchard, they will do much mischief, and so in other places, barking and pilling, spoiling and [...]illing all sorts of trees: So are wicked men and reprobates harme­full creatures, Prov: 4.16,17. Psal. 55.15. & 36.1,2,3,4. 3. Goats will do a great deale of harme in a little time, in one half hour they will do more harm sometimes then they are worth, when they come into some places: So it is with these men, Prov: 1.16 Rom. 3.15 Habak. 1.8. 4. Goats especially the great bee goats▪ thrust will [...] shoulder and push the weaker cattell with their bornes Ezek▪ [...]4.21. He compares Tyrannical men to such creatures, and in­deed great men like the hee goats thrust with side and shoulder, and push with their hornes against weaker ones, oppress and vexe them, Isai 3.14.15. Mic [...]b 2.1 2. & 7.3,4. 5. Goats are wanton and libidinous. So are these men▪ 2 Pet: 2.14,18. Lude verse 8. ler 5.7.8. Hos. 7.6 7. 6. Goats are climbing creatures, sometimes will get up to the tops of houses, and tops of rocks and mountaines: So are these of a climbing aspiring nature, of a ambitious spi­rits Esther 3.1,2. & 6.6 7.8.9. 2 Sam: 15.4. Acts 12.21,22,23: Sam. 17.23, Acts 8.9, [...]8,19. 3 Iohn 9. 7. Goats are wandering creatures▪ straying from one mountain to another: So these men, Psal: 9 5.10. Ezek: 44.10. Rom: [...] 12. [...]er: 2,5. 8. Goats are unsavory and cast a [...] sent [Page 24] where they come: So do these men, they are unsavory in their communication, unsavoury in their conversation, hence 1 Cor: 15.32,33. Ephes. 4.19. [...]ges 19.22, there are some that are so unsavoury, Isai 3. 9. that they de­file all the places where they come, and cause Religion to stinke, and the name of God to be evill spoken of, Rom: 2. 24. 1 Sam 2. 17. 9. Goats are more usefull when they are dead then when alive. So evil men when dead make some the better for them, then some that fear God are bettered in their estates by them, Eccl. 2. ult. then the poor some­times have something by them, for Provverbs 28. 8.

10. Goats will fight one with another: so evill men will quarrell one with another, Drunkards at their caps, un­clean persons will fight for their Mistresses, proud persons will contend one with another for preheminence & priority and for the wall, and who should sit highest at feast, and in synagogues, and the contention sometimes is so hot, that it comes to loss of bloud. 11. Goats commonly goe to­gether and care not to be with the sheep: So evill men care for no other company but such as are like themselves, drunkards goe together, Isai. 5. 12, 13. Adulterers goe by troopes Jer. 5. 7. Gen. 19. 4. robbers goe by companies. Hos. 7. 1. gamesters throng together. 12. Goats com­monly have one among them that is the chief, that leades the rest; so among evil men, and at their several companyes; there is commonly one leading man that the rest follow in a way of wickedness: Antichrist is [...] leader of all his party; Korab was the leader of all his rebellious company, Numb. 16.1. Demetri [...]s the Silver-smith was the leader in that Tumult at Ephes [...], Acts 19. Alexander the Copper-smith was the leader in that opposition against Paul, 2 Tim. 4. 14.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see what dishonour evil men do put upon themselves by their sins, in that they are compared to Goats, which have so many evil properties, as have been spoken of. 2. We see the truth of that in 1 Sam. 2.30. God himself styles them Goats: they have put dishonour upon him, and he will put dishonour upon them. But of that more in the next Note. 3. We see that men make themselves bruitish by their sins: Sin does un-man those that are given to it. 4. We see how loathsome and unsavoury evil men are in the nostrils of God, in that he compares them to stinking Goats. Hence God is said to abhorre them. Psal. 10.4. and their services, Isa. 1. 11. 12, 13. [...]. Hence their thoughts are said to be an abomination to him, Prov. 15.26. and their sacrifices, ver. 8. and their [Page 25] way, ver. 9. 5. We see how earthly-minded such men be, and how sensual; for they follow the lusts of the fresh, and the lusts of the eyes, and the pride of life, they have no se­rious thoughts of God, or of Heaven, but all for the satis­fying of their sensual appetites, and unclean desires, and ambitious projects, and the like. They are Goats, 1 Job. 2.16. 6. We see that they that are of a Goat-like spirit, will be in a sad condition in the day of Judgement; it is a black Brand of a Reprobate. 7. We see what great difference the Lord puts between men and men, as much as is between Sheep and Goats. 8. We see that among evil men, they are the worst that are leaders in a way of wickedness: The leader causeth all the un­ruliness that is in the rest of the Goats. 9. We see what a sad judgement it is to do much mischief in a little time against our selves or others; it is a sign of a Reprobate and a Goat. 10. We see that Reprobates may be known by others, it is easie to know a [...]oat; a man of such a spirit, so continuing, we may say is a Reprobate. 11. We see that the more mischievous any be in the places where they live, the more they discover themselves to be reprobate Goats; for Goats are mischievous creatures. 11. We see that it is a dreadful sign of Reprobation, to be of an haughty and aspiring nature, to climb high, and to seek great things in the world, Prov. 16.18. & 18.12. and may be a curb to all proud spirits, that would fain be counted above the rest of their brethren: that spirit will undo any man, whoever he is.

Use 2. for Terrour: 1. To all wanton, lascivious, libi­dinous, and unclean persons, if God give them not Repen­tance they are in a state of Reprobation, 1 Cor. 6. 9, 10. Eph. 5. 5. 2. To all those that thrust with side and shoulder, and push with their horns those that are feebler then themselves, that abuse their power to crush and afflict the poor, and such as have no power to withstand them: it is a dreadful sign of Reprobation, 1 Thess. 4. 6. E [...]ph. 3.19. 3 To all those that are unsavoury in their communication, in their conversation, that cast a stinking scent in all places where they come: these are branded by the holy Ghost for Reprobates, they are like stinking Goats. 4. To all those that are unruly ones, that will not be fenced in with any Pale of Gods Law or Mans, but will break all bounds that are set to them, and leap over all hedges and fences that are made to restrain them: this is a sign of Repro­bation, Jer. 5. 5, 6.

Use 3. for Examination: Whether we have not the pro­perties [Page 26] of Goats? it concerns us to look to it, for it will be sad to be found among the number of Goats at that day.

Q. How shall me know?

Ans. Enough hath been spoken for discovery already: but let me lay down two or three Properties more

1. If we be of the number of Goats, we shall discover it by the wilde trips we shall take, and by the wilde leaps we shall make: for so do Goats they have many a wilde crop and leap; so such are unsetl [...]d leap from place to place, and keep not within their callings. 2. We shall discover it by the wildness of our fancies; for Goats have wilde fancies. 3. By the dangers we run into; for so do Goats run into dangerous places, big Rocks, &c. 4. By the places we haunt; for wilde Goats have their haunts in lone­some desolate places: if we haunt bad places, we had need fear that we are Goats.

Use 4. for Exhortation: To look to it that we be not found of [...] number at that day: And for this end we are 1. To forsake the company of such: for Goats will go to­gether. Prov. 13. 20. & 1.10.11, &c 2. To beware of filthy and corrupt communication, Eph 4.29. Col. 3 3. and conversation, 2 Pet. 2.7,8. [...] Be of an humble spirit, 1 Pet 5.5. for Goats are high climbing creatures. 4. A­dore we our Profession by a gracious Conversation; take heed we make not Religion to be abhorred, and to stink for our sakes. 5. To keep within our Callings, and not leap from one Calling to another, 1 Cor. 7.20. 6. To be­ware of an unruly spirit, Jam 4.7. 1. Pet. 2.13,14.

Ver. 33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, &c.

Doct. VII. is this That the Lord Jesus will honour his Elect, and put dishonour upon Reprobates at the day of Judgement. To be set on the right hand▪ is a sign of honour, as 1 Kings 2.19. and to be set on the [...] hand, a token of dishonour.

Reasons of the former Branch 1. They are they that have honoured him in this life, and he will honour them not onely here, but in another world, 1 Sam. 2. 30. 2. They have sought for glory and honour by patient continuance in well doing; they have sought it in a right way, and they shall have it, Rom. 2.7. 3. They are vessels of mercy pre­pared for it, Rom 9.23. 2 Tim. 2.20. and therefore shall have honour and glory bestowed upon them. 4. They are they that shall have dominion over the wicked, Psal 49.14. and this honour is part of that dominion. 5. They are the Brethren of Christ, and so acknowledged by him in the [Page 27] Text, and John 20.17. Heb. 2. 11, 12. and will not he ho­nour his Brethren? [...]. They are the Children of Christ, Heb. 2.13. and he will thin [...] no honour too great to be­stow upon them at that day. 7. They are the Members of Christ, who is the Head of his Body, 1 Cor. 12. Eph. 5.30. and he will surely put honour upon his Members. 8. They are they that he hath bought with an honourable price, [...] Cor. 6.20. Acts 20.28. 1 Pet. 1.18,19 And therefore He will be sure to honour them. 9. They are the first-fruits of his Creatures, Jam. 1.18. and the first fruits are honoura­bly received as a Present sit for Princes. 10. They are sit for honour, they are wisemen: Honour even in this world is not seemly for a fool, Prov. 26.1, but wise men are sit for honour, they know how to use it, to prize it, to praise God for it. 11. They are styled Excellent and Honourable even in this life, Psal. 16.3. Prov. 12.26. and therefore no won­der if the Lord put honour upon then at that day, 1 Pet. 2. 9. Apo [...] 1. 6. 12. They are they that shall bear his Image, 1 Cor. 1 [...].49. I Job. 3.2. and therefore no wonder [...]f he honour them, and in testimony of it set them on his right hand.

Reasons of the latter Branch; viz. Dishonour on Reprobats. 1. They have dishonoured him and despised him in their list upon earth, and he will dishonour and lightly esteem them at that day, 1 Sam. 2.30. 2. They have been un­faithful Stewards, and unprofitable Servants, and how should their Master do any other but put dishonour upon them: would any Master upon earth honour such servants. Luk. 16. 3. They are vessels of dishonour fitted for de­struction, 2 Tim. [...].20. Rom. 9.22. [...] therefore no wonder if he put dishonour upon them. 4. They have used his mem­bers and bretheren very dishonourably, put all the disgrace and dishonour they could upon them, Mat. 3. 10. 11, 12. Job 16. 23 & 15. 20. Hebr. 11. 35, 36, 37, 38. and can the Lord do any other but dishonour them that have put such dishonour upon his precious ones? 5. They have been ashamed of him and of his words, Mar. 8. ult. and if he be ashamed of them and refuse to honour them it is not to be marvelled at. 6 They are loathsome ones, and as God brings shame and dishonour upon them here, as it is in Prov. 13. 5. so also at that day. 7. They are an abomi­nation to the Lord in their thoughts in their services, in their waves, Prov. 15. 8, 9. [...]6. and is it meet then he should put dishonour upon them. 8 They are sit for no­thing else but dishonour, honour is unseemly for such fools 9. They are a dishonour sometimes to all their kindred [Page 28] and friends, a dishonour to their families to their neigh­bours to the places where they live; and what is meet to be the reward of such but dishonour? 10. They are the shame and dishonour of their Lords house, Isai 22. 18. and is not dishonour then fit to be their portion? 11. They are they that dishonour themselves dishonour their bodies by uncleaness by fond attyre, by long hair, 1 Cor. 11. and is it not meet that such should be dishonoured at that day? 12. They have been a dishonour to the Gospel, to the reli­gion they have professed, they have cast dirt and dishonour upon Churches, and if so, what can they expect, but dis­honour at Christs hand at that day?

Use 1. of the first Branch for Information 1. We see that the elect Saints need not be much troubled though they suffer some dishonour in this world, for Christ will honour them at that day. Acts 5. 41. & 16. 24,25. Heb. 12. 2. 2. We see how faithfull the Lord is in his promise, in that he will honour them that honour him. Hebr; 10. 23. who would not trust such a faithfull one? 3. We see the blessed condition of the Saints of Christ, that He himselfe will put honour upon at that day: Haman thought it a great part of his happiness, that he was so honoured by the King, and that he was in hope of more honour, Esiber 6. 5,6 But oh how happy are they that Christ will delight to hon­our at that day! 4. We see that we need never repent that we have been servants unto Christ, for we have served such a master as will surely honour us. If he that waiteth on his Master come to honour, Prov 27. 18. much more they that wait upon such a master as he is. 5. Wee see how contemptible the honour of the World should be, we should trample upon it with disdain, rather then lose the hope of Christs honour at that day. 6. We see that they that seeks Christs Honour more then their own shall be no loosers by it, for he will honour them at that day. 7. We see with what diligence, and chearfulness we should goe a­bout our Masters service, for he will Honour us at that day. 8. We see how tender we should be of the name of Christ, that no dishonour may come to him by our meanes, for he will set us at his right hand with Honour.

Of the second Branch. 1. We see how Just the Lord is, and how equal his wayes are in putting dishonour upon them that have dishonoured him, Ezek 18. 25. 2. We see the folly of those men, that seek Honour from men, and make it the chiefe thing that they desire after, alas these little think of the dishonour, that shall be put upon them at the day of Judgement. 3. We see the mischiefe [Page 29] that is in Sin, it puts the greatest dishonour upon those that are given to it. 4. We see the wofull estate of such Isai. 3 11. 5. We see that evill men shall find that y ^t they can least bear at that day, and that is dishonour. 6. We see the trueth of that in Prov. 3. 35.

Use 2. for Terrour: 1. To all high Climbing ambitions spirits, that covet to be above others. 2. To those that doe all they can to dishonour Christ, they shall have dis­honour for dishonour.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To Saints, 1. To Honour Christ Jesus, Psal 2. 12. 2. To rejoyce in hope of this honour Rom. 12. 12. 3. To long for the day when it shall be, [...] 22. 20. 4. To beware we dishonour not our selves but possess our vessels in holiness & honour, 1 Thes. 4. 3. 4. 5. To esteem highly of the reproach of Christ, Heb: 11. 26. 6. To do all that wee can for him. 7. To suffer any thing for him. 8. To stick constantly to him.

2. To evil man. 1. To tremble at the dishonour that shall then be put upon them. 2. To give honour to the Lord by Repentance, Faith, Obedience. 3. To despise worldly honours for Christ. 4. To hearken to Christ voyce. Prov. 1. 22,23,24,25. 5. To think of this lay often to prevent this evill. 6. To desire of God that whatever they have been formerly, they may not be found in that state.

Use. 4. for Consolation 1. Against the Worlds dishon­our that is put upon us. 2. Against the honour that wick­ed men have put upon them here. 3. Against all our feares left we should share in the dishonour at that day. 4. Against Satanical whisperers of Goat-like behaviour in former times.

Verse 34. Then shall the King say to them on his right hand &c.

Doct. VIII. That before the dreadfull Sentence of con­demnation be pronounced against the Reprobate, the elect Saints shall be absolved and acquitted. He begins with them first.

Reasons. 1. They are appointed to rise first. 1. Thes. 4. 17 and that may be a pledg of their Sentence of absolution, to be first passed upon them. 2. They are to sit with Christ to judg the world, and to judg Angels, 1 Cor 6. 2,3. and therefore it is meet they should be first absolved & acquit­ed, before y ^t sentence of condemnation be passed upon the reprobate. 3. The Lord will have them to be without fear at that day: now if they should not be first in their sentence of absolution, they could not chuse but be affraid [Page 30] at the dreadfull sentence of condemnation upon repro­bates: and therefore that the Judg may take away all fear from them at that day, he first begins with them, and ac­quits them. 4. That day is the day of their Redemption Luke 21. 28. and if it were not so, that they were first ac­quitted, it could not be so, for they would be in captivity to trouble and trembling, and then it could not be a day of redemption to them. 5. That day is a day of refresh­ing to the Saints, Acts 3. 19. and that it may appear to be a day of refreshing to them, they are first acquitted before the other are condemned. 6. The day is called the day of Restitution, Acts 3. 21. wherin all that the Lord hath promised, shall be restored to them, all their peace, all their comfort, all their p [...]viledges, all their honour shall be restored to them at that day: and therefore they are first to have the sentence of absolution passed upon them. 7. At that day they are to have dominion over the wicked. Psal. 49. 14. & this is part of their dominion, that they shall have the sentence of absolution first passed upon them. 8. That day is the day they love, 2 [...] 4. 8. The day they look for, Heb 9. 28. the day they wish & pray for, Cant. 8. 14. Apo. 22. 20. But suit would not be if y ^e Saints were not first to be absolved. 9 That day is y ^e day of clearing. 1 Cor. 4. 5. wherin hidden things are to be brought to light, and the Saints are to have praise of God, and when they come to be first absolved, then this will be. 10. That day is the day of Christ, Phil. 1. 6. and the day of God, 2 Pet. 3. 12. where­in the Wisedome of Christ and the Justice of Christ shall shine forth: and all these will appear manifestly, in passing the sentence of absolution first upon elect ones. 11. That day is called the great day. Iude verse 6. and that is one reason of it, in that the Lord Jesus will then make his name so great in the admiring of his Saints, 2 Thes. 1. 10. in the sentence of absolution that he first passeth upon them.

12. That day is the day when he will reward his servants, Apoe. 22. 12, and that is one principall thing in the reward of his servants, that he doth first cheer their hearts, in ab­solving them, before he come to pronounce the dreadfull sentence of condemnation against the wicked.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see how tender the Lord Jesus will be of his Elect ones at that day, that he will take away all cause of feare from them, he would have them without fear here, when they have most cause to be a [...]raid Lam. 3. 57. Isai 41. 10. but at that day he would not have them to have so much as a shaddow of fear upon them, and therefore takes a sure course to prevent it by ab­solving [Page 31] and acquitting them before he pass the sentence of Condemnation upon the wicked. 2 We see how desire­able that day should be to all y ^e Lords Elect Saints, for it is the day wherein they shall be fully acq [...]i [...]ed and absolved by the Judg of quick and dead well may they long and lo [...]k for that blessed day. 3. We see what love we should express to Jesus Christ, how can we love him enough, that will at that day so lovingly absolve and acquit us, a Male­factour would for ever love that Judg that when he might have c [...]d [...]mned him, will notwithstanding graciously acquit him, and that before he Condemn others: So much more should we, I Cor. 16. 22. 4. We see a reason why Christ shall be so glorified in his Saints at that day, 2 Thes 1. 10. there is good cause why it should be so, for he will first be­gin with absolving them, before he do any thing else at y ^e day of judgment. 5. We see why he should be the first and chief with us, the first in our desires, and above all others in our esteem, Psal 73. 25 Cant. 5. 10 for we shall be the first with him at that day, he will first acquit us before he do any thing else at the great day. 6. We see what great reason we have to justifie and clear him in all is dispansa­tions of himselfe to us, in all the afflictions, troubles, and all the evils that pass over our heads in this World, Psal. 51. 4. Nebem. 9. 3 [...]. for as he doth here acquit us in his word, and by his spirit, so at that day he will with his own blessed mouth pass the blessed sentence of absolution upon us, and it shall be the first thing that he will then do. 7 We see that what the Lord calls his Servants to, he will then surely inable them to, and remove that they might hinder them, he calls his servants then to an honourable work, to Judg the World, to Judg Argells, and that they may not be in the least surprized with fear and so hindred, he takes that away and first passeth the sentence of absolu­tion upon them, before he condemn the wicked World. 8. We see what tenderness we should use toward his Saints and people, we should do what we can to take them off from all their feares, such as are in temptation that are full of feares, if we judg them such as Christ hath acquitted and will acquit at that day, we should do as he doth, do what we can to take them off from all their feares, 1 Thes. 5 14. Isai 35. 3,4. 9. We see the Wisedome and Justice of Christ Jesus the Judge that he will have nothing to trouble is Saints with, it is the wisdome and justice of an earthly Judg to incourage those that are innocent and acquit them: So here 2 Tim 4. 8. 10. We see what great honour the Lord will put upon his Elect Saints at that day in that he [Page 32] will acquit them and absolve them before his Father and the Holy Angels and the whole World, it is an honour to a poor man that is brought before an earthly Judg to be acquitted before all the company that are present at the assize. Oh what an honour then will y ^e Lord Jesus put upon them that are his Elect at that day whom he will acquit before God, Angels, and Men, when the whole World shall be convented before him: Such honour have all his Saints, if the Psalmist said so upon a less occasion, Psal. 149. 9. much more may we say so upon this. 11. We see what a mercy it is to be acquitted here, in the assurance of the pardon of our Sins, Psal. 32. 1,2. for it is a blessed p [...]edg of our acquitting at that day. 12. We see how cor­dially the Lord Jesus will absolve his Elect ones at that day, for he it is that hath satisfied divine Justice, and payd all their debts for them, and therefore will heartily acquit them, and with much cheerfulness pronounce the sentence of absolution upon them.

Use 2. for Terrour to wicked men: For this must needs add to their Horrour and Amazement, that others are ac­quitted and themselves in a fearfull expectation of being Condemned. So it would be Horrour to those who were to be Condemned in mans Court, to see others acquitted first, and so it will be here, see Luk 13. 28.

Use 3. for Humiliation; 1. That we are so full of cen­suring of this and that body, how doest thou know but that thou censurest them that Christ Jesus will acquit at that day, Jam. 3. 1. 2. That that day is no more longed for and desired after, they that know they shall be acquitted, having gotten the Kings pardon, long for the day of Assize? So should we.

Use 4. for Exhortation: 1. To make sure of the pardon of our Sins here, that we may with comfort expect acquit­ting and absolution at that day, for Blessed is he, &c: Psal. 31. 1,2. 2. To make our calling and Election sure 2 Pet. 1. 10. for they are Elect ones that shall be absolved and acquitted at that day. 3. To sigh and groan earnestly in our desires after that blessed day, Apoc. 22. 20. Who would not desire to be acquitted and absolved by the Judge in the Judgment day? 4. To thank Christ Jesus who bath procured our pardon, and will then fully absolve us, and acquit us, Ephes. 1. 7. Mic. 7. 18. 5. To be the first in duty and service unto him who begins with us first in that day in absolving of us: see for illustration, 2 Sam. 19. 11, 12. we had not need be last in our duty to him, who makes us first in that day. 6. To honour the Lord Jesus by be­lieving [Page 33] in him who will thus honour us at that day. if 1 Pet. [...]. 17. then much more are we to honour him. 7. 10. wait patiently for his coming. Jam. 5. 7,8. 8. To Judge nothing before the time, 1 Cor. 4. 5. 9. To be weaned from mens praises, For what are these to this acquitting? 2 Cor. 10. 18. 1 Thes. 2. 6. 10. To rulers in the Com­mon Wealth to acquit those that are innocent, Deut. 25. 1.

Use 5. for Consolation: 1. Against all [...] private cen­sures and Judgments passed upon them whereby they are condemned of evill men, Christ Jesus will absolve them at that day, 1 Cor. 4. 3,4. 2. Against slanders more pub­liquely laid upon them, as Mat. 11. 18,19. Act. 28. 22. 3. Against the unjust and wrongfull sentences that are pas­sed in Judgment seats on earth Eccl. 3. 16,17. if they con­demn now and Christ acquit then, it's no matter. 4. A­gainst all the accusations of Satan, and all the false Charges that he hath brought in against them day or night Apoc. 12. 10. if Christ acquit at that day, who is he that shall Con­demn? Rom. 8. 35. 5. Against all the feares the Saints have in their own hearts, at that acquitting day and ever after they shall be free from all their feares. 6. Against mens light esteem of them, they shall be honoured with the first, and they only at that day.

Dect IX. is this, That the Lord Jesus in the day of Judg­ment will shew himselfe a King to his People. The King shall say, &c:

For opening of which, let me shew, 1. Wherein he will shew himself a King. 2. Why. 3. [...] Uses.

For the first, He will shew himselfe King. 1. In being invested wit glory as a King, Ver. 31. 2. In the atten­dance of his Courtiers. 3. In sitting as a King upon his glorious Throne, Ibid. 4. In Congregation all his Subjects and Enemies before him Ver 32. 5. I disposing them in their severall places Ver. 33. 6. In giving Sentence upon both, Ver. 34,41, &c 7. In rewarding his Subjects, and punishing his Enemies Ver. 46.

For the second Why he will then shew himselfe a King?

Ans. 1. From his Father. 2. From himselfe 3. From his Servants, both Subjects and Enemies

1. From his Father. 1. He hath highly exalted him after his deep abasement, Phil. 2. 7,8,9,10. 2. The Father is hereby glorified Ver. 11. 3. The Father Judgeth none but hath Committed all Judgement to the [...] Job. 5. 22. 4. The Father hath given him Authority to [...] Judg­ment [Page 34] [...] Job. 5. 27. 5. The Father loveth the Son and hath [...] things into his hand Job. 3. 35. even all power [...] and earth. Mat. 28. 18. 6. The Father delight­eth to honour the Son, and aims at his Honour in Com­mitting all Judgment to him, Job. 5. 22. 23. Phil. 2. 9,10.

2. From Christ himselfe, 1. He [...] fulfilled his Priestly and [...]ro [...]heticall Office, and neither of them he will exer­cise at that day but his Kingly Office, and therefore will shew himselfe a King then. 2. He is the designed King by the Father Psal. 2. 6. 3. He is appointed to Judg the world, Act. 17. 31. 4. He hath foretold his Kingly hon­our all that day, Mat. 26 64. Apoc. 22. 12. 2 Cor 5. 10. 5. He is Christ as well as Jesus, and therefore annointe [...] to the Office of a King as well as Priest and Prophet, Mat. 1. 16. 6. He is already Crowned Heb. 2. 9.

3 From his Servants, and that either Subjects or Enemies.

From his Subjects. 1. To comfort them, 1 Thes. 4. 17,18. 2. To give them rest, 2 Thes. 6. 7,8. 3. To reward then, Apoc. [...]2. 12. 4. To exalt them to be assessours with him, 1 Cer. 6. 2,3. 5. To own them as the blessed of the Father, Mat. 25. 34. 6. To possess them of the great inheritance of a Kingdome Ibid.

From his Enemies, 1. To terrifie them, 2 Cor. 5. 10,11. 2. To bring every thing to light, 1 Cor. 4. 5. 3. To set their Sins in order before them Psal 50. 21. 4. To con­vince of all that they have done and spoken against him, Jude ver. 14, 15. 5. To turn them out of his presence with distain, verse 41. 6. To punish them for their wickedness with endless, easeless, remediless torments, Mark, 9. 14.

Use 1. For Information: 1. We see how exceeding ter­rible the day of Judgement will be to Hypocrites and Re­probates; for the majesty of such a King will daunt them, his Looks will daunt them, his Words will daunt them and dismay them, his Attendance will daunt them, it will be a dreadful day to them, 2 Cor 5. 10,11. 2. We see how comfortable it will be to the Saints to see their King, and to hear the words of his mouth, and that their Saviour is to be their Judge. Surely the children of Sion will re­joyce in their King at that day, Psal. 149. 2. 3. We see what need we all had to hearken to him as our Prophet now, Mat. 17. 5. and to get him to be our Priest to make recon­ciliation, and to intercede for us; for then he will shew himself a King to judge us. 4. We see what cause we have to serve him awfully, diligently, sincerely and faith­fully, for he will come as a King at that day to be our Judge, Psal. 2. 11. Josh. 24. 14. 5. We see the misery of [Page 35] those that reject Christ, and receive not his words; they reject him that must be their King and Judge, and those words of his that they have not received, shall judge them at the last day, John 12. 48. 6. We see what need we had to live according to his Laws, and to be ware we break not his Commandments; for he will shew himself a King, to avenge himself of all those that transgress against him, Eccles. 12 13,14. 7. We see how able he is to reward all his servants; for he is and will they himself a King at that dry: His reward it with him, Apoc. 22 12. 28. We see what a glorious One [...], for we have a King to our Master, that will shew [...] self a King at that day, we need not be ashamed of his service. 9. We see that all his words at that day will be with power, whether in his Sen­tence of Absolution or Condemnation: see Eccles 8 4. 10. We see how ready and speedy-we should be in doing any thing that is his will to be done so do the servants of Princes and Kings, Ezra 7. 21.

Use 2. for Terrour: 1. To all those that have been re­bellious against with openly and continued in their rebel­lion; how will they look this King in the Face? 2. To those that have been secretly treacherous and false to him, this King will discover them at that day.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To kiss this King, Psa. 2, 12. as [...] and Sauby 10 1. 2. To prepare to meet him, Amb [...]4. 12. as [...] did David, l Sam. 25. 3. To do him [...], and be subject to him: if we must be sub­ject to the higher powers here, Rom 13. 1. [...]. 3. 1. much more should we be subject to him. 4. To rejoyce in him, Psal. 149. 2. 5. To love [...] of heart; if an earthly King; will be a friend for this, Prov. 22. 1 [...]. how much more will this King? 6. To should forth his praises; people give loud acclamations do their King, 7. To honour all his Children for the are the children of a King: if we must Honour [...] [...] Pet. 2. 17. then much more the chil­dren of this glorious King. 8. To present him with the first and best of what we have, Mal. 1. 14. to present him with the service of out first and best dayes Eccles. 12. 1.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. Against the enemies of Christ and his people, in that day he will destroy them all. 2. A­gainst the rebellions of our natures, and of our heart; at that [...] there shall be no risings thereof any more. 3. A­gainst the hard Laws of Tyrants, and their hard usage.

[...] Comforts: 1. That we shall be [...] enjoy peace in his Kingdome. 2. That we shall be alwayes in the presence of our King. 3. That the will be as willing as able to re­ward [Page 36] his servants, 4. That he will rule us, and bless us, and [...] a defence to us. 5. That we shall be pleased with [...]: see 2 Sam 3 36.

[...] is this, That the Lord Jesus will at the last day [...] his Elect ones, and [...] them come to him to [...] his sweet presence.

[...] 1. From his Father. 2. From Himself. 3. From his Saints.

From his Father. 1. He hath blessed them. So the text. But of that more hereafter 2. He hath given his Son out of love to them, Joh. 3. 16. & them to him, Heb. 2. 13. therefore no wonder if the Son be so willing to welcome and receive his Fathers gift. 3. The Fathers pleasure is to give them the Kingdome, Luke 12. 32. and if the Father so honour them, the Son will honour them with a blessed welcome into his sweet presence. 4. The Father hath called them to the fel­lowship of his Son, l Cor. 1. 9. and therefore no wonder if the Son admit such into his fellowship at that day. 5. The Father hath delight in the sight of the Lord Jesus and his children together, Heb. 2. 13. and therefore no wonder if he be so willing to bid them come to him. 6. The Fathers will is that none of them should be lost, John 6. 39 and if so, the Son cannot but gather them together to himself.

2. From Christ himself. 1. He hath promised, that where he is, they shall he also, John 14. 3. 2. He hath prepared a place for them, ibid. that they may be together. 3. He prayed for this when he was on earth, John, 17. 24. 4. He loves them, Deut. 33. 3. Psal. 146. 8. Gal 2 20, and they that love, are never well but when they are together. 5. He takes pleasure in his people, Cant. 2. 14. Psal. 149. 4. and if here, much more at that day, when all their rags are off, when in their Robes. 6. He shews himself and his Children as a pleasant sight for the Father to behold, Heb. 2. 13. and therefore cannot but at that day give them ad­mittance into sweetest fellowship with him, and say Come to them.

3. From the Elect Saints themselves. 1. They are Mem­bers of his Body, of his Flesh, and of his Bones, Eph. 5. 30. 2. They are his Brethren: so the Text: and brotherly Communion he thinks is meet; Brethren love to be toge­ther. 3. They have had fellowship with him on earth, 1 John 1. 3. and are styled his fellows, Psal. 45. 7. and will not he bid is fellows welcome at that day? 4. They have been troubled for nothing more then his absence, I, am. 1. 16. 5. They have desired his presence when they have wanted it, Psal. 42. 1,2. & 63. 1,2. & 84. 1,2. Jerem. 14. 8,9. [Page 37] 6. They have longed earnestly for the full fruition of him, [...] ult. Rev. 22. 20. and have looked for him, Phil. 3. 20

Use 1. for information: 1. We see the great love of the Lord Jesus, that not onely causeth us to come to him here in a state of Grace, but admits us, and invites us to come to him in a state of Glory. What love is there like to this loved Eph 3. 18,19. 2. We see the truth of that in John 6. 37. Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out. 3. We see what earnest desires we should have, to have commu­nion and fellowship with him here, for he will admit us at that day into full communion and fellowship with him, Job 22, 21. 1 John 1 3. 4. We see that the enjoyment of fellowship with Christ at that day, is the top of Glory, and the Heaven of Heaven it self. Christ said all and enough, when he said, Luke 23. 43. To day shall thou be with me: and the Apostle in Philip. 1. 23. 1 Thess. 4. 17,18. 5. We see how earnestly we should sigh and breathe in our desires after that day, to hear that joyful word, Come. Well may the Spirit and the Bride say, Come, Rev. 22. 17. well may each faithful Soul say, Come, to him, who will at [...] to them, Rev. 22. 20. 6. We see how ready we should be to come at his call, to come to him in a way of believing, John 6. 35. to come to him in a way of Repentance, Isa. 21. 12. to come to him in a way of Obe­dience, Rev. 3. 20. Well may [...] come to him all these wayes, who will speak that blessed word Come, to us at than day. 7. We see that we need not disdain to come after him, and take up his Cross, for this sweet word Come will be comfort enough after all our sufferings with him, and for him. 8. We see how joyfully we should call one upon an­other, to come and assemble together into, his House and Courts, Isa. 2. 2,3. Micah 4. 1,2. Zech. 8. 20,21,22. We may well come to meet [...] there, that will at that day meet with us, and say Come to us. 9. We see what great encouragement we have to invite him to come to partake in our Services and Duties, as Cant. 4. ult. This blessed Come of his at the last day, should put us upon inviting him to come to what we provide for him, his own precious fruits. 10. We see that the very meanest and poorest, and such as are most despicable in their own and others eyes, shall be then owned and accepted of him, and entertained into sweetest fellowship with him, for he shall say Come to them, at that day.

Use 2. for Exhortation: 1. To come before his presence with singing, Psal. 100. 2. And let this Come, put life and cheerfulness into all our Services in publick that [Page 38] are to be performed to him. 2. To come together in our more private Services, as they did of old, Mal 3. 16. 3. To come often before him in secret Duties, Matth. 6,4,6,16. Let this Come, make us come and perform secret duties. 4. To own him, and his Cause, and Saints, that will then own us. 5. To admire the Lords mercy to us, that he should give us any hope of hearing such a joyful word, who have deserved to be for ever abdicated from his presence. 6. To love his appearing: well may we do so, 2 Tim. 4. 8. 7. To give all diligence to make our cal­ling and election sure, 2 Pet.1 10. for Elect ones shall ne­ver fall. [...]8. To have no fellowship with the workers of iniquity, for they are no meet company for those that Christ will say Come unto at that day. 9. To bewail our long de­layes in coming to him: He hath said, Turn ye, turn ye, &c. Ezek. 33. 11. and, When shall it once be? Jerem. 13. 27. but we have made him stay long. 10. To pray earnestly that we may be in that number, Luke 21. 36. to stand before the Son of man.

Use 3. for Consolation: 1. Against the separation that others make from us: If Christ will own us, and say Come, it's no matter. 2. Against mens separating us from their company, Luke 6. 22. 3. Against Christs seeming dereli­ctions here, they may be the better born, if it that day he say Come to us. 4. Against Satans whisperings and false Charges.

Positive Comforts. 1. That we are happy, if all go, if Christ say Come to us at that day. 2. That if we never come to any thing in this world, it's no matter if he say Come at that day. 3. That they are blessed that have a portion in him, for he will then say Come.

Ver. 34. Come ye blessed of my Father &c.

Doct. XI is this. That the Elect Saints are the Fathers Blessed ones, and shall be pronounced such by the Lord Jesus at the last and great day.

For opening of which let me shew, 1. Wherein they are the Fathers Blessed ones. 2. How they come to be his blessed ones. 3. Why pronounced so. 4. The Uses.

For the first: Wherein hey are his blessed ones?

Answ. 1. He Ble [...]th the [...] with all Spiritual Blessings in Heavenly places in Christ Jesus, Ephes. 1. 3. 2. He Blesseth them with the Blessing of peace. Psal 29. ult. peace Ex­ternal. Psal. 147. 13. 14 Peace Internal, Rom 5. 1. Peace Eternal Isat 57. 2. 3. He Blesseth them with his Favour, Psal. 5. 12. 4. He blesseth them with deliverance from [Page 39] their Enemies, Psal. 3. 8. Deut. 28. 7. 5. He Blesseth them with success in their callings, Psal. 1. 3. 6. He Bles­seth them with fruitfulness in the season of it, ibid, it's a season to have the Soule afflicted in a Fast; they shall in that season bring forth that fruit: it's a season to rejoice in a feast day, they shall bring forth that fruit in that season: it's a season to consider in the day of adversity, Eccles. 7. 14. a season to pray in an afflicted condition, Jam 5. 13. it's a season to sing Psalms in an estate of Mir [...]n, and to be Joyful in prosperity: they shall bring forth these fruits in their seasons. 7. He Blesseth them in their Families, in their yoak fellowes, in their Children, in their servants, and sojourners, Deut. 28. 4. 8. He Blesseth them with the great Blessing of Eternal Life. 9. He Blesseth them in their outward Estate, Deut. 28. 4. 5,8, 11. 10 He blesseth them in all places where they come, Deut. 28 3. 11. He blesseth them in all estates that they are brought into, pros­perity is blessed to them, as to David, and Sol [...]man, and di­vers others, Abraham, and Lot, with many more. Adver­sity is blessed to them as to Job and Heman and sundry more: see Rom. 8. 28. no wind blows but brings them in profit, South-wind, North-wind make their Spices flow, Cant. 4. 16. 12. He blesseth them of what rank, and state soever they be of, and in all their relations, high and low, rich and poor, Noble and Ignoble: Parents are related to Children, and Children to Parents, be blesseth both, Gen. 17. 7. Psal 15. 13,14,15. Husbands to Wives, and Waves to Husbands, be blesseth both: how many blessed couples do we meet with in Scripture? Ministers to People, and People to Ministers; how many blessed societies have there been, and are at this day? 13. He blesseth them in their Spirits and Souls, by being with their Spirits by speaking in them, for it is the Spirit of their Father that speaks in them, Mat. 10. 20. by increasing his graces in them Psal. 9 [...]. 12. 13,14. Rev. 2. 19 14. He blesseth them with his presence in his Ordinances, Psal 84. 4.

Quest. 2. How come they to be his blessed ones?

Answ. 1. He hath chosen them, Ephes [...]. 3, [...] 2. He hath adopted them, Ephes. 1. 5. 3. He hath effectually called them Rom 8. 30 1 Pet 3. 9. 4. He hath justified and pardoned them, and therefore blessed them Psal. 32, 1, 2. [...]5. He hath sent his Son to bless them, Acts 3. 26. 6. He hath given his Spirit to them, Ephes. 1. 14,20,22. 7. He hath prepared kingdom for them, to the text. 8. He hath made us meet for this estate, Col. 1. 12.

Quest. 3. Why shall they be pronounced such at that day?

[Page 40] Answ. 1. For the glory of the Father, Son, an I Spirit, for these are glorified by this. 2. For the honour of the elect, for it will be their great honour to have this noble style put upon them at that day.

Use. 1. For Information, 1. We see of what precious esteem the Saints should be to us, for they are the Fathers blessed ones, their names should be precious, their soules precious, their lives precious, their deaths precious, every way precious they should be, for the Father highly prizeth them in making them his blessed ones. 2. We see that we can never be thankfull enough to the blessed Father, never bless him enough who thus blesseth us, Coloss. 1. 12. Ephes. 1. 3,4. Neh. 9. 5. 3. We see that it is no matter though men curse us, as long as we are the Fathers blessed ones, Psal 109. 28. David was never the worse for Shimeis cursing, 2 Sam 16. being one that was blessed of the Father. 4. We see what reason Governours have to bless those un­der them, 1 King 8. 55. Numb 6. 23-27. Ruth 2. 4. Gen. 28. 1,3,4. 5. We see how desirable that day should be to us wherein we shall be pronounced the blessed of the Father, that will be a blessed day indeed, Cant. 8. ult. Apoc. 22. 20. 6. We see what great reason we have to bless the Lords people, for they are the Fathers blessed ones: we should bless them with our prayers, bless them with our saluta­tions, bless them with our hearty desires for them, every way bless them; for the Father hath begun to us, and led us the way in making them his blessed ones, Rom. 12. 14. 1 Pet. 3. 9. 7. We see where is the original and rise of all Our blessedness, and whence it comes to us, it is from the blessed Father, he is the fountaine of it, we should never have been blessed had it not been for this blessed Spring, Acts 3. 26. Iohn 3. 16. 8. We see that the Lords Saints shall be blessed, for the Father hath blessed them: if Isaac said Gen 27. 33. much more is it true here. 9. We see the vanity of those that hold that the Heathens were saved, and are now blessed ones, how can this be, when they nei­ther knew the Father nor the Son by whom they must bee blessed. 10. We see what reason we have to bless those that curse us, for we are called to inherit a blessing and are the Lords blessed ones Mat. 5. 44. 1 Pet. 3. 9. 11. We see how unlike they are to the blessed Father, that curse those that he hath blessed, see Psal. 109. 17,18,19. and we see the trueth of that Gen. 12. 3. 12. We see that all those af­flictions that we meet with here, should be nothing to us, for in the midst of all we are the Fathers blessed ones.

Use 2. For Terrour, 1. To those that curse them, [Page 41] Numb. 23. 8. 2. To those that pray not for them, nor bless them, but do all the despite they can against them, 2 Sam. 16. Mat. 5.44. 3. To those that despise the Fathers bles­sing. 4. To those that hate them for this blessing, as Gen. 27. 41.

Use 3. For Exhortation, 1. To bless him that blesseth us, Ephes. 1. 3. 2▪ To delight in blessing them that are his blessed ones, Psal. 109. 17. 3. To honour the lord Je­sus that will honour us at that day, and stile us his Fathers blessed ones, John 5. 22,23. 4. To shew that we are the Fathers blessed ones, by being a blessing in all places where we come, Gen. 12. 2. 5. To bless our families, 2 Sam. 6. 20. 6. To believe our selves, and stirre up others in temptation to believe that they are the blessed of the Lord, Psal. 115. 15. 7. To detest the very thought of cursing him who maketh us his blessed ones, Levit. 24. 15,16,23. If to revile or curse an Earthly Ruler be so great and dangerous an evil, Exod. 22. 28. Eccles. 10. 20. what is it then to have an evil thought or word concerning the blessed God? 8. To beware we bless not with the mouth, and curse inwardly, Psal. 62. 4. 9. To be farr from envying evil men for what they have, for we are above them in the Fathers blessing, Psal. 73. 3. 10. To love the Father and Son.

Use 4. For Consolation, 1. Against the curses of sinfull men, they shall not take against us, Prov. 26. 2. 2 Sam. 16. 12. Neh. 13. 2. 2. Against the dreadfulness of the day of Judgment, we shall then be pronounced the Fathers blessed ones. 3. Against our own sinfull unbelieving thoughts. 4. Against the misprisions of men, they think evill of us, but it matters not if we be the blessed of the Father. 5. Against the forest afflictions and temptations, they shall be blessed to us, Rom. 8. 28.

Verse 34. Inherit the Kingdome &c.

Doct. XII. is this, That the estate that the Saints are to injoy in Heaven, is a Kingdome Luke 12. 32. Iam 2. 5. Luke 22. 28,29. 2 Tim 4.18.

For opening of which, let me shew, 1. In what respects it may be called a Kingdome. 2. Whence it is that they are to be possessed of this Kingdome. 3. What manner of Kingdome it is. 4. Why they shall have such a Kingdom. 5. The Uses.

For the first, it may be called a Kingdome, 1. In re­gard of the height of honour that they shall there be exalt­ed to: for a Kingdome is the highest honour upon earth; [Page 42] and hence it is called honour, Rom. 2. 7. 2. In regard of the height of happiness that there they are advanced to, for a Kingdome is the highest happiness in the world, and that Kingdome much more; they enjoy highest happiness there. If they be happy that dwell in Gods house on earth Psal. 84. 4. much more they that dwell there. 3. In regard of the pleasures that there they partake of, Psal. 16. 11. A Kingdome yields score of delights and pleasures: so this Kingdome. 4. In regard of the Riches of it. A Kingdome yields great wealth, the treasures of a Kingdome are un­known: so here Luke 12. 33. 5. In regard of the Do­minion they shall have over the wicked, Psal. 49. 14. They that enjoy a Kingdome have dominion over all: so here. 6. In regard of the Peace they have there; that's a King­dome indeed where there is peace, otherwise it is brought to desolation, Mat. 12. 25. Now in Heaven they are all at peace, Job 25. 2. hence Isa. 57. 2 7. In regard of the sa­tiety and fulness of satisfaction that it yields: What is there that may not be had in a Kingdome? much more may it be had there, Psal. 17. 15. If that be true in Psal. 36. 8. Oh what abundant satisfaction is there in Heaven! 8. In regard of the stability of their estates there: A Kingdome is stable thing, much more this, Heb. 12. 28. 9. In regard of the spaciousness of the place: A King­dome is a spacious place, John 14. 2. 10. In regard of the just Laws and Rules that are observed there: the will of God is there done, Mat. 6. 1 [...].

Q. 2. Whence is it that they are to be possessed of this Kingdome?

Ans. 1. By the Purchase of Christ, Eph. 1. 14. 2. By the Appointment of Christ, Luke 22. 29. 3. By the Pro­mise of Christ Jam 2. 5. 4. By the Prayer of Christ, John 17. 24. Heb 9. 24. 5. By the Possession of Christ for us Heb 6. 20. 6. By the Preparation of Christ, Joh. 14. 2,3. 7. By the sweet I [...]vitement of Christ: so the Text.

Q. 3. Whát manner of Kingdome is it?

Ans. 1. It is an Eternal Kingdome, 2 Pet. 1. 11. 1 Pet. 5. 10. 2. It is an Incorruptible Kingdome, 1 Pet. 1. 3,4. 1 Cor. 9. 25. Mat 6. 20. 3. It is an Undefiled Kingdome, 1 Pet. 1. 4. Rev. 21. ult. 4. It is a Safe Kingdome, Mat. 6. 20. we shall never lose our treasure there. 5. It is a joy­full Kingdome, Mat. 25. 21,23. 6. It is a Glorious King­dome, Psal. 145. 11. 7. It is a Kingdome that cannot be moved; Heb. 12. 28.

Q. 4. Why shall they have such a Kingdome?

Ans. 1. It is prepared of old for them: see the Text. [Page 43] 2. It is the Fathers good pleasure to give it, Luke 12. 32. 3. They are Sons and Heirs, Rom. 8. 17. 4. They, are pre­served to it, 2 Tim. 4. 18. 5. They are called to it, 1 Pet. 5. 10. 6. They have the earnest of it, Eph 1. 14. 7. They are Conquerours, Rev. 3. 21.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see what reason we have to prize the Lord Jesus, by whom we are invested into this high, and honourable, and happy condition, Mat. 13. 45,46. 1 Pet. 2. 7. 2. We see what little reason we have to de­spise the poor of this world, for J [...]m. 2. 5. they are heirs of the Kingdome. 3. We see the truth of that in 1 Pet. 2. 9. Rev. 1. 6. & 5. 10. 4. We see what [...] should render to Christ Jesus for this great dignity, Rev. 1. 6. & 5. 9, 10. 5. We see what great mindes we should have, and what great loo [...]s, for we are to have a Kingdome, 2 Cor. 4. 18. Col. 3. 1,2. we should not be taken up with these low matters here. 6. We see what great cause we have not to fear the want of outward things, for he hath given us that that is better, Luke 12. 32 7. We see what ca [...]e we have to exercise Faith, for our preservation to this happy [...] 2 Tim. 4. 18. 8. We see what reason we have to pray for the Coming of the Lords Kingdome Mat 6. 10. that we and all the faithful may share in it, and be partakers of it. 9. We see with what rejoycing we should think of the day of Judgement, for it is the day of our receiving a King­dome, our Coronation-day: Princes rej [...]yce to think of the day of their Instalment into their Kingdomes, how much ore should we? 10. We see what p [...]e [...]arati [...]ns we should make for this day: great preparations are made for the dayes wherein Kings are Crowned; O what prepa­tions should we then make? Mat: 21. 44. Luke 12. 40.

Use 2 for Terrour: 1. To those that by their sins de­prive themselves of this estate, their loss is a great, for they deprive themselves of a glorious Kingdome: they are foolish Kings that provoke God to rend the Kingdomes on earth from them, as S [...]ul and Rehoboam, and others have done; but no folly like theirs, that lose for trifles such a Kingdome as we speak of 1 Cor. 6 9, 10. 2. To those that despise the tenders of grace in the Gospel, and the wayes of God held out to them therein, they despise a Kingdome. 3. To those that walk like Peasants rather then Princes, Philip 3. 1 [...].

Use 3 for Exhortation: 1. To be of a Kingly spirit, having the great things of a Kingdome in our eye and [...] Mat 6. 33. 2. To be willing to suffer with Christ, Luke. [...]2, 28,29. 2 Tim. 2. 12. 3. To make our Calling and Ele­ction [Page 44] sure, 2 Pet. 1. 10, 11. 4. To let all go, rather them lose this Kingdome: Lusts, Honours, Pleasures, Wealth, Life, Heb. 11. 35. 5. To enjoy all here weanedly, Psal. 131. 1,2. 1 Cor. 7. 29,30 6. To bless God for this great dig­nity, 1 Pet. 1. 3,4 7. To strive for it, 1 Cor. 9. 25. what strife is there for earthly Kingdomes? many battels are fought for them. 8. To have Grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear, Heb. 12. 28. 9. To be Conquerours, Rev. 3. 21. 10. To beware we go not with the multitude, for it is the little Flock that have the Kingdome, Luke 12. 32. 11. To continue patiently in well doing, Rom. 2. 7. 12. To be rich in Faith, Jam. 2. 5.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. Against Poverty in the world, Jam. 2. 5. 2. Against Persecutions from the world, 2 Tim. 2. 12. 3. Against Satans wiles and snares; he may disturb them in their peace, but cannot take their Kingdome from them. 4. Against mens low esteem of them, and unworthy dealings with them; they are esteemed and used as Pea­sants, but they shall be Princes.

Positive Comforts 1. That all their enemies shall fall. 2. That they shall ever enjoy peace. 3. That they shall be made truly great. 4. That they shall never be moved out of their estate.

Ver. 34. Inherit the Kingdome, &c.

Dect. XIII. That the Kingdome that the Saints shall en­joy in Heaven, is estated upon them as an Inheritance: So 1 Pet. 1. 3,4. Heb. 9. 15. Acts 20,32. & 26. 18. Eph. 1. 11,14. Coloss. 1. 12. & 3. 24.

For opening of which, let me shew, 1. In what respects it may be said to be an Inheritance. 2. What manner of Inheritance it is. 3. Why they have it by Inheritance. 4. The Uses.

For the first: It may be said to be an Inheritance, 1. In regard of the purchase of it, Eph. 1. 14. Christ hath purcha­sed it for us: Inheritances are sometimes purchased; so this. 2. In regard of the gift of it: Inheritances are made over by gift; so this, Acts 20. 32. Coloss. 3. 24. 3. In regard of the new birth that we are partakers of, 1 Pet. 1. 3,4. Inheritances are often by birth; so this: not by our first birth, (for that damns us) but by the second. 4. In regard of the honour and dignity of it: Inheritances are honourable things that are estated upon men, much more this; no honour like to this. 5. In regard of the non­alienation of it: Inheritances are not alienated to stran­gers▪ [Page 45] so this Inheritance is not alienated to others, but is the propriety of the Saints, Acts 20. 32. & 26. 18. 6. In regard of the right of it to the first born: Inheritances are the right of the first born, so this Inheritance, Heb. 12. 23. 7. In regard of the Conveyance of it: an Inheritance is conveyed by the death of a father or friend; so is this In­heritance conveyed to us by the death of Christ, Heb. 9. 15, 16. 8. In regard of the reservation of it, 1 Pet. 1. 4. Inheritances are reserved for the right heirs; so this.

Q. 2. What manner of Inheritance is it?

Ans. 1. It is incorruptible, 1 Pet. 1. 4. 2. It is un­defiled, ibid. 3. It fades not away, ibid. Heb. 9. 15. 4. It is a goodly Inheritance, Psal. 16. 6, 5. It is a large Inheri­tance, Heb. 11. 14, 16. John 14. 2. 6. It is a costly Inheri­tance, Heb. 9. 15, 16. 7. It is a glorious Inheritance, Eph. 1, 18. 8. It is a bountiful Inheritance, Co [...]. 3. 24. 9. It is a joyful Inheritance, Mat. 25. 21,23.

Q. 3. Why have they it by Inheritance?

Ans. 1. They are joynt heirs with Christ, Rom: 8. 17. 2. It is prepared for them: so the Text. 3. They are cal­led to it, 1 Pet: 3. 9. & 5. 10. 4. They have the promise of it, Heb: 9. 15. 5. They have the earnest of it, Eph: 1. 14. 6. They have the hope of it, Col: 1. 5. 7. They have a taste of it in the peace and joy that they have here in their souls, Rom: 5. 1,2. 1 Pet. 1. 8. 8. The Lord Jesus their Head hath taken possession of it for them, Heb: 6. 20. 9. The writings are drawn, the Seals put to, the Witnesses are for the con­firmation of it, Heb: 6. 17,18. Eph: 1. 13. 1 John 5. 7,8,11. 10. They long for the day when they shall come to be pos­sessed of it, as other heirs do, Cant: 8. ult. Rev: 22. 20.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see what a firm state the Saints shall enjoy in Heaven, for its an inheritance; for what is held by inheritance is most firm, and sure, and stable hold, they shall never be removed from their blessed Te­nure in Heaven. 2. We see what a peaceable possession we shall there enjoy: Inheritances, of all other Tenures, are enjoyed most peaceably; they are most unquestionable te­nures, and therefore most peaceably possessed: so this, we shall never be disturbed when we come in Heaven. 3. We see what desires we should have after the possession of that estate: young heirs in minority long to be at a full age, that they may possess their inheritances; so should we, that we may possess ours. 4. We see in what esteem the Saints should be with us, for they are great heirs, and shall have a great inheritance another day: Great heirs on earth are esteemed highly; how much more should these? [Page 46] Psal. 16. 3. 5. We see what speedy endeavours we should use to get this inheritance [...] are too hastily gotten, Pro. [...]0. [...]1. but we cannot be too speedy in making sure of this inheritance, 2 Pet. 1 10,11. 6. We see what a rich and glorious estate [...] hath called is Saints unto in Heaven, it is an inheritance, Eph: [...], 17,18. 7. We see a reason of the great Attendance [...] the Saints have Heb: 1. 14. Psal. 34, 7. & 91. 11. 8. We see how weanedly we should enjoy [...] we have here, for our inheritance is not yet come, Heb: 11. 9. 9. We see way husbands should in­struct their wives, 1 Pet: 3. 7. 10. We see what little rea­son men have to be much taken with the greatness of any earthly inheritance. 11. We see a reason of that joy in Heaven, Lude 15. 7. 10.

Use. 2. for Terrour: 1. To those that sell away the hope of his inheritance for trifles, as [...] did his birthright. 2. To those that desperately out themselves of this inheri­tance by their gross sins, 1 Cor: 6. 9, 10. Eph: 5. 5. Gal: 5. 19, [...]0. 21 [...].

Use. 3. for Exhortation: 1. To bear afflictions in our [...] patiently, for our inheritance will shortly come to [...]s young heirs indure hardship in their minority; to must we, Gal: 4. 1. Heb: 12. 1,2, 2. To long to be at our full age, to be possessed of our inheritance: so do other heirs and so should we. 3. To make sure of this inheri­tance. And for that end, (1) Look to our Adoption, Rom. 8. 15, 16, [...]. (2) Look to our Sanctification, Acts: 20,32. & 26. 18. (3) Look to our Justification, Tit: 37. (4) Look to our [...] the Covenant Galat: 3. 18. (5) Look to our Patience. Heb. 6. 12,15. (6) Look we be victorious, Rev. 21. 7 (7) Look we get the earnest of it, Eph: 1, 14. 4. To endeavour to be meet for this estate, Coloss: [...], 12. And For this end. (1) Re in expectation of it, Heb: 1. 10. (2) Be thankful for it, Colo: 12. (3) Soek for it, and de­sire [...] it, [...] 1. 13,14. 15. 16. (4) Improve it; they are [...] his inheritance that can improve it, Heb: 12, 28. Col: 2. [...]. 3. 4. 5. 1 John 3. 2,3. (5) Let all go rather then lose it Heb: 1 [...], 34. (6) Seek it first, Mat: 6, 33. (7) suf­fer for it [...] 5. 10. 2. Thess: 1. [...], 5 (8) Rejoyce in lone of it, Rom: 5. 2 [...] 12. (9) Take it by violence Matt 11, 12. [...] Wait patiently for it, Hebr: 10. 36,31. 5. To prize it [...]: how do men prizes [...]eir inheritance 6. To beware we part not with it [...] 1 Kings 21. [...] 7. To lose our lives rather then let it go, ibid. 8. To estate our Children in this inheritance, Prov: 13. 22. 9. To be content though we have no earthly inheritance; we are [Page 47] sure of that tha'ts better, Heb: 10. 34. & 11. 16. 10. To rejoyce in Christ Jesus the procurer or it, Phil: 3. 4.

Use. 4. for Consolation: 1. Against all earthly discou­ragements and wants. 2. Against Satans accusations: he shall not out us. 3. Against our own suspicious, 4. A­gainst mens cavils.

2. Positive Comforts: 1. That we shall never be turned out of our inheritance. 2. That enemies cannot strip us of it, as Lam. 5. 1, 2. 3. That within a little time we shall enjoy it, Heb. 10. 36,37.

Verse 34. Inherit the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

Doct. XIV. That the Kingdome that the Saints shall inherit, hath been prepared for them from all Eternity. For so this phrase here used signifieth; as we may see it in other places, Ephes. 1. 4. 2. Tim. 1. 9.

For opening of which, le [...]me shew, 1. Wherein it was prepared for them. 2. How. 3. The Uses.

1. It was prepared in the Counsel of God, the three Glorious Persons consulted together from Eternity, to make men happy, and thought of this Kingdome that they should inherit, Ephes. 1. 11. 2. It was prepared in the E­ternal Purpose or God, Ephes. 1. 9. & 3. 11. Rom. 8. 28. 2 Tim. 1. 9. 3. It was prepared in the Appointment of God. 1 Thes. 5. 9. 4. It was prepared in the eternal good pleasure of God, Luke 12. 32, Ephes. 1. 5. 5. It was pre­pared in the wise Conclusion that the three Glorious Per­sons made in their consultation about them, the result of which was this. 6. It was prepared in the liberal and free donation of it, Epkes. 2. 6. Rom. 6. ult.

Quest. 2. How [...] it been prepared thus of old for them?

Answ. 1. He promised it to Christ of old, Titus 1. 2. 2. He ordained Christ to be the procurer and purchaser of this inheritance of old, it 1 Pet. 1. 20 Rev; 13. 8. 3. He hath given it to us in Christ of old, 2 Tim.1 9. 4. He hath loved us of old Ier. 31. 3. and from that love hath prepared this inheritance for us, Ephes. 1. 3,4 5. He hath fore­known us of old Rom. 8. 29. 6. He hath ordained us of old to this blessed condition, Acts 13. 48.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see that this inheritance is not made over to us by any merit of ours, for it was before we were, yea before the World was, and what could we deserve when we were not in being? 2. Tim. 1. 9 2. We see the unspeakable love of God towards us, that prepared [Page 48] such a blessed condition for us before we had any being, Oh the height, depth, [...]and breadth, and length of this love of his! it passeth all our knowledg, Ephes. 3. 18,19. well we may admire it and adore it, but we cannot search it out, that which is said of God himselfe, is most true of his love, Job. 11. 7,8,9. 3. We see that God ha's been before hand with us in a preventing way of grace, 1 Joh. 4. 10,19. we did not begin with him in a way of love, but he be­gan with us, else we had never known what love had meant; he gave us the first smile, and the first kiss. 4. We see what a bountifull, and royall giver the Lord is, that pre­pared such a royall inheritance for us, as a Kingdome is, no royalty like his, as no unworthyness like ours, so no bounty like his, Ephes. 2. 4,5,6. 5. We see that all the Lords Saints shall certainly come to the possession of their inheri­tance, and shall not be hindred, or deprived of it, for it was of old, even from everlasting prepared for them, Joh. [...]0. 27,28,29. 6. We see how ever mindful we should be of such an old friend, and that we should never forget or forsake him, Thine own friend, and thy fathers friend, for­get not, Prov. 27. 10 and if such an old friend may not be forsaken, much less such an old friend as God is. 7. We see what preparation we should make for him in our hearts that hath prepared such an inheritance for us, Psal. 24. 7,8,9,10. Rev. 3. 20. 8. We see what great cause we have to be thankfull to him that hath made us meet for such an inheritance Col. 1. 12. 9. We see what reason we have to prepare for our Lords coming, and to get all things ready, all the graces of the Spirit, all those Bracelets, and Jewels, and Ear-rings, and golden Abilliments that may fit us for this Kingdome that is prepared for us, Mat. 24. 44. Luk. 12. 35,36,37. 10. We see what preparation we should make to meet him at his house, and especially at his Table, 1 Cor. 11. 28. if he prepare a Kingdom for us, we may well prepare for his coming now. 11. We see that Election is the foundation of our Salvation. 12. We see the trueth of that in 2 Tim. 2. 19.

Use. 2. for Humiliation: 1. That our desires are no more stirring after this prepared inheritance. 2. That we have so few thoughts of Gods old love, in preparing a Kingdom for us.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To enjoy our earthly inheri­tances weanedly, for we have another manner of inheritance prepared for us of old. This concernes rich men. 2. To do as much good as we can with what God gives us to inherit here, that we may make sure of this prepared inheritance, [Page 49] 2 Tim. 6. 17,18,19. Luk. 16. 9. 3. To poor ones that have little to inherit here, they have a Kingdome prepared for them of old to be their inheritance, Jam. 2. 5. 4. To all Godly ones not to envy the Wicked their great matters here, for they have a better inheritance prepared for them and coming in to them, Psal. [...]3. 3. 24. 5. To ascribe all to Gods grace herein, Eph. 2. 5,8. 6. To prepare our hearts in every duty, in Prayer, Psal. 10. 17. in Preaching 2 Tim. 3. 15. in hearing, Act. 10. 33. in conference, Mal. 3. 16. in meditation, Gen. 24. 63. in drawing neer to the Lords-Table, 2 Chro. 30. 18,19. 7. To love the Lord, that of old made such preparation for us. 8. To prepare for such a state, (1) A royall spirit, 1 Pet. 2. 9. (2.) An humble Spirit, Luk. 18. 14. (3.) A believing spirit Ephes. 2. 8. (4) An holy Spirit, Heb. 12. 14. 1 John 3. 3. 9. To rejoice to think of meeting with such an old friend. 10. To walk worthy of the Lord, 1 Thes. 2. 11,12.

Use. 4. for Consolation: 1. Against being brought to nothing here, Saints have nothing (in comparison) prepared for them in this world. 2. Against troubles of yesterday that have come to us. 3. Against our poor services, we have it not for them.

Positive Comforts. 1. That it is sure to them, being of old prepared. 2. That it is most freely given to them, because prepared before they were. 3. That it is a great in­heritance. 4. That it comes to us from greatest love.

Ver. 35,36. For I was an hungred, &c.

Doct. XV. is this, That none of the sins of the godly that they have committed and repented of, shall be spoken of at the day of Judgement; but that which they have done well here, shall be spoken of and mentioned in that day. All that is said to be then spoken of, is concerning their good works, but not a word of their sins.

For opening the first Branch, let me shew, 1. How it does appear that none of their sins shall be then spoken of. 2. Why their sins shall not be then men [...]on [...]d. 3. The Uses. And then we will afterward speak of the second Branch.

For the first: It does appear that none of their sins that they have committed and repented of, shall be at that day spo­ken of; 1. In that they are washed from their sins in Christs blood, Rev 1. 5. 1 Cor. 6. 11. Joel 3. 21. Psal. 51. 7. and being thus washed from them, to what purpose should they then be spoken of? 2. In that their sins are blotted our, their Debts cancelled, Isa. 43. 25. & 44. 22. Psal. 51. 1. [Page 50] and Creditors do not reckon for such sums which are blot­ted out, and do not so much as mention or speak of them. 3. In that they are all covered, Psal. 32. 1. & 85. 2. Neh. 4. 5. and if they be covered, then sure they shall not be discovered or spoken of at that day. 4. In that they are forgotten and not remembred, Isa. 43. 25. Psal. 25. 7. & 79. 8. Jer. 31. 34. Heb. 8. 12. & 10. 17. And if so, how should they then be spoken of? 5. In that upon search they shall not be found, Jer. 50. 20. and things that cannot be found, are not mentioned nor spoken of among men: so here. 6. In that the Lord passeth them by, & makes them as if they had never been committed, Mic. 7. 18. and if he pass them by, surely they shall never be spoken of at that day. 7. In that all their sins shall be cast into the depths of the Sea, Micah 7. 19. and therefore shall never come up more. Things cast into the bottom of the Sea never come up more: so here. 8. In that the Righteousness of Christ is imputed to them, Rom. 4. 6,7,8. Jer. 23. 6. 1 Cor. 1. 30. 2 Cor. 5. 21. Cant. 4. 7. Now if his Righteousness be im­puted to us, then our sins surely shall not be spoken of at that day. 9. In that they are born, and taken away by Christ, and laid upon him, John 1. 29. 1 Pet. 2. 24 Isa. 53. 6. and if he has taken them away, and born them, then sure they shall not be mentioned against us at that day. 10. In that the body of sin is destroyed in us, by virtue of our fellowship with Christ in his death, Rom. 6. 6,7. and our sins being killed and destroyed, how should they be then spoken of or mentioned against us?

Q. 2. Why shall not their sins be then spoken of or men­tioned?

Ans. 1. From the Lord Jesus. 2. From his Saints. 3. From their Enemies. 4. From the Day it self.

From the Lord Jesus. 1. He hath promised, John 5. 24. that they shall not come into Condemnation: and if so, to what end shall their sins be mentioned at that day? 2. He hath delivered them from the wrath to come, 1 Thess. 1. 10. and that being so, there's no need that their sins should be mentioned. 3 He saves to the utmost, Hebr. 7. 25. and therefore from sin, and all the shame of it, which the men­tion of their sin might bring upon them. Other men shall rise to shame, Dan 12 2. but not they. 4. He hides their sins here, 1 Kings 15. 5. Heb. 11. 11,31. Jam. 5. 11. and if so, much more will he do it at that day. 5. He then comes to be glorified in his Saints, and to be admired in all them that believe, 2 Thess. 1. 10. but the mention of their sins would obscure that glory; and therefore they shall not be [Page 51] at that day spoken of. 6. He then will fully acquit them and absolve them, as I said before, and therefore will not then mention any of them. 7. He will then present them faultless, Jude ver. 24.

2. From the Saints. 1. They have blamed and shamed themselves for them here, Ezra 9. 6. Dan. 9. 7,8. Jer. 3. 25. and therefore he will not shame them at that day. 2. They have not hid them here, but discovered them and acknowledged them, Psal. 51. 3. Jer. 14. 7. Psal. 32. 5. and therefore no wonder if he hide them at that day. 3. They have been burthened with them here, Psal. 38. 4. Heb. 12. 1. and therefore he will not burthen them with the mention of them. 4. They have loathed and abhorred themselves for them here, Ezek. 36. 31. Job 42. 6. And will he them speak of them, to make them an abhorring to Men and Angels? he will not surely do it. 5. They have fasted, mourned and wept for them, prayed against them▪ with­stood the motions that have been made to the commission of them, bewailed them bitterly, Judges 2. 4,5. 1 Sam. 7. 6. Gal. 5. 17. Rom. 7. 23,24. and can we think that he will then speak of them, or mention them to their dishonour? 6. They have desired earnestly to be rid of them, and have counted that day happy wherein they have ceased to sin, and that has been the chiefest cause why they have desired to die, that they might sin no more, Phil. 1,23. 2 Cor. 5. 4,6,8. And can it be thought then, that their sins shall be men­tioned at that day, that they desired so to be freed from? it cannot be imagined.

3. From their Enemies. 1. They shall not have any oc­casion to reproach them, or Religion. 2. Nor to accuse them. 3. Nor to traduce the Judge. 4. Nor to cast Hy­pocrisie in their faces to shame them. 5. Nor to grieve them, for they shall not have any such thing befall them at, that day, Jude ver. 25. 6. Nor to rejoyce at the mention of them. 7. Nor to think better of themselves by reason of them.

4. From the Day it self. 1. It is the day of the mani­festation of the righteous judgement of God; and being so, how should their sins be then spoken of? for it would not be just to shame the innocent as they be in Christ. 2. It is the day of their rest, 2 Thess. 1. 7. and that it could not be, if their sins were mentioned; it would be a day of dis-rest rather to them. 3. It is the day of their exceeding joy, Jude ver. 25. and that could not be, if their sins should be mentioned. 4. It is the day of their Coro­nation, 2 Tim. 4. 8. and in such a day it were no way suitable [Page 52] to make mention of their sins. 5. It is the day of there Redemption, Luke 21. 28. and it would rather be a day of their Captivity then Redemption, should there be any men­tion of their sins. 6. It is the day of the Consummation of the Marriage betwixt Christ and his Saints, they are be­trothed here, Hos. 2. 19,20. 2 Cor. 11. 2. But the day of the Solemnization of the Marriage is then; then Christ takes us to house, John. 14. 3. to himself, 1 Thess. 4. 17. and the mentioning of their sins must needs be unsuitable to such a day.

Use. 1. for Information: 1. We see how tender the Lord Jesus will be of the name of his Saints at the last and great day, that he will not so much as mention any of their sins against them. They have been tender of his Name here, and he will be marvellous tender of theirs at that day, and will not blemish them by charging any sin upon them, Jude ver. 24. Eph. [...]. 27. 2. We see what great reason we have to justifie and clear him in all his righteous dispensations of himself to us, in afflicting us for our sins here, Neh. 9. 33. La [...]n. 1. 18. Psal 51. 4. for he will clear us, and not so much as mention any of our sins against us at that day. 3. We see that they that are justified need not be afraid of the day of Judgement, for there shall not be a word spoken at that day against them, concerning any of the sins that they have committed against him. 4. We see how loathsome and detestable every sin ought to be to us here, and how we should accuse, and arraign, and judge our selves for them, for they shall not be charged upon us then, nor any of them be so much as mentioned against us, 1 Cor. 11. 31,32. 5. We see that we have no cause to censure or judge our Brethren for their failings, for if they be Christs, he will not so much as mention any of their sins against them at that day, 1 Cor. 4. 5. Jam. 3. 1. 6. We see how ready we should be to forgive offending Brethren when they repent, Luke 17. 3,4. for so does Christ, and so will he do at that day, and not charge them with any of them. 7. We see that those sins that have been committed by any of the Saints in the time of their unregenerate estate, are not to be spoken of or mentioned to their disgrace, neither are they to be cast in their teeth, nor they to be upbraided with them, for not one of them shall be spoken of at that day, Acts 9. 13, [...], 15. 8. We see what mention we should make of the loving kindness of the Lord, as for other mercies, so f [...] this, Jude ver. 24,25. Isa. 63. 7. 9. We see that there's no cause why we should be much troubled when we are twit­ted and upbraided by evil men for this and that evil that [Page 53] we have done, and, sometimes for that that we have never done, Mat 10. 11,12. for however men use us here, Christ will use us better at that day, not mentioning any of our sins against us. 10. We see that Satans accusations shall never hurt us, Rev. 12. 10. for Christ will not own or ap­prove any of them, for he will not so much as speak of any thing that they have done amiss at that day.

Use. 2. for Humiliation: 1. To those that are too severe Judges of others failings, they have too little of the Spirit of Christ Jesus, and forget that they themselves are men, Jam. 3. 1,2. 2. To those that are too inordinately afraid of the Judgement-day, they are more afraid then hurt; we should rather love and desire after it, 2 Tim. 4. 8. Rev. 22. 20. 3. To those that are hard to pass by injuries and indignities put upon them; so does not Christ, so will be not do at that day. 4. To those that are so ready to rip up and speak (too disgracefully) of the faults of others here, how would such do if Christ should take that course with them at the Judgement day?

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To honour the Lord Jesus, and be very tender of his Name, who will so tender our names at that day, Psal. 2. 12. 2. To be often thinking of this day, and meditating of it with delight, for no evil of ours shall then be mentioned. 3 To make sure that we are of the number of those that Christ will speak nothing against at that day. (1) Look to our Election, 2 Pet. 1. 10. (2) To our Love, 1 Thess. 3. 12,13. 1 John 4. 17. (3) To our Abiding in him, 1 John 2. 28. (4) To a spotless and blameless carriage, 2 Pet. 3. 14. (5) To our Holiness, Heb: 12. 14. (6) To our Uprightness, Isa 57. 2 Psa. 49. 14.(7) To the improvement of our talents, Mat. 25. 22,23. (8) To our patient suffering of affliction, Rom. 8. 17. 2 Tim. 2. 12. (9) To our patient continuance in well-doing, Rom. 2. 7. (10) To our holding fast that we have, Rev. 3. 11. 4. To bear with quietness mens upbraidings, and the shame they cast upon us, Heb. 12. 2,3. 5. To re­joyce in things falsly spoken against us, Matth 5. 11,12. 6. To beware of shaming those here, that Christ will not shame at that day, 1 Sam. 20. 34. 7. To be grieved when any do, ibid. 8. To shame our selves for our sins here, Ezra. 9.6. 9. To speak boldly in the Cause of Christ, Mat.10.32. 10. To fear to speak a word against Christ, Mat. 12.32. 11. To love the Lord Jesus. 1 Cor. 16.22. 12. To seek to please him in all things, Tit. 2.9.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. Against the evil speeches and slanders of men, Jude ver. 14,15. 2. Against cruel [Page 54] mockings, Heb. 11. 26. 3. Against rebukes in Judgements seats. 4. Against Satans accusations, Rev. 12. 10. 5. A­gainst hard censures of Brethren. 6. Against false Wit­nesses in Courts of Justice.

Positive Comforts. 1. That that day will be a clearing day. 2. That they that sow in tears shall reap in joy, Psal. 126. 5. 3. That it shall be well with them, Isa. 3. 10. 4. That our blessed King is a merciful King, 1 Kings 20. 31. 5. That the worst state of the righteous, is better then the best of the wicked. 6. That we may well bear Christs re­bukes here.

The second Branch of the XV. Doctrine is now to be spoken of; viz.

That what the Saint have done well while they were on earth, shall be spoken of, and mentioned in the day of Judgement.

For opening of which, let me shew, 1. How it does ap­pear that it shall be so. 2. Why it shall be so. 3. The Uses.

For the first: How does it appear that what good they have done shall be mentioned and spoken of at that day?

Ans. 1. It does appear from hence, in that every secret good thing shall come into judgement, Eccles. 12. 14. 1 Cor 4. 5. 2. In that every good thing shall be rewarded, 2 Cor. 5. 10. Mat. 6. 4,6,18. Rev. 22. 12. 3. In that every man that hath done any good, though others have not known of it, shall have due praise and commendation for it, 1 Cor. 4. 5. 4. In that there shall be different depress of Glory, according to the different measures of good that men have done; and therefore all must be mentioned and spoken of, Rom. 2. 6. Rev. 22. 12. 5. In that good has been called evil in the world, Isa. 5. 20, and therefore all that good that has been so traduced, and evil spoken of, shall be owned and spoken of at that day. 6. In that the Saints here do vilifie and disesteem their best works, Isa. 64. 6. Phil 3. 8,9. and though indeed in themselves they be nothing worth, as coming from us, yet as they are in Christ, so they are good, and will be spoken of as such at that day. 7. In that it is not so easily discerned whose works are good, in regard that Hypocrites may go very far this way, but that day will declare which is which, which are good and which not. 8. In that for every right work a man i [...] envied of his neighbour here, Eccles. 4. 4. 9. In that in sundry good works done here, it is not known who did them, and this must not alwayes be concealed.

[Page 55] Q. 2. Why shall that that they have done well be then spoken of?

Ans. 1. From God himself. 2. From the Lord Jesus Christ. 3. From the Saints themselves.

From God. 1. He works them in us and for us, Isa. 26. 12. 2. He is glorified by them, Mat. 5. 16. Phil. 1. 11. 1 Pet. 2. 12 3. He will reward them, Rom. 2. 6,7,10. and how should this be, if they be not spoken of at that day? 4. He has promised to honour them that honour him, 1 Sam. 2. 30.

2. From the Lord Jesus. 1. He commends them here, Rev. 2. 2,3,8,9. and therefore will do it much more here­after. 2. He knows their works, and therefore knows how to speak of them at that day, ibid. 3. He takes it well if it be but in the heart, though it come not to outward act, 1 Kings 8. 18,19 Oh how well will he then take it, when it is actually performed, and speak of them at that day! 4. He loves then dearly, and where we love, we use to speak much in commendation of what is done, much more will Christ at that day, Gal. 2. 20.

3. From the Saints themselves. 1. They are his Members, Brethren, Fellows, Friends, Spouse, &c. and therefore no wonder that he will speak all the good of them that may be at that day 2. They have done what they have so done for his sake, and out of love to him, and therefore it is no wonder if he make mention of what they have done at that day. 3. They have aimed at the glory of his Name in what they have done, and no wonder then if he speak of what was done, at that day, John 15. 8. 4. They have done it out of obedience to the command of God and Christ, and that he cannot but [...]ake mention of at that day. 5. They are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, Eph. 2. 10. 6. They are his own blessed ones, there­fore he will speak good of them then.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see that none of the Saints need to repent of any of the good they have done; for though it may be they may be requited with evil here, yet the good we have done shall be spoken of at that day. 2. We see what great incouragement we have to benefi­cence in secret, for though no eye see it, nor any know of it, yet it shall be known at that day, Mat. 6. 4. 3. We see that a very little good done in sincerity, goes a great way with Christ Jesus, and is of high esteem with him: how little is it that the best of us do? what mites of service? yet these shall be spoken of too, Luke 21. 1,2,3,4. how much more at that day? 4. We see what a good Master we serve, that will reward his servants thus. 5. We see how [Page 56] lightly we should esteem the praises of men, compared with this, to have what we have done spoken of by Christ at that day. 6. We see that Christ takes notice of all our doings, for he will speak of them at that day. 7. We see how hum­bly we should behave our selves, and how meanly we should think of what we do, Luke 17. 10. 8. We see what an honourable thing it is to be doing good, for Christ will speak of it at that day. 9. We see that the Lord takes us at the best, for all our best works are defiled. 10. We see it's no matter of what mean account we be in the world, it shall be otherwise at that day.

Use. 2. for Exhortation: 1. To speak good of his Name, whatever befall us here, 1 Sam. 3. 18 Job 1. 21. 2. To be unwearied in well-doing, Gal. 6. 9,10. 3. To do all the good we can, Eccles. 11. 1,2,3. 4. To love the Lord Jesus and obey him, Psal. 2. 12. 5. To speak of his glory, Psal. 29. 9. 6. To mention his loving kindness to us, Isa 63. 7. 7. To think of all the good he has done for us, before we were, and since; in Infancy, childhood, youth, riper times, and old age: and never think we can speak enough of it to his praise. 8. To esteem meanly of what we do in the best way for him. 9. To judge our selves unworthy of the least of his mercies, Genes. 32. 10. much more of this. 10. To speak nothing of what we do in commendation of our selves, 2 Cor. 10. ult. Prop. 27. 2. 11. To be ready to speak for him and his Cause upon all occasions. 12. To beware of speaking evil of Brethren, specially when they do well, Jam 4. 11.

Use 3. for Consolation: 1. Against mens misprisions of us and our works: it's no matter what they say now, if Christ speak thus of them at that day. 2. Against the ble­mishes and imperfections that cleave to what we best do; Christ will take notice onely of that that is good in us at that day. 3. Against all that little worth we see in our services; Christ sees that, that he thinks meet to speak of at that day. 4. Against Satans fly blowing our works; he doth what he can to corrupt them, but Christ will accept and honour them, and pick out what is good in them.

Ver. 35,36. For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat, &c.

Doct. XVI. is this, That works of Mercy and Bounty will be highly accounted of, and rewarded by Christ at the day of Judgement.

For opening of which, let me shew, 1. What these works of mercy and Bounty be, that shall be so highly [Page 57] accounted of and rewarded. 2. Why they shall be so ac­counted of and rewarded. 3. The Uses.

For the first: Those works of Mercy and Bounty must be

1. For their Rise, Fruits of the Spirit, which is the prin­cipal sufficient of them; and Fruits of Faith, the instru­mental sufficient of them, Gal. 5.22,6.

2. For the Person that works them, he must be a righteous and good [...] Mat. 7.17,18. & 12. 34,35. otherwise all the seeming good works that others do, are but [...] sins.

3. For the Ground of them, 1. They must be do [...] with respect to the commandment of God; for if that [...] not eyed and regarded, that we do what we do out of obedience to the commandment of God, all is nothing, 2 Cor. 9. 13. Heb. 13. 16. 2. Out of love to Christ in his Saints; to the Text. 3. Out of love to the Saints, 1 Cor 13. 3. 4. Out of humility, for our fruit is from him, not from our selves, Hos. 1 [...]. 8. John. 15, [...] 5. With respect to the Pattern, Luke. [...].

4. For the manner of Performance of them, 1. They must be performed with readiness of mind, 1 Tim. 6. 17,18. 2. With a willing heart, ibid. 3. With cheerfulness, 2 Cor. 9. 7. Rom. [...] 2.8. 4. With simplicity, Rom. 12.8. 5. With liberality, 1 Tim. 6.17,18. Prov. 11.24,25. Isa. 32. [...]. 2 Cor 8. 1,2. Eccles. 11.1,2,3. 6. With speed, 1 John 3. 19. Gal. 6.10. Prov. [...]. 27,28. 7. With unweariedness, Gal. 6.9. 8. With abundance of compassion, Isa. 58. 11. 9. With secrecy, Mat 6. 3,4.

5. For the End of them, 1. They must be performed with an holy aim at the glory of God, John 15.8. Mat. 5.16. Philip. 1. 11. we must not aim at our own glory in them, Mat. 6.1,2. 2. Then must be performed with an eye to their good that we shew mercy to 1 Tim. 6. 18. Luke6.36. Tit. 3.8. 3. They must be done with in eye to the honour of the Gospel, Tit. 3.14. 4. They may [...] done with an eye to our own good, 1 Tim. 6. 17,18,19 Eccles. 11. 1. Luke 6. 38.

Q. 3. Why shall they be so highly accounted of, and re­warded at that day:

Ans. 1. From the Promise of Christ, Mat. 6.4. 2. From the Lords love that he beareth to such. 2 Cor. 9.7. 3. From the delight he takes in such services. Heb. 13.16. 4. From the nature of them, they are sacrifices, ibid. 5. From the honour and glory he has by them, 2 Cor. 9.11,12. 6. From the resemblance that such have to him, Ps. 119. 68. Luk. 6. 35. 7. From the Saints nearness to him, who are relieved: so the Text. 8. From that in Mic. 6.8. to love mercy is good in Gods account.

[Page 58] Use 1. for Information: 1. We see that Popish works, that were not qualified as we have spoken, for Rise, Person, Grounds, Manner, Ends, cannot be called Good Works, nor shall have any acceptance with God, or reward from him at that day. 2. We see what a great grace it is to be of a tru­ly merciful and bountiful spirit, for the time will be, that the works that such perform shall be highly accounted of, and rewarded at that day. 3. We see that on the contrary, unmerciful ones shall be of no account, nor have any re­ward at that day, Jam 2. 13. 4. We see what high account we should have of the works of mercy, for Christ will have them in high account at the great day. 5. We see what great reason we have to be forward in works of Mercy and Bounty, for he will highly account of them, and reward them at that day. 6. We see why we should provoke one another to love and to good works, Heb. 10 24. 7. We see what an high price the Lord sets upon Faith, when as he ac­counts so highly of the fruits of it, 2 Pet. 1. 1. 8. We see what an high account we should have of what Christ hath done for us, in that Bountiful, Charitable, and Merciful work of his, in giving his life for us; we can never enough prize it and admire it, 1 John 4. 9,10. 9. We see the mar­vellous grace of the Lord Jesus, that he will so highly ac­count of any thing we do this way: Alas! we deserve that he should loath us, and all we do. 10. We see, that if our works of mercy be so accounted of by him; Oh what account should we set upon his Mercy in Spiritual, Temporal, and Eternal things!

Use 2. for Humiliation: 1. That we are so hardly drawn to come off with works of Bounty and Mercy to his poor ones, 1 John 3. 17. 2. To those that consider not the loss of merciful men, Isa 57. 1.

Use 3. for Terrour: 1. To those that are cruel to them. 2. To those that are Hypocrites, Jam. 2. 14. &c.

Use 4. for Exhortation: 1. To be of a merciful spirit, and to love mercy, Luke 6. 36. Micah 6. 8. we shall not be losers by it. 2. To encourage others in a way of mercy. 3. To hope the best of merciful men, though we cannot see so much in other things as we desire. 4. To those that are merciful, to long for that day, for it will be then well with them. 5. To grow up in works of mercy more and more, 1 Thess. 4. 9,10. 6. To be unwearied in works of mercy, Gal. 6. 9. 7. To be patterns of Bounty and Mercy, Job 31. 16—22. 8. To admire the Lords mercy, that he should so farre respect any thing that we do.

Use 5. for Consolation: 1. Against our many failings in [Page 59] our best works. 2. Against the want of clear apprehen­sions of Gods love and favour: Works of Mercy are fruits of Faith, and will be highly prized at that day. 3. Against others hard conceits of us: look we to a spirit of Bounty and Mercy, and if we be sincere therein, Christ will own us.

Vers. 35,36. For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat, &c.

Doct. XVII. is this, That the Lord doth sympathize wi [...], and is sensible of the wants that his people undergo, in Meat, and Drink, and Clothing, and Lodging, and of their sicknesses and Imprisonments that they are cast into. We wil [...]peak of them in order. And first speak of His sensiblen [...] [...] their want of Meat and Drink. I was hungry, I was [...].

For opening of which, let me shew, 1. How it does ap­pear that he is sensible of their want of Meat and Drink. 2. Why. 3. The Uses.

For the first: It does appear that He is sensible of their want of, Meat and Drink; 1. In that he [...] [...] of his own hunger and thirst in theirs, I was hungry, &c. as [...] should say, It was not so much they, as I that have suffered want in them. Look as he said, Acts 9. 4. so here. 2. In that one takes it kindly, as if it were done to himself, when these wants of theirs are supplied: so the Text; which he could not do, if he were not very sensible of these their wants. 3. In that he takes it marvellous offensively when these wants are not supplied by those that know of them, and have ability and opportunity to do it, and takes this unkindness as done to himself: so the Text. 4. In that he puts it into the hearts of some to supply their wants; though some be hard-hearted, and will not, as Nabal, 1 Sam. 25. 10,11. yet he makes others tender-hearted, Prov. 11. 24. Psal. 112. 5,9. 5. In that when they are in greatest extremity, he sends in relief to them, 1 Kings 17. 3,4,9,10,11,12, &c. Judges 15. 18,19. 6. In that rather then they shall want, he will send them away out of places of scarcity, to some other Land where they may have supply, 2 Kings 8. 1,2. 7. In that he brings in supplies unexpectedly, 2 Kin. 7. the whole Chapt [...] Thus to Merlin in the Hay mow, and to the Roche [...]ers, [...] supplying them with abundance of Shell-fish, when [...] besieged. 8. In that he hath compassion on them in [...] wants. Mat. 15. 32. 9. In that he satisfies and fills [...] when he makes provision for them, Mat. 25. 37. [...] [Page 60] that he gives them Meat sometimes by Creatures of a de­vouring nature, 1 Kings 17. 6. Judges 14. 8,9.

Q. 2. Why is he thus sensible of their wants?

Ans. 1. From himself. 2. From them.

From himself. 1. He is a merciful one. 2. He has pro­mised that they shall have enough, Job 5. 20,22. Psal: 37. 19. 3. He is their Shepherd, and therefore tenderly sensible of their wants, Psal. 23. 1. 4. He is the blessed entertainer of them, ver. 5. 5. He is their Head, Ephes. 5 30. Col. 1. 18. 6. He is a Father to them, Heb. 2. 13. 7. He feeds the beasts and fowls, Psal. 147. 9. & 145. 15. [...]6.

2. From them. 1. They are near to him, Psal. 148. 14. 2. They are his Brethren: so the Text. 3. They are great Heirs: so the Text; Luke 12. 32. 4. They seen their daily bread of him. Mat. 6. 1 [...]. 5. They need these things, Mat. 6. 32. 6. They fear [...]im, Psal. 34. 9,10. & 111. 5. 7 They are in Covenant with him, ibid.

Use. 1. for Information: 1. We see what a tender-hearted one the Lord Jesus is to his Saints, that cannot see them want Meat and Drink, but is sensible of it, and suffers in it. If he be hungry in our hunger, and athirst when we want Drink, surely he is a tender-hearted one indeed. 2. We see how sensible we should be of any dishonour that is done to his Name by our selves or others, we should suf­fer with him in it; as he said sometimes himself, Psal. 69. 9. with Rom. 15. 3. so should it be with us, Christs reproaches should be our reproaches; if he suffer with us, we may well suffer with him. 3. We see that sure he will be much more sensible of our Spiritual wants, Mat. 9. 36,37,38. Isa. 41. 17,18. 4. We see that he cannot chuse but be very sensible of our temptations, Heb. 2. 18. & 4. 15. 5. We see that hunger and thirst may be the better born, for we are not alone in the suffering, but Christ suffers with us: and if it be Solamen miseris sociot, habuisse doloris, much more may it chear us, that we have such a companion as Christ is. 6. We see how sensible we should be of the Saints wants, and how we our selves should suffer in them, and sympathize with them; for so does Christ, and we should be of his spirit. 7. We see how contrary they are to the Spirit of Christ, that are cruel to those that want; these will give them nothing, spare nothing of what they have to relieve them. But of that more hereafter. 8. We see how sensible we should be of their condition that want Christ the Bread of Lif [...], John 6. 48. that Fountain of living water, Jer. 2. 13. Cant. 4. 15. 9. We see how wonderfully the Lord Jesus condescends to his Saints, that he will sym­pathize [Page 61] with them in their want of Meat and Drink: Oh how low does he stoop to us in this! Psa. 113. 5,6. 10. We see what Patterns of Mercy and tender-heartedness we should be to those that want these things, after Christs ex­ample. 11. We see the truth of that in Isa. 63. 9. that in all our affliction he is afflicted. 12. We see that Christs heart in Heaven is towards his Saints, he hath lost none of his bowels by going thither.

Use 2. for Humiliation: 1. That we are apt to be so im­patient in these wants, when as Christ suffers with us. 2. That we are too insensible when he suffers. 3. That we look up too little to Christ for supplies. 4. That we do not follow that Rule, John 6. 27.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To poor ones, to be content in such a condition, for Christ suffers with you, Philip. 4. 11,12. 2. To hunger and thirst more after Christ; this will quench our bodily hunger and thirst, Mat. 5. 6. John 4. 10. 3. To look up unto the Lord for daily bodily sup­plies, for he is very sensible of our wants, Prov. 30. 8. Mat. 6. 11. 4. To all, to be of a compassionate spirit to those that are in want, for so is Christ, 1 Pet. 3. 8. 5. To rejoyce in our wants, for we have a blessed companion that is want­ing with us. 6. To be thankful to the Lord Jesus, who sympathizeth thus with us. 7. To love him, that out of love thus suffers with us. 8. To suffer in all his sufferings. 9. To long for the time when we shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, Rev. 7. 16,17. 10. To draw out our souls to the hungry, Isa. 58. 10. 11. To be patient in our wants this way.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. That bodily want of Meat and Drink, is no other thing then may befall Christs own Saints. 2. That though it be a burthen, Christ easeth it to his Saints. 3. That he will make supplies, that is so sen­sible of them. 4. That he will much more supply other wants. 5. That he will satisfie the longing soul, Psa. 107. 9 6. That they are happy that are Christs in the worst condition

We now come to the second part of the Doctrine, and that is this, That Jesus Christ is very sensible of his peoples want of lodging.

For opening of which, let me shew, 1. How it does ap­pear that it is so. 2. Why. 3. The Uses.

For the first: It does appear that He is sensible of their want of lodging; 1. In that he meets with them in that con­dition, and manifests himself graciously to them, as he did to Jacob, Genes. 28. 11—16. He never had a more com­fortable [Page 62] manifestation of Gods goodness to him, then when a stranger, and without lodging. 2. In that he Commands that entertainment be given to such, with encouragement to those that do it, Hob. 13. 2. 1. Pet. 4. 9. 3. In that he com­mends those that have given entertainment and lodging to them, 3 Joh. 5. 6. Act. 28. 7. 4. In that he liberally rewards those that give entertainment and lodging to them, 1 Kin. 17 [...]0. to the end. 2 Kin. 4. 10. to 37. Gen. 18. 1. to 15. 5. In that he stirreth up the hearts of some to be forward this way, in entertaining and lodging his strangers, as Abraham, and Lot, and the Shunamite, in the O. Test. and On [...]siphorus and Gaius in the New. 6. In that he takes the kindnes of lodging them as done to himself: so the text. 7. In that he takes it hei­nously when men do it not: so the text. 8. In that he makes it a property of a Church-Officer rightly qualified, whether Bishop, or Deacon, or Window, 1 Tim. 3. 2. Tit. 1. 8. 1 Tim. 3. 8. & 5. 9,10. 9. In that he saves their lives, and sometimes their souls, that entertain his servants, Heb. 11. 31. 10. In that he recovers some from dangerous sicknesses, that have bin kind entertainers of his servants, Act: 28. 7,8. 11. In that he promises a reward unto such▪ Mat. 10. 41. 12. In that he stirs up Barbarians to give them entertainment, Acts 28. 2.

Quest. 2. Why is he so sensible of their want of lodging and entertainment?

Answ. 1. From himselfe. 2. From them.

From Himselfe. 1. He knowes the hearts of strangers, that want lodging, having been himself harbour less, Mat. 8. 20. 2. He is acquainted with the weaknesses of their bodies, and knowes they need it; and therefore is sensible, and puts himself in their condition. 3 He came to save mens lives, Luke 9. 55,56. and therefore pities and suffers with them in a strangers condition. 4. He is the Master of the house, Mark 13. 35. that gives us all entertainment. 5. He is the head, and therefore sympathizeth with his members. 6. He dwells in his people, Ephes 3. 17.

2. From them. 1. They are his Sister and Spouse. 2. They are the apple of his eye, Zech. 2. 8. 3. They are his fellows Psal. 45. 7. 4. They are his brethren: so the text. 5. They are his friends, Luke 12. 4. John 15. 15. 6. They are his peculiar ones, Tit. 2. 14.

Use 1. For Information: 1. We see the great Humili­ty of the Lord Jesus the Lord of Glory, that is so sensible of his servants want of a nights lodging, that he himselfe looks at himselfe in such a condition with them. Oh how low doth he come down for our sakes! 2. We see what [...]ender affection he beares towards us; that counts himself [Page 63] a stranger, and wanting entertainment, when we are in that estate. 3. We see that surely he will entertain [...]s well in his house, with spirituall dainties, that is so sensible of our want of bodily refreshings, for he will be much more sensi­ble of our spirituall wants, Cant. 5. 1. 4. We see what en­tertainment we should be willing to give to him, into our hearts, and to open to him, Psal 24. 7,9. Rev. 3 20. 5. We see how low we should be willing to stoop to the Lord Je­sus in doing the meanest offices for him, or any of his, seeing such a mean thing as our want of a lodging or little enter­tainment doth so affect him. 6. We see that when we some­times want lodging or entertainment, we do not bear all the burden of it our selves alone, but Christ sympathizeth with us. 7. We see that the eye of Christ is over us by night as well as by day, for he is sensible of our want of a nights lod­ging. 8. We see that Christ looks into all our houses, and see [...]h what entertainment we give, or give not to his people. 9. We see that the Lord Jesus never slumbers nor sleeps, Psa [...] 121. 4. but is mindfull of us, that we may do both, and is as it he wanted a lodging when we want. 10. We see that a rights lodging, and a little entertainment in any friends house, should be of esteem with us; for Christ sympathiz­eth with us in the want of it.

Use 2. For Humiliation, 1. That we have spirits too in­sensible of brethrens wants in this kind, I [...]dg. 19. 18,19. 2. That we are much more insensible of Christs standing at the door and knocking, Rev. 3. 20.

Use 3. For Exhortation: 1. To be kind in entertaining strangers, for Christ is sensible of their want of it, Heb. 13. 2. Job. [...]1. 32. Judg. 19. 20. 2. To be thankfull to the Lord & his people, when we as strangers are entertained by them, as Elisha to the Shunamite. 2. Kin. 4. 3. To be sensible of the mercy in our own houses, and the provision the Lord makes for us there, for if we were strangers and wanted them, the Lord Jesus would be sensible of the want. 4. To be sensible & ashamed of our unkind denials of opening to Christ, Cant. [...]. 2. 3. 5. To mourn for grieving the Spirit of Christ, and sending him sad away from us. 6. To admire the mercy of the Lord, that he will vouchsafe to look into our lodgings, and see how it fares with us there. 7. To entertain him with all our hearts, Psal. 101. 2. 8. To make provision for our lodging strangers, I hilem. v. 22. 9. To be sensible of their condition, 2 Sam. 11. 11. 10. To be sensible of the case of persecuted ones, Heb 11. 38. they want comfortable lodging.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. Sure then none of Christs shall perish, John 10. 28. for if he be sensible of their want [Page 64] of a nights lodging here, sure he will rever lodge them in [...]ell to all eternity. 2. That sure he will lodge them well in his Fathers house, when he has them with him, John 14. 2,3. 3. That he will Chamber them up there, Isa. 26. 20. 4. That he will lodge them in his house here, Psal. 23. 6. according to their desire, Psal. 27.4.

We come now to the third Branch of the XVII. Note, That Christ is very sensible of his peoples Nakedness and want of clothing.

For opening of which, let me shew, 1. Wherein it does appear that he is so. 2. Why. 3. The Uses.

For the first: It does appear that He is sensible of their went of Clothing; 1. In that he stirs up some to be so pitiful to them, as to minister Clothes to them. Job 31.19,20. 2. Chron. 28.15. 2. In that he preserves their Clothes from waxing old, when other helps fail, Deut. 29. 5. Neh. 9.21. 3. In that he gives it in charge that they shall be clothed, Isa. 58.6, 7. J [...]n. 2.15,26. 4. In that he enjoyns the rich not to keep a poor mans Pledge all night, that he may sleep in his own raiment, Deut. 24.12,13. 5. In that he commends them that have been pitiful to them, Acts 9.39. 6. In that he rewards them for their kindness to them in clothing of them, Mat. 6.3,4. If he that gives a cup of cold water, Mat. 10.42. then much more he that gives Clothing to a Disciple shall not lose his reward. 7. In that he sends them in Clothes by wayes that they think not of, 2 Kings 7.8,15. 8. In that he takes it kindly when they are clothed, and offensively from them that do it not: so the Text. 9. In that he would not have them too solici­tous about clothing, Mat. 6. 31. which evidently shews, that himself is sensible of their want of it. 10. In that he provides means for our clothing, by those flocks that he sends to us Psal. 65.13.

Q. 2. Why is he so sensible of their want of Clothing?

Ans. 1. From himself. 2. From them.

From himself. 1. He knows that we need them, Mat. 6.3. 2. He loves them, and therefore cannot but be sensible of their wants this way, Deut. 10.18. 3. He is the Master of the house, Mark 13.35. and the Master of the family, is sensible of the families wants herein. 4. He would have us to be sensible of our Brethrens wants, Luke 3.11. 5. He does moth-eat their garments, that have not been sensible of the wants of his poor ones this way, Jam. 5.2. 6. He clothes the Lillies, and therefore cannot but be sensibl [...] of our want in this kinde, Matth. 6. 28,29, [...]0. [Page 65] 7. He clothes them with better garments, Isa. 61. 10.

2. From them. 1. They are members of his Body, of his Flesh; and of his Bones, Ephes. 5. 30. 2. They are his Pur­chase, Acts 20. 28. 3. They are honourable and excellent ones, Psal. 16. 3. 4. They are of his houshold, Ephes. 2. 5. They are Heirs of a Kingdome, Jam. 2. 5. 6. They are such as he delighted in from Eternity, Prov. 8. 30,31. 7. They pray for these things, Prov. 30 7,8. Mat. 6. 11.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see how full of bowels the Lord Jesus is to his poor ones, that counts himself naked in their Nakedness, and is so sensible of their, want of Clothing: Surely his Compassions in Heaven are great towards them. 2. We see that surely, he is sen­sible of our want of Spiritual Clothing, and therefore gives it to us, Jer. 23. 6. 1. Cor. 1,30. 3. We see the mar­vellous humility of Christ, that stoops so low as to have regard to our Clothing, and to sympathize with us when we want it. 4. We see what little reason we have to be over-careful about it, for Christ is very sensible of our need of it, Mat. 6. 5. We see that when any are, stirred up to help us with any Clothing in out needs, we are to take it as a token from Christ, who is sensible of our want of Clothing. 6. We see that when we are in Nakedness, as some of the Lords Saints have been, 1 Cor. 4. 11. 2 Cor. 11. 27. we may be the more chearful under such a condition, for Christ is very sensible of it. 7. We see that when we put on any new garments, we are to look at them as fruits of Christs sensibleness of our want of them. 8. We see that want of Clothing may befall sometimes the dear Saints of Christ, for else how should Christ so sympathize with them? 9. We see what a blessed prerogative it is to be among the number of Christs Brethren and Members, for when naked he is very sensible of it. 10. We see that they that are cruel to the Saints, and deal hardly with them in point of Clothing, doe not care if Christ himself be naked.

Use 2. for Humiliation: 1. To those that are too little sensible of the Saints want of Clothing; they have but little of the compassion of Christ in them. 2. To those that let their Children go naked, when they might be clothed; Christ looks at himself as neglected.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To be of a merciful dispo­sition to poor ones, and clothe the naked, Job 31. 19,2 [...]. 2. To sympathize with those that want better Clothing, Christ Righteousness to cover their Spiritual Nakedness. 3. To abhorre their cruelty that take away the poor's [Page 66] garments from them. 4. To be thankful to Christ for our Clothing, for it is out of his compassion to us that we have our Clothes to cover and warm us. 5. To believe that we sh [...]ll nor want Clothing, for Christ is sensible of our naked­ness. 6. To be clothes with Humility, 1 Pet. 5. 5. for we cannot get Clothing except Christ pity us. 7. To be con­tent with what covering we have, as being a pledge of Christs sympathizing with, and sensibleness of our want of it, 1. Tim. 68. 8. To pray for those that are kinde to us this way, 2 Tim 1. 16,17,18.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. That we shall not want such Clothing as the Lord sees good for us, Psal. 84. 11. 2. That we have a blessed one that suffers with us in our want of Clothing. 3. That surely none of his shall be found spi­ritually naked at the great day, for he that is sensible of our bodily nakedness, will much more cover the nakedness of our Souls, and provide Clothing for them.

We come now to speak of the Fourth Branch of the XVII. Doctrine, That the Lord Jesus is very sensible of the Sicknesses of his Saints and people. I was sick, &c.

For opening of which, let me shew, 1. How it does ap­pear that he is so sensible of their Sickness. 2. Why. 3. The Uses.

For the first: It does appear that He is sensible of their Sickness; 1. In that when he was upon earth, he was very ready to heal all manner of Diseases of his people; and he has the same merciful Spirit now that he had then, Ma [...] 8. 16 2. In that he directs his people to the use of such means, whereby they come to get healing by his blessing; as Phy­sical Herbs and Drugs, and other Medicinal things, pre­pared by the skill of the Physician Matth. 9. 12. which though it be spoken in a Spiritual way, yet is it taken from Physicians of the body. 3. In that he is pleased some­times to heal, when the Physicians skill can do no good, Mark 5. 25—29. 4. In that he stirs up his people to pray for their healing, and grants their desires therein: and this we have great experience of, Psal. 65. 2. 5. In that he com­mands that the Elders of the Church should be sent for in such a case, with promise, that their Prayer of Faith shall save the sick. Jam. 5. 14,15. 6. In that he is sometimes very speedy in working their cure, Mark 5. 29. John 4. 50—53. 7. In that he has respect to their own Cries, and cures them, Psal. 107. 17—20. Jo [...] 33. 19—26. Isa. 38. 2,3,4,5. 8. In that he puts forth his power for their cure, when there is little hope of cure, ibid. 9. In that [...] [Page 67] the Sickness be any thing sharp, he rebukes it, Luke 4.39. 10. In that he comes to them, and visits them with his gra­cious presence, and the Comforts of his Spirit to bear up their hearts in it. 11. In than be sends his Servants to them to comfort them, with assurance of recovery, Isa. 3 [...],4,5. 12. In that sometimes he gives them a sign of their recovery. Isa. 38.7,8.

Q. 2. Why is he so sensible of their Sickness?

Ans. 1. From himself. 2. From them. From himself. 1. From the fulfilling of that Prophecy Isa. 53. 4. with Mat. 8.16,17. 2. He knows what sick­nesses are, though himself was never sick. 3. He knows our frame, Psal. 103. 13,14. 4. He is very pitiful, Jam. 5. 11. 5. He does not afflict willingly, Lam. 3. 33. 6. He has promised to have compassion, Lam 3 31,32.

2. From them. 1. They need, healing, and need pity i [...] that case. 2. They have pitied others, Psal. 41. 1,2. 3. They are tender of his Name. They are his beloved ones, John 11.3. 5. They bear i [...] sometimes for his sake, 6. They make their moan to him, [...] 3.56,57.

Use. 1. for Information: 1. We see what a tender one we have of the Lord Jesus, that cannot see us sick, but he [...] as sensible of it, as if himself were sick with us. Well may it be said of him, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses, Mat. [...] We see how tender we should be of [...] [...], and how pitiful to them; for we should be of the same spirit with him, and he is very tender over tem. 3. We see how tender we should be of the Name and Honour of Christ Jesus, that is so tender of as when we are sick. 4. We see that surely he is very loth to lay sickness upon us, we do even compel him to it; for he that is so sensible of it, that [...] sayes, [...]e is sick in our sicknesses, doubtless it there were not great cause, would not make us sick, Lam. 3.33. 1. Pet. [...]. 6. 5. We see that when we are sick, we should with more calmness and quiet­ness of spirit bear it; for Christ sympathizeth with us in it, and is very sensible of it, Psal. 39. 9. 6. We see how low the Lord Jesus comes to us, to be affected and afflicted with our sick estate: see Psal. [...]13.5. 7. We see how sick of love we should be for him Cant. [...]. 8. who out of love to us is sick in our sickness. 8. We see how sick and grieved in our spirits we should be, when any thing is done or said by others to grieve him. 9. We see what affection we should have when he smi [...]es his people, [...]er. 8. 21. 10. We see that surely he is much more sensible of their Soul sick­ness, Jer. 9. 7. Mat. [...]3. 37. Luke. 19. 41,42. Mark 3. 5.

[Page 68] Use. 2. For Humiliation: 1. That our bowells move to little to sick ones, see Psal. 35. 13,14,15. 2. That we are so little sensible of their soules sickness, Jer. 9. 1,2. 2 Pet. 2. 7. 8. 3. That we are so impatient in our sickness.

Use. 3. for Exhortation, 1. To trust him for health in sick­ness, for he is sensible of our sickness. 2. To love him, Psal. 116. 1,2,3,4. 3. To be sensible of any thing that greives him, Psa. 139. 21. 4. To be sick in the sickness of his peo­ple, see 2 Kings 13. 14. 5. To be thankfull to Christ Jesus that stoops so low to us in our amicted condition, Isa. 38. 19,20. Psal. 30. 11,12. & 107. 20,21,22. 6. To bear sick­ness patiently. 7. To serve him with all our might in our health, that is so sensible of our sickness, [...] 9. 10. 8. To be willing to suffer any thing with him and for him, that suffers with us. 9. To draw nea [...] to the Lord Jesus, and call upon him in times of sickness. 10. To pray for sick ones, Jam 5. 14,15. 16. [...]. To rejoyce in our interest in Christ Jesus. 12. To be the less troubled for sick friends.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. Against our own sicknesses [...] Christ partakes with us in them. 2. Against-mens unmerci­fulness to us in our sickness; Christ is merciful then to us. 3. Against Satans cruel disposition to us in our sick estate, for that time he chuseth to amict us most. Well, though he be cruel, Christ is then sensible of our condition.

We are now come to the fifth and less Branch of the XVII, Doctrine, and that is this, That the Lord Jesus is very sensible of the imprisonment of his Saints and people. He [...] himself in Person in their Imprisonment.

For opening of which, let me shew, 1. How it does ap­pear that he is so sensible of their Imprisonment. 2. Why 3. The Uses.

For the first: It does appear that He is very sensible of this state of theirs, and-counts himself in Prison with them; [...] In that he chears them, and comforts them in that con­dition, Acts 16. 24,25. So it was with many of the Marr­y's while they were in Prison, they were as chearful and full of comfort as their hearts could hold; as we see in Mr. Philpot, Mr. Rogers, and divers others: see also Rev. 2. 10. [...]. In that he prospers them in their work that they have to do there, Gen. 39. 21. 22,23. Philem, ver. 10,11 2 Tim. 2. 9. So Mr. Tindall, Bradford, Doctor Sands and others, were prospered in Prison in their holy Labours, to the Conversion of some there. 3. In that the Lord stirs up his peoples hearts, earnestly to pray for them when in prison, Acts 12. 5. [Page 69] 4. Is that he useth means to deliver them, and often times does it: Thus Peter, Acts 12. 6—1. So [...] was deliver­ed, Acts 10. 5. In that he makes their enemies to send to them to let them go out, Act, 16. 35,36. 6. In that he puts a fear into their adversaries, so as that they dare not keep them in, Acts 16. 37,38,39. 7. In that he brings them out with honour, as he did Jos ph, Gen. 41. 14,40. So was Paul brought out with honour, Acts 16 39. 8. In that he gives them favour with their Keepers, Gen. 39. 21,22,23. Acts 16. 33,34. 9. In that he sets their souls at liberty to Pray, and Hear, and Conferre, and Medicate, in a better manner sometimes then when at liberty. 10. In that he makes them glory in that condition, Philem. ver. 9. 11. In that others are bettered by it, Phil 1. 14. 12 In that themselves are bettered by it, Hebr 11. 36. Psal. 105. 18, 19.

Q. 2. Why is he so sensible of their Imprisonment?

Ans. 1. From himself. 2. From them.

From himself. 1. He knows what Prisoners undergo; many wants, many sorrows, many tortures from cruel ones, Psal. 105. [...]8. 2. He hears their groans, Psal. 102. 19,20. 3. He sees their tears. If Solomon considered the tears of such, Eecles. 4. 1. much more doth he. 4. He stirs up others to sympathize with them, much more therefore does it himself Jer. 38. 9. 5. He knows that it is from the Devil that they are put into that condition, Rev. 2. 10. 6. He knows what Bonds mean, John 18. 12. 7. He would have us pity them, Heb. 13. 3.

2. From them. 1. They suffer Imprisonment for his sake and the Gospels, 1. Pet. 4. 16. 2. They have done no evil Gen. 40. 15. Jer. 37. 18. 3. They are sometimes ready to die in Prison, Jer. 38. 9. 4. They need pity in that con­dition, being in hunger, and thirst, and cold, and naked­ness. 5. They are the Fathers blessed ones: so the Text. 6. They are his Members and Brethren. 7. They have been pitiful unto others in that condition. 8. They are the apple of his eye, Zech. [...]. 8. 9. They pray for compassion in that condition, Psal 79. 11. 10. They are in a lonesome condition when in Prison, and apt to be sad, and this does alleviate their grief.

Use 1. for Information. 1. We see that the Prison, though it be a dark, stinking, and uncomfortable place, yet may be born, for the Lord is very sensible of our condition therein. 2. We see a reason of the joy of Martyrs, and holy Confessors in former and later times, when in Prison, Christ's sympathy with them has caused them so to rejoyce. [Page 70] 3. We see how happy they be that are put in Prison for Christs sake, for he is very sensible of it, and suffers with them. 4. We see that Christ will not have any of his Ser­vants long in Prison, for he counts himself in Prison with them, Rev. 2. 10. 1. Per. 5. 10. 5. We see that they that are active to put any of the Lords Saints in Prison, do commit Christ to Prison in his account: and let them look to it how they will answer it. 6. We see that when Prisons are opened, and Saints delivered out of Prison, Christ cannot but take it well. 7. We see that they are of a merciful spirit, that either are a means to keep the Saints from go­ing to Prison, or are means to let them out: they are of Christs spirit. 8. We see that Prisoners of Jesus Christ are honourable ones, for Christ reckons that himself is im­prisoned in them. 9. We see that the Spirits of the Saints that are imprisoned, shall be born up, that the Prisons noisomeness shall not be felt. 10. We see that surely he pities them that are cast into the Fire, Water, to wilde Beasts, that are Racked, Stoned, Sawn a sunder, Slain with the Sword, and otherwise cruelly dealt with, Heb. 11. 37, 38.

Use 2. for Terrour: 1. To those that put the Saints in Prison without a cause; they do it to Christ himself. 2. To those that are put in Prison for evil-doing; Christs compassions are not towards them.

Use 3. for Humiliation: 1. To those that have little pity to prisoners for Christs sake, they have too little of Christs Spirit in them. 2. To those that might deliver them, and forbear to do it, Prov. 24. 11,12.

Use 4. for Exhortation: 1. To be of Christs spirit, in commiserating Prisoners, 1 Pet. 3. 8. Heb. 13. 3. 2. To take heed we have not an hand in the Saints Imprison rent for well-doing. 3. To bear Imprisonment chearfully, if we be called to it for Christs sake. 4. To bewail it, if we have had an hand in their Imprisonment formerly, Acts 22. 19,20. 5 To admire with tankfulness the mercy of Christ, in sympathizing thus with us. 6 To glorifie him, that has delivered us from the woful Prison of Hell, 1 Pet. [...]. 19. Isa 42. 7. 7. To do Christs work in the Prison, for he pities us there, Phile [...]. ver. 10. 8. To loose them from their bonds, as the [...] do s, Psal. 146. 7.

Use 5. for Consolation: 1. Against Imprisonment, and all the noisome evils of it. 2. Against the Devils cruelty in it, Rev. 2. 10. Christ is merciful, though he be cruel.

Positive Comforts. 1. That they are not alone that are shut up in Prison, Christ is with them, John 16. 32. [Page 71] 2. That we need not be moved at it, Acts 20. 23,24. 3. That the prison is better then a [...] without Christs presence.

Ver. 35,36. I was an hungred and ye gave me meat [...]: Doct. XVIII. is this, This Christ takes the kindnesses done to his Saints when hungry thirsty, strangers, naked, sick and in prison, as done unto himselfe.

We will take the several Branches, and handle them a­sunder, as we did in the former Note: And first speak of the kindness in giving them Meat and Drink.

For opening of which, let me shew, 1. How it does ap­pear that Christ takes it as done to himself, when they are relieved in their Hunger and Thirst. 2. Why he takes it as done to himself. 3. The Uses.

For the first: It does appear that He takes it as done to himself; 1. In that he gives it in charge to feed the hungry, and to give drink to the thirsty, Rom. 1 [...] 20. and if so an enemy this must he done, muth more to those that are the Saints of Christ. 2. In that he promiseth to reward that that is so given, Prov. 25. 21,22. Mat. 10.42. Mark 9. 41. 3. In that he pronounceth such a man blessed, Prov. 22. 9. 4. In that he esteems it as the Fast which he hath chosen, without which other Fasts are not at all regarded. Isa. 58. 7. 5. In that he commends bounty [...] the Saints. Luke 2 [...]. [...],2,3,4. 2. Cor. 8. 1,2. 6. In that he complains when the poor are neglected these wayes: so the Text. 7. In that he bleseth the seed of such as are bountiful to them in this kinde, Psal. 37. 26. 8. In that he blesseth their estates, Prov. 11. 24,25. 9. In that he takes such away from the evil to come. Isa. 57. 1,2. 10. In that their righteousness remaineth for ever, Psal 112. 3. 11. In that at be he noureth such, Psal. 112. 9. 12. In that he [...] neither them nor theirs at any time to want, Psal. [...]7. 25,26.

Q. 2. Why does he take it so kindly when his Saints are relieved in their hunger and thirst?

Ans. 1. From himself. 2. From them.

From himself. 1. It was his manner, though poor, Luke 8. 3. 2 Cor. 8. 9. to give to the poor, John 13. 29. and there­fore he cannot but take it well when men are followers of him. 2. He knows the state of such, and the hearts of such, having been hungry and thirsty himself, and the worth of such refreshings. 3. He knows that they have done it with an eye to the Commandment of Christ. 4. He knows, that they have aimed at the Glory of Christ in to doing. 5. He loves his people, and therefore must needs take it kindly [Page 72] when they being hungry and thirsty are relieved. 6. He knows that they have done it for his sake, out of love to him, and that makes him take it so kindly at their hands.

2. From them. 1. They are his Members, Ephes. 5. 30. [...]. They are his Brethren so the Text. 3. They are his Redeemed ones, 1. Pet. 1. 18,19. 4. They are his Jewels, Mal. 3. 17. 5. They are his Spirits Temple, 1 Cor. 5. 19. & 3. 16. 6. They are his peculiar people, Tit. 2. 14.

Use. 1. for Information: [...]. We see how kindly he will much more take it, when we minister any Spiritual relief to those that want Spiritual food, it he take it so kindly when bodily refreshing is ministred to them. 2. We see what a small matter the Lord makes great reckoning of: what's a little Bread, or a little Drink given to such? yet how little soever it is, the Lord makes great account of it. 3. We see that surely he will recompence to the full all that is so given to them, for he will be in no mans debt, Rom. 11. 35. 4. We see that if he take a little Meat and Drink to hungry and thirsty ones so kindly, oh how kindly will he take it from the Lord, Ministers, that have been Instruments to save many so [...]es? he will take this as an high act of Mercy indeed, 1 Per. 5. 4. Dan. 12. 3. 5. We see what an high price we should set upon our Meat when hungry, and upon our Drink when thirsty, for Christ sets an high price upon it. 6. We see with what thankfulness hungry and thirsty ones should receive what is given them, for Christ makes great reckoning of what is so given. 7. We see what great in­couragement we have to be of a bountifull spirit to hungry and thirsty ones, for it is not so much done to them, as to Christ himselfe. 8. We see what a lovely thing it is to re­lieve those in want, for Christ himselfe is fed in them. 9. We see that how secretly soever any reliefe is gives, to the Saints, Christ takes special notice of it. 10. We see what [...] love is in the Lord Jesus, that will take so small a thing so kindly at our hands. 11. We see his wonderful humility herein. 12. We see that we should not indure to see the Saints want.

Use 2. For Reproofe, 1. To those that with-hold more then is meet. Prov 11. 24. Christ Jesus will count himselfe little beholden to them. 2. To those that spend what they have upon their lusts, and will part with nothing to Christ in his Saints. 3. To those that by fraud keep back that which is in justice due to others, James 5. 4.

Use 3. For Exhortation, 1. To come off bountifully to hungry and thirsty ones in their needs, Christ will take it kindly at our hands. 2. To bless the Lord Jesus that he [Page 73] will take what we so do in such good part, for our goodness extendeth not to him, Isal. 10. 2. 3. To accept with due acknowledgement what he does in the least of his mer­cies, Gen. 32. 10. 4. To love him that takes so kindly what is done to us; whom should we love like him? Prove 23. 26. 1 Cor. 16. 22. 5. To follow Christ, in taking kind­nesses done to hungry and thirsty ones, as done to our selves, Philem ver. 12,17. 6. To be glad of an opportunity for [...] relief of the Saints, Gal. 6. 10. 7. To devise wayes of liberality, Isa. 32. 8. 8. To do what we do out of love to Christ, for else it profits nothing, 1 Cor. 13. 3. 9. To bewail our former hard heartedness, Luke 19. 8. 10 To love mercy, Micah 6. 8.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. That surely the least of these kindnesses shall not be forgotten, but all remembred and rewarded by him. 2. That the Saints shall surely remem­ber his kindnesses, and the multitudes of them, and one day give him the glory of them.

We are now come to the second Branch of the XVIII. Doctrine, which is this, That Christ takes it very kindly when his Saints that are strangers are kindly entertained into our houses.

For opening of which, let me shew, 1. How it does ap­pear that he takes their entertainment so kindly. 2. Why he takes it so kindly. 3. The Uses.

For the first: It does appear that He takes their enter­tainment very kindly; 1. In that he gives it in charge that we should do it, 1 Pet 4. 9. Heb. 13. 2. and he cannot but take it kindly when we observe his charge. 2. In that he commendeth those that are kinde this way, 3. John 5, 8. 3. In that he makes account that such are fellow helpers to the truth, ver. 8. and this the Lord cannot but take kindly. 4. In that he does reward all such kinde entertainments; as we see he did to the widow of Sarepta, 1 Kings 17. and the Shunamite, 2 Kings 4. 5. In that he stirs up the hearts of his Servants to wish for their health and outward pros­perity, 3. John 2. 6. In that he gives such to thrive and prosper in their Souls, ibid 7. In that he vouchsafes them the love of his precious Saints, yea, the love of all them that know the truth, 3 John 1. 8. In that he gives them such blessings as they could not well expect, 2 Kings 4. 14, 15, 16. 9. In that he has sometimes restored their children from death to life, 1 Kings 17. 2. Kings 4. 10. In that he has honoured them so, as that they have entertained Angels, Heb. 13. 2. 11. In that the whole Family is blessed [Page 74] by it, Luke 19. 9. Heb. 11. 31. with Josh. 6. 23.

Q. 2. Why does he take so kindly the entertainment that his people finde?

Ans. 1. From himself: 1. He loves and preserves stran­gers, Psal 146. 9. 2. He sometimes was a stranger himself, and therefore cannot but take it kindly what is done in way of entertainment of them. 3. He hates and abhors the covetous, that do it not, Psal. 10. 3. and therefore cannot but take it kindly when we do entertain them. 4. He knows what comfort his Saints have when entertained, Judg. 19. 21, 22. 5. He takes pleasure in their prospe­rity, Psal 35. 27. 6. He knows that the want of entertain­ment has cost many a man his life.

2. From the Saints: 1. They give him entertainment in­to their hearts, Ephes 3. 17. 2. They are the delight of his eyes, Cant. 2. 14. 3. They are the very ravishment of his heart. Cant. 4. 9. 4. They are his Fathers blessed ones: so the Text. 5. They want entertainment very much, are sometimes in great distress for want of it, Judg. 19. 18,19. 6. They praise him when they have it.

3. From the nature of Entertainment: 1. It is a fruit of their Faith, Heb 11. 31. So in the Widow of Sarepta and the Shunamite. 2. It flows from Love, and therefore we must not forget to do it, Heb, 13. 1,2. 3. It is a fruit of obedience to the Commandment, 1 Pet. 4. 9. 4. It is a fruit of Bounty: and see Isa: 32. 8. 5. It may be the pre­servation of life. 6. It refresheth them in their weari­ness.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see what great delight the Lord Jesus hath in his Saints and People, in that he takes so kindly a little entertainment given to them, Psal. 149. 4. 2. We see how kindly he will take it when we en­tertain him into our hearts, Rev. 3. 20. 3. We see what entertainment himself will give such in his house here, and in his Kingdome hereafter, that takes it so kindly when they are entertained into our houses, surely he will honourably entertain them, Isa: 25. 6, John 14. 2,3. 4. We see how much more kindly he will take it, when we give that that may refresh and save the lives of their Souls. 5. We see that the Lord takes special notice of small kindnesses shew­ed to his people, in that a little entertainment is so kindly taken. 6. We see how kindly we should take it when the Lord bows the hearts of his people to be courteous in en­tertaining of us, for Christ takes it kindly at their hands. 7. We see that Hospitality is that that Christ loveth and delighteth in, how then should we love it? Titus 1: 8: [Page 75] 8. We see that we can never love the Lord Jesus enough, that takes it so kindly when we are kindly entertained, 1 Cor. 16. 22. 9. We see. a reason of the charge he gives us, 1 Pet. 4. 9. & Heb. 13. 2. 10. We see that they are no [...] of the spirit of Christ Jesus, that are unthankful when kindly entertained. 11. We see how humble and lowly in heart the Lord Jesus is, that looks at strangers lodgings, 12, We see that love to Christ is seen in a little.

Use 2. for Humiliation: 1. That any stranger should want entertainment, seeing Christ takes it so kindly. 2. That there should be any of that spirit, that will not acknowledge such kindnesses.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To beware we forget not this duty, Heb. 13. 2. why should we? 2. To beware we forget not to be thankful for all the sweet entertainment he gives us in his House, and at his Table. 3. To rejoyce in hope of better entertainment. Rom. 5. 2. 4. To imitate Christ herein. 5. To open to him, Psal 24. 7,9. Bevel. [...]. 20. [...]. To love hospitality, Tism 1. 8. 7. To take entertainments kindly, as Christ does, 2 Kings 4. 8. To be thankful to God for Christ Jesus, in whom all our enter­tainments are sweetned to us. 9. To do what we do in our entertainments, out of Faith, and Love, and Obedience. to. To come off liberally, 1 Tim. 6. 17,18. seeing he takes a little so kindly.

USe 4. for Consolation: 1. That Christ looks at strangers when harbourless. 2. That he will take it very kindly when our hearts are open to receive his words. Luke 10. 42. 3. That he will give blessed entertainment himself, that takes ours so kindly, John 14. [...]. 4. That we shall not be losers by kindnesses to strangers.

The third Branch we are to handle of the XVIII. Do­ctrine, is this, That the Lord Jesus takes it very kindly when his naked ones are clothed.

For opening of which, let me shew, 1. How it does ap­pear that he takes it so kindly. 2. Why 3. The Uses.

For the first: It does appear that He takes it kindly; 1. In that he rewards them many wayes [...] do it: (1) With long life, as we see in Joh, Job 31. 19,20. with 42. 17. (2) With honour, Psal. 112 9. so Job 29 7,8,9,10, 21—25. (2) With wealth and riches, Job 42. 10,11. All these also we may see in David, who was kinde to the poor and naked, 1 Chron. 29. 28. (4) With comfort in [...]. Pasl. 112. 4. Isa [...]. 7,8,10. (5) With speedy health, ibid. (6) With the presence of the Lord, and his [Page 76] protection, ibid. (7) With speedy answer to prayer, Isa. 58. 9. (8) With continual guidance from the Lord, Isa. 58 11. (9) With satisfaction in drowth, ibid. (10) With fatness of bones, Ibid. (11) With fruitful­ness, flourishing, and delightfulness, as a watered garden holds out. (12) With continual supplies of moisture of Grace, as a Spring of water whose waters fail not, ibid. (13) With blessings upon posterity, the shall be renown­ed, Isa 58.12. 2. In that he brings a good report upon them after they are dead, Acts 9.39. 3. In that he makes their death to be lamented, Acts 9. 39. 4. In that he sometimes has raised some that have been thus charitable from death to life, Acts 9.40,41. 5. In that the very loins of the poor bless them, Job 31. 20. 6. In that the prayers of his poor naked ones are poured out for them. 3 Tim 1.16,18. 7. In that many thanks givings come here­by to God, 2 Cor. 9. 12. 8. In that he makes such to be longed after, 2 Cor. 9. 14. 9. In that he gives to such all-sufficiency alwayes in all things, for abounding in every good work, 2 Cor. 9.8. 10. In that he giveth them to reap bountifully, 2 Cor. 9. 6.

Q. 2. Why does he take it so kindly?

Ans. 1. From himself. 2. From his Saints.

From himself. 1. He delights in mercy, Micah 7. 18. and therefore cannot but take this kindly. 2. He is the preserver of men, Job 7. 20. and this is one way whereby they are preserved. 3 He looks at it as an unspeakble gift, 2. Cor. 9. 15. and therefore cannot but take it kindly. 4. He received such things himself when time was, Luk. 8. 3. 5. He knows they cannot endure the cold without clothing, Psal. 147.17. 6. He careth for them, 1 Pet. 5. 7. and there­fore takes it kindly when we thus provide for them.

2. From the Saints that are naked. 1. They cannot ask clothing, and therefore if they be supplied with it, Christ will take it kindly. 2. They serve him with their outward man, and their bodies are for him, 1 Cor. 6.13. 3. Their bodies are part of his Purchase, he has bought them with his blood, [...] Cor 8. 20. and therefore must needs take it kindly when they are clothed. 4. They are his Disciples and followers, and he cannot but take it well when they are clothed. 5. They are thankful for clothing both to him and men, Psal. 65. 13. Job 31. 20. 6. They cannot comfortably be without clothing.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see what care we should all have to make provision, not onely for clothing for our selves and families, but to supply their wants also that [Page 77] have them not: And therefore to provide Sheep, and en­courage those that look to them: if Christ take it so kind­ly, and will own it at the last day, then we cannot be too forward to make provision for them. 2. We see what a merciful one the Lord Jesus is, that takes care of his poor naked ones to relieve them, and owns it as done to himself. 3. We see that though all we have be his, and he might command it all, yet he is so loving that he will take a little kindly at our hands, given to clothe his naked ones, Psal. 50. 4. We see that idle persons are most [...] to Jesus Christ, that clothe themselves with rags, Prov. 23. 21. for he would have all his naked ones clothed, and takes it kind­ly from them that do it. 5. We see how thankfully we should take it, when he clothes us with the Robe of his Righteousness, Isa. 61. 10. Jer. 23. 6. 6. We see how kindly he will much more take it, when any of us are in­struments to cover naked Souls, and to apply Christs Righ­teousness to any such. 7. We see how humble the Lord Jesus is, that condescends to look after the naked's clothes, 8. We see that Cloth-workers are to be encouraged by us. 9. We see that they are not of Christs spirit, that can see the Saints go in rags. 10. We see what a blessed thing it is to be the Saints of Christ, for he takes that as done to himself that's done to them.

Use. 2. for Humiliation: 1. To those that have it by them, and yet do it not. 2. To those that throw that into holes and corners, that would help to clothe Christs naked ones.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To come off liberally to the poor this way, and be of Johs spirit, Joh 31. 19▪ 20. And that we may be enabled to it, (1) Be diligent Prov. 31. 19,20. (2) Look how they go, Job 31. 19. 1 John 3. 17 18 the eye will affect the heart. (3) Think not much even to make them garments, Acts 9 39. (4) Spend not too much upon our selves, Luke 16. 19,20. (5) Love mercy, Micah 6. 8. (6) Follow that rule, Luke 3. 11. (7) Study liberality, Isa. 32. 8. (8) Think much of the day of Judge­ment. (9) Set our selves in their condition, Mat. 7. 12. (10) Think of evil times, Eccles. 11. 2. 2. To those that are relieved, to be thankful to God and man. 3. To love the Lord Jesus, that takes a little so kindly. 4. To follow Christ, and take it kindly when clothed. 5. To husband our clothes well, as a fruit of Christs kindness. 6. To be glad of an opportunity to clothe the naked.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. Against mens ingratitude; Christ takes it kindly at our hands, whatever they do. [Page 78] 2 Against our own unbelieving hearts, that are so apt to distrust his acceptance of what we do this way. 3. Against Satans standers, that we have done it our of base ends: Christ will speak of no such thing at that day; onely look we to our hearts.

The fourth Branch of the XVIII. Doctrine is this, That the Lerd Jesus [...] it very kindly when his sick Saints are visited by us, and will own it at the last day as done to him­self.

For opening of which, let me shew, I How it does ap­pear that he takes the visiting of his sick Saints to kindly. 2. Why. 3. The Uses.

For the first: It does appear, 1. In that he does not let the visits that [...] give to his sick servants, go without some reward, 2 Kings 13. 14, &c. much less when one Saint visits another. 2 In that the Saints are ever better by such visits, both they that visit, and they also that are visited: for commonly they pray together, and speak gracious words together, and so both are bettered, Jam: 5. and such visits Christ cannot but take very kindly. 3. In that the sick come by such visits to be healed. Jam: 5. 14,15. 4. In that by such visits the sins which the sick have committed come to be forgiven: and to be a means of such an act of charity as that, must needs be kindly taken by Christ Jesus. 5. In that by such visits, the temptations, that sick ones are assaulted with, come often to be removed, and their hearts comforted. 6. In that the Lord commonly orders it, that they that have visited others shall be visited themselves. 7. In that the sick bless those that come to visit them, Gen. 48. 1,2,8,9,10,15,16. 8. In that he makes it a pledge of blessedness, Psal. 41. 1,2. 9. In that when such as have visited others come to be sick, the Lord will graciously visit such, Psal. 41. 3. 10. In that if it should be a sick­ness to do to, the living will lay it to heart, Eccles. 7. 2.

Q. 2. Why does the Lord take visits so kindly?

Ans. 1. From himself 2. From his Saints.

From himself. 1. He was willing to give such visits many times. 2. He looks at it as an act of our kindness, and he cannot but take our kindness kindly: if he be kinde to the unthankful and to the evil, Luke 5. 35. much more will he be so to them that shew kindness to his people. 3. He chargeth us to visit his sick ones, James. 14,15. 4. He pities sick ones, Mat: 8. 16,17. and therefore cannot but take it kindly when we out of pity visit them. 5. He knows all their pains, groans, sorrows, conflicts, comba [...]s, [Page 79] temptations; & therefore a visit to them pleaseth him well.

2. From the Saints. 1. They need these visits; for in sick times Satan is bu [...]e, Unbelief is busie, Impatience is active and busie, and therefore need help, and the more their need is, the more kindly he takes these visits for their help. 2. They are the more indeared to those that visit them, and Christ takes that well, when love is more increased and con­tinued, Heb: 13. 1. 1 Pet: 4. 8. 3. They are most tender to the Lord then, Heb: 4. 15. 4. They are not able to do any thing for themselves, cannot stir sometimes to help them­selves. 5. They cannot speak nor call for help, Psal. 77. 4. 6. They are alone, and that is uncomfortable, Escles. 4. 10.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see how compassionate and full of bowels the Lord is to sick ones, that take is so kindly when they are visited by us. 2. We see what a little matter done out of Obedience and Faith, pleaseth him; a visit does it: not onely those high acts, Heb: 11. 8,17,18,25,26. and those ver. 35,36,37,38. but such a small thing as a visit. 3. We see how readily we should come off with this, seeing it is so kindly taken. 4. We see how kindly sick ones should take a visit, for Christ does. 5. We see how kindly we should take the Lords gracious visits to us, in sending Christ to us, Luke 1. 78. 6. We see how kindly we should take it at his hands, when he visits us with his gracious Ordinances and Providences: he bewails the con­trary, Luke 10. 41—44. 7. We see how kindly we should take it, when he visits our hearts and families with his Pre­sence, and Grace, and Spirit. 8. We see that sickness may be the better born, seeing Christ has such regard to a visit given to sick ones. 9. We see that we may not look at visitation of the sick as an arbitrary thing, but as our duty, being so highly set by. 10. We see how desireable and acceptable his last visitation should be to us, John 14. 3,18. & 16. 22. 11. We see that if we hazard or lay down our lives for the Brethren, 1 John 3. 16. Rom. 16. 4. he will much more take it kindly.

Use 2. for Humiliation: 1. That we are so hardly drawn to visit sick ones, when it is so kindly taken by Christ him­self. 2. That such as are sick sometimes are not so sensibly affected with the Saints visiting of them.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To those that are in health, to visit them, and pray for them, Jam: 5. 14,15. 2. To those that are sick, to take it kindly when they are visited, for Christ does. 3. To both whole and sick, to be thankful for Christs gracious visiting of [...] and ours with his Presence and blessing. 4. To admire with thankfulness Gods good­ness, [Page 80] in sending Christ to us, Luke 1. 68, 69. 5. To visit him often with our holy Addresses to him, 1 Thess. 5. 17. 6. To come off with highest acts of love to him, seeing he so kindly takes such a small matter as a visit.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. That the Lord tenders his sick ones, seeing he is so delighted in a visit of them. 2. That himself will surely visit them. 3. That he will take greater matters done to them kindly. 4. That he would not have them left alone.

We are now come to the last Branch of the XVIII. Note, which is this, That Christ Jesus takes it very kindly at our hands, when he come unto his imprisoned ones.

For opening of which, let me shew, 1. How it does ap­pear that he takes this so kindly. 2. Why he does it. 3. The Uses.

For the first: It does appear that He takes it very kindly when men come unto his Saint [...] prison; 1. In that his im­prisoned Saints cray for them and their houses, 2 Tim: 1. 16,17,18. which is a pledge that he takes it kindly from them. 2. In that they have their lives given them as a prey for this thing, Jer: 28. 7,8,9. with 39. 16,17,18. 3. In that he restores such from sickness to health, Phil: 2. 25,27. which is a pledge of the Lords kinde acceptance of it. 4. In that he would have such received with all gladness, Phil: 2. 29. 5. In that he would have such held in reputation, ibid. 6. In that he imparts some Spiritual blessing to them by the Prisoners means, by their savoury and gracious communication, Acts 16. 31,32. 7. In that he blesseth them with off spring of their bodies, which had none before; as the Keepers wife with whom Dr. Sands was Prisoner, being kinde to him, had a Son the next year, according as he told her. 8. In that he takes such with their families into his Covenant, as we see in the Jaylor that was kinde to Paul and Silas, Acts 16 33, 34. 9. In that he fills them with joy in believing, Acts 16. 34. 10. In that he records the courtesies that have been shewn to his Prisoners in his own book; the Keepers courtesie to Joseph, Gen. 39. Ebedmel [...]chs to Jeremiah, Jer. 38. 7,8,9. So Acts 27. 1,3.

Q. 2. Why does he take it so kindly?

Ans 1. From himself. 2. From them. 3. From the work itself.

From himself. 1. He is kinde to his Prisoners, and there­fore takes kindly what is done in kindness to them. 2. He comes to Prisoners himself, and chears them, as he did to [Page 81] Paul, Acts 16. 25,26. and to Cuthbert Simpson in Q. Maries time. 3. He sends his Angels to them, Acts 12. 7,8. & 27. 23,24. & 5. 19,20. 4. He knows the sad condition of Prisoners, how vilely and unworthily they are used, as Jo­seph and Jeremy were. 5. He desires mercy, and delights in it, Hos. 6. 6. Micah 7. 18. 6. He looseth the Prisoners, Psal. 146. 7. and therefore takes it kindly when we come to them.

2. From them. 1. They are his choyce Worthies, of whom the world is not worthy, Heb: 11. 36,38. 2. They are among the most honourable of his believing ones. Phil: 1. 29. 3. They are willing to be bound for him, Acts 21. 13. 4. They rejoyce that they are counted worthy so to be, Acts 5. 41.

3. From the work it self. 1. It is the work of Christ, Phil: 2. 30. and therefore no wonder if he does so kindly take it. 2. It is an act of spiritual fortitude and true va­lour, Phil: 2. 25. 3. It is an act of true love both to Christ and the Prisoners. 4. It is an act of greatest self denial, Phil: 2. 30. Rom: 16. 3,4.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see that though Prisoners be alone, and hardly used, yet Christ hath regard to them, for he owns what is done to them in way of kindness, as done to himself. 2. We see with what acceptance we should receive his kindness to us, in coming to us when we were every moment in danger of being cast into the Prison of Hell. Oh! we should take this kindly at his hands, Isa: 42. 6,7. 3. We see what a mercy it is, and how kindly we should take it from him, when he comes to our Spirits when shut up, and sets them at liberty, Psal: 88. 8. 4. We see what great encouragement we have to be kind to Christs Prisoners, for he owns and accepts it kindly at our hands, Heb: 13. 3. 5. We see that he will much more take it kindly if any of us be instruments to let go those that have been Prisoners of darkness. 6. We see, if coming to Prisoners of Christ be so acceptable to him, how acceptable is it to be a means of their inlargement, and to venture hard for it, as Rom. 16. 3,4. 7. We see of what an amiable nature and sweet spirit the Lord Jesus is, that takes a walk to his Prisoners so kindly. 8. We see that we need not be much discouraged to go to Prison for Christs sake 9. We see that if he respect his Prisoners so, Oh how will he respect them in his Pallace of Glory! 10. We see that they that commit his Saints to Prison, do them a greater kindness then they are aware of.

Use 2. for Humiliation: 1. To those that neglect this [Page 82] office of love; Christ takes it unkindly. 2. To those Pri­soners of his that are not so thankful as they should to those that come to them; Christ [...] it very kindly.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To stir us up to remember those that are in Bonds, Heb. 13. 3. 2. To be very thank­ful when Christ comes to us in our imprisoned condition. 3. To bless the Father for visiting us by his Son. Luke 1. 68,69,78,79. 4. To Prisoners, to take such kindnesses kindly, as Christ does. 5. To be unwearied in doing, for Christ, that takes it so kindly when we come to his Pri­soners. 6. To deliver Prisoners as we can, for he will much more take that kindly. 7. To venture hard for them, Phil. 2. 30. 8. To be willing to suffer the Prison for him. 9. To be thankful and joyful in that estate, Acts 5. 41. 10 To honour the Lord Jesus in Prison.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. That surely he will much more take it kindly when we are at pains and cost for their Liberties. 2. That Christ will entertain us when we come to him; he will take that kindly, John 6. 37. 3. That though some may vex at those that visit godly Prisoners, Christ will not. 4. That the Prison cannot separate us from Christs love, Rom 8. 35.

Ver. 37. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, &c. Doct▪ XIX. is this That they that are of a true merciful spirit to the Saints of Christ in their afflicted estate, are in a justified estate. They are righteous ones, Psal. 1129. Isa. 57. 1. 2 Cor 9. 9,10.

For opening of which, let me shew, 1. How it does ap­pear that they are in a justified estate, or righteous, as they are here styled. 2. Why it must needs be so. 3. The Uses.

For the first: It does appear that they are in a justified estate, or righteous: 1. In that Mercy is a fruit of Righte­ousness 2. Cor: 9. 10 Phil: 1. 11. Psal: 37 21. 2. In that it is a mark of Election, Coloss. 3. 12, and Elect ones are justi­fied ones, Rom. 8. 30. 3. In that it is a pledge of our hap­piness, Prov 14. 21. Now there are none happy that are not righteous. 4. In that it is a pledge of our honouring of God, Prov. 14. 31. and none can honour him truly but justi­fied ones. 5. In that it is a pledge of uprightness, Isa. 57. 1,2. and none are upright but justified ones, Luke 18. 6 In that merciful ones shall obtain mercy, Matth. 5. 7. Now none obtain mercy from God but justified ones: see Psal. 18. 25. 7. In that merciful ones rejoyce against judgement, Jam▪ 2. 1 [...]. and none can do thus but justified [Page 83] [...]. 8. In that it makes us little to God, Luke 6. 36. and none can bear his image but justified [...]. 9. In that mercy argues the goodness of a mans condition, Psal. 37. 23,26. and no man can be called a good man, but he that is in a justified estate. 10. In that Mercy is a pledge of Gods mercy to us in the forgiveness of our [...]. for we can­not be of a merciful [...] to others, till his mercy has prevented us.

Q. 2. Why must it needs be so, that they that are of a mer­ciful spirit are in a justified estate?

Ans. 1. Because it is a fruit of Faith, by which alone we are justified, Rom. 5. 1. 2. Because it is a fruit of that wisdome that cometh from above▪ Jam: 3. 17. 3. Because it is that that God is well pleased with, Heb: 13. 16. Mice 6. 8. 4. Because it is that that is the stability of a Chri­stian, Isac 32. 8. 5. Because [...] is that that is a mans exal­tation and honour, Psal [...]. 9. A mans Justification is so, Duke 18. 14. 6. Because it is that whereby when we die we enter into peace, Isa. 57. 1,2. 7. Because it is that that Christ will own at the last day. 8. Because it is that that evidenceth the [...] of our Religion, Jam. 1. 27.

Use 1. for [...]: 1. We see that works of San­ctification are good evidence of our good estate be­fore God: if they evidence a justified estate, they evi­dence a good estate. 2. We see what great encourage­ment we have to be of a merciful spirit, and to love mercy▪ for, if works of mercy be done from right grounds, for right ends, and in a right manner, they argue that we are in a justified estate, Mic. 6. 8. 3. We see how unwearied we should be in doing good, and shewing mercy, for there is not a better argument of our integrity and righteousness then that is, Gol 6 9. 4. We see what hope we may have of some of our forefathers that lived in time of Popery, who were very bountiful and merciful to the poor; for though some did what they did thinking to merit by it, as they were taught, yet it is to be hoped that some were of a better spirit. 5. We see that all they that do not bring forth fruits of mercy and good works, whatever pretence they make, or whatever they say of their Faith, yet they are not justified in the fight of God, Jam. 2. 6. We see how good the Lord is to those that the Lord is pleased to bestow a spirit of mercy upon; he gives them in a comfortable pledge of their justified estate. 7. We see who they be that Churches may safely admit into their Fellowship: if we see men and women of a merciful spirit, we may with­out fear admit them, for this argues a justified state. [Page 84] 8. We see who we should desire to make our bosome friends, and our intimate acquaintance, merciful men. 9. We see what an high price the Lord sets upon works of mercy, in that he reckons of merciful men as righteous ones. 10. We see how amiable and precious the Lords mercy should be to us, seeing he prizeth our mercy so high­ly, which is but a fruit of his, Psal. 36. 7.

Use 2. for Humiliation: 1. That there are so few merci­ful men, Mic 7.1,2. Psal. 12.1. 2. That those that are, are so little set by.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To prize merciful men, as God does. 2. To lay it to heart when such are taken away, Isa. 57. 1. 3. To joyn in fellowship with such. 4. To love mercy, Mic. 6.8. 5. To bless the Lord when he makes us of a merciful spirit. 6. To remember to shew mercy, Heb. 13. 16. 7. To delight to see others merciful. 8. To be afraid of an unmerciful spirit. 9. To follow after mercy, Prov. 21. 21. 10. To bear with frailties, if this be found in Brethren.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. Against the corrupt censures and hard thoughts of men: a spirit of mercy argues inte­grity and righteousness. 2. Against the unbelief of our own hearts; unbelief may here stop its mouth. 3. Against evil tidings; such a man as is merciful need not be afraid of them, Psal. 112. 7.

Ver. 37,38,39. Then shall the Righteous answer him, say­ing, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? &c.

Doct. XX, is this, That the Elect Saints are so farre from putting any confidence in any thing they do for the Lord, that they cannot own any thing that they have done, at that day.

Reasons. 1. From the Lord. 2. From themselves. 3. From the duties they perform.

From the Lord. 1. From his Infiniteness, which our finite works can no way reach unto, Isa. 40. 15,16. and how then can we put any confidence in what we do? or how should we own any thing that we have done in reference to him. 2. From his Perfection and Sufficiency in Himself, we cannot adde any thing to him, Job 22. 2,3. & 35. 6,7,8. Psal. 16 2,3. 3. From his Beneficence; for whatever we do in the best way for him, is from him, 1. Chron 29. 14,16. Isa. 26. 12. 1 Cor. 4.7. 4. From the Purity of his Nature, which [...] not but abhor our best services, as they come from us, [...]. 1. 13. Woe to us, if we should stand before [Page 85] him in our best works, Isa 64. 6. Titus 3. 5. 5. From his Soveraignty and Greatness, Mal. 1. 14. Isal 47. 2. and what poor things are our duties for such a Prince as he? 6. From his Command to us, Luke 17. 10. 7. From his justice, which requires exact obedience. 8. From his Omniscience, 1 John 3. 20

2. From the Saints themselves. 1. They see no worth at all in what they have done. 2. They desire pardon for their best works, Nehem. 13. 22. 3. They see them all wo­fully defiled, Isa. 64.6 4. They pray that God would not enter into judgement with them for the best of them, Psal 143. 2. 5. They see them at best imperfect, 1 Cor. 13. 9,10. 6. They see that their Alms, though Sacrifices, Heb. 13. 16. yet need an Altar to sanctifie them, Mat. 23. 19. 7. They acknowledge themselves unable to stand, if God should mark their iniquities, Psal. 130. 3. 8. They acknow­ledge, though they cannot accuse themselves, yet they are not thereby justified, 1 Cor. 4.4.

3. From the Duties they perform. 1. They have their spots. 2. They come hardly off, Mat. 11. 30. 3. They are such things as we are apt to be weary of, Gala [...] 6. 9. 4. They are so performed, as that we have cause to be ashamed of them. 5. They are at best but childish things 1 Cor. 13. 11. 6. They need covering and washing. 7. They are only acceptable to God through Jesus Christ, 1 Pet. 2,5. 8. They cannot save us, Titus 3. 5. Eph. 2.8,9.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see what little reason any have to glory or boast of any of their works of Bounty or Mercy that they have done, for at the last day the Saints will be so farre from this, that they cannot tell how to own their best works. 2. We see what a folly it will be in Hy­pocrites to plead their Works at that day, Mat. 7. 22,23. for if the Saints put no confidence in their works that they have done, how poorly will Hypocrites come off that plead theirs? 3. We see how lowly in heart Christians will then be at that day: here we have our pangs of Pride sometimes, to overvalue what we do, but then we shall have another spirit. 4. We see how loathsome our sins should be to us, if our best duties be of so little worth. that we cannot tell how to own them at the last and great day, Rom. 12. 9. We should loath our selves for them, Ezek 36. 31. 5. We see the vanity of many men, that will brag of their works, Prov. 20. 6. 6. We see how inconsistent it is with a gra­cious spirit, to boast of any thing we do, how good soever in it self the thing be. 7. We see how contrary to the grain of Christianity, that Popery is, that affirms, That [Page 86] Good Works merit Eternal Salvation: at the last day the Saints will own no such thing, nor any gracious Saint now. 8. We see that confidence in any thing that we can do, will never stand in the day of Christ. 9. We see that if our best works will be undervalued then, how should we undervalue all we do now? Luke 17. 10. 10. We see that the Elect Saints will at hat day [...] all the glory to the Lord of what they have done, and nothing to themselves, Psal. 1 15. [...]

Use 2. for Humiliation: 1. To those that tell others in a braving way of what they have done, Mat. 6. 1,2,2. To those that are too vain luxuriant in praising others, Prov. 27. 14.

Use 3. for Exhortations: [...]. To esteem little of our best works now, for we shall so do at the last day, if we be the Lords elect ones, Lu. 17. 10 2. To take heed that pride step not in, and mix it self with our works of mercy, Mat. 6. 1. 3. To long after that day, when we shall be of such an hum­ble frame. 4. To abhor the thought of having any confi­dence in our best works Job 9. 20,21. 5. To confess that all our righteousness is as filthy rags, Isa 64. 6. 6. To pray that God would not enter into judgement with us Psal. 143. 2. 7. To trust only in the mercy of God through Christ Jesus, notwithstanding all our Good Works; that's the safest by the confession of Bel [...]armine himself, that great Champion for Good Works: see also Gal. 2. 15,16. Rom. 4. 1,2. 8. To rejoyce in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh Phil. 3. 3.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. To those that renounce their best works, to as to put no confidence in them, it is a pledge of their Election. 2. To those that have low thoughts of all their works of mercy that they have done. 3. To those that plead and argue against trusting to Works for merit.

Ver. 37, 38, 39. Then shall the Righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw me thee an hungred, and set thee? &c.

Doct. XXI. is this, That the Elect Saints at the last day will make so little reckoning of what they have done for Christ in his Members, that they do as it were forget what they have done in that kinde.

Reasons. 1. From the Lord. 2. From themselves. 3. From their Works of Bounty and Mercy.

From the Lord. 1. From his excellent Majesty, which we can never do enough for; and therefore that little that is done for him, how can it come to minde? it must needs [Page 87] [...] forgotten. Isa. 12. 5. 2. From his Mercy and Goodness, he forgets their sins, Isa. 4 [...]. 25. Jer. 31. 34. makes them [...]s if they had never been committed, Micah 7. 18. and is it any wonder that they should forget their best works done for him? 3. From the exact Perfection of Obedience that his Justice calls for, Gal 3. 10. Now we being able to do nothing exactly, how should it be but that all we do should be forgotten? 4. From the Lords fulfilling all Righteousness for us, and imputation of his Righteousness to us Rom. 4,6,7,8. And how then should any thing of ours be thought of? Cant. 4. 7. 5. From his fore ordain­ing to walk in this way of good works, Ephos 2. [...]. and therefore he has been more in them then we; and how then should we remember them in reference to our selves? 6. From his Acceptation of our will for the deed, a Cor. 8. 12.

2. From the Saints. 1. They are so taken up with thoughts of the Lords mercy to them, that they cannot think of any mercy that they have shewn to him in his Mem­bers. 2. They are then so taken up with the Dignity and Honour that is put upon them, that what they have done upon earth is out of minde. 3. They are so taken up with his Praises, that what they have done cannot come into their hearts to be once thought upon. 4. They are so [...] and little in their own eyes, that what they have done seems nothing to them. 5. They are come to mans estate, and therefore forget what they did in their childhood, 1 Cor. 13. 11. 6. They are now perfect, Heb 12. 23. and therefore forget their imperfect services, 1 Cor. 13. 10.

3. From their works of Mercy. 1. They are all his works, and [...]ow from him. Hes. 14. 8. John 15. 5. Phil. 1. 11. and therefore they must needs forget them, as in reference to themselves. 2. They are little things in comparison of what we owe him. 3. They are not worth remembring, having been so full of fillings. 4. They are done so se­cretly, that they are easily forgotten. Matth. 6. 1.—4. 5. They are done to so few, and so seldome, that they may well be forgotten. 6. They have been done so sparingly, that those poor pittances cannot once so much as come into their mindes.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see that they are not the Elect ones of God, that reckon up their good works, as the Pharisee did in Luke 18. 11. 12. and that number their De­votions: for at the last day the Elect, as though they had forgotten all, will say, Lord, when did we seed thee? &c. 2. We see how conscious we should be of our falling short [Page 88] of our duty to Christ in his Members now, for the time will come when we shall think that we have done nothing for him. 3. We see how little it is that the best of the Saints do for Christ here; so little, that they cannot think of any thing that they have done that way. 4. We see that they that upbraid others with what they have done for them, as they are unlike God, Jam. 1.5. so they are not of the spirit that the Elect Saints will be of at the last day. 5. We see that they that are most forgetful of what they have done for Christ in his Members, they come nearest the perfection of the Saints at the last day. 6. We see that when we have done all we can for Christ in his Members, it well becomes us to be little in our eyes, 1 Pet. 5.5. 7. We see that our kindnesses done to Christ in his Mem­bers are very few, for they are easily all forgotten. 8. We see that forgetfulness of what we have done for Christ in his Members, argues a truly gracious heart. 9. We see that good works, though they be forgotten of us, lose not their nature, for Christ before owns them. 10. We see that Elect Saints will carry Humility to Heaven. 11. We see that they are not for Works of Supererogation. 12. We see that surely they do not hold that they are saved by their Works, for they are as though forgotten and out of minde, Ephes. 2.8,9.

Use 2. for Humiliation: 1. To those that now think too much, and speak too much of their works, they shall be all forgotten at that day. 2. To those that are so sparing in their beneficence, it must needs be forgotten it is so little.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To this holy forgetfulness now of what we do this way. Means hereof. (1) Remem­ber we our sins more, and we shall be less proud in remem­bring what we have done, Ezek. 36.31. (2) Look upon our failings in the Grounds, Manner, and End of our works, and we shall see more spots then beauty in them. (3) Look upon what Christ has done for us, and all our doings will not come into minde. (4) Look upon his Greatness, and all our doings will be nothing to us▪ but be forgotten. (5) Compare the Reward and the Work together: As he said of sufferings, Rom. 8. 18. 2 Cor. 4. 17. so here, our works appear as nothing, when set before the exceeding greatness of the Reward. (6) Remember his manifold mercies. (7) Remember what we did of old against him. (8) Remember, that all we can do is Debt and Duty. 2. To be humble when we shew most mercy, 3. To love Humility in others that are merciful. 4. To abhorre that [Page 89] Popish Conceit of Merit. 5. To detest all thoughts of Works of Supererogation. 6. To love Christs appearing, 2 Tim. 4.8.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. Against wicked mens charging us with neglect or Bounty and Mercy, they do no more then we shall one day do against our selves. 2. Against some pangs of vain-glory which we mourn for; we shall be troubled with none of them at that day.

Ver.37,38,39. Then shall the Righteous answer him, &c. Doct. XXII. is this, That the Elect Saints at the last day will wonder and admire, that their Works, that they have made so little reckoning of, should be so owned and ac­cepted by the Lord Jesus. For so Interpreters make account that this question is made of them, by way of wonder and admiration.

Reasons. 1. From the Lord himself. 2. From the Saints. 3. From their Works.

From the Lord. 1. He needs not us, nor any of our ser­vices, and therefore we may then well wonder that he does so accept them, Acts 17.24,25. 2. He is above all our services; that which is spoken of one, is true of all the rest, Nehem. 9. 5. and being so above them, we may well wonder that he will accept of them 3. He was happy from all Eternity, when there was neither Man nor Angel to serve him, Prov. 8 30, 31. and therefore they may well admire at this. 4. He fills all in▪ all, Ephes. 1.23. Joh. 1.16. and is it not then a wonder that he should own and accept any thing done by us? 5. He gives us that whereof we have been bountiful, 1 Chron. 29.14,16. 6. He puts it into our hearts to be merciful; it is his own work, and there­fore that be reckons of it as ours, and accepts it as coming from us, we may well wonder at it:

2. From the Saints. 1. They are unsatisfied in what they do. 2. They sin in their best actions, Isa. 64.6. 3. They take no notice of them themselves, Mat 6.3. and therefore may well wonder that he should take notice of them, and accept them. 4. They see that they too often have wanted hands and hearts to give, and therefore cannot but wonder that he should so accept of them. 5. They miss their opportu­nities of Beneficence too often, Gal 6▪ 10. when they come off to works of Mercy with delay and difficulty. 6. They want ability sometimes to shew mercy, are poor, and have little to give. 7. They give very little, Luke 21.1,2,3,4. 8. They do it not with such inlarged hearts as the Lord calls for, Isa. 58. [...]0.

[Page 90] 3. From their Works of Mercy. 1. They are nothing to what we might have done according to our ability, 1 Tim. 6.18. 2. They are nothing in comparison of the mercy he has shewn to us. [...]. They are of no reckoning, compared with the Reward. 4. They are nothing to what others would have done, if they had our opportunities, 2 Cor. 8. 1, 2. 5. They are nothing to what we should have done. 6. They are nothing to the multitude of our sins.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see what cause we have to wonder at the Lords acceptance of what we do here for him, for at that day we shall wonder at his owning and ac­cepting of the smallest kindnesses shewed to his Members. 2. We see that holy admirations here at the prace of Christ towards us, is the beginning of those blessed admirings that we shall have at that day. 3. We see that we shall surely be filled with admiration at the riches of his grace in par­doning of our sins, and reconciling us to himself; for if we shall wonder at this here mentioned in the Text, much more at that: if at the less, much more at the greater, Micah 7.18. 4. We see how admirable the joyes of heaven will be, we shall be ravished in our spirits in the sense of them. If this here mentioned be so admirable, what will they be? 5. We see that great will be the humility of the Elect Saints at that day, for this holy admiration is a fruit of it. 6. We see that the more humble we be in our holy admirings at the Lords mercies, the more we come up to that perfection that is in another world. 7. We see that the Saints make account that their best works are worthless things, and deserve not to be accepted, Psal 14 3. 2. 8. We see how damnable their condition is, that trust to the merit of their works for Salvation, Tit. 3.4,5,6,7. 2 Tim. 1.9. 9. We see how free Gods grace is in accepting us and our services, Rom. 4 1,2. 10. We see that there are many won­ders in the grace of God, in accepting what we do for him.

Use 2. for Humiliation: 1. That we have so few of these holy admirings here. 2. That we are apt to have too high thoughts of our works. Alas! It is a wonder of Gods grace that they should ever be accepted.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To begin our wondring here, for we shall wonder at that day. 2. To abhor the thought of being justified or saved by them, Isa 64.6. 3. To desire after that day that may fill us with these holy admirings, Rev. 22.20. 4. To humble our selves for all our Fallings in our services to him in his Saints, for well all humbly ad­mire their acceptance at that day, 1 Chron. 29. 14, 16. [Page 91] 5. To walk weanedly from all that we have done, and not to rest in any of our duties, for it will be a wonder to us one day, that they should be owned and accepted. 6. To wonder that we can no more wonder at the wonders of Gods grace towards us.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. Against our shortness in our holy admirings here, at the Lords accepting of our services, we shall come off better at that day. 2. Against the praises that vain-glorious Hypocrites have for their works; we shall have praise from God, which we shall wonder at.

Ver. 40. And the King shall answer, and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my Brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Doct. XXIII. is this, That the Elect Saints of Christ are counted and reckoned by him to his Brethren: Joh.20.17. Heb.2.11,12.

For opening of which, let me shew in what respects they are his Brethren. 2. The Uses.

Quest. In what respects are they said to be his Brethren?

Ans. 1. In that [...] and they have one Father [...] though as he is the second Person in the Trinity he is the essential Son of the Father by Eternal Generation, and they his Sons by Adoption and Grace, John 1.14,18. 1 John 3.1,2. 2. In that they bear his Image, as Brethren are like one another, Rom. 8.29. They bear his Image here in Knowledge, Holi­ness, and Righteousness, Coloss. 3.10. Ephes. 4.24. and shall bear it more perfectly hereafter, 1 Cor. 15.49. 1 John 3.2. 3. In that they are joynt-heirs with him, Rom. 8.17. as Brethren inherit their Fathers Estate, though the first-born has a double Portion. 4. In that they and he are sufferers together, Rom 8.17. 2 Tim. 2.12. Coloss. 1.24. as Brethren are often fellow-sufferers. Rom. 8.29. 5. In that he and they are fellows one to another, Psal. 45 7. as Brethren are fellows and companions together, have fellowship one with another, he has fellowship with them, Cant. 5.1. and they with him, 1 John 1.3. Rev. 3. 20. 6. In that he and they intirely love one another, as Brethren do: he loves them. Gal. 2.20. Ephes [...]. 2, 25. and they love him, Psal. 18.1. & 116.1. Ephes. 6.24. 1 John 4.19. 7. In that he and they are firmly united, so as nothing can separate there: so are Brethren firmly linked and united, and so are they, Hos. 2.19,20. 2 Cor. 11.2. Ephes. 5.30. John 15.2. 8. In that he and they please their Father, John 8.29. 1 John 3.22. so do Brethren. 9. In that he and they are sensible of one [Page 92] anothers sufferings and comforts; so the Text: Acts 9.4. The head in the natural body suffers, and rejoyceth with the members, and the members with the head; so in the mystical body. 10. He and they partake of one anothers provisions and feasts, as Brethren▪ he invites us, and we him, Cant. 4.16. & 5. [...]. 11. He and they never forsake one another, as Brethren, Heb. 13.5. Jer. 32.40. 12. He has done many brotherly offices for them; (1) Laid down his life for them, 1 John 3.16. (2) He intercedes for them, Heb. 7.25. (3) Prepares a place for them, John 14.2,3. (4) He will not leave them comfortless, John 14. 18. (5) Procures the Comforter for them▪ John 14 16. and sends him, John 15.26. (6) Gives them a grant of all they ask, John 14.13,14.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see what great honour the Lord Jesus will put upon his Saints at that day, that he will own them as Brethren: Great is the honour of being the Brethren of a King: Oh what is it then to be the Bre­thrèn of this King! 2. We see the great humility of the Lord Jesus, that will stoop so low as to count and call us his Brethren: Earthly Kings make account that they con­descend in calling the chief Peers of the Land, their Cou­s [...]s: Oh but how does this King condescend in calling not onely the greatest, but the meanest of his Subjects, Bre­thren! Psal 113.5,6,7. 3. We see that surely he will ne­ver be wanting to us, to do those brotherly offices for us now that we stand in need of, for he cannot forget his Bre­thren. 4. We see that though he seem to cast us off in time of temptation, yet he will not do it long, for he can­not withdraw his compassions from his Brethren, Heb. 2.18. & 4.15. 5. We see that though he make himself strange to them, and speak roughly to them, and deal harshly with them, yet there will be a time when he will not be able to refrain himself any longer, but will (as Joseph did) dis­cover himself to be their Brother, Gen. 45.1. 6. We see that he cannot see them lack, Psal. 34. 10. & 84. 11. 7. We see that we had need to beware of offending him; for a Brother offended is hard to be won, Prov. 18.19. and therefore serve him with fear, and take heed of provoking him to anger, Psal. 2.11,12. 8. We see a reason of his kinde acceptance of what we do for him, he is our Brother. 9. We see that he will not suffer us to be overmuch wrong­ed, but will surely take our part against our enemies, Luke 22▪ 31. Mat. 10. 10. We see a reason why the Righteous is more excellent then his Neighbour, Prov. 12.26. for such are Christs Brethren. 11. We see that his heart is toward [Page 93] us. 12. That he will never leave us nor forsake us, Heb. 13. 5.

Use 2. for Humiliation: 1. That we have so little of His Spirit, are so unlike to such a Brother. 2. That we are so unbrotherly to him. 3. That we are so apt to start from him, Prov. 17.17. 4. That we are so little troubled for our unkindness to him: see Gen. 42.21.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To honour our elder Bro­ther. 2. To suffer with him, Rom. 8.17. 3. To trace his steps, 1 John 2.6. as younger Brethren do. 4. To do his Fathers will, Mat. 12.50. 5. To converse much with him, Job 22▪ 21. 1 John 1.3. 6. To open to him, Psal. 24.7,9. Rev. 3.20. See Gen 24.31. 7. To love him constantly. If brotherly love should continue between the Saints, Heb. 13.1. then much more between Christ and us. 8. To trust in him: for though other Brothers are not to be trusted sometimes, Jer. 9.4. Micah 7.5,6. yet we may safely trust him. 9. To take his part against those that rise up against him: Brethren take one anothers part. 10. To get our elder Brothers garments on us. See for illustration Gen. 27.15. so Jer. 23.6. 11. To deny none that Ask for Jesus sake; he is our Brother. 12. To walk honourably, as having him to our Brother.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. Against afflictions and tempta­tions, we have a Brother that is sensible of them. 2. Against our own unbelief; he will appear to us. 3. Against hard Censures, and present dishonour.

Positive Comforts: 1. That he will come to us, John 14. 18. 2. That he will let us inherit with him. 3. That he will discover himself to us.

Ver. 40. And the King shall answer, and say unto them, &c.

Doct. XXIV. is this, That the meanest and poorest Saints, and most despicable, and those that are of least reckoning and account with men, are of great esteem with Christ Je­sus. He speaks honourably of the least, and counts them his Brethren, as well as the greatest.

Reasons. 1. From the Lord Jesus himself. 2. From the Elect Saints which are of least account.

From the Lord Jesus. 1. He has Chosen them, and more of them then he has of greater personages, 2 Cor. 1.26,27. Jam. 2.5. 2. He has taken their Nature upon him, as well as the greater; the meanest that are of the seed of Abra­ham, as well as the mightiest, John 1. 14. Hebr. 2. 16. 3. He has died for them, as well as the greatest, John 10.11. [Page 94] Heb. 2. 9. 1 Tim. 2. 5, 6. 4. He has inriched them with Faith, and made them heirs of the Kingdome, Jam. 2. 5. 5. He has undertaken to plead their Cause as a mighty Re­deemer, against those that deal injuriously with them, Prov. 23.10,11. 6. He has made them all, they are all the works of his hands, least and greatest; and therefore they are not one preferred above another, but the least of Saints are of as much account as the greatest, Job 34 19. 7. He hum­bleth himself to behold these, and to raise them sometimes out of a low condition, Psal. 113.5,6, [...]. 8. He has used them in the greatest services: David a Shepherd, Amos an Herdsman, the Apostles that were some of them Fishermen, in those great works. 9. He has remembred them in their [...]ow estate, Psal. 136.23. 10. He has rebuked Kings for their sakes, Psal. 105.12,13,14.

2. From the least and poorest Saints themselves. 1. They have the Gospel preached to them, and they receive it, Mat. 11.5. Zech. [...]1. [...]. 2. They are commonly such as are poor in Spirit, Mat. 5.3. with Luke 6.20. 3. They are they that trust in the Name of the Lord, Zeph. 3. 12. 4. They are they that beat his Image, as well as the greatest. 5. They sometimes by their wisdome deliver the places where they live, though they be not regarded for what they do, Eccles. 9.14,15. 6. They are cared for, and looked after, as well as the greatest, Psal 68. 10. 7. They are taken into Heaven when they die, whereas others, though great, are cast into Hell, Luk. 16 22 23. 8. They are called to have fellowship with him in his Supper, to the participa­tion of his Ordinances, that others refuse to partake of, Luke 14.21. 9. They are such as in common Calamities finde more favour then others do, Jer. 39.10. 10. They are they that prize the Lord Jesus more, and the mercies held out by him more then others. 11. They are common­ly most humble, and 1 Pet. 5.5. he gives grace to the hum­ble. 12. They are the care of Angels, living Heb. 1.14. and dead, Luke 16.22.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see that the meanest and poorest of the Saints need not be discouraged with their condition, for however men esteem of them, Christ Jesus has them in great esteem. 2. We see the sinfulness of those that undervalue and despise the poor, Jam. 2 [...]. 1—6. they are not of the Spirit of Christ Jesus, for he has them in high esteem. 3. We see that the least of Saints are better and more honourable in their condition, then the greatest among sinners, Prov. 12.26. for Christ Jesus highly esteems of them. 4. We see the truth of that John 6.39. for he has the least [Page 95] in high esteem. 5. We see how exceedingly the Lord hum­ble [...] himself, in that he had in his eye the lowest of Saints. Oh who is like to him in so doing▪ Psal. 113.5,6. 6. We see how little the least should be in their own eyes, for they are highly esteemed of Christ Jesus; and who are they that he should make any reckoning of them? 2 Sam. 7. 18, 19. Gen. 32.10. 7. We see how unworthily they carry it that oppress the poor Saints, and beat them to pieces▪ and grinde the faces of the poor, Isa. 3.15. He that thinks highly of them will be highly displeased with it. 8. We see what cause these poor and least ones of the Saints have to set an high price upon Christ Jesus, and highly to esteem▪ of him that has them in that high esteem, 1 Pet. 2.7. 9. We see how full of holy admirings the least and, meanest of the Saints should be, that are had in such high esteem with the Lord, how should they wonder at the Lords grace towards them? Psal. 113.5,6,7. 10. We see the truth of that▪ in 1 Sam. 16.7. He seeth not as man seeth, &c. 11. We see what high esteem we should have of the least of Saints, for Christ hath them in high esteem, and counts them his Brethren, 1 Pet. 2. 17. Phil. 2. 3. 12. We see that it is no matter though we be mean, and despised of men, for if we be his Elect ones, Christ highly esteems of us.

Use 2. for Humiliation: 1. That the poor among Saints are so little esteemed. 2. That Christ himself is no more in price with us, Isa. 53.3. 3. That we cover so after worldly greatness, Jer. 45.5.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To bless and magnifie the Lord, Luke 1.46,47,48. 2. To do as the Lord does, and to esteem of the poor as of our Brethren. 3. To come off bountifully to them, as being the Lords Brethren. 4. To bear our poor estate contentedly, Phil. 4.11,12. pa­tiently, Jam. 5.7,8. and chearfully, Heb. 10.34. for the Lord highly esteems of us. 5. To admire the Lords mercy, that he will have any regard to such as we, that are less then the least of all Saints, Eph. 3.8. & chief of sinners, 1 Tim. 1.15. 6. To prize him above all other beloved [...], Cant. 5.10. Psal. 73.25. 7. To despise worldly greatness without godliness, for the poor mans case is better, Prov. 19.1. 8. To be very humble, for he condescends to us herein much. 9. To long for the time of our advancement from Christ. 10. To be­have our selves as those whom Christ will thus advance.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. Against the worlds contempt of us: what need we care for that? 2. Against the mean­ness of our estate, that hinders not, but Christ esteems us highly for all that. 3. Against the great, esteem other men [Page 96] have in the world: what's that to the esteem of Christ? 4. Against Satans whisperings, the old Serpents hissings, and the Devils perswa [...]ions that Christ regards us not.

Ver. 40. And the [...]ing shall answer, and say unto them, &c.

Doct. XXV. is this, That what works of Mercy are done to the Brethren of Christ, yea to the meanest and least of [...], Christ assures [...] upon his faithful Word, that they are done to him. He does not onely say it, cut addes a strong Asseveration to it in the word Verily; and therefore we may be assured of it.

Reasons. 1. They are the friends of Christ, Luke 12. 4. John 15.13,14. and men use to say when any are kinde to their friends, [...] they take it as if it had been done unto them­selves; much more will Christ say so, who loves his friends ten thousand times better then men do theirs. 2. They are the Brethren of Christ. John 20.17. Heb. 2.11,12. and Bre­thren will interpret the kindnesses done to their Brethren, as done to themselves; much more Christ, who has more brotherly affection then all the loving brethren in the world put all together. 3. They are the fellows of Christ, Psal. 45.7. 1 John 1.3. and Companions are so dear one to an­other, that they will account that what is done to their Companions is done to them; much more Christ, who is above all the Companions in the world for love. 4. They are the Members of Christ, Ethes. 5. 30. Coloss. 1.18. his very flesh: and how can he do any other but reckon of that that's done to them, as done to himself? 5. They are the Spouse of Christ; and what loving Husband is there, that takes not that that is done to his Spouse, as done to him­self? how much more Christ? Cant. 5.1 [...].6. They are the Children of Christ, Heb. 2. 13. and do not other Fathers take the kindnesses that are done to their Children, as done to themselves? how much more Christ? 7. They are the Subjects of Christ, and he their King▪ Rev. 15.3. and Kings are concerned themselves in the welfare of their Subjects, much more this blessed King. 8. They are the very apple of his own eye, Zech. 2.3. and therefore he must needs be much concerned in the tender care that is had of them. 9. They are his peculiar People, Tit. 2. 14. Psal. 135. 4. Mal. 3. 17. and how can be then do any other, then take himself as much concerned in what is done to them? 10. They are they that he has given his life for, John 10.11. and therefore are most dear to him.

Q. But why may we be so assured of the truth of this?

[Page 97] Ans. 1. He is the faithful and true Witness, Rev 1.5. & 8.14. 2. He speaks truth in all he sayes, and [...] lying, Prov. 8.7,8. 3. He useth a strong Asseveration to give as­surance of what he sayes, in that word, Amen, or Verily, So it is. 4. He has said, that Heaven and Earth shall pass away, but not a jot or little of his word shall fail, Mat.24.35. 5. He commands that we should speak truth one to ano­ther, and not, lie, Zech. 8.16. C [...] 3.9. 6. He loves truth and righteousness, Psal. 45.7.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see what a loving friend we have of the Lord Jesus, he is all love and sweetness to his people, that takes himself so much concerned in the kindnesses and works of mercy done for them: What love is to be compared to his? 1 John 4. 8. 2. We see what great encouragement merciful ones have to come off with works of mercy, for Christ will say, Inasmuch as ye have done it to the least of these my Brethren, ye have done i [...] unto me. 3. We see that works of mercy and beneficence, and what we minister to Christs Brethren, are not lost, for Christ owns them, Eccles. 11.1. 4. That doubtless works of mer­cy shall finde a liberal Reward, for Christ takes himself as deeply concerned in them; and he will never take any thing of us (though his own) but will give us much more in lieu of it, Gal. 6.9. 2 Cor 9.6. 5. We see what our duty is to Christ, to take the unkindnesses that are done to Christ, as done to our selves, and to look at our selves as deeply con­cerned in them. 6. We see that Christ and his Elect ones are one; so he makes account that sayes, Inasmuch, &c. Oh what an honour and dignity is this! 1 Cor. 6. 17. 7. We see that we c [...]n never come off with love enough to him who is so full of love to us: all the heart, and minde, and understanding, and strength of our love is too little for him, Mark 12. 30. 8. We see how nearly we should take our selves to be concerned in the matters that concern his Honour and Glory, and the advancement of his King­dome; we should think we can never do enough for him in these. 9. We see how willing Christ is to strengthen our Faith, in the words of truth that he speaks, and that we shall have no doubting of the certainty of them, in that he addes his Amen, or Verily, to what he sayes. 10. We see that they that are unmerciful to the poor and afflicted Saints of Christ, give him the Lie in what he here sayes, and do not believe his words, that are strongly asserted by him, 1 John 5.10. 11. We see how marvellous humble the Lord Jesus it in his state of Glory, that counts that that is done to the least of his Brethren, as done to himself. 12. We see that [Page 98] works of beneficence rightly done, reach very far, not so much to the Saints on earth, as to Christ himself who is in Heaven. 13. We see that we have no cause to repent of what is so done.

Use 2. for Humiliation: 1. To those that are hardly drawn to works of mercy; these forget that Christ is con­cerned in them. 2. To those that turn away the poor from their doors, they turn away Christ from them. 3. To those that have done far less then they might have done.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To come off liberally to hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick, and imprisoned ones, it's done to Christ Isa. 32.8. Acts 10. 2. 2 Cor. 8. 1, 2. Luke 19.8. 2. To give glory to Christ Jesus, that thus owns what we do. 3. To own him and his Cause in hardest times, Luke 14.26,33. 4. To be afraid of omitting any opportunity of mercy offered, left we should reject Christ himself, Gal. 6.10. 5. To take pains in our beneficence these ways; all our pains are little, being for Christ Jesus, we should go about doing good, travel for it, as Phil 2.25—30. 6. To run great hazards, that we may shew mercy, Rom. 16.3,4. Phil. 2.30. it's for Christ. 7. To bewail that we have done no more, being for Christ. 8. To rejoyce that we have done any thing this way. 9. To rejoyce in our suffering for our mercy to the Saints. 10. To love mercy, Micah 6.8. it is for Christ. 11. To be unwearied in works of mercy, Gal 6.9. it is for Christ. 12. To work with our hands, that we may give, Ephes. 4.28. 13. To give of our own, Isa. 61.8. Luke 19.8. 14. To do what we do secret­ly, it is for the Lord, Mat. 6.1,2,3.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. Against mens hard thoughts of us; if Christ say, Ye have done it to me, it's no matter. 2. Against our own thoughts of the littleness of what we have done; if Christ own it, all will be well. 3. Against our defects, in that we have not done it to so many; Christ sayes, If it be done to one, it is done to me. 4. Against our fears, because not done to Ministers, or others of great esteem; Christ sayes, If it be done to the least of these my Brethren, it is done to me.

Ver 41. Then shall be say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cunsed, into everlasting fire, pre­pared for the Devil and his Angels.

Doct. XXVI. is this▪ That wicked men and Reprobates shall be cast out of Christs Presence, and be bid to Depart from him at the last day: Matth. 7. 23. Luke 13. 27. 2 Thess. 1. [...].

[Page 99] Reasons. 1. They have said to the Lord Depart from us; Job 21.14,15. and therefore if he say to them, Depart from me, what wonder is it? See Mal. 3.14. 2. They are workers of iniquity, Mat.7 23. Luke 13.27. and what should they do in his presence? they are fit for nothing but to be cast out. 3. They are Cursed: so the Text. And what should they do in the presence of that Blessed One? 4. They have de­parted from his Ordinances, Mal. 3.7. and what then can they expect, but that he should bid them depart from him at that day? 5. They have been cruel to him in his Mem­bers and Brethren: so the Text; and have troubled them▪ 2 Thess. 1.6,9. 6. They have had no fellowship with him in any of his holy Institutions here: they have been at his House, at his Word, at his Table, at private Meetings it may be, have drawn near with their lips, and ears, and out­ward man, but their hearts have been farre from him▪ Isa. 29.1 [...]. Jer. 12.2. and how can they expect any other; but that he would put them farre from him at that day? 7. They have turned their backs of him, and of his wayes; Jer. 2. 27. & 32. 33. and if he turn them out of his pre­sence at that day, what wonder is it? 8. They have been rebellious to him, and never well, but when they were con­spiring and plotting some treachery against him, and study­ing some design or other against Him, his Crown and Digni­ty, and hatching one rebellion or other against him, Isa. 30.9. Jer. 4.17. & 5.23. Ezek. 2.7. Deut. 9.7. and if this King turn such Rebels out of his Presence, it is no other then they might expect. 9. They would not have him to rule over them, Luke 19.27. and therefore if this King turn them out of his Presence, what wonder is it? 10. They have departed from his people, Jude ver.19. and have sepa­rated them from their company, Luke 6.22. and if so, is it any maryel that he bids them depart at that day? 11. They have some of them departed from the Profession of Reli­gion that they have made, gone backward, Zeph 1.6. Heb. 10.38,39. and what can such look for, but to hear him say▪ Depart from me? 12. They have some of them turned aside to crooked wayes, (subtile wayes, Serpentine wayes, envious wayes, wayes that they cannot [...]et out of) Psal. 125. 5. and if he turn them going, what wonder is it? 13. They have turned away their faces from their Brethren, and hid themselves from their own flesh, contrary to Isa. 58.7. sent Widows away empty, Job 22. 9. 14. They have gone away from so much as a form of godliness, have been openly base and scandalous some of them, Isa. 3. 9. 15. They have departed from the truth of Christ, 2. Pet 2.2. [Page 100] 16. They have abhorred his holy dayes, wherein (if ever) Communion is to be had with him.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see how righteous the Lord Jesus is to the Reprobates and wicked men, and how equal his wayes are: they would none of him, and he will none of them at that day; they bid him Depart, and he does the like to them. 2. We see that evil men, though they brave it and flourish it here, yet will be in an evil case at that day: for this departing from Christ has all evil in it, Isa. 3.11. But of that more hereafter. 3. We see that the Lord Jesus regards them not, nor any thing they do now in the best of their performances; for if he did, he would not say Depart from me, at the last day, Isa. 5.10—15. Hos. 5.6. 4. We see that the Presence of the Lord Jesus is of greatest worth, the Heaven of Heaven it self; for it is the first and chief thing that wicked men are deprived of, Luke 23. 43. Phil. 1.23. 5. We see how loathsome and detestable wicked men are to Christ, in that he will not have them in his pre­sence. We use to say of those things we abhor▪ that we would have them gone out of our presence: and so those persons we loath, Get you out of my company. Oh how does Christ then abhorre all such, to whom he will say, Depart from me, at that day! Prov. 15.8,9,26. 6. We see what need we had to beware that we be not of that number. 7. We see how dangerous it is to be of their company, for they must all be turned out of Christs Presence, Prov. 13.20. 8. We see what great cause we have to make sure of our Union and Communion with Christ here▪ 2 Pet. 1.10. 1 John 1.5. that we be not for ever cast out of his presence at that day. 9. We see what great difference the Lord will put between his Elect, and Reprobates; the one sort shall be for ever with him, the other for ever abdicated from his presence. 10. We see what difference we should make be­tween them, for Christ will. 11. We see what great dis­honour he will put upon these at that day: it's a great dishonour and disgrace to be turned out of a Kings Pre­sence, Esth. 7.8. 2 Sam. 14. 24. Oh! but what is it to be turned out of Christs Presence! 12. We see how severe Christ will be to the wicked.

Use 2. for Terrour: 1. To all openly profane ones, that have despised his Ordinances, wherein they should have had Communion with Christ here, they shall be turned out of his Presence for ever, 2 Thess. 1.9. 2. To all secret and close Hypocrites, they are to have the like portion allotted to them, Mat. [...].3 [...].

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To evil men. 2. To the Saints.

[Page 101] To Evil men. 1. To repent, that if it be possible they may not have this disgrace put upon them. 2. To g [...]t a sure portion in Christ, and get admittance into his fellowship here, Prov. 1.22,23. 3. To ca [...] off their evil company. 4. To tremble to think of this day, while in their sins. 5. To love the fellowship of Gods people. 6. To weep for the misery that is to come upon them, Jam. 5.1,2.

2. To the Saints. 1. To beware of company with evil men, as ever we would escape this evil. 2. To be content to suffer any disgrace, rather then to have this. 3. To pity evil men, and be patient towards them; they have evil enough coming upon them. 4. Not to envy them their honour here. Psal 73. 5. To make sure that we are none of these. 6. To keep up fellowship with Christ here.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. Against the Lordly Authority that the wicked have here. 2. Against the trouble we suffer from them. 3. Against the evil that we have by their be­ing with us in our societies. 4. Against their contempt of us.

Ver. 41. Depart from me, ye cursed, &c.

Doct. XXVII. is this, That it is the greatest misery of Re­probates and wicked persons, that they shall be separated for ever from Christs Presence. Christ begins with this, as being the very top of all their misery; and there­fore in the other places, as if this had all misery wrapt up in it, it is alone spoken of, Mat. 7.23. Luke 13.27. 2 Thess. 1.19.

Reasons. 1. Because by this Separation from his Pre­sence, they are for ever deprived of the favour of God, and all hope of ever obtaining favour with him, which must needs be the top of all misery: for, In his favour is life, and his loving kindness is better then life, Psal. 30.5. & 63.3. and therefore what a death must it be, to be deprived of that? 2. Because this Separation from Christ, is the loss of the greatest good in the world: for, he is our [...]ummum Bonum, our Chief Good, our All in All, Coloss. 3.11. Cant. 5.10. Above all other Beloveds; and to be deprived of him, must needs be the top of all misery. Hence not one­ly the best of the Schoolmen, but the ablest of our Divines agree upon it, That the Punishment of Loss is greater then that of Sense. 3. Because this Separation from Christs Presence, for ever deprives them of Happiness: for but Happiness lies in our Communion with him. 4. Because it deprives them of Conformity to him; for that depends upon our being with him, and viewing of his blessed face, [Page 102] 1 Job. 3.2. 5. Because this Separation from him deprives them of all that Joy and Comfort that is with him, Psal. 16.11. 2 Thess. 2.16. 6. Because it deprives them of all satisfaction that they should have in him, Psal. 17.15. they must needs be unsatisfied altogether in their condition. 7. Because this Separation from Christs Presence deprives them of the blessed Company of all the Saints and Angels, they shall never see one Saint more; and if so, it must needs be the top of misery. 8. Because it deprives them of all his Glory, which they might have been partakers of, John 17.24. They that were so taken with worldly glory that they would have it any way, shall be deprived of all heavenly glory, Psal 49.19. 9. Because it deprives them of the revelation of all those Mysteries, that here by rea­son of our childish condition we could not understand, which then will be unfolded, 1 Cor. 13.9—12. 10. Be­cause it deprives them of all possibility of Praising God, which is the Saints happiness on earth, Psal. 84.4. and will be much more in heaven. 11. Because it deprives them of all the sweet smiles of his blessed face, and of all the sweet embraces that the Saints partake of in that Celestial Bride­Chamber and Bed of Love. 12. Because it deprives them of all those City-Priviledges and Immunities which the Saints enjoy, Heb. 11.16. which, what they are, no tongue can express, nor heart conceive. 13. Because it deprives them of all the Treasures, Pleasures, Honours, Content­ments of that Celestial Kingdome. 14. Because it shuts them out of Paradise, Luke. 23.43. And if it was Alams misery to be shut out of an Earthly Paradise, Genes. 3.24. what a misery is it then to be excluded from the Heavenly? 15. Because it deprives them of those rare views of Gods Majesty which the Saints shall have in him, 1 John 1. 2. 16. Because it deprives them of that [...]est that remaineth to the people of God, Heb. 4.9.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see how woeful their condition is that the Lord casts off here, as Hos. 4.17. & 9.12 for it is a fore-runner of his eternal Separation of them from his Presence at the last and great day, which is the top of all misery. 2. We see what cause we all have to fear, as Heb. 4.1,2. 3. We see that the enjoyment of Christs Presence must needs be the greatest Happiness, for it is the greatest misery to be deprived of it, Luke 23.43. 4. We see what need we all had to get Christ with us, and to keep him with us, Cant 3.4. for it is the top of the damned's misery, that they shall be separated from him for ever. 5. We see a reason of the Saints mourning for [Page 103] his absence from them, Jer. 14.8. Lam. 1.16. Well may they do so, for it is the world part of the demned's misery to be eternally separated from him. 6. We see that the Punish­ment of [...], though men be not so sensible of it now, yet will sting them most at that day. 7. We see the miserable state of those that care not for fellowship with Christ here, had rather have fellowship with their lusts and lewd company company; they slight that here, the want whereof will be the top of all their misery at the last day. 8. We see how good the Lord is to his Saints, in admitting them to his blessed Presence here and hereafter; for it is the very height of the damned's misery, to be bid Depart from him. 9. We see that the Punishment of Sense, though it be in­tolerable, Mark 9.44,46,48. yet of the two, is farre more tolerable then the Punishment of Loss. 10. We see how truly happy their condition is that enjoy Christs Presence to all eternity, to whom he will say Come; for it is the damned's greatest misery to be deprived of his Presence. 11. We see the folly of evil men, that wilfully run in such wayes at [...] to such misery Jer. 2. 17, 19. Rom. 3.16. 12. We see how good it is to draw near to Christ here, Psal. 13.28. for it will be the wicked's greatest misery to be separated from him.

Use 2. for Terrour: 1. To those that fly from the Lords Presence, as Gain [...], Gen. 4.16. it will be the height of their misery at the last day. 2. To those that ha [...] those that have. Communion with him here, they will wish their Souls, in their Souls state. 3. To those that seek not after his favour here, they shall be deprived of it for ever, Psal. 10.4. & 23.27.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To seek the Lord and his face, Psal. [...].24. 2. To bewail their case that have no fellow­ship with how, they shall have none of it hereafter, and that will be their greatest misery. Luke 13.28. 3. To fly their comp [...] that have no Communion with Christ here, lest we [...] misery Esphes. 5.21. 4. To delight in those Ordinances most, wherein we have most Communion with him; as the Word, Supper, Prayer; Meditation, Con­ference 2 Cor. 11. Mal. 3.16. 5. To watch and Pray al­wayes, Luke 21.26. 6. To take all opportunities here of getting into his Presence, Prov. 8.34,35. 7. To save as many as we can from this misery. 8. To open to Christ at his calls and knocks, Cant [...]. 2. Rev. 3.20. 9. To evil men, to break off their sins now, Dan. 4.27. 10. To be per­swaded (2 Cor. 5.11.) to love Christs fellowship.

Use 4. for consolation: 1. Against wicked meansflouts [Page 104] and jeers at us for our fellowship with Christ here. [...]. A­gainst the losses we are at, it may cost us much many wayes our close walking with him; but they that look at the damned's misery, and the escape that they make out of it, may well bear all this.

Ver. 41. Depart from me, ye cursed, &c.

Doct. XXVIII. is this, That wicked men are cursed, and Christ will pronounce them cursed at the last day.

For opening of which, let me shew, 1. Wherein they are cursed. 2. Whence it is that they are so cursed. 3. The Uses.

For the first: Wherein are they cursed?

Ans. Both here, and hereafter.

1. Here 1. They are cursed in their Souls and Spirits, the curse of God is upon them, Deut. 28.28,34,65. Mark 11.14. 2. They are cursed in their Names, Prov. 10.7 Isa. 65.1 [...]. 3. They are cursed in their Posterity, Deut. 28.18. 4. They are cursed in their outward Estate. Deut. 28.17,18. Job 20.21,22. 5. They are cursed in all places where they come, Deut. 28.16. 6. They are cursed in thei [...] Bodies, Deut. 28.21,22,27,35,59,60,61. 7. They are cursed in their Yoke-fellows, Deut. 28.30. 8. They are cursed in their Callings, nothing prospers there, Psa. 2.3,4. they sometimes take pains and get nothing▪ or if they get any thing, God casts it away, Prov. 10. 3. Eccles. 5.14. 9. They and cursed in their Habitation, Acts 1.20.

2. Hereafter. 1. They are cursed with the Curse of Se­paration from the Saints, Mat. 25.3 [...]. 2. They are cursed with the Curse of Abdication from Christs Presence: so the Text. 3. They are cursed with the Curse of Con­demnation to unspeakable Punishment: It is Fire, and a Lake of Fire and Brimstone ( Rev. 11.8.) that they are sent into. 4. They are cursed with the Curse of the fellowship of the Cursed Spirits of darkness. 5. They are cursed with the Curse of the Continuance of this Punishment; it is Ever­lasting, Mark 9. 44, 46, 48. 6. They are cursed with the Remedilesness of the Punishment, Luke 16.24,26. 7. They are cursed with the Curse of Sorrow and Vexation, Luke 13.28. 8. They are cursed with the Curse of Helplesness in their condition, Luke 16.24,25.

Q. 2. Whence are they thus cursed?

Ans. 1. From the Decree of Reprobation, Jude ver.4. 1 Thess. 5.9. Rom. 9. 22. 2 Pet. 2.14. 2 From the Glory of Gods Justice, Prov. 16.4. 3. From the Rigour of the Law, Gal. 3.10. [...] 4. From their Disobedience to the Gospel, [Page 105] John 3.18. 2 Thess. 7.8,9. 5. From their Unfruitfulness and Barrenness under the frequent showers that they par­take of, Heb. 6.7,8. 6. From their Robbery of God, Mal. 3.8,9. 7. From their Deceiving him in their Services, in bringing him the worst when they should bring him the best, Mal. 1.14. 8. From their Unmercifulness to Christs afflicted ones: so the Text: Psal. 109. 16. 9 From their love of Cursing, Psal 109.17,18,19.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see what little reason we have to envy wicked men for any thing they have in this world, for in the midst of all their enjoyments, if they live and die such, they are cursed men, Psal 37.1,2. Prov. 24.19,20. 2. We see how dreadful their case will be at the last day, when Christ that came to bless his people, Acts 3.26. shall pronounce them Cursed. 3. We see how loath­some their fellowship should be, for they are cursed, and shall be cursed by Christ at that day. Except therefore we would be cursed with them, we must abstain from their company, Prov. 1.10—18. & 13.20. 4. We see what need we had to make sure that we are the Lords Elect ones, 2 Pet. 1.10. for all they that are not such, are cursed, and shall be such at the last day. 5. We see what height and depth of dishonour the Lord will bring wicked men unto, in that he will pronounce them Cursed at that day. It will be dishonour to set them at his left hand, and to ca [...]t them out of his Presence; but to call them Cursed, addes to their dishonour. 6. We see the mischief of sin, the Curse is the woful fruit of it, Rom. 6.21,23. 7. We see what great cause we have to fly from sin, as ever we desire to avoid the Curse. 8. We see the great love of the Lord Jesus, that would himself becomes Curse for us, to save us from Death, and Wrath, and Curse, and Condemnation, Galat. 3.13. 1 Thess. 1.10. 9. We see that we need not be much trou­bled at what we suffer for Christ, as long as we live, for the afflictions that we undergo here, are nothing to that Curse that wicked men are cursed with to all eternity, 2. Cor. 4.17. 10. We see the misery of those that love Cursing, Psal. 109.17,18.

Use 2. for Terrour: 1. To those that are unmerciful to Christs afflicted ones, they shall be termed Cursed at that day. 2 To all Disobedient ones to the Gospel, 2 Thess. 1.8.9. 3. To all Impenitent sinners, Rom. 2.4,5. 4. To all Barren ones under the heavenly droppings of the Word, Heb. 6.7,8.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To be afraid of the Curse of Christ at that day, and provide against it. And to that end▪ [Page 106] (1) Get a sure Portion in Christ, Acts 3.26. [...]. (2) Be of [...] merciful Spirit: so the Text. (3) Look well to our faith, Gal. [...].9. (4) Be without guile, Psal. 30.8. [...]. 2. To be­ware of medling with any accursed thing, lest we become accursed by it. 3. To beware of Friendship with such▪ 4. To bless the Lord Jesus, that hath Redeemed us from the Curse, by being made a Curse for us, Gal. 3.13. 5. To wait for him from Heaven, 1 Thess 1.10. 6. To pity evil men, for in the midst of all the partake of, they are cursed, Luke [...]6.25. 7. To finde out all Achans in our Church and Family-Societies, Josh. 7. 8. To devote such to Ex­communication and the Curse as Christ would have cast out from [...]s, 1 Cor. 6. 9. To beware of Cursing, for it argues a cursed estate, Eccles 10. 20. Rom. 12. 14. Psal. 1 [...]. 17. 10. To have the wicked in an account, they are cursed, Psal. 15.4.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. Against the meanness of the Saints condition; it will be w [...]se with wicked men, for they are cursed. 2. Against the wicked [...] tyranny over them, they would not change [...] with them. 3. Against their wants, and the wicked [...] affluence and abundances 4. Against the praises that are given to wicked men, they are cursed with these, Luke 6.2 [...].

Ver. 41. Depart from me, ye Curse [...], into everlasting fire, &c.

Doct. XXIX. is this, That the Punishment that the wicked shall be cast into, shall be of a fiery Nature; the fire of Hell shall be their portion allotted to them: Rev.21.8. Mat.3.12. Mark.9.42— [...]8.

For opening of which let me shew, 1. In what respects their Punishment may be said to be Fire. 2. Why they shall be so punished. 3. The Uses.

For the first: 1. Fire is a dreadful thing, Deut. 5.5. as we see in a Scale-fire; it puts dread and terrour into us a so this Punishment is a dreadful punishment; and therefore its said, Heb. [...]0.31. It is a fearful thing to fell into the hands of the living God: see also Luke 12.5. 2. Fire is of a scorching and burning Nature, so the Punishment of the wicked in Hell is of scorching and burning nature, Rev. 21.8. 3. Fire is of a painful nature: if a man put his finger but a little into the fire, it will pain him exceeding­ly; much more is this punishment painful. If the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever, Rev. 14.1 [...]. then sure they have no rest, but are grievously pained in this fire. 4. Fire is of a tormenting nature: so, is this Fire, [Page 107] Luke 16.23,24. 5. Fire is of a destroying nature: so is this punishment, Heb. 10. [...]9. 2 Thess. 1.9. Matth. 10.28. 6. Fire will make men cry [...] extremity of the torture of it; so this punishment. If Isa. 65. 14. they cry and bowl here, Oh what will they do in Hell! there they will cry and bowl, weep and wail and gnash their teeth, Mat. 2 [...].30. 7. Fire is of an insatiable nature, Prov. 30.15,16. so Hell are it is insatiable, Isa. 5.14. 8. Fire will devour the mightiest, Dan. 3.22. so this Fire, Isa 30.33. 9. Fire will destroy multitudes, 2 Kings 1.10,12. so this Fire, Isa. 5.14. 10. Fire spares [...] that are cast into it, except God miraculously suspend the act of it, as Dan. 3.27. so this Fire spares non [...] neither man, woman nor childe, all the wicked shall be [...] up in it, Mat. 3.12. Malac. 4.1. 11. Fire has sticks [...] up for it: so this Fire, Mat.13.30, 12. Fire is intolerable; much more this Fire.

Q. 2. Why shall the [...] be [...] punished?

Ans. 1. From the Lord. 2. From them.

From the Lord. 1. His Displeasure kindles it, Isa. 30.33. 2. He hath ordained it of [...]. 3. He hath made it deep and large. 4. He hath made the Pile thereof of fire and much wood ibid. 5. He hath threatned this punishment. 6. He hath inflicted it upon many, as the old World, and Sodom, &c. 7. He is a consuming fire, Deut. 4.24.

2. From them. 1. They have had many fiery lusts that they have provoked him with; they have burned with anger, desire of revenge, with uncleanness, with envy and malice, which have kindled this fire, Rom. 1.27. Hos. 7.4. Jude v.7. 2. They have kindled coals of Contention among their Neighbours, Prov. 26.21. Jam. 3.5,6. 3. They have made strange adventures into fiery company, Prov. 6. 27, 28. 4. They have been inordinate in the use of inflaming crea­tures, Isa. 5.11,14. Hos. 7.5,6. 5. They have kindled a­fire of their own, and compassed themselves about with sparks, Isa. 10. 11. 6. They have quenched the Spirit, against that in 1 Thess 5.19. 7. They have fired Churches and Common-wealths.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see what great cause we have to take need of provoking the Lord, and kindling his anger against us, though but a little, Deut. 32.22. Psa. 2.12. 2. We see that there's no dallying with sin, of what nature and kinde soever, except we would dally with fire, and make nothing of it to run into it: and Oh what folly and madness were it, to run into the mouth of a devouring fire! yet so do they that dally with sin, and make a mock of it, Prov 14.9. 3. We see [...]ow fearful we should be to go in [Page 108] company with evil men, for fear of being bundled with them, and cast into the fire of Hell with them, Isa. 5. 14. 4. We see what a fearful thing it is to fall into his hands, Luke 12. 5. Heb. 10. 31. 5. We see what friends they be to us, that disswade us from bad company and bad courses, they would save us from falling into the fire. 6. We see what terrours we should use to reclaim some sinners by, Jude ver. 23. 7. We see the misery of those whose punish­ment this must be: That was misery enough that is re­corded Mark 9. 22. Oh but what is this then? 8. We see the mischief that is in sin; that which is said of that one, Job 31. 12. is true of all. 9. We see the woful state of those that laugh now, they will not laugh in Hell fire, Isa. 5. 14. Luke 6 25. 10. We see what a mercy of God it is to be saved from this sore punishment. 11. We see what love we owe to Christ, who delivereth us from wrath to come. 1 Thess. 1. 10. 12. We see what cause we have to beware of those sins that bring this punishment, Revel. 21. 8.

Use 2. for Terrour: 1. To all unbelievers, 2 Thess 1. 7,8. Mark 16. 16. 2. To all impenitent persons, Luke 13. 3,5. 3. To those that give up themselves to fiery lusts, they shall have fire for fire. 4. To those that rush into sin with­out fear, Jer. 8. 6. this fire will affright them.

Use 3. for Humiliation: 1. To the Lords Saints, that come too near this devouring fire by the sins they fall into: How near came Lot, Samson, David, Solomon, Peter? 2. To those that do not pity others that are every moment ready to fall into this fire: we would pity such as had the Falling-sickness, and fall into the fire, &c. how much more should we pity these?

Use 4. for Exhortation: 1. To forsake our most pleasing and profitable sins, to cut off right hands, and pluck out right eyes, Mat. 5. 29,30. Mark 9. 43, &c. 2. To tremble to think of this punishment, and to fear to provoke him that hath power to cast into Hell, Luke 12. 5. 3. To save as many as we can out of this devouring fire. 4. To ven­ture very farre to pluck men as brands out of the fire: what adventures will men make to pluck any thing of worth out of the fire? 5. To quench all our fiery lusts by Repentance and Faith in the Blood of Christ. 6. To be troubled to see so many wilfully run into [...]. 7. To fly from it. Mat. 3. 7. men haste out of the fire 8. To admire the love of the Father, that so loved the world, as to give his onely begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him [...]ight not perish in this fire, John 3. 16. 9. To be thankful [Page 109] that any of us escape it, for we are all children of wrath, and heirs of Hell by nature as well as others, Ephes. 2. 3. 10. To be farre from envying an evil men, they buy their pleasures dear, Luke 16. 25.

Use [...]. for Consolation: 1. Against those fires of affliction that the Saints pass through, Psal 66. 11,12. 2. Against our dwelling with fiery men, Psal. 57. 4. 3. Against the fiery tongues of men, Jam. 3. 6. 4. Against the fiery darts of Satan, Ephes. 6. 16. if we escape Hell fire, it's no matter for all these.

Ver. 41. Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, &c.

Doct. XXX. is this, That the fiery Punishment assigned and allotted for the wicked, is everlasting: So Ver. 46. 2 Thess. 1. 9. Mat. 3. 13. Mark. 9. 43—48.

Reasons. 1. From God. 2. From wicked men. 3. From the nature of Sin.

From God. 1. He is an Infinite One, and his Justice in­finite, and finite creatures cannot satisfie Infinite Justice which is offended; and therefore what in their natures they cannot do, must be made up in the everlasting punishment which they must undergo. 2. He is true in all his Threat­nings, as well as in his Promises; and therefore having threatned everlasting punishment to them, he will bring it to pass, and lay it upon them, 2 Thess. 1. 9. 3. He is a God of Severity, and will not bate them a farthing of the debt they owe him; and therefore because they cannot pay it, they must be everlastingly punished, and lye by it to all eternity. 4. He is jealous God, Deut. 4. 24. and jealousie in man will not spare in the day of vengeance, Prov 6. 34. much less will his jealousie spare in the day of his ven­geance, but lay on punishment to all eternity. 5. He is a God that will in no wise clear the guilty, Exod. 34. 7. and if they should not be punished everlastingly, he must some­times needs clear them, and that he will not do. 6. He is a God that will repay the wicked to his face, and a God to whom vengeance belongeth, Deut. 32. 35. Psal. 94. 1. Jer. 51. 56. Rom. 12. 19. and being such a Sin-revenging God, he will revenge himself to the full upon them.

2. From wicked men. 1. They would sin everlastingly, and not cease to provoke him, if they should live for ever, Jer. 6. 7. and if so, what wonder if they be everlastingly punished? See Jer. 8. 5. 2. They have deserved this, Rom. 6. 23. and it is meet men should have their wages. 3. They anger him every day, Psal. 7. 11. and what wonder then if [Page 110] he punish them everlastingly. 4. They are ordained and appointed to it, Rom. 9. 22. 1 Thess. 5. 9. 5. They will go in the way that leadeth to it, Matth. 7. 13. they will die, Ezek. 18. 31. 6. They will not repent, Jer. 8. 6. they will not believe, John 5. 40. they will not obey, Jer. 44. 16.

3. From the Nature of Sin. 1. It is [...] The transgression of the Law, 1 John 8. 4. and that layes under a Curse Gal. 3. 10. 2. It is a Debt, Mat. 6. 12. and a debt, if not satisfied, in the nature of it leads to the Prison: so this debt to this prison, 1 Pet. 3. [...]9. 3. It is a wry step, and that causeth a fall: so this wry step, this miserable fall. 4. It is a work, Mat. 7. 23. and the reward of this work, is this, Rom. 6. 23.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see the desperate adven­tures that sinners make, that not onely run into the fire, but into such a Fire as there is no getting our of to all eternity. Woe to them, for they have rewarded evil to themselves. 2. We see how dreadful the condition of such is: Fire is a dreadful thing to be cast into; but to be in it alwayes, and never to get our, to be in it burning everlastingly, what heart can think sufficiently of the dreadfulness of it? 3. We see what great enemies ungodly men be to them­selves, they bring everlasting misery upon their Souls: No such enemy as such a man is to himself. 4. We see what need we had to make sure work for our Souls, Philip 2. 12. 2 Pet. 1. 10. for if we should mistake here, it would be the saddest mistake in the world, and plunge us into the greatest misery. 5. We see the mischief of the first sin, and what cause men have to bewail it, for that brought in this ever­lasting punishment, Gen. 2. 17. 6. We see what fools and mad-men the most be, that for a mome [...]tany delight and pleasure, will run into everlasting fire. Well may Solomon call them so often Fools, for no folly like this. 7. We see how intolerable the sufferings of the damned will be, for who can abide everlasting fire? 8. We see the wretched­ness of those men that are of their spirit and way, that ye reade of Rom 1. 32. Those take pleasure to be cast into everlasting fire themselves, and to see others also cast into it. 9. We see what a dreadful God, we have to do with, and how we ought to fear before him, Dan. 9. 4. 10. We see the truth of that in Mat. 16. 26. 11. We see what need we have to make peace, Isa. 27. 4,5. 12. We see that it is no matter what Tyrants do to the bodies of Saints, Luke 12. 4.

Use 2. for Terrour: 1. To all ungodly men: who can [Page 111] bear everlasting punishment? 2. To all Hypocrites, that have made a shew onely, 2. Tim 3. 5. their punishment will be everlasting. 3. To those that have delighted to draw others into sin, they will have no delight in everlasting fire. 4. To those that scoff at the Day of Judgement, 2 Pet. 3. 3,4.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To think seriously of the eternity of this punishment. 2. To get an interest and part in Christ, 1 Thess. 1. 10. 3. To admire the mercy of the Lord, that any of us escape; for a Sentence of Death was passed upon us all for the first sin, Gen. 2. 17. and every one of our sins deserve it, Rom. 6. 23. 4. To give no sleep to our eyes, nor slumber to our eye-lids, till we see away of escape. 5. To tremble to sin against him, who can cast into such everlasting punishment, Luke 12. 5. 6. To long for the time when we shall be out of all fear of this. 7. To love the Lord everlastingly, that saves us from this ever­lasting punishment. 8. To pity those that go in the way that leads to this, and help them out: see Exod. 23. 5. 9. To make sure of the contrary, 2 Pet. 1. 10,11. 10. To be willing to bear afflictions of longest continuance here, so we may escape this everlasting punishment. 11. To ab­horre evil, Rom. 12. 9. 12. To abstain from all appearance of evil, 1 Thess 5. 22.

Use 4 for Consolation: 1. Against the Saints troubles here, there will be an end of them, they are not everlasting. 2. Against Satans temptations, they shall not alwayes be. 3. Against the pains of the first death.

Ver. 41. Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil and his Angels.

Doct. XXXI. is this, That the Devil and his Angels are to suffer the Punishment of everlasting fire: 2 Pet. 2. 4. Jude ver. 6. Rev. 20. 10.

For opening of which, let me 1. Give Demonstrations of it. 2. The Reasons of it. 3. The Uses.

For the first: The truth of it does appear; 1. In that they are reserved in everlasting chains to the Judgement of the Great Day, Jude ver 6. 2. In that they tremble to think of their punishment, Jam. 2. 19. 3. In that they desire they may not be sent into the place of their torments, Luke 8. 31. 4. In that they carry Hell about with them in their Consciences, Mark 5. 7,8. 9. In that they are in expecta­tion of it, Mat. 8. 29. 6. In that the Lord, when he plea­seth, can shut them up in the bottomless Pit, that they shall not do so much mischief as they would, Rev. 20. [...]. [Page 112] 7. In that they bestir themselves so much the more, by how much the time is shorter that they have to do mischief in, Rev. 12. 12. which shews that they make account of their punishment. 8. In that they cannot endure to think of the Day of Judgement; they could not endure to see Christ on earth, Mat. 8. 29. 9. In that the Saints shall judge these wicked Angels, 1 Cor. 6. 3. 10. In that they are cursed of the Lord, Gen. 3. 14,15. if the Instrument, much more the Actor. 11. In that they fall like Light­ning, Luke 10. 18. which is a pledge of their destruction. 12. In that they despair of any Remedy, Heb. 2. 16.

Q. 2. Why is this to be their Punishment?

Ans. 1. It is prepared for them: so the Text: Prov. 16. 4. 2. They have sinned, 2 Pet. 2. 4. and God will not spare the greatest that sin. 3. They are Reprobate Angels; for there are Elect Angels, 1 Tim. 5. 21. and therefore others are Reprobate Angels: and they being subjects of Repro­bation, no wonder if everlasting fire be their punishment. 4. They never cease sinning, 1 John 3. 8. it has been their trade and way from the beginning, ever since they fell, to go on in a way of rebellion against the Lord. 5. They have been the greatest Murtherers that ever were; after they had destroyed themselves, they destroyed all the Race of Man­kinde, save onely a few that the Lord Jesus hath rescued out of their hands, Gen. 3. Rom. 5. 12. Joh. 8. 44. 6. They go up and down seeking whom they may devour, 1 Pet. 5. 8. 7. They desire to have the Elect to sift them as wheat, and to strike at their Faith. Luke. 22. 31. 8. They have done what they could against Christ Jesus himself, when he was upon earth, to tempt him to sin, though they could not prevail, Mat. 4. 1—10. John 14. 30. 9. They are the greatest Lyars and Deceivers that are, John 8. 44. Rev. 12. 9. 10. They maliciously oppose God and Christ Jesus, and blaspheme the Spirit, and resist his Truth, and Wayes, and Saints and with all the f [...]ight they can, draw others to do the like, and never cease these wayes; and what wonder then if everlasting fire be their portion? 11. They have kindled all the fires of Lust and Contention in Families, Churches, and Common-wealths; and have led men into fiery Company, and into damned Delusions; and shot fiery Darts into mens Souls: No marvel if everlasting fire be their punishment.

Object. But how can fire hurt them, being Spirits?

Answ. 1. Hell fire will be of another Nature then the fire on earth, Isa. 30. 33. 2. God knoweth how to make it s [...]i [...]e on Spirits, though we know not how, 3. The Souls [Page 113] of men, which are Spirits, shall be tortured in that fire, and why then not the Devils? 4. The eternity of it addes to the torment of it.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see what great reason we have to fear [...], for if we were Angels God would not spare us, if we sin against him, but cast us down to Hell, 2 Pet. 2. 4. 2. We see that the principal Ring leaders in a way of sin, shall be sure not to escape the Lords severest punishment: these Apostate Angels began all the evil that ever has been committed, and what their punishment is, we here see. 3. We see that the greatest among the sons of men must not look to be favoured above others, for the greatest of these Angels escapes not, Isa. 30. 33. 4. We see that they that follow others in a way of sin, must look to share in punishment with them; the Devil and his Angels go together: See Numb. 16. 5. We see what discontented and melancholly Spirits the Devils must needs be; that know what their punishment must be 6. We see a reason of that in Jam. 4. 7. God has made him of a yielding na­ture, as a fruit of that first punishment, Gen 3. 15. 7. We see what a great and dreadful God the Lord is, Dan. 9. 4. that casts Angels into everlasting fire. 8. We see that the best of Creatures being corrupted, prove the worst: these Angels were made very good, Gen. 1. 31. but being cor­rupted, fall into this great misery. 9. We see a reason of the perdition of Apostates, Heb. 10. 39. for it is so with Angels, Jude ver. 6. 10. We see that those Angels that stand, stand by Grace, 1 Tim. [...]. 21. 11. We see what cause Elect men and Angels have to praise God, Psal. 103. 20,21. 12. We see the mischief of sin, it casts Angels into Hell.

Use 2. for Terrour: 1. To those that are the Children of the Devil, John 8. 44. 1 John 3. 12. 2. To Jesuites, that take up the Devils Trade of Lying, and Murther, and going up and down, 1 Pet. 5. 8. 3. To those that are great persons that sin. 4. To all Apostates, whoever they be.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To beware of falling, 1 Cor. 10. 12. 2. To take heed of drawing others to sin, and being drawn by them. 3. To take heed of Pride, 1 Tim. 3. 6. 4. To beware of hearkning to the Devils sug­gestions and temptations, for it is but to draw us with him into punishment. 5. To bewail the first sin, that had plunged us all into everlasting fire, if God had not stept in to save some, Eccles. 7. 29. 6. To abhor the Devils wayes, Rom. 12. 9. as Lying, Deceit, Murther. 7. To take the whole Armour of God, Ephes. 6. 10,11,12, &c. 8. To beg [Page 114] of the Lord that we may be kept, 1 Pet. 1. 5. 9. To beware of trusting in Grace received, for the Devils were once good, Gen. 1. 31. 10. To take heed of being first in sin, Micah 1. 13.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. Against Sarans wiles and temptations, he must dearly pay for them. 2. Against the longest troubles that he brings upon us; his will be longer, Luke 13. 16. 3. Against the Lords long forsakings of his people, Lam. 5. 22. What are these to the punishment of Devils?

Ver. 41. Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil and his Angels.

Doct XXXII. is this, That the Devil and his Angels shall be the wofull Companions of wicked men in Hell fire.

They are to be together there to all Eternity.

Reasons. 1. Wicked men are the Children of the De­vil, John 8. 44. Mat. 13. 38. 1 John 3. 12. and where should Children be, but with their Father? See Acts 13. 10. 2. They do his works, John 8. 44. and doing his works, they must have his reward, to be with him in the place of Torment. 3. They have had fellowship with Devils here, they have loved to be in places where Devils haunt, in Ta­verns, Ale-houses, Harlots houses, Isa. 5. 11. Jer. 5. 7. with such Company as Devils delight to be with: and what wonder then if Devils be their Companions in Hell fire? 4. They have some of them Covenanted with the Devil, given their Souls to the Devil, entred into League and Fa­miliarity with the Devil, Consulted with the Devil, as [...]alaam, and Soul, and many others have done: and what can such look for, but to be for ever with Devils? 5. They have been Devils incarnate, John 6. 70. and whose company should such Devils have, but Devils? Rev. 16. 14 6. They give heed to Doctrines of Devils, 1 Tim. 4. 1. and if they will have Devils to be their Teachers, where should the Scholars be, but with their Teachers? 7. They have Satan entring into them, and taking possession of them, Luk. 22. 2. and he will be with those that he possesseth, and they shall, be with him. 8. They do some of them worship Devils, Rev. 9. 20. and they and their Worshippers must be toge­ther. 9. They act some of them by the Devils power, 2. Thess. 2. 9. [...] 10. They are taken Captive by the Devil at his will and pleasure, 2. Tim. 2. 26. and he will carry all such Captive to Hell with him, if they Repent not. 11. They are blinded and hardned by the Devil, 2 Cor. 4. 3,4. 12. They walk after the Devil, Ephes. 2. 2. and how [Page 115] should it be otherwise then, but that they Could be Com­panions in Hell together? 13 They some of them have offered their Children to the Devil in a cruel manner. 14. They have been the Devils drudges, 2. Pet. 2. 14. 15. They have believed the Devil the Father of Lies, ra­ther then the God of truth, Gen. 3. 1—6. 16. They have destroyed themselves, as the Devils have done.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see the woful estate of all wicked men, that must have such Companions as Devils are to all eternity. It is a kinde of Hell to be but a little while in company with some kinde of men: Oh! but what an Hell will it be to be for ever in company with Devils? When one Evil Spirit does but haunt an house; Oh! how weary are men to continue there? What an intolerable burthen then will it be, to be for ever with many Legions of Devils, and to be out of all hope of being delivered from them? 2. We see the extremity of the wrath of God that the wicked undergo in Hell: See Psal. 78. 49. 3. We see what dreadful frights they in Hell must needs be affrighted with, that are to have so many Devils amongst them to all eternity. The sight of a Spirit, yea the con­ceit of the sight of a Spirit has daunted a company of good men, John 6. 1 [...]. Mat. 14. 26. Oh what fears and frights must they needs be surprized with that are in company with such a multitude of wicked Spirits for ever [...]. 4. We see what weeping and gnashing of teeth there will be in Hell, for who can do any other, that are to be with such company for ever? Mat. 25. 30. 5. We see how righteous the Lord is in his Dispensation to evil men; they would needs do the Devils works, and be of his fellowship here, and there­fore shall be together in Hell to all eternity. Ezek. 28. 25. 6. We see what a miserable exchange they make, that for­sake the fellowship of God, and his Saints and Angels, to be for ever in company with Devils: No folly like this. 7. We see how dreadful the company of evil men should be now, for it is a fore-runner of worse company, Isa. 5. 14. 8. We see what a mercy it is to be delivered from such Companions, Col. 1. 12,13. 9. We see what need we all had to hold up fellowship with Christ here, I John 1. 3. that we may escape the fellowship of Devils. 10. We see how exceedingly the Lord abhorres wickedness, that he yokes the committers of it with Devils. 11. We see what need we all have to repent, Luke 13. 3,5. 12. We see what end Antichrist, and the Turk, and all Christs ene­mies must come unto, Rev. 20. 9,10.

Use [...] [...] Terrous: 1. To all that have been Compa­nions [Page 116] in evil, they must go to worse company. 2. To all Scoffers at the Saints Meetings; they shall have the fellow­ship of scoffing Spirits another day. 3. To all Hypocrites, who have not cared for fellowship with God and his Saints here, they shall be linked with Devils in fellowship to all eternity.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To forsake the Devil, and all his works and wayes; as (1) Lying, John 8. 44. (2) Mur­ther, ibid. 1 John 3. 12. (3) False Doctrines, 1 Tim. 4. 1. (4) Deceit, Rev. 12. 9. (5) Pride, 1 Tim. 3. 6. (6) Envy, Gen. 3. 1,2. Job 1. 9,10,11. (7) Malice, 1 Chron. 21. 1. (8) False Accusation and Slander, Rev 12. 10. Gen. 3. 1,2,3,4. Jo [...] 1. 11. & 2. 5. (9) Hypocrisie, 2 Cor. 11. 13,14. Acts 16. 16. 17. (10) Uncleanness, Mat. 12. 43. Luke 4. 33. 2. To walk with God, Gen. [...]. 22,24. 3. To rejoyce in Christ Jesus, who saves us from the power and fellowship of Devils, Heb. 2. 14,15. 2 Tim. 1. 10. 4. To wait for him from Heaven, 1 Thess. 1. 10. 5. To love the Saints fellow­ship, Heb. 13. 1. 6. To beware we mistake not in our estate, 2 Pet. 1. 10. 7. To work out our Salvation with fear and trembling, Phil. 2. 12. 8. To abhorre Witchcraft, 1 Sam. 28.9. 9. To hate Idolatry, and all Devil-worship; for so Idolatry is, Rev. 9.20. 10. To resist the Devil, Jam 4.7. 1 Pet. 5.8,9.

Use 4. for Consolation 1. In solitary Conditions here, Psa. 102 6,7 its better then to be in company with Devils. 2. A­gainst the reproaches of wicked companions, 1 Pet. 4. 4. 3. A­gainst the Temptations of the Devil: if we resist him, and escape his fellowship, happy are we. 4. Against his Accu­sations; Rev. 12.10. If we be not yoked with him, it will be well.

Ver. 42. For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

Ver. 43. I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye vi­sited me not.

Doct XXXIII. is this, That there shall be nothing spoken of, that has been good that evil men have done; but what evil hath been found in them, that shall be mentioned against them in the Day of Judgement. They have done some things that have been good for the matter; as it may be they have Prayed, Fasted, given Alms, and done sundry other things that have bin materially good: but nothing shall be spoken then of what they have so done; [...]o mention shall be made of any of them, but onely of their sins.

[Page 117] We will first speak of the First Branch, and give Reasons of it, and [...] make Use; and after speak of the Second Branch.

Reasons. 1. Because though they have done some things materially good, yet they have not done them well; they have not been done from a principle of Faith, and so could not be pleasing to God: for, without faith it is impossible to please hi [...], Heb. 11. 6. 2. They have not done them [...] of obedien [...] to the Commandment of God, but out of some other ground; out of Opinion of Meriting by them, as the Papists do; or out of hope of deliverance the sooner out of Purgatory, or from some other vain ground of their own, not eying the Commandment at all: whereas the Saints make that their ground, Psal. 119. 4 [...]5. [...]. They have not aimed at the glory of God in what they have done, as Philip. 1. [...]1. 1 Cor. 10. 21. but sought their own glory, Mat. 6. 2,5,16. and how then should such works be ever spoken of at that day? 4. They have done them from some common work of the Spirit upon them, and not from any special and saving work, Mat. 7. 21,22,23. 5. They have done them in Hypocrisie, 2 Tim 3. 5. Mat 23. 27,28. Isa. 58. 5. 6. They have been workers of iniquity, Mat. 7. 2 [...]. Luke 3. 27. even when they have done most, Isa. 58. 3,4. 7. They have not done them out of a principle of Love either to God or men, Luke 11. 43. Matth. 23. 23. 8. They have done them Boastingly, and have been proud of what they have done, Luke 18. 11,12. 9. They have justified themselves in their doings, when their hearts and works have been naught and abominable in the sight of God, Luke 10. 15. and how then should these be mentioned at that day? 10. They have had their Reward already, they have been commended of vain men like themselves, and that's all they are like to have, Matth. 6. 2,5,16. 11. They have done them out of other mens Estates, which they have robbed, and crushed, and oppressed; and how should such works be accepted? Isa. 61. 8. Prov. 15. 8. 12. They have not done them seasonably, 1 John 3. 17. 13. They have done them with a wicked minde, Prov. 21. 27. 14. They have done them deceitfully Jer. 48. 10. 15. They have done them for custome and fashion sake, not out of love to the thing done, Micah 6. 8.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see that whatever praise evil men may have from men, they shall have none from God, and then all their praise from men will be little worth, 2. Cor. 10. 18. 2. We see what [...] and deceitful works wicked men set about, for it will turn to no account to [Page 118] them at the last day, Prov. 11. 18. 3. We see a reason of that phrase in Heb. [...]. 1. whatever men do before Repen­tance, it is dead work; dead in the end and issue, as well as in the rise and beginning of it: At the day of Christ it will come to nothing, no mention shall be made of it. 4. We see what little reason such men have to glory in what they do, and to boast of this and that, and the other good work that they have done▪ for alas! there will not be so much as a word spoken of any of their works at that day. 5. We see what empty Pleas they will be at that day, Mat. 7. 22,23. Christ will not speak a word of them himself, and when they would, he will take them up shortly for it. 6. We see what a marvellous difference God makes between his own Saints, and others; the Saints shall have all mentioned to their praise: so the Text; 1 Cor. 4. 5. but there shall not be the least whisper of praise of any thing that wicked men have done. 7. We see that works mate­rially good in themselves, that fail in the Ground, Manner or End, are not Good Works in Gods account, they lose their Nature and Being; for there will not be so much as any mention of them at that day. What will become [...] of all the glorious Works of Papists and Hypocrites? 8. We see that to be proud of such Works, is to be proud of nothing; for they are nothing, and will come to no­thing at that day: and yet how many are there that glory in a thing of nought? 9. We see the truth of that In Prov 25. 27. for men to [...]rch their own glory, is not glory. 10. We see how miserably the hopes and expectations of wicked men will fail them, Job 11. 20. Prov 11 7. 11. We see what dishonour the Lord will put upon them at that day. 12. We see that we are not to navy them, Prov. 24. 19 20.

Use 2. for Terrour: 1. To all vain-glorious Boasters of their good works, they will not be mentioned at that day. 2. To all Hypocrites, that trust to their works. 3. To those that expect great matters, as if they had been fruits of Faith: Alas! they will not prove so at that day.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1 To make no reckoning of wicked mens works, how glorious soever they seem to be, for the Lord will make no account of them. 2. To be­ware we trust not in our own Righteousness, Ezek. 33. 13. 3. To take heed of Hypocrisie, Mat: 23. 27,28. 4. To aim at Gods Glory in all we do, and not at our own glory. 5. To abhorre Popery; that teacheth Justification and Sal­vation to come by Works: all their glistering works will not be so much as mentioned at that day. 6. To beware [Page 119] of praising wicked men, Prov. 28. [...]. 7. To look well to our Faith, and to those works that we do, that they be done from a principle of Faith, Heb. 11. 8,17. 8. To be humble in all we do, Luke 17. 10. 9. To contemn vile men and their doings, Psal. 15. 4. 10. To despise their gifts, Dan. 5. 17.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. Against all the wicked's glo­rying in their works; the Saints have Christ to glory in, who will stand them in stead, when the wicked's Works will fail them. 2. Against their outward greatness here, they shall be of no account at that day. 3. Against the Popish Scoffs at Imputative Righteousness; they term it A Putative Righteousness: it will stand in more stead then their Works.

We are now come to the Second Branch of the XXXIII. Doct. That the evil that hath been found in wicked Men shall be mentioned against them in the day of Judgement. The Text is full for it.

For opening of which, let me shew, 1. What evil shall be mentioned then. 2. Why it shall be mentioned. 3. The Uses.

Q. What evil is it that shall then be mentioned?

Answ. 1. All open evil in acts done in the body, 2. Cor. 5. 10. Mat. 7. 13. 2. All open evil in speeches whether they be propha [...]e against God, or uncharitable against men, or uncomely and unclean, contrary to the rule of piety, righteousness, and sobriety, Tit. 2. 11,12. These shall all be mentioned at that day, Jude, ver. 14,15. So all open, Idle, and unprofitable speeches, Mat. 12. 35. 3. All open evils in neglect of their duties to God, themselves or others: so the Text: all omissions of duties, as well as commissions of sins. 4. All secret evils, Eccles. 12. 14. as secret evil thoughts, of what kind soever they have been, secret evil Speeches, secret evil Actions, secret Murders, secret Adul­teries, and other uncleanness, natural or unnatural; secret Thefts, secret prophanations of the Lords Name and Day, secret underminings of the Ordinances secret combinings with those that would root out all Authority in Church and Common-Wealth; Secret Conspiracies against the Saints, as Psa. 83. 3—8. In a word, all secret villanies of what na­ture or kind soever they be. 5. All fained Holiness and Piety, which Hypocrites content themselves with, 2 Tim. 3. 5. all dissembling love, contrary to Rom. 12. 9. all false and counterfeit shews in Profession, Ordinances; all Vizards, and Phanta [...]mes of Religion without truth: All [Page 120] these shall be charged upon them, Job 27. 8,9. 6. All cunning contrivances to hide their sin; All under-hand and under board workings to appear other then men [...] see Prov 30. 18,19. [...]0 Mat. 23. 27,28. 7. All pro­phane counting evil good and good evil. Isa. 5. 20. 8. All Apostasies from the Truth and wayes of God, 2 Pet. 2. 20,21,22. 9. All Neutrality, and Halting betwixt two Opini­ons, 1 Kin. 18. 21. 10. All crooked dealings, Psal. 125. 5.

Q. 2. Why shall this evil be then mentioned?

Ans▪ 1. For their everlasting dishonour and contempt, Dan. 12.2. 2. For the clearing of the Judge; for he will judge the world in Righteousness, Acts 17.31. 3. For the terrour and amazement of wicked men, 2 Cor. 5.10,11. 4. For the manifestation of the Lords Omniscience. see John [...]1. 17. Rev 2. 19,23. 5. For the manifestation of is Power and Wrath, Rom. 9. 22. For their full Convi­ction, and that they and all the world may see, that they have deserved all the punishment that is to be inflicted upon them.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see what a vain thing it is for such men to hide their sins here, for at that day they shall be discovered, Prov 28. 17. Luke 12. 2. 2. We see how dreadful the thought of this day should be to them; for then all their evil will come out, Acts 24. 25. 3. We see what great cause we all have to Repent, Acts 17.31. for if we do not, we shall hear of our sins at that day. 4. We see that the Lord Jesus knows all that we have thought, spoken, and done in secret; for even the secret sins that evil men have committed shall be mentioned and spoken of in the great day, Eccles 12. 14. 6. We see that the wicked are reserved to the Day of Judgement, and they and their deeds shall be brought forth then, Job 21. 30. 2 Pet 29. 7. We see a reason of the patience and long­suffering of the Lord towards the wicked, and why he does not afflict them here: there is more behinde, for he will discover all their lewdness at that day, Psal. 50. 21. 8. We see what a mercy it is to the Saints▪ to be rebuked and chastened of the Lord here, for it is farre better then to be rebuked and punished at that day, Rev. 3. 19. 1 Cor. 11. 31 9. We see how true that is in Rom. 2. 1,2,3,4,5. 10. We see that Princes and Great Ones, that none dare Reprove now for their sins, shall not escape, but shall have all laid open before them at that day, Jo [...] 34. 19—22. 11. We see that neither Duties nor Priviledges will secure such men, Mat. 7. 22,23. Luke 13. 26,27. 12. We see [Page 121] the great difference that shall then be put between the Saints and the wicked: the former shall have onely their good works, the latter onely their evil works mentioned at that day.

Use 2. for Terrour: 1. To all open rebellious ones, how great soever, Psal. 2. 1,2,3,4,5. 2. To all secret Conspi­rators against Christ, his Wayes and Saints. 3. To all that hide their sins, and seek to justifie themselves, as if they had done to evil.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To beware of Hypocrisie, Luke 1 [...]. 1,2. 2. To take heed of secret sins, they will all come out at that day, Ephes. 5. 12. 3 To the Saints, to hear the wicked's scorns and contempts more patiently, for these will be brought in against them at that day. 4. To take heed of idle words, Mat. 12. 35. 5. To judge nothing before the time, 1 Cor 4. 5. 6. To keep the heart above all keeping, Prov. 4. 23. 7. To beware we neither judge, nor set at naught our Brethren, Rom. 14. 10. 8. To beware we be not found wicked ones at that day; for if we be, all will come out. 9. To take heed of fellowship with them, Prov 13. 20. 10. To beware of hypocritical justi­fying our selves here, Luke 16. 15.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. Against the Slanders and Calumnies that evil men now utter against the Saints, they must be accountable for them, Jude ver. 14,15. 2. Against the secret practices of the wicked against the Saints; and their cunning packings and plottings against them, so as they know not who has hurt them; they will be all brought to light, one day.

Ver. 42,43. For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat, &c.

Doct. XXXIV. is this, That the Lord Jesus will charge upon the wicked their sins of Omission, as well as their sins of Commission, at the last and great day. Their sins of Commission are spoken of in other Scriptures, but in this their sins of Omission onely.

Reasons. 1. Sins of Omission are transgressions of the Law, as well as sins of Commission, 1 John 3. 4. and every transgression of the Law must be charged upon them, Galat. 3. 10. 2. Sins of Omission are breaches of Gospel Rules also, and disobedience to the Gospel will then be punish­ed, 2 Thess. 1. 8 9. 3. Sins of Omission are such as Christ reproves [...]en for here, Mat. 23. 23. Luke 11. 42. and there­fore he will surely charge them upon them at that day. 4. Sins of Omission are such as mens hearts will condemn [Page 122] them for, as well as sins of Commission, 1 John 3. 20. 5. Sins of Omission come cross to the love of God, 1 Joh. 3. 17. and what wonder then is it if the Lord Jesus charge them with those sins at that day? 6. Sins of Omissi­on, do directly strike at Christ, as we see in the Text, and will not he charge home such sins at that day, Prov. 8. 36 7. Sins of Omission burt others oftentimes as well as a mans selfe. A man may commit a sin sometimes and hurt no man but himselfe by it: but by a sin of Omission he may hurt many others; as for example, there may be many that depend upon a man for his A [...]mes, and Charity, which if he omit, he robs them of their due, Prov. 3. 27. So if a Ma­gistrate should omit and forbear to do his duty, and a Mini­ster his, many may come to be wrong'd thereby, Eze. 34. 3,4. Isai. 1. 23. 8. Sins of Omission deserve death, as well as sins of Commission, Rom. 6. 23. and therefore they shall be charged with them at that day. 9. Sins of Omission are fruits of Adams Transgression, as well as sins of Com­mission; and that sin of Adam imputed damns all, Rom. 5. 12. 10. Sins of Omission bring a man into bondage to Satan as well as sins of Commission, 2 Tim. 2. 26. and there­fore will be charged at that day. 11. Sins of Omission argue a daring spirit against God, and tempt God as well as sins of Commission, Psal. 78. 19,22,41,42,56. 12. Sins of Omission cause the Name of God to be blasphemed, as well as sins of Commission, Rom. 2. 21—24. 13. Sins of Omission defile the Conscience as well as sins of Commission, Tit. 1. 15,16. 14. Sins of Omission, if men be Professors, argue that they are Hypocrites, if they be frequent, Mat. 7. 3,4,5. And therefore it is no wonder if they be charged upon them.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see what a dreadfull thing it is to be guilty of sins of Omission, they will be charged upon them all, whoever they be, at the last day. 2. We see that Civil Morall men are in a poor case, and commonly dash at this rock, and split themselves, for they care not for omissions of duties so they keep themselves from gross pollutions. Paul was better then any of them, Phil. 3. 6. 3. Wee see what great need we all have to be­wail our sins of Omission, and to confess them before the Lord, that they may be forgiven to us, and so never charged upon us at that day, 1 Joh. 1. 9. 4. We see the dangerous estate of all Hypocrites, that either make no Conscience of performing duties required in the first Table, or if they seem any thing to mind those, fail shamefully in omiting du­ties of the second Table; for all hypocrites fail in the one or in the other. Their state is dangerous, for sins of Omission [Page 123] will be fadly charged upon them at that day. 5. We see what need we all had to beware we be not guilty of these Omissions in our severall places, and relations, as ever we desire, that they may not be charged upon us at the great day. 6. We see the greatness of these Sins of Omission in the Lords account, how lightly soever men esteem of them. 7. We see that they that make most Conscience of per­forming duties required, and are least guilty of Omissions, shall stand before the Judg with most comfort. 8. We see that if Omissions will be so charged at that day, oh where shall they appear that sin against the Holy-Ghost? Heb. 6. 4,5,6. & 10. 26,27,28,29. 9. We see how tender we should be of men of tender Consciences, that dare not omit any thing that they know to be their duty. 10. We see that surely God will punish men here for their Omissions if he charge them at that day.

Use 2. for Terrour: 1. To those that make nothing of Omissions, so they keep themselves from gross sins: alas! Christ will charge their Omissions upon them. 2. To those that despise, and deride those that are conscientious this way; it had been better for them if they had been as consci­entious themselves.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To beware we omit no du­ties that God calls for, either respecting God, our selves, or other men. 2. To pitty those that we know to be grosly guilty in omissions, they are like to hear of it another day. 3. To all of us, to humble our selves for our omissions, and charge our selves with them, 1 Cor. 11. 31. 4. To all such to repent of these sins as well as others, that they may not be charged at that day. 5. To abhorr Hypocrisie, for such as are Hypocrites, make light of Omissions, Mat. 23. 23. 6. To the Saints to admire the mercy of the Lord, that he will not charge their Omissions upon them. 7. To fear before him, Psal. 130. 3,4. 8. To rejoice, when any of ours are Conscientious, concerning duties to be performed. 9. To take heed of forsaking the publick Assemblies of the Saints, therein we should omit a great duty, Heb. 10. 25. 10. To do what we can to draw such men to repentance, and acknowledgement of the Truth, Ezek. 18. 32.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. To those that make Conscience of doing things Commanded, it will be well with them at that day. 2. To those that mourn for their Omissions, they will not be charged upon them at that day, 3. To those that love Christs appearing, 2 Tim. 4. 8. for no wick­ed men can do it, that are to have their sins charged upon them, surely they that do it have their sins forgiven to them.

[Page 124] Ver. 42,43. for I was an hungred and ye gave [...], meat &c.

Doct. XXXV. is this, That neglect of Mercy to the Saints in their necessity, will Condemn th [...]se that are guilty of it at the last day, Jam. 2. 13.

Reasons: 1. From Christ Jesus. 2. From the Saints themselves. 3. From the nature of this Sin.

From Christ. 1. He is neglected in them: so the Text. But if that more afterward, if the Lord will. 2. He commands mercy to be shewed to them, Luk. 6. 36. and therefore the neglect of it is high contempt and disobedience to his Com­mandment. 3. He has threatned condemnation to such, Jam. 2. 13. 4. He promiseth rewards to the Mercifull, Mat. 5. 7. Luk. 6. 37. and therefore will punish the con­trary. 5. He was of a Mercifull spirit himselfe to such when on Earth, Joh. 13. 29. such therefore are unlike to him, that neglect Mercy; and therefore he will condemn them. 6. He makes account, that not to shew Mercy, is to kill, and that deserves Condemnation.

2. From the Saints. 1. They are owners of our Charity, and Bounty, and Mercy, it's their due, Prov. 3. 27. and not to give them their due, is a Condemning sin. 2. They are great Heirs, Jam. 2. 5. and to neglect them, must [...]eeds be a Condemning sin: see for Illustration, Judg. 8. 18,19. 3. They are such as the Angles minister to, Heb. 1. 14. and not only in their life, but after death, Luk. 16. 22. and to neglect such as these great Courtiers minister to, must needs be a condemning sin. 4. They are our own flesh, Isai. 58. 7. and to neglect Mercy to our own flesh, is gross. 5. They are such as bless those that are Mercifull to them, Job. 31. 20. 2 Tim. 1. 16. and to neglect Mercy to such, must needs be a Condemning Sin. 6. They are such as we should be forward to remember in a way of Mer­cy, Gal. 2. 10.

3. From the Nature of this sin. 1. Neglect of Mercy to the poor, argues that the love of God dwells not in us, 1. Joh. 3. 17. 2. Neglect of Mercy argues that we love not the Brethren, for love will come off with any thing, it is bountifull, 1 Cor 13. 4. 3. Neglect of Mercy, is the neg­lect of Justice, Prov. 3. 27. 4. Neglect of Mercy, is the neglect of our own Salvation, 1 Tim. 6. 18. Luk. 16. 9. 5. Neglect of Mercy to the poor, speeds a man to Hell, Luk 16. 2 [...]. 6. Neglect of Mercy is the very Character of a Reprobate, Psal. 109. 16.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see what the sad condition [Page 125] of unmercifull ones will be; Condemnation is that that is to be their portion, and that has all misery in it. 2. We see that they that are of an unmercifull spirit, though they be often cursed by men, Prov.: 1,26. yet there's no need of it, for they are to be Cursed, and Condemned for it, in the last and great day. 3. We see what little cause the Saints have to envy them for what they have, and what they do, Psal. 73. 3. to 11. 18,19,20. 4. we see a reason why unmercifull men are afraid of the day of Judgment, they may well bee afraid of it, for then they must have the sen­tence of Condemnation passed upon them, Act. 24. 25. 5. We see if neglect of Mercy be so Damnable, oh what will become of those that exercise greatest cruelty to the Saints by oppression! Isai. 3. 15. these will be Condemned with a witness. 6. We see what a vain thing in is for such men to be admired, and extolled of flatterers; what will this do them good, when they shall be Condemned at that day? 7. We see they are miserable men that have much of the World, and doe little good with it, for they will lose their Soules by this meanes, Job. 37. 8. Mat. 16. 26. 8. We see that unmercifull men, are more cruel to themselves, then to those that they neglect to shew Mercy to: for they procure their own Condemnation by it. 9. We see that God payes them in their own Coin, and gives them suitable punishment to their sin, Rev. 16. 5,6,7. 10. We see how hatefull to God it is, to be of an unmercifull spirit.

Use 2. for Terrour: 1. To all that neglect to shew Mercy, they shall have Judgement without Mercy. 2. To those that are cruel by defrauding, oppressing: if they that give not to the poor shall be condemned, what shall become of those that pluck from them, and are as the Pharisees? Mat. 23. 25.

Use 3 for Exhortation: To take heed of unmercifulness, it is a Condemning sin.

Motives. 1. It is an Heathenish sin, Rom. 1. 31. 2. It is a Devilish sin, 1 Joh. 3, [...]0. 3. It is a sin that casts re­proach upon God, Prov. 14. 31. 4. It is a sin that robs a man of his comfort. Phil. 2. 1. 5. It is a sin that argues a graceless heart, Psal. 112. 4. 6. It is a sin that argues a fearless heart, Psal 36. 1,3. 7. It is a sin that will bring desolation, Isai. 47. 6,9. 8. It is a sin that brings mischief upon a mans [...]elfe, Prov. 11. 17.

Meanes. 1. Take heed of a Worldly Spirit. 2. Take heed of a sensuall Spirit, Luk 16. 19,21. 3. Take heed of an implacable Spirit, Rom. 1. 31. 4. Take heed of an [Page 126] Hypocriticall Spirit, Jam. 2. 5. Take heed of Idleness, Ezek. 16. 49. 6. Take heed of Pride, ibid. 7 Take heed of a Selfe-loving Spirit, 2 Tim. 3. 2,3. 8. Take heed of a sensless and inconsiderate Spirit, Psal. 4 [...]. 1. 9. Take heed of a jolly, Merry, Voluptuous, Intemperate Spirit, Amos 6. 5,6. 10. Take heed of an harsh, churlish Spirit, 1. Sam. 25. 3.

Use 4. for Examination: whether we be not unmer­ciful; it concernes us to look to it because it is a condem­ning sin.

Quest. How shall we know?

Answ. 1. If we be secure and think not of Adversity, Isa. 47. 6,7. 2. If we be given to Pleasures, Ver. 8. 3. If we flatter our selves in our present condition, Ibid. 4. If we look at our selves as the only goodly ones, Ibid. 5. If we dream of outward felicity with perpetuity, Ibid. 6. If we lay not to heart the end of unmercifulness, Ver. 6,7.

Ver. 42,43. For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat, &c.

Doct. XXXVI. is this, That Unmercifulness to Christs Members, when hungry and athirst, when Strangers, Naked, Sick and in Prison, shall be deeply charged upon wicked men at the last and great day.

I shall handle the several Branches asunder, as I did before: and first begin with Unmercifulness to hungry and thirsty ones.

Reasons why this shall be so deeply charged upon them at that day. 1. From the Nature of Hunger and Thirst. 2. From the Saints, whom they are unmerciful to in their hunger and thirst.

First, From the Nature of Hunger and Thirst. 1. Hunger and Thirst both are intolerable evils, if come to the extre­mity of them, they are of a killing nature; Jeremiah was like to die with hunger, Jer. 38. 9. and Samson with thirst, Judg. 15. 18. and to be unmerciful to those that are in this case, is murther in an high degree; and therefore may well be charged home upon such at that day as are guilty of it. 2. Hunger and thirst bring a long and lingring deaths along with them, Lam. 4. 9. and the longer and more lingring the death is, the more painful and sore it is: it is to die many deaths; and therefore it is that Famine is not called in Arrow, as the Pestilence is that kills quickly, Psal 91. 5. but it is called Arrows, and Evil Arrows, Ezek. 5. 16. as if there were many deaths in it. Now to inflict many deaths upon the Members of Christ, and to let them die wounded [Page 127] with so many arrows, that's great unmercifulness indeed; and therefore such may well have that sin charged home upon them at that day. 3. Hunger and thirst in the ex­tremity of them, will make men and women unnatural to those they love most, yea sometimes to themselves, Deut. 2 [...],53—57. 2 Kings 6. 28,29. Law. 2. 20 & [...]. 10. Ezek 5. 10. Now to refuse to give meat to them that are hungry, and drink to the thirsty, is to put them upon un­natural courses, if God were not more merciful to them: and this sin must needs be charged upon them at that day. 4. Hunger and thirst make men look pale and ghastly, and so is to move men to pity. Now to be unmerciful to such whose countenances bespeak pity and compassion, that must needs be a sin that Christ will charge home at that day. 5. Hunger and Thirst-exhaust the very spirits, as 1 Sam. 30. 11,12. Now to refuse to give to those meat and drink, who are almost expiring, and breathing out their last, is great cruelty. 6. Hunger and thirst are warl [...]e weapons Ezek. 5. 16. weapons of Destruction: Now if men may keep off such things from their Brethren, and will not, it is great unmercifulness, and therefore will be heavily charged upon them at that day.

2. From the Saints themselves. 1. They would bless them with their Prayers, if relieved, [...] Tim. 1. 16. 2. They would procure the Lord to be their debtor, Prov. 19. 17. if succoured. 3. They would bring a blessing upon their Posterity and Families, 2 Tim. 1. 16,17,18. 4. They would procure mercy for them at that day, ibid. 5. They would receive them into everlasting habitations, Luk. 16. 9. 6. They would bring in more to them in outwards then they take from them, Prov. 11. 24,25. 7. They would feast them with Spiritual [...]: Now to be unmerciful to such, in not giving them meat and drink, must needs be charged home upon them at that day.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see a reason why un­merciful men are so unwilling to die, and to think of the Day of Judgement; they know that that sin of Unmerci­fulness will be charged home upon them at that day. 2. We see a reason why they have no peace in their Con­sciences, Isa. 57. 20,21. How can they, when it shall go so [...] with them at that day? 3. We see how loathsome that sin should be to us, and how fearful we should be to fall into it. 4. We see what severity they must look for, that take away meat from the hungry, and drink form the thirsty. 5. We see that unmerciful men shall not want Witnesses to some in against them; rather then so, the hungry Bellies [Page 128] and thirsty Throats of the Saints shall bring in Evidence against them; as Jam. 5. 1,3. 6. We see what desperate adventures wicked men will make for the saving of a little meat and drink. 7. We see that unmercifulness, though it be not known to men, yet it is to the Lord, and he will one day reckon for it. 8. We see the truth of that in Prov. 11. 17. The merciful man doth good to his own soul; but he that is cruel, troubleth his own flesh. 9. We see now exceedingly the Lord abhors a covetous unmerciful spirit, Psal. 10. 3. 10. We see how tenderly careful the Lord is of the Bodies and lives of his Saints, that will charge it so home to them at that day, that have not fed them. 11. We see how terrible he will be to those that have been unmer­ciful to their Souls, Ezek. 34. 12. We see a reason why Satan puts men upon it to be unmerciful, be knows they shall pay dear for it.

Use 2. for Terrour: 1. To all those that give no meat to the hungry, nor drink to the thirsty. 2. To those that violently snatch it from them. 3. To those that give not the food of their Souls to them. 4. To those that hunt them, and persecute them, when they seek meat to relieve their Souls. 5. To those that kill them, John 16. 1,2.

Use 3 for Exhortation: 1. To fear to be of an unmerci­ful spirit to hungry and thirsty ones. 2. To reprove it in others where we see it, as we have any opportunity. 3. To be often thinking of the Judgement to come, especially when any such objects as hungry and thirsty ones are before us. 4. To bless the Lord if be have kept us from this sin, which will be charged so home another day. 5. To detest their way that kill and murther the Saints. 6. To mourn for them that are cruel to the Saints [...]. Jerem 23. 1,2. 7. To tremble when the Lord threatens a Famine of Bread for our Souls, Amos 8. 11,12,13. 8. To be merciful, Luke 6. 36. and love mercy, Micah 6. 8. 9. To break the Bread of Life to hungry ones, 2 Tim. 4. 1,2. John 21. 15,16,17. 10. To justifie the Lord in taking vengeance upon cruel Rome, Rev. 16. 5,6.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. Against all the Cruelty of un­merciful ones: see Psal. 58. 10,11. 2. Against all Romes Cruelty, Rev. 18. 24. it will be [...] one day. 3. Against the Saints hungry bellies here, they need not be too much troubled, for they that have been unmerciful to them, shall be charged with it at the last day.

[Page 129] Ver. 43. I was a stranger, and ye took me not in.

The Second Branch of the XXXVI. Did. is this, That unmercifulness to the Saints when Strangers, in not give­ing lodging, and entertainment to them, shall be charged deeply upon the Wicked at the day of Judgement.

Neas. 1. From the nature of this sin, of non-Entertain­ment. 2. From the Saints, that are in this condition. 3. The Uses.

From the nature of this sin. 1. It is want of Humanity; such men do un-Man themselves, forget that they are men: now to be without Humanity, so far to degenerate as to loss the nature of man, must needs be deeply charged upon men at that day. 2. It is want of natural affection, which is an Heathenish sin, Rom 1. 31. and that is very unbesceming Christianity. 3. It is a manifest breach of Rule, 1 Pet. 4. 9. Heb. 13. 2. and how then should it be otherwise, but that it should be charged home upon those that are guilty of it? 4. It is that they would be unwilling should be done to them▪ and to do that to others, that men would be loth should be done to themselves, is to despise the Law, and the Prophets, and the Law of Christ himself, Mat. 7. 12. Jam. 2. 8. 5. It is great cruelty, and argues much hard-heartedness; Judg. 19. 18,19. and will not the Lord be severe to such, and reckon sore with cruel ones? 6. It comes cross to the practise of holy men, Abraham, Lot, that good old man, Judg. 19. 20,21. Lydia, Act. 16. 15. Job chap. 31, 32. and many others. 7. It is worse then Bar­barism Act. 28. 2,7,10. 8. It is that that is very pro­voking to the spirits of good men Luke 9. 51,52,53,54. and though they were too hot, which Christ rebukes them for, yet the sin was great, and very provoking, although the sweet disposition of Christ would not then punish it. 9. It is a confluence of many sins, and the very sink that they come from, and run into, Pride, Covetousness, Careles­ness, Senslesness of others conditions, Barrenness, Unchari­tableness, Unbeleif, and these the Lord abhors. 10. It is the highest degree of ingratitude to Christ, for his bounty in outward things bestowed upon them.

2. From the Saints in this condition; 1. They are very precious in the right of the Lord, Heb. 11. 38. and not to entertain such must needs be that that will be deeply charged upon men at that day. 2. They are in great dan­ger of loss of health, and life, in such a condition, and therefore not to be received then, must needs provoke the Lord to lay his charge heavy upon such as have been this way [Page 130] guilty at that day. 3. They are such as Christ has received to be of his houshold, Ephes. 2. 19. and made of the houshold of Faith, Gal. 6. 10. and not to receive such to these mens houses, must needs be very provoking. 4. They are such as Christ will receive to himselfe into mansions of glory, John 14. 2,3. 5. They are such as bring God the Father, and Christ Jesus the Son, and the holy Spirit with them, 1 John 1. 3. and not to entertain such, is to shut out these [...]eaed guests; and who can be innocent that doth this? [...] will surely charge it home and home upon them at the [...] 6. They have the Holy Angels, their guardians, [...] Psal. 34. 7. Heb. 1. 11. and not to entertain such company, cannot be taken well at that day. 7. They are heirs of the World, and all things are theirs in Christ, 1 Cor. 3. 21,22,23. and therefore to deny them a little en­tertainment, will be heavily charged at that day. 8. They are the very pillars, and upholders of the places where they are, Job 22. 30. to keep off Judgment, and to procure mer­cy, Gan. 19. 22. Psal. 106. 23,30.

Use 1. for Information. 1. We see with what great Indig­nation the Lord takes it at the hands of such men, when they are so hard-hearted to strangers. 2. We see how nearly it concernes us to look to it, that we be not of such a Spirit. 3. We see how unworthy such men be to have any Saint to come amongst them. 4. We see how unmeet it is to receive such hard-hearted ones into favour, or familiari­ty with us. 5. We see how dreadful the day of Judge­ment will be to such men. 6. We see how distastful it should be to us, to see any such discourtesie used to the Saints, when strangers, for it is so distastful to Christ, that he will one day charge it home upon them. 7. We see that for a nights lodging, and a little entertainment spared up­on strangers, wicked men are willing to abide the severity of the great Judges condemnation. 8. We see that cruel men, are cruel to themselves; they may kill the bodies of strangers, but by this they cast away themselves for ever. 9. We see how deeply sensible the Lord is of the unkind­ness done to his Members. 10. We see what Judgement waits for them that oppress strangers, that misuse them, that kill them, pillage them, &c. if they that entertain them not, shall be so severely judged, where will these appear? 11. We see that they will have a bad lodging themselves, that do not lodge strangers; they must lodge with Devils. 12. We see what Coveteousness brings men to.

Use 2. for Terrour: 1. To all cruel ones to strangers, in denying them entertainment: see Jam. 2. 13. 2. To all [Page 131] those that grudge to do any Courtesie for them, are hardly drawn to it. 3. To all that deal worse with them, oppress them, pluck from them, revile them, do what evil they can against them.

Use. 3. for Exhortation: 1. To Strangers, to take patient­ly what they meet with in that condition, for the Lord Jesus sees it, and will one day require it. 2. To be chear­ful in want of lodging, and entertainment, for it was not only his won case, Luk. 9. 51,52,53 but he will remem­ber how they have been used, and charge it sadly upon the wicked at the great day. 3. To think of the entertainment that Christ gives them here in his house, at his Table, and of that he will give them in Glory, and let that suf­fice.

2. To us all: 1. To abhorr this Spirit in our selves, and others. 2. To be thankful if the Lord give us open hearts, and open doors to receive such. 3. To fear, and tremble at the least grudging in our spirits to receive such. 4. To stand at our doors to observe weary, and way faring ones, and desire them to come in, as Abraham did. 5. To be of Lydia's spirit, Acts 16. 15. 6. To make account that it is not only the Ministers duty, to be given to Hospitality, Tit. 1. 8. but ours, 1 Pet. 4. 9. yea the poorest are not ex­empted, 1 Kings 17. 10,11,1 [...]. 7. To pity their case that are hard-hearted, they are the worst Enemies to themselves.

Ver. 43. Naked, and ye clothed me not.

The Third Branch of the XXXVI. Doctrine is this, That unmercifulness in not clothing Christs naked Members, shall be deeply charged upon the Wicked at the last and great Day.

Reasons: 1. From the Nature of this sin. 2. From the Saints who are in this Condition. 3. The Uses.

First, From the Nature of this Sin: 1. It is that that ex­poseth them to perishing, Job 31. 19. and thereby such are guilty of Murther, and therefore it is no wonder if Christ will so deeply charge it upon wicked men at the last day. 2. If it should not rise so high as Murther, yet it exposeth them to suffer much by reason of cold, which sometimes is so extream that it cannot be born, Psal 147. 1 [...]. and the extremity of cold causeth many sicknesses, some of which are as painful, and bitter as death it self: see Job 24. 7. 2. Cor. 11. 27. 3. If neither of these should come, yet it expo­seth the Saints to uncomeliness; for to be naked, and desti­tute of clothing, is very uncomely: and the Lord would [Page 132] have us go comely, & looks at it as a sin in those that cause others to go naked Job 24. 10. 4. It is that that godly men reprove in those that they think are guilty of it, Job 22. 6. It's true, Eliphaz missed the mark, when he charged Job with this; but yet it holds out, that he thought he was guilty, and chargeth it home upon him. Much more will Christ charge it deeply upon them that he knows to be guilty, at that day. 5. It is Inhumanity; and God would have us, as in other cases, to shew our selves men, Isa. 46. 8. 6. It is contrary to the Rule of the Gospel, Luke 3. 11. 7. It comes cross to the practice of the Saints, 2 Chron. 28. 15. Job 31. 19. Acts 10. 39. 8. It breaks the Law of Love, Rom. 13. 10. 9. It spoils the most Spiritual of all our Duties, Isa. 58. 3,4,6,7. 10. It is an Abomination to the Lord, Ezek. 18. 13. and therefore no wonder if he charge it so home upon the wicked at that day.

2. From the Saints. 1. They are the Fathers Blessed ones: so the Text. 2. They are Heirs of the Kingdome. 3. They are such as Christ admits into his blessed Fellow­ship, and sayes Come unto. 4. They are his Purchased ones, Acts 20. 28. 5. They are they that the Lord has given Himself, his Christ, and his Spirit unto, Gen. 15. 1. John 3. 16. 2 Cor. 1. 22. 6. They are his Excellent ones, Psal. 16. 2, 3. yet, more excellent then others, Prov. 12. 26. 7. They are the Delight of his Eyes and Heart, Cant. 2. 14. Psal. 149. 4. 8. They are tenderly cared for by him, Zech. 2. 8. Isa. 40. 12. 9. They are the very Glory of Christ, 2 Cor. 8, 23. 10. They are Rich in their Poverty, Rev. 2. 9. 11. They are clothed with the best Robe and Garments, Isa. 61. 10. 12. They shall be clothed upon with Immortality, 2 Cor. 5. 4. Now not to clothe these, mast needs be charged deeply upon wicked men a that day.

Use 1. for Information; 1. We see the sad case of those, that having that by them that would help to Clothe the Naked, which they make no use of, yet do nothing that way. Christ will reckon with them for it at that day. 2. We see a reason of the Judgement of God upon the very Garments of Cruel men, Jam. 5. 1,2. 3. We see how unworthy they be of the Name of Christians, that will not Clothe their own Families. If wicked men shall be judged that Clothe not other naked Saints, what shall become of them that will not Clothe their own? 1 Tim. 5. 8. 4. We see what wretched men they be, that are so farre from Clothing Christs naked ones, that if they will have any Clothes from them, they shall pay twice, if not thrice the [Page 133] worth of them: What will be the end of these men? 5. We see that sure their state will be lamentable, that pluck away the Naked's Clothes from then, Job 22. 6. 6. We see that the Lord Jesus cannot endure [...] see his Saints go naked: for if he did, he would never so judge the wicked for not Clothing them. 7. We see what wretched filthy ones they be, that will go used in a shame­less way, when they have Clothes to cover them with, as the Adamites do. And we see that surely Christ Jesus [...] their deeds; for they are the deed, of the N [...]ccla [...]tant, Rev. 2. 6. 8. We see that if they shall be so severely judged that Clothe not the naked Saints [...], O [...] what will become of them that pluck the Robe of Christs Righ­teousness from them, and would have them patched with their own Rags? as Papists, that teach Justification by Works. 9. We see what a mercy it is to have a spirit gives us to Clothe Christs naked ones.

Use 2. for Terrour: 1. To Rich men, that have enough to bestow this way, but want hearts, Jam 5. 1,2. 2. To those that drink away all that they should this way come off with: see Prov. 23. 21. 3. To those that do so love themselves, that they will come off with nothing to the naked Saints.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To take heed of all those sins that foment and further this sin: as (1) Pride in Ap­parel; they that lay so much upon their own backs, will not have to give to Clothe the Naked, Ezek. 16. 49. (2) Costliness, and superfluity of Diet, ibid. (3) Idle­ness, and excess in it, ibid. (4) Insensibleness of the Na­ked's misery; is stony heart. (5) A Cruel Spirit. (6) A Covetons Spirit, Luke 12. 15. 1 Tim [...] 6. 10. (7) A rough and harsh Spirit, Prov 18. 23. (8) Unbelief, and inordi­nate fear of want: A man possessed with these, will never Clothe Christs naked ones. (9) Talkativeness, Prov 14. 23. 10. Love of Pleasure, Prov. 21. 17. Such spend so much vainly, that they have nothing to give. 2. To fear to be of such a spirit. 3. To all such men, to weep and howl for the misery that is coming upon them Jom 5. 1,2. 4. To bless the Lord, if he has given any of us a better Spirit. 5 To come off with a Spirit of Bounty this way, as ever we would escape this Judgement 6. To abhorre this Unmercifulness in our selves and others Rom 12. 9. 7 To judge our selves for former unmercifulness, 1 Cor. 11. 31.

[Page 134] Ver. 42. Sick, and in Prison, and ye visited me not.

The Fourth Branch of the XXXVI. Doctrine, is this.

That un [...]trcifulness to Christs sick Members in not vi­siting them, shall be deeply charged upon the wicked at the last and great Day.

Reasons. 1. From the Nature of the Sin. 2. From the Saints in that condition.

From the Nature of this sin. 1. It argues that such men have forsaken the fear of the Almighty, Job 6. 14. and there­fore it is no wonder that such shal be charged with it at that day. 2. It argues that such men are not sensible of the afflicted estate of such sick ones, and that's a manifest breach of Rule, ibid. 3. It argues that such men restrain Prayer before God, when they refuse to visit sick ones: for sick ones have need of Prayers to be [...]eade for them, Jam. 5. 4. It argues that such men do not consider their own latter end; for their very going to such an house of Mourning, would put them upon it to think of their own death; Eccles. 7. 2. 5. It argues that they have no love to the Brethren, for love would come off with a visit chearfully, and willingly, 1 John 3. 18. 6. It argues that they care not what becomes of others, so it go well with them [...] And that they are exceeding lovers of themselves, 2 Tim. 3. 2. 7. It argues a slighting of the hand of God upon others; and a forgetting that [...]

Nunc t [...]a [...]res agi [...]urs paries cum [...] ardet. 8. It argues want of love to God, 1 John 4. 20. 9. It argues a covetous heart; for therefore they refrain vi­siting, because they would give nothing so them, and see Nekem. 13. 1,2. 10. It argues that they dream of the Continuance of their own healths, and that they shall not be sick.

2. From the Saints in that condition. 1. They cannot help themselves; and to deny a visit to such, must needs he great Cruelty. 2. They need visiting for the comfort both of outward and inward man; and we are bound to attend both, 1 Thess. 5. 14. 3. They do even beg of pity, Job 19. 21. and to be denied pity when they desire it of us, is sad, and will be reckoned for. 4. They are such as the hand of God has touched, Job 9. 21. and therefore we should be touched with the sense of their condition. 5. They are lonesome and disconsolate, and cannot well want company. 6. They are such as Satan is apt to take advantage against; for when the Saints are most alone, and weakest, then he bestirs himself most, Gen. 3. 1,2. 7. They [Page 135] are such as God sometimes withdraws himself from, as he did from Hezekiah, Isa. 38. 13. 8. They mourn in that condition, Isa. 38. 14. and to be denied a visit at such a time, as it is grievous to them, so the Lord cannot but reckon for it.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see that the Lord has respect to his sick Saints, and dearly tenders them himself, seeing he will charge it so home upon wicked men at the last day, that they have not visited them in that condition. 2. We see that if they that visit not Christs sick Members shall be so severely judged, Oh what will be the condition of those that are glad at such a Calamity, and hope they shall never come out of it! Psal 41. 8. & 35. 15. 3. We see what need such men have [...]o repent of such unmerciful­ness, and to charge this sin upon themselves, by confessing and bewailing it, that they may not be charged with it at that day. 4. We see that Sickness are no arguments of Gods rejecting of his Saints, for he is tender of them in that condition, and cannot endure that any should be hard­hearted toward them. 5. We see a reason why God orders it in his Providence, that such shall not be visited them­selves when sick: for he distastes them so, that [...] will charge it upon them at that day. And this is a token of his displeasure against them. 6. We see that surely such as are sick of love for Christ Cant. 5. 8. shall be very much tendred by them, and he will not endure that any should be cruel to them. 7. We see how careful we should be so enquire who are sick amongst us, and go and visit them, as ever we desire to escape this severe charge of the Lord Jesus at the last and great day. 8. We see that all such as have been guilty of this sin, must needs be troubled in their Consciences for it, when they think seriously of it; for it will be charged home upon them at the last and great day. 9. We see what need we had to look after those that are sick of sin, and to tender convinced sinners, as Christ does. Mat. 9. 11,12. 10. We see that if the non visitation of sick ones will be so deeply charged upon men at that day, then surely cruelty to sick ones in other kinds much more.

Use 2. for Terrour: 1. To all careless ones, that mind them­selves only & so themselves be in health, care not how it goes with others, are of Gallio's spirit, Acts 18. 17. 2. To those that rejoyce at others Calamities, Prov 24. 17. 3. To those that Kill and Murther them without pity, as of late in Pie [...]sont: If they that visit not sick Saints shall be judged, where shall such appear?

[Page 136] Use 3. for Exhortation; 1. To tremble at any neglect herein, it will cost men dear at that day. 2. To repent of any such unmercifulnes in former times. 3. To charge this neglect upon those that are guilty of it. 4. To hope the best of those that make Conscience of visiting sick ones, though they have their infirmities other wayes. 5. To bless the Lord that he has made us in any measure tender this way, and thereby given us hope that no such evil shall be charged upon us. 6. To be thankful that others have been tender over us in our sickness, and thereby have decla­red their love not only to us but to Christ himselfe. 7. To stirre up our selves to the practice of the duty of visiting the sick. And that we may be helped therein, (1) Labour to get a soft heart, Ezek 36. 26. (2) Remember that we may be sick our selves. (3) Think much of the day of Judgement. (4) Remember that Christ counts himselfe sick in his Members. (5) Get a bountiful Spirit. (6) Love the Saints. (7) Fear the Almighty. Job 6, 14. (8) Remember the good that may be done by the Prayer of Faith for the sick, Jam. 5. 15.

Ver. 43. Sick, and in Prison, and ye visited me not.

We are now come to the last Branch of the XXXVI.

Doctrine, and that is this, That unmercifulness to Christs imprisoned ones, shall be deeply charged upon the Wicked at the last and great Day.

Reasons. 1. From the nature of this sin. 2. From the Saints in this condition.

First, From the Nature of this sin of not visiting Christs Prisoner: 1. It is an high contempt of Christ himselfe, for he saves, he is in Prison when they are; and will not such a sin be charged home at that day? 2. It is great hard­heartedness and cruelty; For no men in the world need more pitty then sometimes Prisoners do; they endure great trials, Heb. 11. 36. Rev. 2. 10. and this is a great plague, Exod 9. 14. to be hard-hearted. 3. It is inhumanity; and such a sin whereby men put off humanity, must needs be charged deeply upon them at that day. 4. It is worse then Barbarism; for even Barbarians have been kind to some of the Lord's Prisoners, as to Paul, when he was a Prisoner, Acts. 28,2,10. 5. It is worse then Heathenism; for some Heathens have been kinde to the Lords Prisoners; as we see in Iosephs Keeper, Gen. 39. 21. so Acts 28. 2,16,31. 6. It is that by which men resemble the very Devil; for he casts the Saints into Prison, Rev. 2. 10. and would have them there to have no mercy. 7. It is altogether inconsistent with [Page 137] the love of God, 1 Job. 3. 17. 8. It is a Trangression of that Commandment that we have from God, that He who loveth God, love his Brother also, 1 Iab. 4. 21. 9. It is that that is de­testable to God, Angels, and all good men: for all these visit these Prisoners, Gen. 39. 21. Act. 12. 6,7,8. 10. It is that that a man will loath himself for, if ever he repent, Acts 16. 33

2. From the Saints in that condition: 1. They are in a lonesome condition, and therefore stand in need visiting. 2. They are under manifold temptations; and others visits would help them in such a condition. 3. They are sorrow­ful; we read of the sighs of Prisoners, Psal. 79. 11. and others visits would help to alleviate those sighs. 4. They are dying men, Psal. 79. 11. and not to visit dying men must needs be charged upon those that are guilty of it. 5. They are meanly provided for in the Prison, 1 Kin. 22. 26,27. and not to visit them, to minister something more com­fortable for them for their Diet, is sad, and will be reckon­ed for. 5. They have mean Lodging; many times a little straw, or it may be a Pair of Stocks, Acts 16. 24. 7. They are sometimes pined, and have no meat at all, Jer 38. 9. 8. They are starved with cold; as Mr. Latimer. 9. They are tortured sometimes, Heb. 11. 35. 10. They continue long in this condition.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see that the Lords Pri­soners are very dear to him, in that he will charge unmerci­full ones so deeply at that day, for not visiting them in this their afflicted condition. 2. We see that he will surely charge it home upon them, that have without cause put them into Prison, and have dealt cruelly with them there, by Pining, Starving, Torturing of them. 3. We see that surely the death of such Prisoners is very precious in his sight. If the death of every Saint be precious, Psal. 116. 15. then much more precious is the death of these Saints, that are Sufferers for him, 2 Tim. 4. 6, 16. He will charge the wicked's not visiting them, upon them; and therefore when they shed their Blood, it shall be costly to them: He will have a price for that Blood. 4. We see that the Saints may be content to be put in Prison, and to suffer the Cruelty that sometimes they there meet with; for Christ takes notice of it, and will deeply charge it upon unmerciful ones. 5. We see that the closest Prisons can­not exclude Christ, nor shut out his love from his Pri­soners, Rom. 8. 38,39. 6. We see that if there he so much iniquity in a non-visit of Christs Prisoners, that it shall be so charged; Oh what is there in the Slaughter of so many as have been stain for Jesus sake in all Ages! 7. We see [Page 138] that the worst state of the People of the Lord, even a Pri­son-condition, is better then the best of hard hearted wicked men, for these last must be accountable for their Neglects of poor Prisoners. 8. We see that omissions of small kind­nesses to men in misery, though we think not of them as any great matter, yet will be made so [...]ething of a [...] that day. 9. We see how dear such must pay for it, that have been and are of the Romish Religion, Rev. 18. 24. 10. We see that Prisoners for Jesus sake, though not visited by some men, yet have many a sweet visit from him, for he will make up their defect.

Use 2. for Terrour: 1. To those that visit not, 2. To those that visit them to punish them. 3. To those that kill them in Prison. 4. To those that make their life worse then death.

Use. 3. for Exhortation: 1. To Prisoners for Christs sake. 2. To others.

To Prisoners: 1. To bear patiently their Imprison­ment, with all the miseries attending that condition: their enemies shall pay dear for them. 2. To be content with that lonesome condition, and to be without mens visits. 3. To desire more of the Lords visits. 4. To be thankful when the Lord visits them.

2. To others. 1. To visit the Lords Prisoners, for it will be sad with them that do it not. 2. To abhorre their Cruelty, that use them cruelly and barbarously there. 3. To pity their Tormentors, they must pay for it. 4. To rejoyce if we should be called to it, Acts. 16. 25.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. Against such Sufferings, Acts. 5. 41. 2. Against the [...]ears of such Sufferings, Rev. 2. 10. 3. Against all the Blood that Rome has shed. 4. Against the noisome Stink of the Prison, it is not Hell; they shall be saved from that Prison, and the Torments of it.

Ver. 44. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw me thee anhungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in Prison, and did not minister unto thee?

Doct. XXXVII. is this, That wicked men would fain ex­cuse their Unmercifulness to the Saints, but their ex­cusing of themselves shall be of no avail for them.

Reasons. 1. Why they would excuse their unmerciful­ness at that day. 2. Why their excusing themselves shall be of no avail for them.

For the first: They would Excuse themselves 1. From the Pride of their hearts, whereby they think better of [Page 139] their estate then it is: for Pride will frame excuses; as it was with [...] he had a good conceit of his doings, and therefore made and excuse after another, to justifie himself before the Lord and Samuel, in the matter of destroying the Amal [...]kites, 1 [...] 15. 13,14,15,20,21. So it will be with these at the last day. 2. From the Boldness and Au­daciousness of their spirits. A bold audacious fellow, though he be guilty of some foul fact, yet will frame many excuses, to do what he can to clear himself before [...] so these, from a hold spirit, will frame excuses before the great Judge. 2. From that wisdome that is in them to do evil, J [...]r. 4. 22. they have a natural subtilty in them, to have something to [...] in way of excuse for themselves, and this subtilty they [...] at that day. 4. From the shift­ing spirit that is and will then appear in such; they would [...] out of his hand, and shift off; the bloves that are coming upon them [...] 27. 22. 5. From that want of un­derstanding that is in them, of the nature of their sin of un­mercifulness to the Saints: they know not that it reacheth so fa [...]re as to Christ himselfe. So the [...]. 6. From the self-flattery that is in them, Psal. 26. 12. 7. From the hardening of themselves against that [...] that their [...] will be filled with Dan. 12. 1. 8. From the dreadfulness of the Judgement that is passed upon them, they would fun say something to excuse themselves. 9. From the stifling of their Consciences; for then Conscience will [...]cuse. 10. From their Hypocrisie, which makes them feign excuses.

Q. 2. Why shall their excusing of themselves be of [...] avoid in them at that day?

Answ. 1. From the Judge. 2. From the Wicked.

From the Judge. 1. He is Wise, and knows how to take off their silly Excuses, Prov. 8. 1. Jude ver. 25. 2. He is Just, 2 Tim 4. 8. and therefore will not be put off with [...]wod [...] Excuses. 3. He is True in his T [...]reatings, as [...] as in his Promises, Rev. 8. 7. and will fulfil them; and therefore their vain Excuses shall not profit them. 4. He is a Great King: so the Text; and Excuses that makes factors make, will not [...]ake with Kings. 5. He is no [...] of persons, Acts. 10. 34. 1 Pet. 1. 17. Rev. 23. 12. and therefore cannot take their Excuses to justifie the wic­ked. 6. He knows all things, John 21. 17. is an All-seeing Judge, and therefore sets through all their vain Excuses, and knows that there's nothing in them.

2. From the Wicked. 1. They are Workers of iniquity, Mat. 7. 23. Luke 13. 26,27. 2. They have been [...] [Page 140] Servants, Mat. 25. 24.—27. 3. They are unprofitable Servants, Matth. 25. 30. and no Excuse will serve their turn. 4. They bring such Excuses as are against them­selves, Luke 19. 22. 5. They are Hypocrites; and if God will not hear the cry of such in their times of trouble here, Joh. 27. 9. then sure [...]e will not hear them speak for them­selves at that day. 6. They speak too late; for the Sen­tence being given, cannot be called in again: and there­fore no Excuse shall serve their turn. 7. Their Excuses are a kinde of challenging the Judge for untruth.

Use. 1. for Information: 1. We see the greatness of the folly of wicked men, that think that their poor Excuses will stand them in any stead at the great day, after the Sentence is passed: What folly like this? 2. We see that wicked men will take hold of, and catch at any thing, though never so feeble, to shift off and avoid punishment. A man ready to drown, will catch hold of sticks and straws, that can no way help them: So here. 7. We see how loth wicked men are to come to punishment, they would fain escape it and fly from it. 4. We see that there's no dally­ing with Christ at that day: Men may sometimes be put off with Excuses, but the great judge will not. 5. We see that wicked men's Confidence will deceive them, Joh 18. 14. it will be a broken Reed to them in that day. 6. We see how necessary it is to get the Judge to be our friend now in the day of Grace, for no Excuse will serve the turn at that day. 7. We see how vain it is to make Excuses for sin here, for the day is coming when no Excuse will stand in stead before the great Judge. 8. We see the Impudence of wicked men, that dare charge the Judge himself with untruth at that day. 9. We see what mis­chief there is in sin, when no Excuse will exempt men from punishment. 10. We see how dreadful it will be to see the face of the Judge at that day, who will not be put off with vain Excuses. 11. We see how good it is here to make supplication to our Judge. 12. We see how inex­orable the Judge will be at that day; it will be too late then to speak.

Use. 2. for Terrour: 1. To all Reprobates: Woe to them, none of their Excuses will then be taken. 2. To all Unmerciful ones to Christs Members; their Pleas for it will no way help them. 3. To those that devise Excuses now; they may pass with men to save them from temporal evils but not with Christ at that day.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To abhorre that which is evil, Rom. 12. 9. 2. To take heed of Unmercifulness, for [Page 141] no Pleas will pass for that, Iam: 2. 13. 3. To Repent of former unmerciful dealings in our unregenerate estate, for the Judge will take no Excuses for want of Mercy: so did Zachem, Luke 19 8. 4. To beware of making Excuses here for Unmercifulness, for they will not pass for currant at the great day 5. To Judges in Courts, to imitate the great Judge, and to hea [...] no Pleas for merciless ones. 6. To us all, to love Mercy, Micah 6. 8. for such may look the Judge in the face with comfort, Iam. 2. 13. 7. To make sure work for our Souls, for the Judge will not be put off with vain pretexts 8. To Pray alwayes, that we may escape the Judgement that will surely pass upon the wicked.

Ver. 44. Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, &c.

Doct. XXXVIII. is this, That wicked men do not know how farre their Unmercifulness to the Saints reacheth: it reacheth to Christ himself, but they know it not. There is a greater guilt upon them then they are aware of.

Reasons. 1. From themselves. 2. From the Lord him­self 3. From Satan.

From themselves. 1. From that natural Stupidity and Blockishness that is in them, 1 Cor. 2. 14. Hence they are so often called Fools in Scripture, and without understanding. 2. From their Madness, Luke 15. 17. and men that are out of their wits know not what they do. 3. From the Plea­sure they have in this sin; for that like a Bribe blinds their eyes, that they cannot see into the mischief of it, and how farre it reacheth. 4. From their want of considering how near the Saints are to Christ: for did they consider that, they could not but know that their unmercifulness to them would reach to Christ himself. 5. From the willing igno­rance that is in them, 2 Pet. 3. 5. 6. From the false Rea­sonings that they use to colour and cover their sin with; as, that they are Idle, and to give to them, would maintain them in their Idleness, and they may want themselves, and have others lye upon them.

2. From the Lord Himself. 1. He in Judgement shuts their eyes, John 12. 39,40. Isa. 44. 18. 2. He is not bound to give them more understanding; he is free to impart it where he will, and to deny it to whom he will. 3. He has reserved them for wrath, 2 Pet: 2. 9. Ioh 21. 30. and in this way he lets them go to this sad journeys end. 4. He has ordained them to destruction: so the Text; and so leaves them to go hood wink'd to their Ruine. 5. He came into [Page 142] the world for Judgement, that some that see might be made blind, Iotn 9. 39. 6. He reserves something to tell them at that day to their cost, if they would not understand it here.

2. From Satan: 1. He blinds them, 2 Cor. 4. 3,4. 2. He keeps them in the dark, knowing that that is the surest way to deceive them: he is the graud deceiver, Rev. 12. 9. and this way deceiveth them. 3. He hides the danger and the hook, and shews only the Ba [...]t. 4. He is a Mur­therer, and cruel Spirit, Iohn 8. 44. and therefore useth all wayes to draw men to cruelty and unmercifulness; and that he may effect this, hides the danger of this sin from them, and keeps them from knowing how farre it reach­eth.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see the misery of un­merciful men, they know not the greatness of the guilt that is upon them; their sin reacheth further then they are a­ware of, they think it is onely against men, but Christ will tell them another thing at the great day. 2. We see what a dangerous thing it is to be ignorant of the nature and extent of sin, for it will be discovered in the full latitude of it at that day. 3. We see that ignorance will be no sufficient Plea or Excuse for wicked men at the great day, but will leave them altogether inexcusable before the great Judge. 4. We see that unmercifulness shall never hide it self under any shadow; but that that unmerciful men think to be a shelter to them, shall wet them to the skin at that day: for they know not the extent of it, yet they shall know how far that sin went, at that day. 5. We see that those sins that men count little, are great sins in the Lords account. 6. We see how hateful the sin of unmer­cifulness should be to us, that wicked men make so little reckoning of; for there's more in it then they are aware of. 7. We see how miserable their state will be that know that unmercifulness reacheth Christ himself, and yet go on in that way. 8. We see the great patience of Christ to­wards unmerciful men, that though their sin reach him, yet does forbear them in this world, 9. We see that mens condition being evil, if they know it not, is so much the worse to them. 10. We see what a judgement of God it is to be blinde, and not to see the extent of the danger of this sin. 11. We see that the greatness of some mens sins is not discovered to them till the day of Judgement. 12. We see that they that will not know their sins here, shall know them to their cost at that day.

Use 2. for Terrour: 1. To ignorant So [...]s, that think [Page 143] they are not, so bad as they are, 2 Thess. 1. 8. 2. To Un­merciful ones, though they know not the extent of their guilt, yet their state is dreadful.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To labour to know the worst that is in sin here, for else the worst shall be told us in the lest and great day. 2. To hearken to that counsel in Dan. 4. 27. to break off our sins by Righteousness, and our iniquities by shewing Mercy to the poor. 3. To take them for our best friends that tip up our sins most, and shew us the greatness of our guilt, and the extent and latitude of our sins, for they will be told us that day. 4. To abhorre unmercisulness, for it will be set out in its colours at that day. 5. To tremble to be ignorant of what we ought to know in knowing times. 6. To get a considering heart, that we may repent of our former unmercifulness, Ez [...] 18. 28. Psal. 119. 59. 7. To pity hard-hearted unmerci­full men, that know not the full latitude of this sin of theirs, Luke 23. 34. Acts. 7. 60. 8. To bless the Lord, if he has let any of us see the foulness of this sin, and brought us out of it, 1 Tim. 1. 13. 9. To glorifie God in behalf of others, Gal. 1. 23,24. 10. To love the Lord Jesus, that has discovered the evil of this sin to us here.

Ver. 45. Then shall be answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, In as much as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

Doct. XXXIX. is this, That the Lord Jesus at the last Day, will fully stop the mouthes of Wicked men, and have the last word, after which they shall speak no more. This is plain here in the Text.

Reasons. 1. From Himself. 2. From the Wicked. 3. From the Sentence passed.

From Himself. 1. From his Wisdome and Knowledge, Col. 2. 3. Jude 25. they are not able to grapple with him; he will easily Non-plus and silence them, that they shall not have a word to speak after him. 2. From his Majesty and Glory; his words will daunt them and confound them. Look as the words of Kings have power going a long with them, Eccles. 8. 4. so his words much more. 3. From the Rightness and Integrity of his words, Prov. 8. 6,7,8. and right words are of great force: How forcible are right words when men speak them? Ioh 6. 25. much more his right words, which he will speak at that day. 4. From his Throne of Judgement that he sits upon, Prov. 20. 8. A King sitting on the Throne of Judgement, scattereth away all evil with his eyes: so doth this king much more. 5. From [Page 144] that in Prov. 16 10. A Divine Sentence (saith Solomen) is in the lips of the King; his mouth transgresseth not his judgement: And if so, then surely this Kings mouth trans­gredeth not in Judgement: and such a mouth speaking to them, must needs stop all their mouthes. 6. From the End of his Coming to Judgement, which is a thorow Con­viction of all ungodly men, Iude ver. 14,15. 7. From his power in his Ordinances, Matth. 22. 11,12.

2. From the Wicked. 1. From the feebleness of their Pleas: weak Arguments and pleas are easily overturned; and such will be theirs at that day. So the Text. 2. From their Consciences, which will be their Accusers, and Wit­nesses against them, and Condemn them, for if their Con­sciences do all this sometimes here, much more at that day, 1 Iohn 3. 20 Rom. 2. 15,16. 3. From the guilt that is up­on them: for guilt will stop any mans mouth. A guilty Ma­lefactor has nothing to say for himself; so here, Rom. 3 19. 4. From the Terrour and fear that then will be upon them, 2 Cor. 5. 10,11. now fear will stop any mans mouth. 5. From the shame that will then be upon them, Dan. 12. 2. and that will stop their mouthes. 6. From the con­tempt that will be then upon them, ibid. and when a mans person is contemned here, he will have little list to speak.

3. From the Sentence passed. 1. It is Righteous, Acts 17. 31. 2. It is Irrevocable, and cannot be reversed; much more Irreversible then that of the Persian Kings, Esth. 8. 8. 3. It is that that cannot be found fault with, Rev. 22. 12. 4. It is fair and open before all, that the Equity of it may be discerned: so the Text. 5. It is un­answerable, Ioh 9. 3. and backed with strong Reason.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see how miserably wic­ked men will be foiled and worsted, in all that they thought would stand them in stead at the great day. Alas! they shall not have a word to speak for themselves, after the Lord has spoken to them: as Joh says, Joh 29,22. After my words they spake not again. So, much more will it be at that day. 2. We see what great Confusion of face will be upon the wicked at that day, in that they shall be Non-plus'd, and not be able to speak for themselves. Men are confounded in their own spirits, when in a Dispute they are ba [...]ed, and mated, and laid upon their backs, and so Non plus'd, that they have not a word to say: Oh then what shame will this be! 3. We see that the greatest among wicked men shall not be able to lift up their faces at that day; as Joh [...]ayes of himself sitting in Judgement, Ioh 29. 9,10. so much more [Page 145] will it be when Christ sits in Judgement. 4. We see how vain a thing it is to devise Arguments to disputes against Christ at that day; for he will be sure to have the last word, and put to silence all that oppose him, Isa [...]. 45. 9. 5. We see the bottomless depth of the Wisdom and Knowledge that is in Christ Jesus, that will be able to foil the whole Would at that day. 6. We see what med we all had to take words to ourselves in a way of confessi­on, and Humiliation, and Repentence, Hos. 14. 2. for otherwise we shall want words to speak for our selves at the great d [...]y. 7. We see what an ama [...]ing day the day of Judgement will be to Reprobates, in that their mouthes will then be stopped. 8. We see how dreadful their con­dition will be, that have opened their mouthes against Heaven, and the God of Heaven [...] for if others shall have their mouthes stopped, that have only omitted [...] Duties, and have not been so vile in Commi [...]ons, oh how will their mouthes be stopped, that have opened them in [...] and all manner of wickedness against the Lord! 9. We see the greatness of the guilt of wicked men, and how [...] will state them in the face at that day. 10. We see that they that have been so forward to Argue with God, and [...] truly against his Righteous Dispensations, Rom 9. 10, shall then have nothing to say against him, or for themselves.

Use 2, for Terrour: 1. To all bold faced talkers against God, and his Wayes and Saints. 2. Against all the vain Ploas and Arguments that men think will bear them out in their Wickedness 3. Against the despisers of Christ and his Grace now.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To open (1) Our [...] to receive him here, that our mouthes may not be stopped at that day, Psal. 24. 7,9. (2) To open out [...] Members. (3) To open our houses to them (4) To open the Prison doors, and look in to them. (5) To open our wardrobes to his naked ones. (6) To open our vowels to his sick ones. (7) To open our mouthes for the Dumb Prov. 31. 8. (8) To open Heaven doors by our Prayers. [...] To beware of speaking a word against Christ here. 3. To let Christs, word sake place here, [...] of our too hold speeches against him, Ioh. [...] To speak all we can against our sins here, 6. To be­ware of having a thought that our Words and pleas shall be heard then, if [...] be wicked. 7. [...] Lord in all he sayes and does to us here, Lam [...] 18 for [...] shall do it then. 8. To take heed of wickedness, [...] stop their mouthes that are given to it, at that [...] [Page 146] ver. 49. [...]soan [...] ye did not to one of the least of these, &c.

Doct. XL. is this, That Christ will in the Day of Judgements assure all such as have not shewn mercy to his Mem­bers in their Necessities, that they have neglected and disregarded Him.

For opening of which, let me shew, 1. How it does appear that they have Neglected him, in not shewing mercy to them. 2. Why he accounts it so, and will assure them that so it is. 3. The Uses.

For the first, It does appear from [...] 1. In that they are one with Christ, both by a conjugal Union, 1 Cor. 6. 17. Rom. 7. 4. and by a Memberly Union, Ephes 5. 30. 1 Cor. 12. 27. Coloss. 1. 13. and by such an Union as the Branches have with the [...] John 15. 4,5. 2. In that they are Fellows to him Psal. 45. 7. 3. In that they are [...] Friends, Luke 12. 4. John 15. 4. In that they are his Brethren: so the Text; John 20. 17. Heb. 2. [...]. 5. In that they are his Children, Heb. 2. 19. 6. In that they are his Delight, C [...]. 2. 14. and his Desire, [...] 7,10. 7. In that they are his peculiar Treasure, Psal. 13 [...]. 4. and Titus 2. 14. and [...] 3. 17. 8. In that they are his Fulness, Ephes. 1. 23. He does not count himself full without them. 9. In that they are his Glory, 2 Cor 8. 23. 10. In that they are his First fruits, Jam. 1. 18. which of all Fruits are most grateful. 11. In that they are his Inheritance, Deut. 32. 9. Mic [...] 7. 18. Now the [...]e being neglected, that are so near, and dear, and precious to him, it evidently appears that the Lord Jesus is neglected in them.

Reasons, why it must needs be that be accounts him­self neglected in the neglect of them.

1. From himself. 2 From them.

From himself. 1. He is full of Compassion towards them, having the Bowels of many Relations in him, being Fellow, Friend, Brother, Husband, Father; and the Com­passions of these are full and large much more are [...]. 2. He beholds them in their Afflictions; and the eye affects the heart in [...] L [...]. 3. 51. Oh how does Christs eye then affect his heart! Matth 14. 14. & 15. 32. 3. He is the comforter of his People, John 14. 18. and cannot leave them orphains, and Comfortless: and therefore when [...] do not [...] and Comfort them, it must needs [...]e that they do it not to him. 4. He is their Lord and Master, and therefore cannot but take the neglect of them as to himself.

[Page 147] 2. From them. 1. They are of his Counsel, John 15. 15. 2. They are his Loyal Subjects, Revelat. 15. 3. 3. They are kings and Princes of his [...]king, Rev 1.5,6. 4. They are his Fathers Blessed ones: so the Text. 5. They are joynt-Heirs with him, Rom 8.17. 6. They are to be with him for ever, 1 Thess 4. 17. and therefore to neglect these, must needs be taken as a neglect of him.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see then that the neg­lect of Christs Members is not so slight a matter as men make account of; for it will appear otherwise at the last day, when Christ shall tell them that himself was neg­lected in them. 2. We see that Omissions of Duties are sins that reach Christ himself; and, He that sinneth against him, wrongeth his own soul, Prov. 8.36. 3. We see that wicked men at the last day must not construe and expound their own misdoings; but Christ will make Construction, and give his Exposition and Interpretation of them. 4. We see how dangerous it is to forget to shew mercy to the Saints in their Necessity: such men forget Christ himself. 5. We see that merciless men never make ac­count to finde mercy from Christ, for they will shew him none in his Members, James 2.13. 6. We see how deeply they strike at Christ, that are destroyers of the Bodies of his Saints: for, if they that relieve them not, [...]o it not to Christ himself; what do those to Christ, that Murther them by hundreds and thousands? Psal. 44. 22. 7. We see that if Christ make such an interpretation of those that are not merciful to their Bodies; Oh how much more will be put such a Construction upon mens actions, that are cruel to their Souls! Ezek 34. 8. We see the wonderful Patience and Long-suffering of Christ to wicked men, that so neglect and disregard him, Rom 9 22. 9. We see the misery of wicked men, in that their Offences are against him that they most stand in need of to be their Friend. 10. We see that we had better to give to twenty that are naught, then to deny one of Christs Members: for in so doing, we deny to give to Christ himself. 11. We see how formidable and drea [...]ful it will be to hear this, Ye did it not to me, 12. We see that Jesus Christ is ill requited by evil then for all his mercy, for he cannot have mercy the wed in his Members to him.

Use 2. for Terrour: 1. To those that Relieve not the Saints; thou thinkest that thou onely relievest not a man, but Christ will [...]ell thee another thing at the great day. 2. To those that take what they have from them by Op­pression [Page 148] by Defrauding, &c. Oh what an Interpretation will Christ put upon this at that day!

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To wicked men. 2. To the Saints.

To wicked men. 1. To tremble to think of the misery that is coming upon them. 2. To be wise before ha [...]d, to know what they shall hear at that day. 3. To Re­pent of their Unmercifulness to Christ in his Members to prevent this evil. 4. To deny none that need, lest they deny Christ himself.

2. To the Saints 1. To bear quietly and patiently mens Unkindnesses, for Christ takes them as done to him­self. 2. To Pity and Pray for such men, that they may become more Merciful. 3. To be farre from envying of them. 4. To be farre from wishing any evil to them, for there's evil enough coming upon them. 5. To deny none that are poor our selves, [...] we be unkinde to Christ also. 6. To mourn if we have been formerly unkinde to Christ in them.

Use 4. for Consolation: 1. Against mens Unkindnesses, they are not so much to us, as to Christ himself. 2. Against the Wickeds Prosperity here. 3. Against the Ravening of Oppressors, that devour and swallow up the poor. 4. Against outward Persecutions.

Ver. 45 Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these &c.

Doct XLI. is this. That the least of Christ Saints and Members, are not to be neglected and disregarded in their Afflictions and Necessities [...] Christ takes himself o [...] neglected and disregarded in them, and [...] make it appear to the wicked at the last day.

For opening of which, let me shew, 1. Who these Least are that be speaks of 2. Why they are not to be neglected and disregarded. 3. Why he will take himself to be neg­lected and disregarded in any one of them. 4. The Uses.

For the first: By these least of Christs Members, we are to understand, 1. Those that are the least in age, the youngest of those that are his Members Mat. 18. 10. 2. Those that are the meanest and poorest of them, for they are counted among the least of them. 3. Those that are least in worth, either in their own or others esteem, Gen. 32. 18, 1 Sam. 15. 17. 4. Those of them that are of lowest de­gree and rank among them, they are reckoned as the least. 5. Those that are least reckoned of, and most despised among men. 6. Those that are least looked and sought after, and cared for, Jer. 30. 17.

[Page 149] Quest. 2. Why are they not to be neglected and disregarded in their Afflictions and [...]

Answ 1. They have had the same Price paid for their [...] that others have, 1 Tim. 2.5,6. 2. They are Christs Members and Brethren as well as others: so the Text. Christ calls poor Fishermen his Brethren, John [...]0. 17. Heb. 2. 11. 3. They are Partakers of the Divine Nature, as well as others, 2 Pet. 1. 4. 4. They are Chri­stians as well as others, and [...] Kings and Priests, Rev. 1.5, 6. & 5.10. 1 Pet. 2. 9 Psal. 45.16. 5. They are Heirs of the Kingdome, [...] 2. 5. Luke 12. 32. 6. They have a blessed Guard about them, Mat. 18 10. 7. They are the Lords Called and chosen ones, as well as others, 1 Cor. 1. 26,27,28. 8. They are such as the Lord counts the world unworthy of, Hebrews 11.38. 9. They are the Deliverers of the places that they live in, Eccles. 9 14,15. 10. They are the Lords excellent ones, as well as others, Psal 16. 3. Now these having all this Honour put upon them, it is evident that they are not to be neglected in their Necessities.

Quest. 3. Why [...] Christ take himself as neglected, in the neglect of one of these?

Answ. 1. Because every one of these, helps to make up the Body of Christ, 1 Cor. 12. 27. 2. Because as in the Natural Body, the Head cannot say to the Foot, I have no need of thee, 1 Cor 12. 21. So here. 3. Because every Saint receives Influence and Nourishment from Christ, Ephes. 4. 16. 4. Because every Saint is knit to Christ, Coloss. 2.19. 5. Because every Saint, yea the least and meanest is an ornament and support to the Body; as the little Finger, the little Toe in the Natural Body: so here. 6. Because the least and most feeble Members in the Body are much more necessary, 1 Cor. 12. 22.

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see what necessity there is that every Saint be pitied and tendred, for not one of these is to be neglected, Mat. 5. 42. Luke 6 30. 2. We see that the meanest and poorest Saints, which the men of the world look not after, are in high esteem with Christ, for he sayes [...] as ye did it not to one of the least &c. 3. We see that when poor fatherless Children are neglected, not cared for, not provided for in their necessities, the Lord Jesus is neglected and is a sufferer in them. 4. We see how great the Condemnation of the world will be, that are so far from relieving every one of the least of saints, that they suffer many to die for want of that relief that they might minister to them, and no way hurt their estates by it. 5. We [Page 150] see that the least of saints, and those that are most despised of men, have one friend that they may safely trust in, though it may be they cannot say they have any friend to care for them in the world besides. 6. We see that if the least of the Saints be not to be neglected, but Christ takes it as it himself be neglected in them; Oh how will he charge it upon them that have neglected them, that they have owed themselves unto, Philem. v. 19. 7. We see that great is the price that Christ sets upon his least Saints. 8. We see that the lowest condition, and most despised in this world, is no stop or barre to Christs love to his people: His love is great to the least of his. 9. We see that one of Christs Brethren, yea one of the least of them, is of more worth with Christ Jesus, then all the wicked men in the world. 10. We see a reason why God gives wealth to wicked men, that he may condemn them the more justly for not relieving his least and meanest Members, Eccles. 5. 13. 11. We see that wicked men will damn themselves for a small matter. 12. We see how execrable and detestable the Sin of Covetousness should be to us, Psal. 10. 3.

Use 2. for Terrour: 1. To all those that rob the Father­less of their Right, Prov. 23. 10,11. 2. To those that pro­vide not for them; they do it not to Christ. 3. To those that despise the poor, and minister not to them. 4. To those that are of a covetous spirit.

Use 3. for Exhortation: 1. To Wicked men. 2. To Christs least and despised ones.

To wicked men. 1. To see their sin, in despising and neg­lecting Christs poorest and meanest ones, to prevent this Judgement, if it may be. 2. To beware of thinking Tight­ly and meanly of any of Christs Members. 3. To tremble at the Judgement that is coming upon them. 4. To come off to every one of Christs in a way of mercy.

2. To these Saints, how little soever. 1. To be content with their condition, how mean soever it be, they are dear to Christ. 2. To forgive those that are unkinde to them, for Christ will reckon with them. 3. To take to heart the indignities that are offered to Christ. 4. To rejoyce to think of the day of Judgement, for then Christ will own them, though men do not now. 5. To walk weanedly from the world.

Use 4 for Consolation: 1. Against the Saints necessities, and mens hard heartedness. 2. Against the meanest con­dition that they are east into. 3. Against mans contempt, if Christ own us, it's no matter. [Page 151] Ver. 46. And these shall go away into everlasting punish­ment: but the Righteous into life Eternal.

Doct. XLII is this, That the Sentence of Christ in Con­demning the wicked to Punishment, and in Rewarding his Elect Saints with Happiness, shall be duely put in exe­cution at the last Day. The Text is full [...]or it.

We will begin first with the Sentence against the Wick­ed, and afterward handle the other.

Reasons. 1. From the Sentence it self. 2. From the Persons Sentenced.

From the Sentence it self. 1. It is Irrevocable, and can­not be called back, and therefore must be put in execution. Judges Sentences on earth are put in execution: how much more his Sentence, that is Judge of all the earth? Gen. 18. 25. 2. It is a deliberate Sentence, and well-grounded: so the Text; it is not rashly and inconsiderately pronounced, and therefore must stand. 3. It is a Sentence of Righteousness, pronounced by a righteous Judge, and therefore must be put in execution, Act. 17. 31. 4. It is a determinate Sentence, ibid. Heb. 9. 27. and therefore cannot but be put in execu­tion. 5. It is a Sentence that is passed before the whole World, and therefore must stand. 6. It is a Sentence passed by Him who is Unchangeable, & that will not alter the thing that is gone out of his lies, Heb. 13. 8. 7. It is a Sentence from Him that is God as well as Man, and therefore must be put in execution, for he cannot deny himself. 8. It is an Unerring Sentence, and therefore shall be put in execu­tion. Other Judges may erre in their Sentence, but he can­not. 9. It is an Impartial Sentence, for all of what ranks and conditions soever are sentenced.

2. From the Persons Sentence [...]. 1. They are guilty Rom. 3. 19. and the Sentence pronounced upon guilty ones is put in execution. They have deserved this punishment, Rom. 6. 23. and therefore must be sure to have it. 2. They cannot be then pardoned, the date is out; they must have their Pardon here, that get Pardon. 3. They have no liberty to plead for themselves granted to them, Mat. 7. 22,23. Luke 13. 26. having nothing justly to say why they should not be Condemned, and the Sentence executed. 4. They have some of them looked for it. Heb 10. 26, 27. 5. They are all Condemned already by the Law. Gal. 3. 1 [...] by the Gospel, John 3. 18, 19. in their own Consciences, 1 Joh 3. 20. Tit. 3. 11. 6. They are Ordained of old to Condemnation, Jude ver. 4. appointed to Wrath, 1 Thess 5. 9. and there­fore Wrath must be executed upon them, Rom. 9. 22. 7. They have passed rash Judgement against the Saints in [Page 152] their Censures, as Mat. 11. 18,19. Jam. 3. 1. 8. They have some of them put their unjust Sentences against the Saints in execution: and what wonder then if Christs Sentence against them be put in execution?

Use 1. for Information: 1. We see what a dreadful thing it is to be under the Sentence of Condemnation, for it shall surely be put in execution, there's no way to escape, 1 Thes. 5. 2 all pleas will be vain, all Excuses vain, none of them will take at that day. 2. We see how sure Christs words will be that he will pronounce upon the wicked at the great day, they must be accomplished and put in execution; These shall go away into everlasting punishment. 3. We see that the Threatnings of Condemnation that the Ministers of the Gospel denounce, shall be all made good and fulfilled for they shall be judged by those words, John 12. 48. and that Judgement must be put in execution. 4. We see the mischief that sin brings upon men, it does not onely cause them to be Sentenced but to have the Sentence put in exe­cution against them: Oh how should we then abhorre that which is evil! Rom 12. 9. 5. We see that as God fulfils with his hand what he speaks with his mouth, in a promis­sory way, 1 Kings 8 24. So he does the like in a Condemn­ing way. 6. We see that wicked men are out of all hope in the day of Judgement, when the Sentence is once passed, for it shall be put in execution. 7. We see what a pitiful thing it is to come to [...] in a way of suing for Grace and Mercy, for there's no place then left to finde any favour. 8. We see what a dreadful thing it is to sin against the Lord; for he is able to do all that he pronounceth against evil men, and will surely do it: and therefore great cause there is to fear him, Luk. 12. 5. 9. We see how vile and abominable they be that scoff at Christs coming, 2 Pet. 3. 3,4. 10. We see how detestable they be, that in a Blasphemous way with God to damn them; they shall be sure to be Damned & when the Sentence is passed, to have it executed.

Use. 2. for Terrour: 1. To all impenitent wicked per­sons▪ they cannot escape the damnation of Hell; for how should they, when Christs Sentence must be put in execu­tion against them. 2. To them that think to excuse them­selves are the last day; there's no place left for any excuse then: for, These shall go away into everlasting punishment. 3. To those that deferre their Repentance and think their time is before them: Death may come suddenly; and as Death leaves men, so shall Judgement find them, Prov. 27. 1. Heb 9. 27.

Use 3 for Exhortation: 1. To be speedy and serious [Page 153] in a way of Repentance, not to deferre it, not to be Idle and Negligent in a business of so great importance; for if the Sentence be once passed, there's no calling of it in again, Ezek. 33. 11. 2. To tremble to sin against Christ, that will put his Sentence of Condemnation in Execution, Prov. 8. 36. 3. To come out of wicked mens company, and for sake their wayes, lest we be wr [...]pt up [...] the Sentence of Condemnation with them, and in the execution of it, Prov. 13. 20. & 9. 18. 4. To hear the voice of Christ now in the Gospel, who calls us to Repentance, and Faith, and Fruits of new Obedience: for if we will not, we must be Sentenced, and that Sentence must be put into execution, there's no avoiding it, Hebr. 12. 25. & 2. 1. 2,3. 5. To mourn that any of us have made such desperate adventures in refusing to return for so long a time, Christ bewails this, and therefore we may well do it, Mat. 23 37. Luk. 19. 41—44 see also Jer. 13. 27. 6. To be thank­ful if any of us escape the Sentence, and the execution of it; for there's Millions of men that shall not escape it. 7. To wicked men that continue such, to look for no fa­vour at that day; for they shall be sure to find none, for, These shall go away, &c. 8. To Judges, to see to the exe­cution of their righteous Sentences: for Christ will to his. 9. To us all, to plead [...]ard now while the day of Grace lasts, and to make improvement of the precious seasons of Grace; for if we stay till the Sentence be passed, there's no good to be done, 2 Cor. 6. 2. Heb. 3. 7. 10. To pitty those that go on in their sins; for if they live and die in them, they leave themselves without all hope, Luk. 19. 41,42. Jer.9. 1. 11. To strive to enter in at the strait gate, for many shall seek to enter in when it is too late, and shall not be able; because the Sentence must be put into execu­tion, Luke 13. 24,25,26. Mat. 25 11,12. 12. To take heed of sleeping in security, and dreaming of peace, and safety, 1 Thes. 5. 2. for after the Sentence there's no hope but it will be put in execution. 13. To Watch and Pray alwayes, that we may be counted worthy to escape all those things that shall come to pass at the end of the World, and to stand before the Son of Man, Luk. 21. 36. it much con­cerns us, seeing the Sentence once passed, must be put in execution. 14. To fear to fall into the hands of the Lord that will surely put his Sentence into execution, Heb. 10 31.

Ver. 46. But the Righteous into Life Eternal.

The Second Branch of the last Note, is this, That Christs [...] righteous Sentence in rewarding the Righteous shall be put [...] in execution, for the Righteous shall go into life Eternal. [Page 154] Reasons. 1. From the Lord that [...] the Sentence. 2. From the Sentence it self. 3. From the Saints the useless.

From the Lord Jesus. 1. He has purchased Eternal life for them, Eph. 1. 14. 2. He gives it to them, John 10. 27,28. 3. He has willed, and Prayed for it, John 17. 24. 4. He has Ordained them to it, Act. 13. 48. 5. He has given them a pledge of it in their peace and joy here, Rom. 5. 1,2. 1. Pet. 1. 8. 6. He has shewed them the way to it, John 14. 6. 7. He has promised it, 1 [...] 2. 28. 8. He has witnessed to it among the other witnesses 1 Joh. 5. 6,7,8,11. 9. He has sealed them to it, 2 Cor. 1. 22. Eph. 4. 30. 10. He keeps us by his power through Faith to it, 1 Pet. 1. 5. 11. He cannot call back his word no more in a gracious way, then in a threatening way. Isa. 31. 2. 12. He has taken possession of it for them, Heb. 6. 10.

2. From the Sentence it selfe. 1. It is a true Sentence, and therefore must be put in execution, for he is true, Rev. 3. 11. 2. It is a gracious Sentence: what grace like his in this Sentence? 3. It is a Sentence from Counsel; and his Counsel shall stand Isa. 46. 10. 4. It is a Sentence ac­cording to his good pleasure, and he will do all his will, ibid. 5. It is a righteous Sentence, and he will put that into exe­cution. 2 Tim. 4. 8. 6. It is a definitive Sentence, and therefore must stand he will never pass other. 7. It is a Sentence that tends to the glory of his Name, and therefore will surely be put in execution.

3. From the Saints. 1. They are the Fathers blessed ones, and therefore the Sentence must be put in execution; they must go into Life Eternal. 2. They have brought forth the fruits of Faith: so the Text: and they shall receive the fruit of their Faith, 1 Pet. 1. 9. 3. They are Christs sheep, and therefore must be all folded up in glory: so the Text. 4. They love Christs appearing, 2 Tim. 4. 8. 5. They shall never perish, John 10. 28. 6. They shall never be plucked out of his or his Fathers hand, John 10. 28,29. 7. They have gone in the way that leads to life Mat. 7. 13,14. 8. They have fought a good fight, finished their course, and kept the Faith, 2 Tim. 4. 7,8. 9. They are called and justified, and therefore shall be glorified, Rom. 8. 30,10. They have the earnest of it, Ephes. 1. 14.

Use. 1. for Information: 1. We see what a good Master we serve, who through his Grace and Mercy gives a great Reward for a little work: How little is it this we do for him [...] yet we see his Reward is great, for he gives Eternal life through his Grace to us. 2. We see that we need never repent of what we have done for Christ in his Saints; for [Page 155] Eternal life will more then make amends for it, if we had done ten thousand times more then we have done. 3. We see that when Christ once acquits us, and counts us Righte­ous, we need never doubt of partaking in life Eternal: if we make the former sure, the latter will be sure to us. 4. We see what a blessed thing it is to have the Sentence of Absolution pronounced upon us, for such as so have, shall go into life Eternal. 5. We set how desireable the day of Judgement should be to all the Saints, for after the ending of it, the Righteous shall go into life Eternal. How should we long then for that day. Rev. 22. 20. and love his appear­ing, 2 Tim. 4. 8. 6. We see what a marvellous difference the Lord makes between the Righteous and the Wicked, in that these that are wicked go away into everlasting punish­ment, but the Righteous into life Eternal. 7. We see what than [...]s the Saints should give to the Lord here, for the hope they have of this great Reward of Eternal life, and what thanks they will give hereafter to him, when they come to the possession of it: They may well give thanks to him for ever for life Eternal; what should they be thankful to him for, if not for this? 8. We see how unwearied we should be in serving him, & how we should think that we can never do enough for him, that puts us into the state of eternal life, Gal. 6.9. 9. We see what sure work we should make for our Souls, 2 Pet. 1. 10. Phil. 2. 12. for life Eternal is worth the having, Heb. 4. 1. 10. We see what a sweet condition the Elect Saints shall enjoy in another world. We make ac­count that this life is sweet: what then is life Eternal? 11. We see how perpetual and durable the estate of the Saints shall be in Glory [...] shall never have an end, for the Righteous shall go into life Eternal: there will be no pe­riod put to their Happiness, but when they have enjoyed it never so long, many thousands of years, their happy Con­dition shall so continue to all Eternity. It is such a flou­rishing comfortable estate, that it never fades, 1 Pet. 1. 4. Psal. 16. 11. 12. We see the miserable condition of those that look after other things in the world, and let go their hold of Eternal life: On what a pitiful bargain do such make! Matth. 16. 26.

Use 2. for Terrous: 1. To those that miss of the Re­ward of Eternal life, they sustain the greatest loss in the world. Had a man all things about him that his heart could desire here, if he did not enjoy a healthful comfortable life withall, what would those things do for him? On but for men to lose this Life we speak of, what an unparallell'd loss is it? 2. To those that [...]ate the People of God, they [Page 156] will with themselves in their estate one day, when they shall see the [...] of life eternal. 3. To those that thought they had hope of this Eternal life, but their hope has failed them; this will be the greatest of their misery, when they shall see others share in it, and themselves thruff out, Luke 13. 25.

Use 3. for Examination: Whether we are of the number of those that [...] go [...] [...] Eternal. It concerns us to exa­mine this, because if we be mistaken here, we are undone for ever: it is the greatest mistake in the world; better to be deceived in any thing then in this.

Quest How shall we know that we are not mistaken, but shall certainly go into Life Eternal?

Ans. 1. If [...] of the number of Christs sheep, hear his voice, and follow him John 10. 27,28 Heb. 5. 9. 2. If we be unwearied in well doing, and be constant to him, Gal 6. 9. Rev 2. [...]. Rom. 2. 7. 3. If we seek the things that are above Coloss 3. 1,2,4. 4. If we make sure of our Adoption, Heb. 2. 10. Rom 8. 17. 1 John 3. 2. 5. If we en­deavour to [...]urifie our selves according to the Pattern of Purity 1 John 3. 3. 6. If we be of a merciful Spirit to Christ in his Members: so the Text. 7. If we walk up­rightly, Isa. 57. 2. Psal 37. 37. 8. If we look to our Union with Christ in Effectual Calling, 2 Pet. 1. 10,11. John 17. 2. 9. If we Witch and Pray alwayes, Luke 21. 36. 10. If we look to our Vessel oyl as well as to our [...]amp-oyl, Mat. 25. 11. 11. If we improve our Talents well. Mat. 25. 21,22. 12. If we labour hard about it, Heb. 1. 11 Phil 2. 12. 2 Pet. 1. 10,11. 13. If we l [...]y up for our selves a good Founda­tion by the fruits of our Faith, 1 Tim. 6. 17,18,19. 14. If we right the good fight of Faith, 1 Tim. 6. 12. against the Devil, the World, and the Flesh, 1 Pet. 5. 8,9. 1 Joh. 5. 4,5. Gal. 2. 20 Rom 7. 23. 15. If we be so happy as to be in­struments of the Conversion and salvation of others, espe­cially if we make it our great business so to do, Dan 12. 3. Prov. 11. 31. 16. If we attend upon the Ordinances, Prov. 8. 34,35. 17. If we be Righteous, and in a justified estate, which we may know (1) By our peace and joy, Rom. 5. 1. 1 Pet. 1. 8. (2) By our Communion with the Lord, Heb. 11. 5,6. with Gen 5. 22. 1 John 1. 3. (3) By our good Works, J [...]m 2, as in Abraham and Rahab. (4) By our [...]right walking. Isa 57. 1,2. (5) By our Looks and Ex­pectations, Heb. 11. 10. (6) By our living by Faith, Hab. 2. 4. with Gal. [...] 11,12. (7) By our Sanctification, 1 Cor. 6.11. (8) By our Perseverance Prov. 10. 25. Joh 17. 9. (9) By our increase in strength, Joh 17. 9. (10) By our [Page 157] flourishing condition, Psal. 92. 12,13. (11) By our fruit­fulness in old age, Psal. 92. 14. (12) By our Humility, Luke 18. 13,14.

Use 4. for Exhortation: 1. To be thankful to him that has [...] us to this happy condition, 2 Thess. [...], 14. That we that are by Nature children of wrath, E [...] [...],2. [...]. and have deserved eternal Death, Rom. 6. 23. should [...] be made [...] Eternal Life the Lord is for [...] to be admired, [...], and magnified for it. 2. To love the Lord Jesus, that hath Purchased and Procured Eternal life for us: Who should we love, if no [...] him 1 Cor 16. 22. If any were instrumental to save our life which is temporal, we would love him, and think our selves bound so to do▪ Oh how then should we love the Lord Jesus, the Author of Eternal life to us! 3. To live to him, and not to our selves [...]. 15. Who should we live to, if not to him who gives Eternal life to us? That little time we have to live is all too little for him: if we could live a thousand years twice told, it were all to be given to him. 4. To be willing to die for him, if he call us it suffer death for his sake, Acts 20. 24. & 21. 13. If we had as many lives as ha [...]s on our heads, he deserves them all. Those noble Spi­rits, the Martyrs in former and later times, judged them, and loved not their lives to the death, Rev. 12. 11. and so should [...] 5. To bring as many as we can to be partakers of Eternal life with us. It should be a trouble to us to see any perish. We would nor willingly see a Beast perish, but would help it what we could, and lift it out of its perish­ing condition: Oh how much [...] should we do it to a Man, to any Man, especially to [...] that professeth to be [...] Christian, as we do, John 1. 41,45 & 4. 28,29. Luk. [...]2. 32. Ca [...]n chur [...]shly asked if he wer [...] [...] keeper? Gen. 4. 9. but we must all labour to be keepers one of another, and to do what we can to bring them to Eternal life: and that we may so do, we are to bring them to Christ; for, He that hath the Son, hath life and he that [...] not the Son-hath not life, [...] John 9. 12. 6. To be very che [...]rful in all our suf­ferings; for what are those to Eternal life? Rom: 8. 18. 2 Cor: 4. 17. What's a little Persecution to Eternal life? What's a slanderous and false Tongue, and the burthen of it, to Eternal life? What's a Scoff, a Scorn a Reproach, an hard Censure, a wound in the Name, a Loss in the Estate, compared with Eternal Life? What's the Prison, Stocks, Scourging, Buffetting, to Eternal Life, as the Reward set before us? Let these things therefore be chearfully gone away with, they are not worth the naming, when Eternal [Page 158] Life is mentioned. 7. To long for the time of our enjoy­ment of it, Cant. 8. 14. Rev. 22. 20. Oh who would not give wings to his desires, and hasten after Eternal life? What [...] do some men make to get Riches? Prov. 23. 4,5. they will fly in their desires after them, and sometimes make more haste then good speed: for Prov. 28. 20. He that maketh basis to be rich, shall not be innocent. What haste do men make in their desires after Honour? How did Human (when he had too much of it) still pursue it more and more 1 Esth. 6. and so do many now that are of his Spirit, as if they should never overtake it, or have enough of it. What haste do men make after the Lusts and Pleasures of this Life look out after them, and take care about them, and make provision for them? There are (2 Tim. 2. 4) that will have their Pleasures, though they lose God, and Christ, and soul and all, so eagerly are they set upon them: Oh how should we then haste in our desires after Eternal Life! 2 Pet. 3. 12. 8. To be weaned from the World, and have our eyes, and looks, and hearts upon Eternal Life, 2 Cor. 4. 18. Heb. 11. 9. 10,13—16. So had the Patriarchs, Prophets and Apostles, and so should we. Kites look downward, but Eagles look upward. Carrion Crows are much upon the Earth, but Doves fly high toward Heaven: So do Eagle and Dove-like Christians, Col. 3. 1. Phil. 3. 20. 9. To wait patiently for it, Rom. 8. 23,24,25. If Eternal Life come at last, all will­be well: If after much Work, and Labour, and Suffering; if after many Conflicts, Combates, Afflictions, Fears, Trem­blings, Tears, Temptations, it come, happy they that come to it. If after To [...]sings with Tempest, Waves, breaking Billows, Water-spouts, Rocks, Shelves, Sands, we come at last to the Haven; Blessed men that ever we were born I Wait we therefore for it, Heb. 10. 36,37. 10. To medi­tate much upon this blessed Reward, and be much in holy Contemplation of it: as the Lord spake to Abraham, Gen. 23. 17. that he should walk in the length, and in the [...] of the Land of Canaan, that he might be comforted in the Faithfulness of God to him and his seed; so should we by sweet Meditation and contemplation walk (as it were) in the length and breadth of the Heavenly Countrey typed out by Canaan, where we shall enjoy this Happiness of Eternal Life. 11. To fear lest we should fall short of it, Heb. 4. 1. for who would not be very loth to miss of Eter­nal Life? Now this holy fear will be a means to prevent our missing of it: They who never fear the losing of it, shall never make sure of it. 12. To study to enter into it Heb. 4. 11. it will be worth all our study. Men study how [Page 159] to get the World, and [...] and fore-cast devices how they may compass and bring about their [...]nd that they [...] other matters; but we can no way better improve [...] and studies, then in [...] [...] to make sure that [...] shall [...] Eternal Life. [...] but [...] for [...] blessed condition. Q. [...] [...] Ans. (1) Begin it [...] in Grace, which it of an Eternal Natures. [...] (2) Make sure of Christ, that he is ours: for then we have Eternal Life, 1 John 5. 11,12,20. (3) Be in a continual Expectation of Chirsts Coming, Heb. 9. 28. (4) Rejoy [...]e in hope of it, Rom. 5. 2. & 12. 12. (5) Keep our selves in the love of God, Jude ver. 20,21. (6) Be lively Christians, Rev. 3. 4. (7) Beware of defiling our Garments, ibid. (8) Be Watchful, Mat. 24.42. Mark 13. 37. (9) Be wil­ling to Suffer, 1 Pet. 5. 10. (10) Keep up holy commu­nion, Jude ver. 20,21.

Use 5. for Consolation: 1. In a Negative way. 2. In a Positive.

In a Negative way. 1. Against the shortness of our lives here: Some live but a little while, die very, young; and others that live longer, live but a while; and they that live longest, enjoy but a span, or hand breadth, Psal 39. 5. 1 Chron. 29. 15. But for this [...] here, we [...] Eternal Life in another world. 2. Against the various outward Afflictions that we meet with here: we may re­joyce in the midst of them all, while we fix our eyes and hearts upon that great Reward of Eternal Life, Rom. 2. 18. 3. Against the multitude of inward Temptations that we often conflict with, which sometimes are intolerable; for, A wounded Spirit who can bear? Prov. 18. 14. But even these also may be the better born, if we look at Eternal Life, which after [...] be made partakers of 4. Against the malicious [...] of Satan, to deprive us of our part in Eternal Life; he shall never be able to do it: Though he may oppose our Faith, and plant his chief Batteries against that, Luke 22. 31. yet he shall not pre­vail; for, the [...] shall go away into Life Eter­nal.

In a Positive way it is Comfort likewise 1. When life is taken away for Christs sake, the Saints do not so much lose their Life, as Change it for a better, for Eternal Life, and that's an happy Change. 2. That our estate in Glory will be a marvellous Comfortable estate; [...] it is an happy enjoyment of Eternal Life. Some Comfort there is in life here, but we know not how great that is, that [Page 160] is reserved there in Heaven, when we shall share in Life Eternal. 3. That we can never lose our happy condi­tion in another world, for it is such a Life as is Eternal. John 16.22. 4. That all our Labour about this shall be well Recompensed. Other men may lose their labour, [...]o away and get nothing; but the Righteous shall have a [...] Reward, for they shall go into Life Eternal.