CHAP. I.

THe last words of a dear [...] most remarked, and best [...] [...] ­pecially when they speak [...] these are the last words [...] the best friend that the [...] ever had; which he sends his [...] [...]e4ven, after he had been some years in [...] Father, to speak in his Name unto his Church [...] earth, verse 16 I Jesus have sent mine Angel to [...] things in the Churches: and of all the things which [...] [...] ­eth by his Angel, this is the last and the sweetest in [...] [...] S urely I come quickly. Which words of Promise coming [...] [...] from Heaven, and expressing so much love to the [...] are followed with an Eccho, and resound of the Churches earnest desire, Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus.

[Page 2] Hence observe

Doct. 1. T hat the Lord Jesus Christ will certainly and quick­ly appear.

Doct. 2. That there is an earnest desire and longing in the Church after Christ's appearance.

Doct. 1. That the Lord J esus Christ will certainly and [...].

[...] [...] shall speak,

• [...]word [...] Christ's appearance.
• [...] he will certainly appear.
• [...] he will quickly appear.
• [...], Apply.

[...] Christ s appearance. There is a two-fold [...] of Christ which the Scripture makes mention of [...].

[...]

CHAP II.

[...] appearance of Christ was in the flesh, above [...] hundred years ago in the Land of J udea, unto [...] of the Jews, the only-then-visible-Church upon [...]. There it was that the Word was made Flesh; and [...] people he dwelt for a while, some or whom [...] the glory as of the only begotten of the [...] of grace and truth. There it was that the Eter­ [...] [...] God was made Man, being conceived miraculous­ [...] [...] of the Holy Ghost, in the Womb of the Vir­ [...] [...] without the contamination of Original Sin, which [...] Conceptions do introduce: His real Mother, & [...] Father were both of the Tribe of J udah, and of the [...] of Daniel, and he was born in the Town of Bethlem, [...] [...]ing to the Scripture predictions; who, after he had [...] [...] thirty years in obscurity, was baptized by J ohn Baptist, [...] forerunner and Harbinger; in whose Baptism, when John saw the Heavens opened, and the Spirit of God descen­ [...] like a Do [...]e, and lighting upon him, and heard the [Page 3] voice from the excellent glory, saying. T his is my belo [...] S on, in whom I am well pleased: He gave his testimony con­cerning him, that he was the Son of God, and the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the World. Who [...] his own baptism and temptation, and J ohn's Imprisonment [...] made his appearance more openly unto Israel, shewi [...] [...] [...] his glory, not in outward pomp and splendor, [...] in [...] high, eminent, and wonderful manner, altogether [...] [...] ­ceeding the imitation of any Earthly Monarch in [...]

He shewed forth the glory of his Power, in [...] which he did work, namely in opening the [...] and ears of the deaf: in loosning the [...] the bonds of other infirmities, in cleansing [...] healing other diseases with a word: in [...] after long possession: in calming the [...] boisterous and stormy: in raising up the [...] after burial for some days, and the like.

He shewed forth the glory of his [...] into the hearts of those which came [...] to perceive their most secret thoughts [...] needed not that any should testifie of [...] what was in man.

He shewed forth the glory of his [...] answer, to the ensnaring questions of [...] others, in the most excellent and Heavenly [...] Preached, wherein he did not teach [...] empty speculations, which the greatest [...] have busied themselves about, but [...] Indeed he revealed some great and [...] the reach of the highest wit of the gre [...] [...] the teachings of the Spirit) which [...] needful in order unto practice, but the [...] doctrine was plain and easie.

He shewed forth the glory of his Holiness, [...] walking and perfect obedience unto the Law of [...] out the least deviation or sin.

He shewed forth the glory of his Goodness and [...] towards the Children of Men in going about to do [...] [...] [Page 4] good, and give succour to them which were in misery, cast­ing out none which came unto him.

Especially he shewed forth the glory of his Mercy and Infinite Love to his own people in submitting to so low a condition as he liv'd in for their sakes; in humbling him­self, and becoming obedient unto the Cross, besides the soul­ [...]eries which he endured through sense of Gods Wrath [...] for their sin, that he might satisfie Gods Justice, and [...] [...] them from eternal Death and Wrath to come, and [...] life and glory for them.

[...] Christ lived, and thus Christ died for our sins, ac­ [...] [...] scriptures, and being dead, the bonds of [...] him, neither did the Holy One see [...] third day rose again from the dead, ac­ [...] [...] scriptures; and after his Resurrection, was [...], of Peter, J ames, all the Apostles, [...] [...]rethren at once, according to the Scrip­ [...] [...] was taken up into Heaven, and is [...] Nature, at the right-hand of the [...] in the Heavens, making intercession for [...] he will abide until the second appearance. [...] Christ's appearance in the flesh.

CHAP III.

[...] appearance of Christ will be in Glory at [...] when the world shall come to an end: [...] we are treating of, and therefore I [...] largely, and shew,

• [...] of this appearance.
• [...] transactions at this appearance.

[...] the manner of Christs second appearance, what [...] of Men or Angels is able to set it forth? what [...] conceive the splendour thereof? Something the [...] doth reveal, and taking the Scripture for my [...]ide, I shall assay to speak something of it, see Luke 21. 27. [Page 5] Then shall they see the S on of Man coming in a Cloud, with Power and great Glory.

[...] Christ at his second appearance will come with Power, with great power; he hath all power put into his hands in Hea­ven and in Earth now, and doth exercise it more secretly; then he will exercise it more visibly and apparently [...] [...] sight of the whole World. To give instance.

1. He will come with power over Death. Death [...] great power since the Fall, and is the greatest [...] in the world; Death hath made universal [...] the Sons and Daughters of Adam ( [...] excepted) which lived in former Gene [...] [...] them captive, binding their faces in [...] hands and their feet, and clapping them [...] in the grave, and none have been [...] yea, Death did assail the Lord of Life [...] victory for a while, and shut him [...] loose before three days were at an [...] and gave death a deep wound, as it [...] stroke in his Resurrection, 2 Tim. [...] compleat victory which afterward [...] Enemy of Mankind. Now when [...] appearance in the world at the last [...] power over Death, he will lead [...] his first hands on Death▪ and trea [...] [...] feet, and strip him of all his force [...] been treasuring up for so many [...] keys of the grave out of the hand [...] his chains, and bring out all his [...] enlargement: as it is said, Hos. 13. [...] from the power of the Grave; I will [...] O Death! I will be thy plague! O Grave! [...] [...] ­ction! And it is said, 1 Cor 15. 25, 26. that [...] [...]e put under the feet of [...]esus Christ, and the last [...] [...]e shall destroy is Death. And v 54. When this mortal [...] on immortality, then Death shall be swallowed up [...] [Page 6] [...] surely Christ must needs come with great power to get victory over such a potent Enemy.

2. He will come with power over Men and Devils, he will have power over all his Enemies, which have rebelled against him; over all the Principalities and Powers on the Earth, that exercise Lordship and dominion in the World; he will [...] Kings of the Earth down from their seats and pluck [...] of Princes; he will take the staff and the [...] their hand, and divest them of all their royalty [...] and they who have employed their borrow­ [...] [...] him▪ how will they quake and tremble be­ [...] [...] 1 [...]. 15, 16, 17, 18. When the seventh [...] great voices in Heaven, saying, [...]he [...] are become the Kingdoms of our L ord, [...] be shall reign for ever and ever. And [...] Angels fell on their faces, saying, We give [...] God Almighty, which art, and [...]st, and art [...] taken to thee thy great power and hast [...] were angry, and thy wrath is come, [...] that they should be judged; and that [...] unto thy servants the Prophets, and to thy [...] thy Name small and great, and shouldst [...] the Earth.

[...] Earth, and great Potentates will be an­ [...] [...] [...]roned: and the Wicked of the earth [...] the Lord Jesus shall come down from [...] them to Judgment: If all the powers of [...] Devils too, who are greater in power [...] would make head, and resist the Lord [...] him from his Throne, and put him to [...] at his first appearance; if they had [...] [...]ing their party good against him, how [...] forces, and gather their Armies, and [...] this great king; especially when all the [...] he raised up, and the ancient Rebels, the Gy­ [...] [...] old World, shall come forth of their dust, and [...] prison of Hell, where some of them have been tormen­ [...] him many years▪ O how would they combine their [Page 7] strength and so many millions of them together rush up­on him with rage and violence; and endeavour to avenge themselves upon him, at least defend themselves against him, when he comes to torment them? but Christ will c [...]me with so great power, that he will be able to deal with the [...] whole wicked world of men together, when they are raised and united in one body, and have obtained more strength [...] body, and are filled with more rage and spight of mind [...] here they had, and are out of all hopes of making [...] with him, and have the whole flock of all the [...] to joyn into their company; I say Christ [...] sufficiency of strength to bind them all in [...] hold them all down, that they shall not [...] least ressistance; he that hath power to [...] the dead, will have power to keep all [...] [...] ­bellion, he will come with Power.

2. Christ will come at his second [...] At his first appearance, he came [...] Servant of Servants; at his second [...] like a Lord, yea, like a Lord [...]f [...] [...] glory; at his first appearance he was [...] [...] ­nour, and a chain of contempt was [...] second appearance he will be [...] [...] ­nour, and most excellent Majesty [...] his first appearance his Deity was [...] masked with infirm flesh, his brigh [...] [...] though sometimes some beams did [...] dazling lustre, as made Peter fall at [...] from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord [...] in the Ship to worship him, acknow [...] [...] art the S on of God▪ Mat, 14. 3 [...]. And [...] with fear and astonishment; but he was [...] that few knew him at all, none knew much [...] was so disrobed, and so meanly attired, and [...] said the Princes of this world knew hi [...] not; [...] they would have laid down their Sc [...]pters at his feet; [...] [Page 8] [...] known him, they would not have dared so disgracefully [...] have crucified the Lord of Glory, 1 Cor. 2. [...]. But at his second appearance, the Vail will be so drawn aside, that the Deity of Christ will shine forth with amazing splendor to [...] view of the whole world: his humane nature will be glorious beyond any other creature; but oh how glorious ill his Divin [...] Nature be, when the eyes of the whole world [...]ll be opened to see God in such a way, as now we are not a­ [...] to conceive? He will appear in the brightness of his [...] so that they which see him will see the Fa­ther [...], Authority, Dominion, Power, Holiness, [...] of the Father, will be like so many spark­ [...] [...] the Crown of Christ at his appearance: [...] the royalty and surpassing excellency [...] when he comes down out of his Fathers Pa­ [...] [...] he will come in great glory, God will [...] and with him; the Throne of God will [...] will be below, Heaven will be [...] Christ is, there is Heaven, there is [...] to be seen: he will come in great [...] such glory seen upon the face of [...] of man behold such a sight [...]: We read of great and pompous shows, [...] made in their Triumphs: but ne­ [...] [...] in the world, as there will be [...] Jesus Christ, when he cometh trium­ [...] [...], when he cometh with the spoils [...], making a show of them openly [...] [...]dient glory. A little further to set [...].

[...] with a glorious retinue of Angels, [...] Of more then twelve legions of Angels [...] thousands, yea, ten thousand times [...] minister about the Throne: of God: [...] 11. Of a number of ten thousand times [...] thousands of thousands of Angels, and Heb. 12. [...] [...]merable company of Angels, All these Angels [...] upon Jesus Christ at his second appearance. It [Page 9] is said Matt. 25. 31. That all the Holy Angels shall come [...] him. Now the Angels are dispersed in several places; [...] of them are upon the Earth ministring unto the Saints, which shall be Heirs of Salvation, Heb 1. 14. Others are in Hea­ven beholding the face of the Father, ready to execute [...] Will, some are ascending, some descending; but then the [...] will all be gathered together into one company, & like so ma­ny Courtiers, attend upon this great King in this his glorious appearance in the World, all will descend with Christ; Hea­ven will be emptied of Angels, they will all come [...] come down from their old Habitation; and Oh [...] will the train be! he will come with all the [...] Angels that are Holy and Glorious: not [...] Courtiers which attend upon some Earthly [...] no other glory upon them but what [...] splendid apparel: the bodies of some of [...] uncased, would appear to be full of [...] whose souls are monstrously ugly, and [...] some and noisome lusts, besmeared with [...] who, could their inside be turned outwa [...] [...] of sin be seen with bodily eye s, would [...] black and swarthy, and more miship [...] [...] born with the greatest blemishes [...] in their bosome s, and like so many [...] are led about by the Devil in Chains [...] [...] ­ny Kings on Earth, when they appear [...] of lust, with eyes full of adultery, [...] and filthy ribaldry: who are like so [...] of their Prince s; or like a cloud [...] darkneth their glory in the eyes [...] minded: but Christ will come [...] holy Angels▪ arraied in such pure [...] shall not have the least spot, or tinc [...]u [...] [...] he will come with holy Angels, who [...] Flames of Fire, full of holy sweet [...] light and glorious excellency as will not [...] the glory of their Lord and Prince they attended [...]

2. Christ will come with a glorious brightness and [...] [Page 10] [...] a light will shine in him and about him, as will a thou­sands [...]old surpass the light of the Sun, when it shineth in its [...] strength: we read Mat. 13 43. That the righteous shall [...] [...] the Sun in the Kingdom of their Father, how then will [...] Sun of righteousness shine? from whom they will receive [...] it brightness by reflection, as the Moon and some other [...] do from the Sun in the Firmament. It is said, Mat. 24. [...]. [...]0. [...] at [...] coming of Christ, the S un shall be darkened, [...] give her light, and the Stars of the Hea­ven [...] 6. 12,13,14. That the Sun shall be [...] hair, and the Moon shall be like blood, and [...] all fall to the earth, even as a Fig-tree [...], when she is shaken as a mighty wind, [...] depart as a scroll when it is rolled together, [...] [...]ou [...]tain shall be moved our of their places. [...] there will be such a brightness as [...] and other Luminaries in the Heavens, [...] darken the lesser Stars, who though [...] a twinkling light, and like so many [...], yet upon the Suns first listing up [...] and casting about its b [...]ams, they pre­ [...] [...], and disappear; so the Sun it [...] of Heaven will disappear, when [...] rise in the morning of the last [...] their light: and what further need [...] will [...]e all day, Rev. 2 22. I n the [...] there will be no need of the S un, nei­ [...] [...] it: for the glory of God will enligh­ [...] [...] be the light of it: and Ch 22. 5. [...], and they shall need no Candle nor the [...] God giveth them light, and they shall [...] Hell it will be all night and no day, [...] darkness for ever, and not the least [...] into that place? and if the Sun and [...] for the measure & destinctions of times [...] the last day is come, time will be no longer, [...] forth from the confines of Time, into the [...] of eternity▪ which cannot [...]e bounded nor mea­sured: [Page 11] It is said, Rev. 20. 11. When the great white T hrone shall be set, and Christ is placed thereon, that the Heavens and the Earth shall flee away from before his face, and no more place be found for them: and 2 Pet. 3. 10. When the day of the L ord cometh, that the Heavens shall pass away with a great wise, and the Elements shall melt with servant heat, and th [...] Earth with all its works shall be burnt up. Christ will come with a glorious light, and with a roaring dreadful noise▪ which will further set forth the glory of this appearance, [...] this expressed, 1 Thes. 4. 16 The Lord himself shall [...] from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Arch [...] and the T rump of God, and Mat. 24. 31. He shall [...] his Angels with a great sound of a Trumpet, [...] his Elect from the four winds. Never was there [...] heard in the World, as then will be heard [...] shall appear, the Heavens will roar, the [...] flames of Fire, there will be a great [...] the last Trump in the Air: this shou [...] [...] Jesus Christ himself, as is likely, for [...] The hour is coming, in which all that [...] hear his voice, and shall come forth: [...] When Christ came to raise [...] loud voice, Lazarus come forth: surely [...] to raise the World, he will cry and [...] louder voice: such a voice likely will [...] in a roaring shout. Awake ye [...] or arise ye Children of men, and [...] [...] ­ver was there such a shout given an [...] will be accompanied with the sound [...] Angels shall found the Trumpet [...] [...] when the Lord gave the Law from [...] were Thunderings and Lightning [...] exceeding loud, which made all the [...] Camp to tremble. O what Thunderings [...] Air at Christ's second appearance? and [...] will the sound of this last Trumpet be, [...] to judge them which have broken this Law? [...] heard only by the Nation of the Jews, which [...] [Page 12] about the Mount: This Trumpet will be heard by all Nations throughout the World; that Trumpet was heard only by those that were alive at that time; This Trumpet will be heard not only by them that shall remain alive upon the Earth at the last day, but also by those which have died throughout all Generations from the beginning of the Crea­tion. Such a noise there will be as will awaken all that shall be asleep in their Grave s. Such a noise as will make all the corners of the Earth to ring, and the pillars of the world [...] tremble; but O! how will they startle the wicked when [...] it, and fill them with terrour and amazement? thus [...] something of the manner of Christ's second appea­ [...] [...] unto you, he shall come with Power and [...].

CHAP. IV.

[...] to speak of, is the end of Christ's [...], and the transactions of that day.

[...] second appearance will be to judge [...] [...]is first coming was not to judge, but [...] [...]e tells his Disciples when they de­ [...] [...] judgment from Heaven upon those [...] not receive him, Luke 9 55, 56. [...] are of, for the Son of Man is not [...] but to save them. And Joh. 7. 47. [...] believe not, I judge him not: for [...]: But when Christ doth ap­ [...] [...] will come to judge the world, [...] cometh with ten thousand of his [...] upon all, &c. Mat. 26. 31, 32▪ [...] come in his glory, and all the holy [...] on the Throne of his glory. [...] gathered all Nations: And so he go­ [...] [...] of the last Judgment. In speaking [...] the World, and the transactions at [...] shew,

1. That Christ will raise up all the Dead put of their [...].

[Page 13] 2. That he will gather all Nations before his judgment seat.

3. That he will separate the righteous from the wicked.

4. That he will open the Books out of which all must be judged.

5 I shall speak more particularly of the Judgment of the Righ­teous and the wicked.

1. Christ at his second appearance will raise up all the dead out of their graves: there shall be a general Resurre­ction, John 5. 28, 29. The hour cometh in which all that [...] in their Graves shall hear his voice and come forth, they that [...] done good to the Resurrection of life, they that have [...] the R esurrection of damnation. Something hath [...] already concerning Christs victory over de [...]th▪ [...] all his prisoners, but give me leave to [...] [...] ­ction a little further; and here I shall [...] forth by an allusion to that notable [...] ten first verses. T he hand of the Lord [...] [...] ­ried me out in the Spirit of the Lord▪ [...] midst of the valley, which was full [...] pass by them round about: there [...] ley, and [...]o they were very dry. [...] can these bones live? and I [...] gain he said unto me, Prophe [...] [...] them, O ye dry bones hear the [...] L ord unto these bones, Behold I [...] you, and ye shall live, And I [...] up flesh upon you, and cover [...] you, and ye shall live, and ye [...] prophesied as I was [...] noise, and behold a shaking, [...] [...]is bone. And when I beh [...]ld [...] them, and the skin covered [...] them. Then said be unto me, [...] [...]th the L ord God, come [...] [...]eathe upon these slain that they [...] me, and the breath [...] upon their feet, an exceeding [...] this will the Resurrection be at [...] bones and bodies of all former generation [...] [Page 14] and down in the valley of the shadow of Death: some are sunk into the deep, others are buried in the earth, the flesh is consumed, and dissolved into its first Elements, and the bones of some remain, of others are mouldred into earth: now when the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, shall come down from Mount Sion which is above, into the Val­ley of the inferiour World, he will Prophesie over all the bo­dies and bones of all the children of men that are dead, & [...] unto them to live: he will say unto them whilest they [...] their Graves, Live: he will say, Awake ye that [...]: and O what a noise and shaking will [...] in the ground? what a clatterring of bones [...] coming of bone to his bone? If the body [...] and buried, part in one place, and [...]; (as the Levites Concubine, who was di­ [...] [...] parts, and sent to the twelve Tribes of [...], buried in twelve distinct places) [...] through the air out of all those places, [...] one body. O what a great part of [...] Earth will there run into conjunction, [...] Christ, and be turned into those very [...] into them by Death, and the [...] with the addition of such new [...], spiritualize, and refine them [...], and ill humour that shall be [...] or death for ever; then [...], and be like stones for [...] be as it were Iron sinews, [...] strength will be put into them, [...] [...]und in the strongest Creatures [...]; that they might be fit­ [...] [...] [...]t [...]ous for an eternal life of [...] [...]ory of Heaven; the bodies of [...] of misery, and bearing the [...] of which the body, now as it is, [...] [...]hen the Sea will give up her dead, [...] give up her dead, Rev. 20. 13. As the [...] upon the shore after he had lain three [Page 15] days in his belly; so the Sea will give up all the dead that for so many years have been buried in its Bowels▪ But what a stirring will there be in the Earth! tho [...] which are alive will wonder to see such a strange [...] morphosis of the ground, to feel Men and Women stirring and moving under their feet, arising and crouding [...] room amongst them. Then will the Lord bring down [...] the souls of the righteous which have been in Paradi [...] with him many years, and they shall find out their, [...] bodies, and he will open the prison of Hell, and let [...] the souls of the wicked for a while, that they also [...] [...] out their own bodies, which shall be prepared [...] that they might both be prepared for the [...] of which more when I come to the [...] of the Righteous and Wicked.

Thus Christ will raise up all the [...] graves.

2 Christ at his second appear [...] [...] before his judgment S eat. Rev. [...] white Throne, and him that [...] small and great, stand before [...] appear before the Judgment [...] 32 When the S on of Men shall [...] shall be gathered before him. [...] there be when so many [...] shall be alive together, and [...] place! If so be the multi [...] [...] so great when they are [...] no man can number them, [...] a great multitude which no [...] and [...]dreds, and people, and [...] and before the Lamb, cloathed with [...] in their hands. What then will the [...] be, when they are gathered toge [...] [...] whom, the righteous are but few [...] be gathered before Christs Judgment [...]

[Page 16] 3. Christ at his second appearance will separate the righteous from the wicked, the Chaff shall be purged from the Wheat, Met 3. 12. the Tares shall be gathered from the Corn, Mat 13. 30, The bad Fish shall be divided from the good. V. 48. The Goats shall be separated from the [...]heep, Mat. 25. 32. By the Chaff, Tares, bad Fish, Goats, we [...] to understand the wicked; by the good Corn, good Fish, [...], we are to understand the righteous: who will be [...] one from another, however they are now in some [...] and linked together; the Elect shall be ga­ [...] [...] into one company from the fore windes, Mat. [...] shall stand on the right hand of Christ, and [...] wicked shall stand on the left, Mat 25. 33. In [...] and separation, their shall be no mistake, [...] now. Many close hypocrites may in this [...] children of God; they may live together [...] receive the Sacrament together, and [...] of Religion: yea, some hypocrites [...] appearance, seem to out-go some of [...] forwardness; the Lamps of the [...] shi [...]e with a greater blaze than [...] the wise; when they have not the least [...] Grace in the vessel of their hearts, [...] yea, some of Gods own children [...] for hypocrites (their chiefest life being [...]) by them which are uncharitable; [...] themselves through the temptati­ [...] [...] [...]tings of their mis-giving un­ [...] [...] last day, there will be no mis­ [...] [...] openly profane and notoriously vile [...], (who were even professed Ene­ [...] [...] shun their company, and separate [...] be separated from them by Jesus [...]; but also those who were more [...] kind of love to them, but none unto [...] ye [...], all hypocrites, who seemed to be of [...] [Page 17] company, shall then be parted from them: Christ will look upon all with a piercing, distinguishing eye, he will easily discern and discover all the Hypocrite s, however they may plead that they have eat and drank in his presence, and some of them cast out Devils in his Name; he will not judge accor­ding to the outward appearance, but according to the truth which hath been in the Heart: and they which have so much deceived men, shall not be able to deceive him: none of them shall twine themselves unperceivably, and croud into Heaven amongst the Righteous: then the Lamps of the fool­ish Virgins will be gone out: then the Vail and Mask of [...] outward shew, will be rent and torn to peices: then [...] Sheeps-skin will be pluck't off, and they will appear [...] [...] whole World to have been but Goat s, and among [...] they must go: Christ will not leave one of the [...] [...] ­mongst the Sheep, and he will not leave one of [...] amongst the Goats; all that belong to his fold [...] [...] ­thered into one society: of their meeting, [...] particular Judgment.

4. At the second appearance of Jesus Christs [...] opened, out of which all must be judgeth [...] the dead, small, and great stand before [...] were opened, and another Book was [...] L ife, and the dead were judged out of [...] written in those Books, according to [...] five Books which will then be [...] remembrance. 2. The Book of [...] Book of the Law. 4. The Book of [...] of Life.

1. The Book of Gods Remembra [...] [...] we are to understand in a spiritual [...] a real Book which God did make use of [...] of things, as men do, who have frail [...] which would let slip many things of not [...] help: but hereby we are to understand [...] exact notice of things, and remembers them [...] if: [...] [Page 18] them written in a Book by him. The Book of Gods Re­membrance will be opened, wherein will be found re­corded,

1. The Names of all the Sons and Daughters of Adam, what-ever Age and Generation they have lived in, from the beginning of the Creation unto the consummation of all things: as also the Relation they stood in, and the charge was committed to them. Such and such were Magis [...]tates, and had such and such Subjects under them: such had the [...] word of Justice put into their hands, and there charge was [...] [...] under Christ: to encourage and reward them that [...] well: and to punish evil d [...]rs: such and such were Mi­ [...] [...] and they where entrusted with the care of Souls, they [...] by the Lord for Watch-men to forewarn the peo­ [...] [...] [...] [...]ements: as Stewards to dispence the food of the [...] to give every one their portion: such and such [...] of Families: whose work was to set up [...] the Worship of God in their Houses, and La­ [...] [...] after the Salvation of the souls, as well [...] under them about their civil work, and to [...]: such and such were Children and [...] was to yeild obedience to Parents [...] Lord with meekness and fear, with [...].

[...] recorded the places where such [...] lived in the dark places of Hea­ [...] [...] but such and such lived in I srael, in [...]: such and such lived in England, [...] Family: there will be recor­ [...] [...] which they have enjoyed in those [...] such a powerful Ministry, heard such [...]-warming Sermons, and had such [...] Word dropping upon them; they were [...] and they had fat pastures to feed in▪ [...] [...]ound recorded, the various dispensations [...] towards them for their good: such and [...] only Gods Word, but also God's Rod to▪ [...] they lived under the sound of awakening Judge­ments: [Page 19] they lived in London when the Plague raged so sore­ly: and when the Fire brake forth and consumed the City; and such were preserved, when thousands fell into the Pit; they were brought down to the Doors of the grave, and eternity, and they were brought up again; they were pre­served a [...]d provided for, and every day tasted of the Cup of Gods goodness, they were loaden with his mercies.

4. And especially there will be found recorded, all the actions of the Children of men, and there carriage towards God, and towards one another, in those Places, in those Relations, under those Ordinances and Providences.

1. There will be found recorded all the good that [...] been sound in, or done by any, from the day of their [...] hood to their dying hour; such and such, they were [...] to Parents when they were young; they were [...] learning their Catechism, and ready to receive [...] in the Principles of Religion; such were acqu [...] [...] the Scriptures when they were but Children: [...] [...] ­der hearts in their tender year s; such loved [...] lowed God, when they were but youths: [...] their hearts opened in hearing of the Word [...] hearts in prayer: such were awakened [...] and convinced and humbled for sin, and [...] and turn to the Lord: such opened the [...] when he knocked, and set up his [...] put their necks under his yoke [...] qu [...]nters and lovers of the Ordinan [...] [...] Christ. Such made it their busine [...] [...] walked with God in their Families▪ [...] dealings, in the World, such used [...] took up their Cross, and laboured [...] where-ever he led them: such [...] could not reform: were thankful for [...]: were faithful in the relations the [...] faithful under the means they enjoyed [...] their Brethren in misery: were patient [...] the Rod, which was laid upon them, and all [...] of men will be had in remembrance.

[Page 20] 2. There will be found recorded, all the evil actions, all the sins of the Children of men. Such and such were dis­obedient and untoward Children; slighting the command of God and their Parents; were idle and careless of instructi­on, and would not open their ear to discipline, such were old in sin, when young in years: were strong and skilful in wicked sinful practises, when there bodies were but weak, and minds sottishly ignorant in the things of God: such had good examples before them, but they would not fol­low them: they saw dreadful Judgements, but were [...]ned under them; they received many mercies, but [...] abused them: they had seasons of grace but they mis­ [...] [...] them: they had calls, but they shut their ear against [...] [...] they had convictions of Conscience, but they stifled [...] [...] [...]ey had motions of the spirit, but they quenched [...] had proffers of Christ, and pardon and salvation, [...] [...]fused them▪ and turned Gods glory into shame, [...] into wantonness. Such and such were Sab­ [...] [...] such were Swearers: such were Drunkards, [...] [...]ean [...] persons, and Adulterers, such were [...] [...]ere Covetous persons and Idolater s, such were [...] [...]ighteous in their dealings, such were bitter [...] in their speeches, such were injurious in [...] the sins of Men and Woman will be [...] of Gods Remembrance, Deut 32 34. Is [...] with me, and sealed amongst my trea­ [...] [...] treasures up the sins of the wicked [...] day of his wrath, and their per­ [...] [...] 14 16, 17. Thou numbrest my steps, dost [...], my transgressions are sealed up in [...] mine iniquities. God numbreth [...] by one, sin by sin, as a man would [...] he watcheth that he may number [...] notice of the foot-steps of every [...] impression in the Book of his Remem­ [...] [...]-steps of the body do, when a man walk­ [...] [...]. He putteth the transgressions in a Bag, [...] the Bag, and sealeth the Bag: all which expressions [Page 21] denote Gods exactness in recording and laying up the sins of men. It is said Jere. 17. 1. That the sin of [...]udah is written with a Pen of Iron, and the point of a Diamond. All secret sins will be found there recorded, for nothing is se­cret to God, whose eyes are like a flame of fire, which gives light to every dark corner: darkness hideth not from him, but the night shineth as the day: he looks into every corner of the Earth, and into every corner of the Heart, and hath set out secret sins in the light of his▪ Countenance: and all open sins will be found there re­corded? no man hath taken so much notice of others fins▪ as God hath done: he doth as it were Book all done [...] his remembrance, and when Christ comes at the last [...] the Book of Gods remembrance will be opened.

2. The second Book which will be opened at Christs [...] will be the B ook of mens own Consciences: and this [...] the counter-part to every mans particular, of what [...] ten in the Book of Gods remembrance they will [...] same thing there registred: indeed Conscience [...] seem to be asleep, and say nothing whilest men [...] [...] ­ing and drinking, and sinning▪ yet Conscience is [...] awake & busie in writing, and taking notes of [...] actions every day: Conscience hath its Day- [...] hath not an empty page: the mouth of [...] be shut, and with much ado for the prese [...] [...] from speaking and biting; but the e [...]e of [...] be shut from seeing, nor the hand of Cons [...] [...] from registring what it takes notice of: [...] World hath as it were whole Volumes of [...] his bosom written down by Conscience; [...] letter of some things done long ago, may [...] and worn out, so that a man cannot read [...] when this Book shall be opened at the last [...] appear in very legible characters; like as when a [...] with the juice of a Lemon upon fair Paper, the juice [...] and the Paper is white, and cannot read a word when [...] [Page 22] i [...] written, nor while it is writing: but let him keep the paper many years by him, and after bring that Paper close to the fire, the white letters will turn black, and become very legible: so the Conscience of wicked persons is wri­ting whilest they are sinning, and they do not perceive it after it is written: they forget many of their old sins, yea they do not take notice of them as sins, whilest they are committing them, but when the last day is come, and Christ is come, who will be revealed from Heaven inflaming fire, to take vengeance upon them, and the Book of their Consciences shall be opened before them, then all the notes of Conscience shall be plain and easie to be read, and a ready [...] [...]firmation, Conscience will give of all that is written in the [...] of Gods remembrance: and O how sweet will the [...] [...]ony of conscience be of good actions? how bitter will [...] [...]ords be of sins?

[...] third Book which will be opened, will be the Book of [...] which requiring perfect and perpetual obedience, [...] all, both righteous and wicked, because all have [...] by the Law are cursed, Gal. 3. 10. Cursed is every [...] con [...]inueth not in all things which are written in the [...] the L aw, to do them; but then an appeal will be [...]

[...] B ook which will be opened, is the B ook of the [...] the righteous will find the merits of Christ [...] [...]ad none of their own: they will find ex­ [...] [...] precious promises of pardon, and Salvation, [...], which have been made to all them that [...] [...]lieve in Christ, and testifie the same by their [...] God, making choice of him ser their chief go [...] [...] and laying up their treasure in Heaven, and b [...] [...] obedience to his commands, and walking in [...] way: and then Conscience will give in evidence, [...] Gods remembrance will confirm it, and the Spirit will [Page 23] witness it, and Christ himself will acknowledge it, that all his true Disciples have had the qualifications, which have shown their interest in the Promises: yea, the weakest of believer s, whatever doubts and fears they have now, will then certainly know, and confidently plead these qualificati­ons which they have had, they will be able to say, that they had true saith, though it were but weak: that they did truly lay hold on Christ, though it were with a trembling hand: that they had the faith of reliance and recumbance, though they had not the faith of assurance and strong confidence: that they did heartily repent and grieve for sin, though they had not that measure of Godly sorrow, which they desired▪ that sin did not reign in them, though sometime it did rag [...] and domineer: that they had chosen God for their [...] good, above the whole World, and the [...]yass of their [...] was towards him: and that they had a sincere love to [...] [...] though they fell short in the fervency which they desi [...] [...] have: that they did walk and keep on in Heavens wa [...] [...] if sometimes they wandred, that they found their way [...] [...] if sometime they stumbled, that they got up again: [...] [...] Book of the Gospel, will give all true believers such [...] [...] [...] ­tances as that they shall not co [...]e into condemnation [...] [...] 3. 16. Whosoever believeth in the Son shall not perish [...] everlasting life, and Rom 8. 1. There is no [...] which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the [...] the S pirit. And the like.

But the Unbelievers will get no benefit by this [...] find great and [...]weet promises, but not one [...] Book of the Gospel belonging to them, because [...] Christ: they lived and dyed in impenitency [...] neglect of Christ and salvation, and now [...] favourable word for them: and therefore they [...] to be tried by the Book of the Law, only the [...] the condemnation of such as have not fielded [...] his obedience.

[Page 24] 5. A Fifth Book which will be opened, will be the Book of Life: where all the names of the Elect are inrolled, which when they read, how will they adore the riches of the free grace of God in choosing them before the foundation of the World was laid: and all those whose names are not inrolled in this B ook, shall be condemned and cast into the Lake of fire, Rev. 23. 12, 15.

5. The fifth thing proposed, and the chiefest, is to speak more particularly, of Christs judging both the righteous & the wicked, at his second appearance.

And here I shall speak. 1. Of their Particular Judg­ment.

2. Of the execution of their sentence pronounced in judgment.

[...]. Concerning the Judgement of the righteous and the wicked.

CHAP. V.

THe judgement of the righteous will be first, and there­fore I shall first treat of it, and here speak, 1. Of the immediate antecedents to their judgement.

2. Of the judgement it self.

1. Concerning the immediate antecedents to the judgement of [...] righteous.

1. The first Antecedent to the righteous judgement will be their Resurrection from the dead, 1 Thes. 4. 16. The dead in Christ shall rise first, when Christ descends from Heaven, the souls of the righteous shall descend with him, 1 Thes. 4. 14. Them that sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. The Spirits of all the just men and women made Perfect, shall then come down and find out their own bodies which have been sleeping in the [Page 25] bed of their graves, and they shall enter again into their old Habitations, they went out of them it may be with fear & trembling, with grief and sorrow, being unwilling to leave them behind, though they were so rotten and ruinous: but O with what joy will they return and enter again, when the building shall be repaired, when their bodies shall be raised by the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, and healed of all in­firmities, when they shall be made incorruptible and immor­tal! see 1 Cor. 15. 52. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last Trump, for the Trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed: And Verse 54 So when this corruptible shall have put [...] on, and this mortal shall [...] brought to pass the saying [...] in Victory; then shall [...] saying, Verse 55. O [...] is thy Victory? The [...] [...] ­ous over this Conquer [...] [...] hath given us the Victory [...] parting of soul and body [...] Saints at their death, as [...] resurrection; O how [...] strange metamorph [...] [...] of [...] body vile to [...] and [...] it come forth more bright and [...] hath been refined in a furnace, [...] fashi [...]ed like unto Christs most glor [...] [...] how will the soul delight in the beauty, [...] [...]rtality, which then shall be put upon the [...] will be more suited to its nature, and fitted for its [...] [...]ions, and participation in its glory, and how will the body delight in the wonderful glorious and shining excellencies which the soul hath attained since its separation? If the love between the soul and the body were so great, when the body was so vile, and the soul so sinful, what will it be [...]hen both are glorified? If the conjunction between the [...] and body were so sweet, when the body was so frail, [...] subject to death, and the soul a spiritual and never-dy­ing [Page 26] substance, what will it be when the body shall be made immortal, and in some sort spiritual? O! with what plea­sure will the body awaken out of its long sleep, and arise and shake o [...]t its dust, and put on its beautiful garments of immortality and glory? with what delight and joy will it first open its eyes upon those beautiful and glorious objects which will quickly present themselves to [...] view? Thus concerning the Resurrection of the righteous bodies.

2. The second Antecedent to the Judgment of the righteous, will [...] [...] meeting with Angels at their graves [...]outh, Mat. [...] the great sound of a Trum­ [...] [...] the sour winds from one [...] are they awakened & [...] entertained by An­ [...] [...], who have such a [...] many good offices [...] body they did not [...] for their acquain­ [...] [...], and be able to dis­ [...] [...], who for so many [...] their Father in Hea­ [...] [...] lustre upon them, that will [...] and these shall be part of [...] [...]pani [...]s in Glory; instead of [...] [...]arkness, which used to assault, buf­ [...] [...] when in the body before, they shall [...] of light with them, and about them to joyn [...] the love and praise of the great J ehovah. The [...] will be sent to [...]all them, and gather them, and we may rationally imagine that they will falute them at their rising, and welcom them out of their Graves: We read of the Angel Gabriel's▪ salutation of Mary, Luke 1. 28. Hail thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women: and the same Angels words to Daniel, chap 2. 23. Thou art greatly beloved. Such salutations possibly the Angels may give to the Saints at their resurrection. A­rise [Page 27] ye that are highly favoured of God, come forth ye that are greatly beloved: welcome, welcome ye happy ones: ye that are blessed amongst the Children of men: your Lord is come d [...]wn and stayeth for you; he hath sent us to call you, and convey you into his Presence, and bring you where he is, that you may see and share in his glory: O how will such words make their hearts to glow within them? How joyful will such a mes­sage be unto them? O happy they that ever they were born! or rather that ever they were new born! O happy they that they should live, that they should be raised to see such a day as this will be! O what looks! what speeches! what joyes will they have, when they are entertained by the Angels?

3. The third Antecedent to the righteous J udgment, will be their meeting one with another, Mat. 24. 31. The Angels will be sent to gather the Elect together, 2 Thes. 2. 1. I besee [...] you B rethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together unto him: the Saints will be all ga­thered together, and we shall be gathered with them, if we be found in that number: there we shall meet with Abra­ham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the holy Kings, and Prophets, and Apostles, and Martyrs, and Holy Men, who have lived, in all Generations: and all these in another hue than when they lived upon the Earth: they will arise like so many shining Suns out of the earth; O how shall we be delight­ed with the sight of such a glorious train and company▪ when we see the Image and picture of the Lord upon them drawn so to the life? what sweet greetings shall we have, and mutual congratulations of our old acquaintance in the flesh, who were with us acquainted with the Lord? and is this the end of our hearing and fasting and Praying, and Self-denial, and Mortification, and the poor services we have done for the Lord? Is this the issue of our pains and la­bour: O happy we that ever we repented, and believed, and closed with Jesus Christ! O happy we that laid up our Treasure, and waited for our glory and happiness till this time.

[Page 28] 4. The fourth Antecedent is that the Righteous shall be caught up together in the air: all the righteous shall be caught up, they that are raised from the dead, and they that remain alive upon the earth on that day, 1 Thes. 4. 16, 17. The dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and re­main, shall be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the Air: we read of the two Witnesses which were stain: after three days and a half the Spirit of Life from God entred into them, and they stood upon their feet, and they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, come up hither, and they ascendeth up to heaven in a cloud, &c. Rev. 11. 11, 12. In the morning of the Resurrection the spirit of Life from God will enter into the bodies of all the Saints, and they will stand up, and possibly they may bear a voice from Christ in the Air, Come up hither! and then they will be caught up, [...] ascend into the air to meet with the Lord? O what unexpressible pleasure and delight will they find when they Feel themselves begin to mo [...]e upwards, when they are leaving the earth and wicked men, and so many glorious persons of them together ascending to meet their most glo­rious Lord.

5 The fifth Antecedent to the judgment is their meeting with the Lord in the Air: 1 Thes 4. 17. Then we which are alive and remain, shall be caught up together with them to meet the L ord in the Air. We have spoken of the meeting of the Soul and the Body▪ of the meeting of the Saints with the Angels: of the meeting of the Saints with the Saints: all which meetings will be very delightful, but the meeting of the Saints with the Lord himself will be beyond all. O how sweet will the sound of Christs coming be unto them before they see him? when they hear the long expected shout, and the sound of the last Trump! This, this will be musick indeed in their ea [...]s: T hen then they will lift up their heads with joy: and do! us think how transporting the [Page 29] first glance of their eye will be upon the Lord Jesus Christ when they see him yet afar off cloathed with such brightness and beauty: never did their eye behold such an object be­fore: they admired to see the Saints, and to see themselves so transform'd, but how will they admire to see the Lord in such glory? if so be that some of his Disciples did gaze af­ter him with wonder, when he was taken from them, and ascended into Heaven, Acts 1. 11. With what wonder will all his Disciples (most of which never saw him in the flesh, none of which saw him in such glory) then gaze upon him when he shall come down from Heaven? Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing back into Heaven? say the Angels, this same J esus which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner, as ye have seen him go into Heaven; If you look and wonder now at his going, how will you look and won­der at his coming▪ which will be as surely, but far more gloriously? But when they are come nearer unto Christ, & have a fuller view of him: O what thoughts! what affe­ctions! what joyes will there then fill their souls! O what workings, what beatings of heart? what transports and ra­vishment of spirit will they have! O how would they be overwhelmed with this sight, and utterly unable to bear it, if they were not strengthened beyond their present capacity! And is this the Saviour and Redeemer of the World? O glorious S on of Righteousness! did this most excellent person, who thus appears in the brightness of his Father, and is now come down from his glorious habitation, with such a glorious train of Angels, once vouchsafe to dwell with men, and vail his glory in the flesh? did this eternal son of God stoop so low as to take upon him our nature, yea to take upon him the form of a servant? did he live in such meaness and obscurity, and endure such hardship, contradicti­on, reproach and injury, when he was upon the Earth? O infinite condescention! did this Lord of Life and glory in the days of his flesh so Weep and Pray, and cry: sweat and bleed, and dye, though with such pain, anguish and disgrace: yet with such willingness and patience in our steads▪ that he might redeem us from sin and death, and wrath to come: that we might not perish but have everlasting life? O wonderful, unconceivable love! what, so glo­rious, [Page 30] a Person to be made man? to be made a curse? to do such things? to suffer such things? for such mean, vile, cursed sin­ners as [...], that we might be blessed and happy with him: O sur­passing superlative kindness! [...]s this he who made choice of us, when he chose so few, that called us, when the most were passed by, that pitched his love upon us when there was no attractive in us, nothing to move him▪ but his own bowels, that revealed his secrets to us, when he [...]id them from the wise and prudent, that brought us nigh, when we are afar off, and made us fellow-Citizens, and fellow-heirs with the Saints, and of the houshold of God, who were by nature Children of wrath, even as others? O asto­nishing free Grace! Is this he who cloathed us when we were naked, even with the Robes of his own righteousness? that washed us when we were defiled, even in the fountain of his own blood? that cheared us when we were troubled, even with the comforts of his own spirit? that strengthened us when we were weak, even with [...]his might and glorious power in our inner-man? was i [...] from this Person that we received our Pardon, and Peace, our Supports our Graces▪ our Encouragements, and all the sweet re­freshments we have found in Ordinances.

Is this the advocate we made choice of, relied, and trust­ed upon for life and salvation? Is this the master whom we followed, and whose work we were employed about? Is this the Captain whose colours we wore, and under whose banners we fought? Is this the Lord whom we obeyed? the friend, the husband whom we loved? and is he so glorious? O how will the Saints be wrapt up in admiration and joy! how will they [...]e all in a flame of burning love and affection when they come to behold the Lord Jesus Christ himself, & viewing him in such glory, as then he will be decked with­al? when they come to see him face to face, who hath such loveliness in his face, and such love in his heart unto them. It is said, 1 Pet. 1. 8. Whom having not seen ye love, in whom though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoyce with joy un­speakable and full of glory.

If so be that the Saints do now love Christ, whom they never saw, only have heard of, and believed the report of the World; how will they love him when they have this [Page 31] sight of him, and see a thousand fold more beauty in him than was reported, or could be imagined? if so be that now sometimes they rejoyce, with glorious and unspeakable joy in believing, what will they do when they come to see him in his glory: if they can now rejoyce in tribulation, and take pleasure in the Cross and reproach of Christ, what will they find in their Masters joy, and the Crown which he now comes to put on their heads? O how glad will they be that they have been counted worthy to suffer any thing for such a Saviour▪ It will be a joyful time indeed unto the Saints when they are caught up in the Clouds to meet the Lord in the Air.

And the [...]oy of Christ will be no less, to meet with them; O with what an eye will he view them, when they are arising and descending with so much of his beauty and lustre upon them! none can conceive the love and delight which the Lord Jesus will take in them at that day: He will look upon them as those who were beloved by the Fa­ther and himself from all eternity; as those who fetch him out of Heaven, before to Redeem them, and now to Glori­fie them; he will look upon them as the travel of his soul; as the price of his blood; He will look upon them as the Jewels: as spoils taken out of the hands of his Enemies; he will look upon them as Plats grown up unto perfection; as servants who have done their work; as those who have kept up his honour in the World, he will look upon them as Members of his Body; he will look upon them as his dearest spouse and most beautiful Bride, who now cometh to be joyned to him more nearly, and to live with him for ever. O the love and joy of Christ at his meeting! if so be that Christ so dearly loved his spouse, and could delight in her too, when she was black and sooty, when her cloaths were spotted and stained, when her affections were weak, low and inconstant; how will he love and rejoyce in her when she is made perfectly like to himself, and so beautiful with his comliness? when her stains are all wa­shed off, and she is presented before him without spot, or wrinkle, blemish, or any such thing: when she shall be [Page 32] arrayed in white, and hath put on her shining garments, and appear so lovely; and her love shall be so high, and full, and strong, and fla [...]ing? never did Lovers meet with such delight and joy on their Wedding day, as Christ and his spouse will meet at the day of his second appearance: O the sweet smiles the Saints will see in the [...]ace of Christ! such smiles upon them, such glances of love will sparkle forth from his eyes, as will ravish their hearts; O the sweet words they will hear? the welcome he will give them when they first meet! when they are come, he will place them at his right hand. So much concerning the more im­mediate Antecedents of the Judgment of the Righteous.

CHAP. VI.

THe second thing is to speak concerning the Judgment it self of the righteous. And there are two things the Scriptures speaks of, which Christ will do at his se­cond appearance in the judgment of the righteous.

1. He will take an account of them.

2. He will pronounce the sentence upon them

1. Christ will take an account of the righteous▪ Rom 4. 10, 12. We shall all stand before the Judgment S eat of Christ, and every one of us shall give an account of himself unto God; though the righteous shall not be brought to condemnation, yet they shall be brought into judgment, which will be for their Masters honour and their own: especially of those who can give a good account of the Tallents their Lord hath entrusted them withal.

I know it is a question among Divines, whether the sins of Gods people will be mentioned: and made manifest at the day of Judgment; I shall not determine the question, since the Scripture is not so plain; possibly the Lord having par­doned them, covered, blotted them out of the Book of his remembrance, he will not mention them on that day; but sure I am, if they should be mentioned▪ it will not be to [Page 33] their disgrace and grief, but to their more abundant joy in the Lord who hath forgiven them: If they should read their sins in the Book of Gods remembrance; they will find them like so many debts crossed out with the red lines of Christs blood: if the Devil should be permitted to accuse them at that time, who is now the Ac [...]user of the Brethren, and rip up their secret faults, the Lord himself will stand up and plead for them: he will make known the sufficient value of his Merits for their Ransome, and publickly acquit them from all guilt and condemnation: Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect it is God that justifieth: who is he that shall condemn? it is Christ that died for them, Rom: 8. 33, 34.

But these four things Christ will take an account of, in the judgment of the righteous.

1 He will take an account of their Graces The vessels of the Virgins will be lookt into, what O I they have got, the hearts of the Saints will be lookt into, what graces they have obtained. Christ will then take notice what Godly sorrow they have had for sin, their secret weeping & mourn­ing, will then be made manifest; he will take notice what humility and meekness, what self-denial and patience they have had, especially what faith, and love, and hope, and spiritual joy they have had, and all their raised affections to­ward [...] himself, and Heavenly things, in his Ordinances, and his judgment of grace will not be according to the ap­pearance and shew which hath been, but according to truth: and then the Saints shall be [...]ancked, not according to their esteem and dignity in the World, but according to the mea­sure of the graces they have attained.

2. Christ will take an account of the improvement of the ta­lents of graces and gifts, and opportunities of service which he hath intrusted them with all, Mat 25. 19. And Christ will then take chief notice of those which have been most indu­strious and faithful, and instrumental for doing most good, and bringing most glory to his Name, and though all shall have a full reward that are found truly faithful, and shall [...]ter into their Masters Joy; yet they shall have a more full [Page 34] reward, and be capable of more joy and glory than the o­ther.

3. And especially, He will take an account of their works of Mercy, Mat. 25. 35, 36. I was hungry, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, & ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye vi­sited me, I was in Prison, and ye came unto me, &c.

It will even astonish and confound the righteous to hear such language as this from the Lord Jesus Christ: when he appears in such glory, they will be ready to question, when he was in any want, and received relief at their hands: When saw we thee an hungry, or a thirst, or naked, and ministred any help. We received all from thee, but we could give no­thing to thee: thou didst relieve us, and redeem us out of the deepest poverty and misery in which we were sunk, and should have perished without thy help: but what relief hadst thou from us; Then the King will answer and say unto them, v. 40. Verily I say unto you, in as much as ye have done it to one of the least of these my Brethren, ye have done it unto me. At such a time and such a time, the poor came to you for relief making use of my name, whose backs for my sake ye cloathed, and whose bellies you refreshed, and whose ne­cessities you supplied, that was done unto me; though they were poor, they were my brethren: some of my servants were brought into straights for Conscience sake, and you re­ceived them, or sent help to them: you received me then, and gave help to me, and I am come to give you a thou­sand sold reward. Were this truth more effectually believ­ed, what a forwardness would there be in Christians to works of mercy: surely they would look upon that part of their estate as best improved: which in such works is be­stowed. Christ doth not mention any other use which they put their mony unto, which if worthy to be compared, would be made mentioned of▪ he doth [...] speak of so much laid out in building, so much laid out in cloathing, so much laid out for [...] so much laid up in portions for Chil­dren: all this the wicked can do: but so much laid out to the poor, and [...] in them, which is the only part ye have [Page 35] laid up for your selves: and which I am now come to re­turn you with usury.

4. Christ will take an account of the afflictions which the righ­teous have endured: especially, of their sufferings for his sake: such reproaches, such losses, imprisonments, banish­ments▪ buffetings: but if they have suffered death, with what honour will this be made mention of? with what great e­steem will he receive and speak unto them which have come out of great tribulation▪ and O the Joy in this morning, after the tears of the night▪ then they will find that their light affliction which they have endured for a moment, hath wrought for them a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 2 Cor: 4. 17,

2. The second thing in Christs judgment of the Saints, is the Sentence which he will pronounce upon them, which will be a most glorious Invitation of them to take possession of the Kingdom of Heaven which he hath prepared for them. Mat 25. 34. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand▪ Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the World.

All Christs invitations in Scripture are very sweet, Come unto me all ye that labour▪ and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, Mat. 11. 28. How sweet is this to a troubled Consci­ence, and an oppressed spirit, ready to sink under the bur­then of sin? [...] every one that thirsteth, come to the waters: and be that hath no mony, come buy wine and milk without mo­ney, and without price, Isa. 55. 1. O what sweet words are these to those which are parched, and pained, and ready to dye with spiritual thirst, and can find nothing in the crea­tures which can give them any satisfaction or ease? But of all the words that ever Christ did speak, of all the invitations that ever Christ did make, this will be the sweetest, which he will give to his Disciples at the last day, Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you, from the foun­dation of the World. Come ye blessed and happy ones, however accounted miserable ones by men, yet blessed of my Fa­ther, Come inherit the Kingdom prepared for you, from the foun­dation of the World. Take possession of your eternal inhe­ritance: [Page 36] Come enter into the Kingdom of Glory, which the Father hath chosen you unto, and called you unto, and which I have purchased, and now fitted and made ready for you: Come along with me, and I will shew you my glory: and where I am, there ye shall be also. Come along, with me into Heaven, and ye shall live and reign with me for ever and ever. Come along, and enter now into your Ma­sters joy: come and I will shew you the Father, and bring you into his House and presence, where there is fulness of joy, and pleasures for evermore. And now Beloved, think with your selves, what joyes! what exhaltation! what clap­ping of hands! what shoutings! what Hallelujahs! what Hosannahs! what triumphing acclamations the Saints will make upon the hearing of these words But here words fail, conceptions fall short, Who can utter what the affe­ctions and behaviour of the righteous will be, when they have their sentence, and hear such sweet and gracious words from the mouth of their Judge and Redeemer.

Thus concerning the Judgment of the righteous.

CHAP. VII.

COncerning the judgment of the wicked, at the second appearance of Jesus Christ: in treating hereon, I shall as in the judgment of the righteous speak,

1. Of the immediate antecedents.

2. Of the Judgment it self.

1. The immediate antecedents of the Judgment of the wicked will be,

1. The Resurrection of their Bodies from the Grave [...]: all the wicked that are dead, shall be raised, though not so soon, yet as certainly as the righteous, John 5. 28, 29. The hour cometh, that all that are in their graves shall hear his voice, (not only) they that have done good, shall come forth to the Resurrection of life, (but also) they that have done evil to the Resurrection of damnation. When the wicked die, their bo­dies [Page 37] are clapt up in the Prison of the Grave, where they rot and putrifie under the chains of death, which are laid upon them, and their souls are shut down into the Prison of Hell, where they are bound in chains of darkness, and wo, and reserved unto the judgment of the great day; when the Lord Jesus shall appear to judge the World, he will bring the keys of Death and Hell along with him, and open both these Prison doors, not to give liberty and release to the Prisoners, but as Prisons are opened at assizes, to bring them forth to Judgment; he will open the Prison of Hell, and all the souls of the wicked shall come forth like so ma­ny Locusts out of the bottomless Pit: and he will open the Prison of the Grave, and all their bodies shall creep like so many ugly Toads out of the Earth: and then soul and bo­dy shall be joyned together again, and this meeting will be sad, beyond expression: the meeting of the souls and bodies of the righteous will not be more joyful, than the meeting of the souls and bodies of the wicked will be doleful: possi­bly some of the wicked had no hands in their death, and their souls went forth of their bodies without much pain or fear; but their entrance▪ into their bodies again, will be with un­expressible horrour: and if some of the wicked had their Consciences awakened at death, and they lay down with tor­rour: when they awake and rise again from the dead, it will be far greater terrour. The old World dyed in a fright with the Deluge of water, which overwhelmed them, Corah, Dathan, and Abiram, with their Company, died in a fright, at the cleaving and opening of the Earths mouth, which swallowed them up: Judas and other despairing souls died in a fright, at the apprehensions of the open mouth of Hell, ready to receive their guilty spirits: but none of the wicked could go forth of their bodies in such a fright as they will enter into them again at the last day: The damned souls have been lying in Hell many years, full of anguish in their separation, and they know that their anguish will be increa­sed by the torment of their bodies in their union: and no wonder if they be exceedingly unwilling and fearful to en­ter into their old lodging: their bodies have been sleeping [Page 38] all this while in the Dust, and have felt no pam at all: and O how unwelcome a guest will their Souls then be: Never was Death so terrible unto them, as Life will be at that day: they had rather sleep still in their Grave, and continue in their rottenness and corruption: they had rather lie hid for ever in the dust of oblivion, or be quite annihilated like Beasts, than to rise again unto such torments: as now they must undergo: but they must arise, willing or unwilling: It is said that the vile bodies of the righteous shall at the last day be fashioned like unto Christs glorious body, Phil. 3. 21. They shall be made like unto Christs body in beauty and glory: but the bodies of the wicked will have another hue and fashion: i [...] it were possible to fashion bodies like Devils, those impure and foul spirits, such spiritual bodies the wicked should have: be sure their bodies shall have no glory put upon them: but they lay down vile bodies, they shall rise up more vile: they lay down in dishonour, and they shall be raised in far greater dishonour: indeed they will be raised incorruptible and Immortal: but this will not be for their glory, but that they may be capable of the greater and longer torment and misery: their bodies will be so far from being made beau­tiful like unto Christs, that I believe they will not regain that natural beauty which they had here upon the Earth: now some of them out-shine Gods own Children (whose chief beauty lies inward) in external comliness: then none but the Bodies of Gods Children will shine: And then the bodies of the wicked most probable will be swarthy, black, ugly monstrous bodies: if there be a ghastliness upon the bodies of the most beautiful, when they are dead, what ghastliness will there be upon the bodies of all the wicked, when the second death shall seize upon them? were their bodies never so beautiful in themselves, yet their features would quickly be altered by the horrible passions of their mind: the blackness and dread of the soul would quickly appear in their countenance: besides the im­pressions which the Fire of Hell will have upon them. The foul will find nothing in the body which will give it any delight or ease, or in the least contribute unto the astwage­ment [Page 39] of its anguish: it will return into the Body as in a Prison or Dungeon, where there is no pleasure to be found, and if the body be black, how black will the soul be, after so long aboad with foul Devils in the lower Region of dark­ness? And when such soul souls and such vile bodies meet What a meeting! What a greeting will there be! We may fancy a kind of language to be between them, at that day. The soul to the body, come out of thy hole thou filthy dunghil flesh, for the pampering and pleasing of whom, I have lost my self for ever: who hast stoln away my time, and thoughts, and heart from God and Christ, and Heavenly things, to [...]eed, and cloath, and cherish thee, and make provisions to satisfie thy base deceitful lusts: when I should have been making provision for thine and mine everlasting happiness. Awake and come forth of the dust, thou bewitching dirty flesh, who didst lull me asleep so long in my pleasing chains, until thou didst suddenly open thy doors & thrust me out, where I was awakened in torments before I was aware, now I must come into thy doors again, that thou mayst share, and taste the bitter issue of sinful pleasures and delights. And O how will the body be affrighted, so soon as the foul is entred! never did the foul taste so much of the bodies delights, as the body will then feel of the souls anguish. The body to the soul: And hast thou found me out O my enemy? couldst not thou have let me alone to lie still at rest in this sweet sleep? Hast thou used me as a slave, and employed all my members as servants of iniquity, and unrighteousness, and art thou now come to torment me? and is this the fruit of all the pleasures we have taken to­gether? shouldst not thou have been more wise, and provided bet­ter for thy self and me? O what cries and shrieks will the Tongue give forth, so soon as it hath recovered [...] [...]! O what fearful amazing sights will there appear before the eyes, so soon as they are opened, when they first peep out of the Grave, and sinners see Heaven and Earth on fire a­bout them, and Christ coming in flaming fire, to take ven­geance upon them? O how dreadful will the shout, and the voice of the Arch-Angel, and the sound of the last Trum­pet summoning them to Judgment be unto the ears? O how will every joynt and member of the bodies of the Wicked tremble, when they are raised again at the last day?

[Page 40] 2. The second Antecedent to the judgment of the wicked, will be their meeting with Devils: the righteous will meet with Angels to welcome them out of their Graves; the wicked will meet with Devils to entertain them at their resurrecti­on: and then they will not appear to them, like Angels of light, as sometimes here they have done; but like foul An­gels of darkness, as they ever were since their first fall: they will not then entertain the wicked with pleasing baits, and sweet alluring temptations, and pretend to be their friends, who consult their good and satisfaction, beyond God him­self, the chief good of mankind; as they did when their a­bode was in the world before: but they will spit forth their venome, and malice, then, in their faces; possibly they may buffet their bodies, and lay painful strokes upon them; surely they will terrify their soules for those sins which they have drawn them unto the commission of; O how will they mock, and deride their folly, and madness for opening their eares to their whispers, for opening their heart so freely, when they have knockt at the door, and entised them unto sin? then the damned will perceive that the Devils design was their ruine and misery, when the pretence and show was consultation for their good and happiness; that he laboured to please and delight them, not out of love, but malice, that he might undoe them: that he lul'd them asleep, that they might not perceive their misery, till it was too late; that poyson was in his sweetest baits; and that their softest plea­sures were Sathans silken cord s, by which he was drawing them unto endless wo and bitterness: then they will per­ceive how the Prince of Darkness hath blinded their eyes, & deluded them; how the old Serpent hath beguiled them through his subtilty, and deceived them▪ how they have been gull'd of a Crown and Kingdome they had the proffers [...] and were in a capacity to obtain: then they will per­ceive whose slaves they have been, whilst they were serving divers lusts: that the Devil was their Lord and Master, and led them captive at his will; and now they will meet with [Page 41] their Masters, whom they have served, unto their terrour & amazement; how will they be affrighted at the appariti­on of so many Devils about them? When they shall throw into their thoughts such hideous apprehensions, and lash their spirits with horrible scourges, when they shall seize upon their bodids, and tear them, and drag them to the Judg­ment-seat, and there is none to rescue and deliver them.

3. The third Antecedent to the Judgment of the wicked, will be their meeting one with another: as the Elect, so all the re­probates will be gathered together into one company▪ O what an innumerable company of Rebel s, and Traytors, and Villains, will then be got together! how fiercely and hor­ribly will they look one upon another? and if they speak, what language of Hell will there issue froth of their lips? they may meet with their old companions and fellow-sinners, but it will not be like such as they now call meetings of good-fellowship, when they get together in a Tavern and Ale-house, or some house of wickedness, to drink, and sing, & daunce, and sin, and make merry in the pleasing of their flesh: they shall not then have Ale, and Wine, and Women, and Musick, or any incentives to mirth and sensual pleasures: the last meeting will be no merry meeting, but sad and dis­mal; the pleasing affections which they formerly had to their friends will be changed: their love will be turned into ha­tred; and the joy they have found in them will be turned into grief and anger: O the angry countenances the wick­ed will have on that day! it is said, the Nations shall be angry: O the angry speeches! how will they rage and storm at one another? especially at those who have drawn them into sin, how will they curse and ban one another: O the horrible noise that will be amongst the damned crew when they have got together! It may be from words they fall to blows, and tear one anothers hair, and spurn at one anothers bellies, and bite one anothers flesh, and even [...] out one anothers eyes: we cannot conjecture so much of the misery of the wicked, as will be on that day.

[Page 42] 4. The wicked that are alive on the earth, at the se­cond appearance of Christ▪ shall see the righteous that are dead, arise out of their Graves with marvellous beauty and joy: and those which are alive wonderfully changed in the likeness and fashion of Christ; and all of them sudden­ly caught up together in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; which sight will be fearful and amazing to them, when they perceive themselves to be left behind We read Rev. 11. 12, 13. When the two witnesses after they had laid dead for some time had the spirit of life put into them, and they stood upon their feet, and were called up, and as­cended up into Heaven: it is said their enemies beheld them, and great fear fell upon them: so when all the wit­nesses and servants of the Lord have a spirit of life put into them, and stand upon their feet, and be called up, and caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord: their enemies, and the wicked on the earth will behold them, and great fear will fall upon them. But, O the fear and trouble which will be upon the spirits of those unbelieving Christ-less, grace­less sinner s, whose abode shall at that day be amongst the believers, and some of them linked in the nearest relations to them, when their believing relations shall be caught a­way from them, and carried up into the air, with the rest of the glorious train of Saints, when themselves shall re­main below upon the earth: It is said, that at the time of Christs coming, L uke 17. 34, 35, 36. Two men shall be in one bed, the one shall be taken, the other left: two women shall be grinding together, the one shall be taken and the other left: two men shall be together in the field, the one shall be taken the other left Friends will be together at that day as at other times, not expecting Christs coming, and it may be less ex­pecting it than before they did: some will be in fields to­gether, some in houses together, some will be in beds toge­ther▪ some will be in Churches together [...] [...]t may be Ministers [...] and people hearing, as you are hearing me this [...] [...].

[Page 43] Suppose that the heavens should just now open, and you should hear the sound of the last Trumpet, and Jesus Christ should descend with a glorious train of Angels into the air; then all you that are believers, and have got an interest in Christ, would immediately be caught up in the clouds, to meet with the Lord: but all you that are impenitent and unbelievers, would be left behind: and think what terrour would fall upon you, to see us caught away from you; it may be some of you might come hanging about me and others, when you see us arrayed in shining garments, and suddenly changed into the glorious likeness of our Lord, and called by the Angels to go up to him; O take us up along with you! What will you leave us behind you! Alace, what can I do for you? I must say, I told you of this time and things before: but you did not seriously regard it, [...] as to pre­pare; I called you often to repentance, and preached Jesus Christ unto you, and shewed you the way of Salvation: but you would not accept of him, ye refused him, and lived in the neglect of your own Salvation. I told you, if you did not forsake such and such sins, they would be your ruine: and yet you would not be per­swaded to leave them, I forewarned you of the miseries which would come upon you at Christs coming, but you would not take warning Fain would I have had you all along with me to meet my Lord, and if I could have been instrumental to convert and turn you unto him, my joy and Crown would have been the greater. O how glad should I have been of your company in this Triumph: some did hearken and believe, some did awaken when they were called, and repent, and reform their lives: some were [...] and did forethink, and make provision for this day: [...] [...] see how they shine, see the mirth and joy in their count [...] see the fruit of their tears, and self denial, of their [...] [...] L ove an [...]holie walking: Now, now, we are going together to our Lord whom we have sought, served, and trusted for our hap­piness: and [...]that you would have hearkned, and been per­swaded to have joyned your selves to our number, that we might▪ have gone together: and O that you would have joyned your selves to our L ord and have bad fellowship with the Father, [...] his Son Jesus Christ, and broken off your fellowship wi [...] th [...] [Page 44] unfruitful works of darkness, and workers of iniquity: but you would go on in the broad way because it was easie: the way to Heaven was too [...]arrow, and difficult for you: If profession would have been enough, and external joyning your selves to Gods people would have brought you to heaven, this some of you would do with readiness sufficient: but when you must have a power as well as a form, and when you must mourn for sin, crucifie the flesh, mortifie the deeds of the bodie, denie your selves, take up the cross, be so strict in your lives, make conscience of thoughts, words, and all your actions, this could ye not away with: yea, could brook to be Religious sometimes by the by, and when you have nothing else to do, but to make it your business to be Reli­gious, you could not endure: you could put on a form and out­ward vizard of Godliness on the S abbath-days: but to be religi­ous on the week-days, and every day, to be holy in all manner of conversation, this was too much, and a hard saying which you could not hear: and if you did not like the terms of the Gospel, and would be the servants of the Devil, whilst you seemed to be the servants of Christ, and go on covertly in the way to Hell, whilst you seemed to be going in the way to Heaven: What can I do for you now? I thought you would have shined and gone with us, when you shined so much in profession: and is your Lamp now gone out, when the Bridegroom is come? Alace! who can supply you now with Oyl? I have lit­tle enough for my self, and none to spare for you: and do you ask me for O [...]le? Alace! If I had enough, I could not part with it, and put any into your vessels: Now, now it is too late, I came with Oyl often to sell from my Lord and Master, and you might have had it for nothing, you might have bought it without money, and without price: but then you slighted and refused all proffers of Grace, which were made; you valued your lusts, which you must have parted withal for it, at a higher rate; you re­fused the Oyl altogether, or at least, took [...] more then would light your Lamps: you would not receive any into the vessel of your hearts: and do you think I can sup­ply you with Oyl now? some of you had convictions once in the time of the Plague when death raged amongst you, [Page 45] and some good work was beginning then in you: and is it now worn off, and come to nothing, and dwingled into an empty profession? Alass! what shall I do for you now? you know I ventured my life for you, to preach to you, when the Arrows were flying so thick about you: I ventured my liberty for you my health for you, and was often spent for you, and amongst you, that I might be instrumental to call and save you: but when the thunder of Judgment was a little over, and out of hearing, you quickly drop asleep, and the voice of preaching could not enter into your ears and awaken you: Alass! why do you look upon me now with such ruful countenances, and stand with such trembling joynts, and speak so earnestly unto me, as if something might yet be done for you, and are loath to l [...]t me go from your company? Ala s! what can I do for you now? should I stay and Preach unto you again, and call, and in [...]ite you to Jesus Christ, and open the treasures of the Gospel, and now you will open your Ears and Hearts to receive? A­lass! now the Mystery of God is finished, the treasures of the Gospel are shut up and sealed, and the day of Grace is quite spent and gone, and cannot be recalled: could not you have opened before, when you know I knocked often, and hard, in my Masters Name for entertainment? I cal­led, but you refused, I stretched out my hand, and lifted up my voice like a Trumpet, but you did not regard and follow the councels which were given unto you: and now my preaching work is done for ever, should I stay & pray with you, and for you, that God would pardon your sins, or d [...]fer your Judgment but a little while, if it were but for a week or a day that you might prepare your accounts, and O how presently you will make your peace with God, how readily would you accept of Christ on any terms: do any thing, suffer any thing, deny self, take up Cross: O how diligent would you be in the service of God, and resist Satan & take heed of sin: alas poor souls! all these desires are too late: I have prayed with you and for you, and you have had war­ning and time to prepare your accounts, and have bin cal­led to these Duties before, but now the Oath is sworn by [Page 46] him that liveth for ever and ever, that time shall be no longer; now the [...] of God is shut, and no Prayer can en­ter.

Now Christ is come down from the Mercy-Seat▪ from the right hand of the Father, where be made, Intercess [...]; and the Throne of Grace is now turned into a J udgment-Seat: now there remai­ [...]eth no more sacrifice for sin, nothing but a fearful looking for of Judgment to devour the wicked. Alas! why do you hang about [...] with tears and weeping? What can I do for you now? can I carry you all up with me in my arms? would not the load be [...] great for me? and if all of us together could band & help some of you up into the Air with us, and bring you into the Pre­sence of our dear and glorious Redeemer; With what confidence should you stand before him? with what face could you look upon him, when you are so black and filthy, and have such guilt upon your Consciences? would not your looks betray you to be none of our [...]mbers? Would not your black and trembling joynts speak what you are? and would not Christ frown you away from our company? and then we must of necessity let you fall from on high amongst your fellow hypocrites and unbelievers. Could we carry you up with us, if you should lay hold on us: would not the Angels snatch you out of your arms: or would not Devils tear you away from us? and could I rescue any of you out of S atan [...], when he comes to seize upon his Own? Alass! what can [...] for you at this time? I must away, and be gone, and [...]id [...] [...] due for ever: The S aints are all risen, and have put [...] their glorious attire, and we are called for: It is your o [...]w [...] [...] that ye did not help to fill up this number: and when such of us as belong to Christ should be caught up in the Clouds: O how dreadful would it be for you, and all that should be found in the number of them that are left?

5. The fifth and most dreadful Antecedent to the Judgment of the wicked will be the sight of the Lord Jesus Christ himself Who will be revealed from Heaven at that day in [...] [...]ire to take vengeance upon them, 2 T hes. 1. 7. 8. Th [...] sight of their Judge will affright them, Rev. 1. 7. Behol [...] [Page 47] he cometh with Clouds, and every eye shall see him▪ and they also [...] pierced him, and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him, Even so, Amen Every eye shall see him, not only the righteou s, but also the wicked; and they also that pier­ced him, that i s, the Jews which crucified him, as he saith, Mat 26. 64. Hereafter shall ye see the Son of Man, sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the Clouds of Heaven▪ O how fearful will the sight of Jesus Christ be to Judas that betrayed him, unto the Officers that took him, unto the base Servant that smote him with the palm of his hand, unto the People that mocked and spit upon him, unto the Pharisees that accused him, unto Pilate that scourged and condemned him, unto Herod that scorned him, unto the Souldiers that mocked and crucified him, unto the Priests that stirred up the people and Pilate against him, and in the midst of hi [...] Agony and anguish railed on him? though they did not [...] him come down from the Cross, yet when they see him come down from heaven they will believe that he was the Messias, and O how will this sight terrifie them! then they will smite their breasts indeed, and b [...] filled with horror▪ when they perceived that the same Jesus was the Son of God, and is now the Judge of the World, and is [...] to call them before his Bar, who then did [...] before theirs; the High-priest that rent his cloaths, when Christ called himself the Son of God, will be ready to rend him­self in pieces for not acknowledging it: and with what face will Judas look his Master in the [...], when he [...]ees him come in such glory: and if some Souldiers that kept Christ [...] Sepulchre did so shake, and become like [...] men at Christs Resurrection, when they saw the Angel, whose countenance was like Lightning, and Rayment white as snow, come and roll away the stone from before the door thereof, Mat. 28 2, 3, 4. O how will they all that had a hand in his death, quake and tremble, when they [...]ee the Lord Jesus Christ himself come with such Power and [...], and all the holy Angels with him, to call them to Judg­ment? Further it is said that all the Kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. So Mat. 24. 30. All the tri [...]es [Page 48] of the Earth shall mourn, when they see the Son of Man coming in the Clouds of Heaven: this we are to understand of the wicked Kind reds and Tribes of the Earth: the sight of Christ will be matter of the greatest joy unto his Disciples, but of the greatest sorrow unto the wicked world: the mourning of the wicked, see how it is set forth, Rev. 6. 15, 16, 17. And the Kings of the Earth, and the great Men, and the Rich Men, and the chief Captains, and the Mighty Men, and every Bond-Man, and every Free-Man hid themselves in the Dens, and in the Rocks, and in the Mountains. And said to the Rocks, and to the Mountains fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that [...]teth upon the Throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of his wrath is come, & who shall be able to stand. Then profane and wicked Kings, who would not submit unto the Government of Christ, but break his bands asunder, and cast away his cords from them, shall see this King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, come down from Heaven to Judge them, and O! with what f [...]ar will they then run and hide themselves in Dens, or under some great Rocks and Mountains if they could, from the face of him who will then fit upon the Throne of Judgment? and with what trembling will they stand amongst the meanest of their subjects, devested of all their power and dignity? the Nobles and great men of the Earth, who having been lifted up above the ordinary degree of men, have lifted up their hearts also with pride and haughtiness b [...]ond measure, and let loose the reins unto licentiousness, and wallowed in [...]lthy delights and pleasures, shall see the Son of Man co­ming in the Clouds; and O how will their proud heart [...] then be brought down, and their haughtiness said low and their sweet sinful delights be turned into bitter Gall and Wormwood; then they will cry to the Rocks to cove [...] them▪ and the Mountains to hide them; if they can [...]nd a my such place to receive them in this terrible day. The [...] the chief Captains, and mighty Men, who i [...]ployed the force and strength under the Banner of the Devil, and [...] deavoured to promote, the interest of his Kingdom in [...] World▪ and rebelled against the Lord of Hosts? shall [...] [Page 49] the Heavens opened, and this mighty Captain come down with the Armies of Heaven attending upon him in white, to execute vengeance upon them; and then their courage will fail them, and the Wrath of the Lamb will make them tremble, and they would creep into a Rock, or any hole to hide them: then the rich men who have placed their hearts and confidence in their Riches, especially those who have heaped up Riches by unjust and unrighteous practice, shall see the Son of Man coming against them, and weep & howl for the miseries which are coming upon them, and their Riches will be so far from profiting them in the da [...] of Wrath, that they will be Witnesses to accuse them, and aggravate their Condemnation: then every Bond-man and every Free-man that are slaves to the Devil and their own lusts, shall see the Son of Man coming to judge them. & be in the number of the Mourners, crying to the Mountains to fall on them. Then there will be distress upon all Na­tion, and great perplexity, Sea and Waves roaring, and mens hearts failing them for fear, when they are looking up into the Clouds; and see the Son of Man is come down and his Throne is prepared for Judgment. The Heathen Nations will mourn to see him, especially the wicked who have had the name of Christians upon them, and have sate under the light of the Gospel; O how will their faces be filled with shame and confusion, and their hearts with t [...]rrour, and astonishment when they behold the face of the Lord Jesus Christ shining with such beauty and glory, but looking on them with anger and disdain? And is this glorious King that Jesus Christ whom we heard so much spoken of when we lived upon the Earth? Was be indeed so great whose commands we disobeyed, whose threat [...]ings we slighted, whose grace we abused, and whose wrath we disregarded? Was it so excellent a person, who was described and set forth to us by Mi­nisters in such superlative expressions, all which be exceeds? and yet could we see no form, nor c [...]mliness in him, nothing [...]or which we should desire him? Was this the Saviour that was preached to us, and proffered [...]o us? That the Jesus Christ that we are pressed so frequently and so earne [...]y to get an interest in, [Page 50] with so many powerful arguments, and yet could not be moved and perswaded; Was it this person that did call us, and stretch forth his hand all the day long to us, that did woe us, and intreat us by his Messengers, to accept of pardon, and grace and salvation, and knock at the door of our hearts again and again, by his Word and Spirit for entertainment? And did we shut our ear and our heart against him, and refuse all his gracious tenders which were made unto us? What, did we hearken to the Devil when he tempted us to sin, what he might destroy us: and not hearken to Christ, who would have perswaded▪ us to faith and obedience, that [...] might save us? Could we harbour base lusts, which were like so many vipers in our bosoms, and give no entertainment to Jesus Christ, who would have brought riches and glory with him? O what fo [...]ls and mad-men and women have we been! How have our cursed hearts deceived us, and the Devil deluded us? How have we been bewitched, to prefer the vanities of this World, and the satisfaction of the desires of our flesh before an in­terest in such a Saviour [...] Wo! wo! wo be unto us, for now the great day of the Lord is come, and who is able to stand? This is the firth Antecedent to the Judgment of the wicked, they shall see the Lord Jesus coming in the Clouds, and be sum­moned to the Bar▪ and placed at his left hand; of which before.

6. The sixth Antecedent will be their seeing the Judg­ment, and hearing the Sentence of the Righteous, Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world. And O how will they grind and gna [...]sh their▪ teeth, and their hearts be ready even to burst with [...] and indignation, to see those poor mean Christi­ans, whom some of them have separated from their com­pany, and accounted as the off-scouring of the earth, and not worthy to fit with the Dogs of their flock, exalted to such dignity, shining in such glory, and adjudged to such happiness, when themselves are lookt upon with such con­tempt, and stand waiting for the Judgment, and [...] Doom to Torments and eternal misery. These are the Antecede [...] of the Judgment of the Wicked.

CHAP. VIII.

COncerning the Judgment of the Wicked it self. I shall here speak of

• 1. The Judge.
• 2. The Assessors.
• 3. The Malefactors.
• 4. The Crime.
• 5. The Accusers and Witnesses.
• 6. The Conviction.
• 7. The Sentence.

1. The Judge of the Wicked, as of the Righteous will [...] the Lord Jesus Christ. it Is said, Rom. 3. 6. God shall judge the World; but it will be God in Christ and by Christ, Acts 17. 31. God was in Christ reconciling the World, of the Elect unto himself, 2 Cor. 5. 1 [...]. and God in Christ will judge and condemn the World of the Reprobates, The Fa­ther hath committed all Judgment unto the Son, John 5. 22. And he hath given him Authority to execute Judgment▪ because he is the S on of Man, v. 27. The same Jesus whom the Wicked would not submit unto, and take for their King [...] rule over them, they must submit unto and have for their Judge to examine and condemn them: The properties of this Judge are worthy here of your observations.

1. Christ will be a most glorious Judge: [...] was there such a Judge seen on the Earth▪ It will be the greatest judgment; there will be a general Assize of the whole World; and Christ will be the greatest Judg; the greatest for dignity, and glory that ever eye did beho [...] ▪ Christ will be most glorious, in regard of his [...] [...] will appear to be the Prince and Lord of Glory, [...] [...] admired, not only by the Saints, but also by [...] ▪ [...], amongst whom, before they saw him, he was despised. The Despisers shall behold the lustre of their Judge, and wonder [Page 52] and perish, as it is said in another case, Acts 13. 41. Christ will be most glorious in regard of his retinue; all the holy▪ Angels, those glorious Spirits who are about the Throne of God, shall attend upon him, Mat. 25. 31. When▪ the S on of Man cometh in his glory, and all his holy Angels with him: yea, all the holy Saints also shall attend upon him in the Judgment of the Wicked, Jude 14. 15. Behold the Lord will come with ten thousand of his Saints to execute judgment upon all the ungodly, &c. Yea, he will come with all his Saints, 1 Thes 3. 13. The whole innumerable company of Saints shall attend upon Christ in white shining Garments, with Bodies like unto Christ more beautiful and glorious than the most splendid Attire can make them; and Christ then will be admired in all the Saints and Believer s, by the Wic­ked which shall behold them: And Christ will sit upon the Throne of his Glory, Mat. 25. 31. I saw a great while Throne, and him that sat on it, from whose Face the Earth and the Heaven fled away, Rev. 20. 21. We read of a glorious Throne when [...]olomon made, 1 Kings 10. 1 [...] 19, 20. But the Throne and Tribunal Seat of Christ will be far more glorious than Solomon,s or any Monarchs that ever lived up­on the face of the Earth.

2. Christ will be a most▪ powerful Judge: [...]e will have power to raise all the wicked out of their Graves unto life again; which requires as much power to effect, as the gi­ving them their Being and Life at the first; he will have power to bring all the wicked to his foot, to keep them in awe, that they shall not stir, nor lift up the hand in the least, in a way of Rebellion, which is more than the most potent Prince that ever lived could do: He will have po­wer to execute vengeance upon all the wicked together, and inflict an in [...]nite punishment upon them; and he will put forth no less power in the destruction of the wicked at the last Day, than was put forth in the first Creation of the World; herein he will make his Power known, Rom. 9. 22. When the wicked shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the pr [...]sence of the Lord, and from the glory of his Power; 2 Thes. 1 9▪

[Page 53] 3. Christ will be a most knowing judge: He will know all the persons of the Wicked; not one shall scape his Eye; he will not know them in any way of nearness, and familiar acquainting himself with them; but he will know them in a way of perfect cognizance of their Persons; he knew them when they lived and rebelled against his Laws; and he will know them again when they are raised; he will not only have a general knowledge of them, but he will know them particularly, none of the ancient Rebels shall be able to hide themselves, either under Rocks and Moun­tains or in the [...]roud and throng of the wicked, which shall be gathered together before him on that day: Christ will find out all his Enemies, and he will know all their Crimes; he will read them all written in the Book of Gods Remembrance: and the Book of their own Consciences being then opened, will present all their sins to his view▪ the Eye of the judge will be a piercing all seeing Eye, which cannot be blinded, and [...]fore there will be no mistake and error in the judgment▪ through ignorance or false information, as there may be in the Courts of Judica­ture upon the Earth.

4. Christ will be a most holy Judge [...] He will be without any the least stain of sin; he was so wh [...] he [...] amongst sinners on earth, and surely he will be [...] when he descen­deth from the Holy of Holies in Heaven: some earthly Judges▪ are guilty in the same kind with the malefactors which are brought before them; so that [...] they judge, others they condemn themselves: but [...] will not [...] the least mote of sin in the eye of Christ; [...] of defilement; and therefore [...]s it will be impossible to blind him, because of his knowledge: [...] it▪ will be im­possible to bribe and corrupt him in judgment, because of his [...]ness; and by consequence.

5. Christ will be a most impartial and st [...]t Judge: he will [...]e most impartial in regard of the persons whom he [...]ill judge; the high degree and quality of men upon the earth will be of no account with him; the rich will be no more regarded than the poor: nor the highest Princes [Page 54] more than the meanest of their subject s; Death levels all men, and puts a conclusion unto all earthly dignitie s; and in the resurrection all will stand upon even ground: now some Lords and great men may murder, and oppress, and break Laws, and through favour escape punishment; which crimes, if meaner persons had been found guitly of, would have cost them their lives: but Christ will have no more favour for a Lord, or a Knight, or a Gentleman, no nor for a King or a Queen, or the greatest Lady, than for the most contemptible beggar; he will not accept of the persons of any, and connive at the sins of some, which those that should reprove them now can wink at, as if they were no faults: because the faults of such persons are as high, whose favour they desire, and from whom they might receive da­mage and dis-esteem should they be▪ plain and faithful: but Christ he will neither need the favour nor fear the anger of any: and he will not court and flatter any because of their Nobility and greatness; but impartially judge the highest and greatest, by the same rule as he will do the lowest and meanest: and Christ will be a most strict Judge in regard of crimes: he will bring forth all the sin [...] of the wicked to light; not one sin which they have committed from the day of their birth to the hour of their dissolution, but shall be had in remembrance, and be brought unto pub­lick view, when the Lord shall, enter into judgement with [...] ungodly world: some of the wicked do sin more secret­ [...] they have sweet morsels rolling under their tongues, [...] are not perceived: they have their Dalilahs in cor­ [...] who are not known▪ they shroud themselves under the shadow of the wings of the night, that they might con­ceal some of their wicked lend practices, which should they [...] found out in, would fill their cheeks with shame and blushing: but Christ will call them at the last day to a [...]ct account, and bring to light the bidden things of Darkness [...] Cor. 4▪ 5. And O the contempt and confusion which they will [...] covered with when all their shameful and abominable [...] shall be made manifest.

6. Christ will be a most righteous Judge: he will [...] [Page 55] the wicked in unrighteousness; some of them will be found to▪ have been unrighteous in their judgment: and others righteous in their dealings; and all of them unrighteous in their state: but Christ will judge them all in righteousness: he will judge them according to their works: as he will be righteous in not inflicting upon them a greater punish­ment than their sins have deserved, he will not punish lesser sinners with more stripes, and greater sinners with fewer stripes: so neither will he be unrighteous inflicting up­on them a lesser punishment than their sins have deserved; but will proportion their punishment to their offence, Rev. 18. 7. How much she hath glorified her self, and lived delici­ously, so much torment and sorrow give her. Christ will be exactly righteous in his judgment, severely righteous, with­out the least mixture of mercy: the wicked shall have from him the summum jus, and that sine ulla injuria, they shall have the highest right and justice, without the least injury: Gods justice requires satisfaction for their sins, and Christ will satisfie the demands of justice to the full upon the un­godly, by distribution of such punishments as are the just de­sert of their sins: Christ will even all scores at that [...] between God and sinners: at least he will begin to [...] [...] payment of that debt from them which they owe [...] [...] which they will be paying unto all eternity. Christ will come with the Ballances and Sword of Justice in his [...] he will come to take just vengeance upon disobedient [...] [...] ­ners.

7. Christ will be a most furious Judg▪ he will be mo [...] gracious towards the righteous, but [...] [...] against the wicked. He will come in flaming fire, to take vengeance [...] them, 2 Thes. 1. 8. He will come [...] of love towards his people: but in flames of anger against his enemies a Fire shall devour before him, and it will be very tempestu­ous round about him: see Isai 66. 5. Behold the Lord wi [...] co [...] with Fire, and with his [...]iots, as with a Whirl mind, to render his anger with fury, him [...]elukes with flames of Fire. We read of such wrath on that day in the Lamb, as mak­eth the Kings and great men of the earth to tremble, and [Page 56] call to mountains and rocks to fall on them and hide them from it. Rev 6. 15,16,17. Never was there greater love, and more tender bowels of compassion and pitty, than is to be found now in the Lord Jesus Christ, towards all them that apply themselves unto him, under a sense of sin, for Salvation, here in this world: and never was there great­er wrath and revengeful fury, than will be found in the same Lord Jesus Christ, when sinners shall come before him to be judg [...]d at the last day: He will be very furious, ten thousand times be [...]ond a [...]ea [...]e when she is bereaved of her whelps, or a Lion when she is hunger-starved: How fiercely will Christ look upon the wicked? What scorn and con­tempt of them will they see in his face? What dreadful frowns in his brow? What fiery anger will there sparkle from his eye, in his looking upon them, as if he would look them dead, or look them into Hell, before he hath pro­nounced the sentence? How fiercely will he speak unto them? There will be terrour in his looks, and there will he terrour in his voice: he will speak to them in his wr [...]th, and vex them in his hot displeasure. His anger then will break forth into a flame: he will appear to be jealous and very furious, when he cometh to execute ven­geance an his adversaries, and punish his enemies for their sins.

8. Christ [...] be an inexorable Judge. None is now more [...]a [...]e to be entreated as a Saviour: whosoever comes unto him may be welcome to him: he hath promised in [...] wise to cast out such. Joh. 6. 37. The most rebellious [...]ers may find entertainment with Jesus Christ now: and prevail with him to procure pardon, and peace, and salvati­on, upon their repent [...]nce of their sins: but when [...]he is come down from Heaven to judge the world, he will be in­ [...]xorable: No prayers or intreaties: no tears or arguments will in the least move him to take any pit [...]y on such as shall then be found in their sins. When the Wicked at the day of judgment shall have their eyes opened to behold the Lord Jesus Christ in his Glory and Majesty in such excellency & [...]ing b [...]auty: then one smile of his countenance will [...]e [Page 57] really accounted of more worth than the whole World, & to [...]e made like to such a Person, and to dwell for ever in his love and joy, they will then clearly see to be unconcei­vably be [...]ond all the enjoyment of the Creatures in their fullest delights: and to be thrust out of his presence, they will account their chiefest misery; then they will have o­ther apprehensions of Hells Torments, when they are just ready to be cast into the burning Lake: when they are a­wakened in the morning of the R [...]surrection, and are brought to Christs Bar, and they perc [...]iv [...] how near they are to exe [...]ution, and great distress▪ will be upon them, when they look about them, and all refuge fails, and they see no way for them to escape: If now with their cries & supplications they might prevail with the Judge for some commiseration, if they had but the least [...]opes of moving his Bowels, and pacifying his anger, and obtaining the fa­vour of admission into the Inheritance of the [...]aints: O how will they all fall down upon their knees before him with the lowest submission and r [...]verence [...] how would they cry and weep, intrea [...] and beseech? how would they kiss his feet, wash them with their tears, & wipe them with their hairs? how earnest and importunate would they be with him for a Pardon, if importunity would prevail? If there were but one promise left in the whole Book of God for them, which might possibly bring un­to them some relief: how greedily would they all catch at it, and humbly woe the Lord for mercy! No, [...] the Judge will be then inexorable: they m [...] cry, but it will be to no purpose: he will shut his [...]ares against their prayers, and hide his eyes from their misery: they had promises enough whilst they lived, but they did not regard them, they did not believe and apply them: and now no­thing but threatnings belong [...]o them, and remain for them: Christ often cryed to them by his Ministers, and moved them by his Spirit to open the Door of their hearts, and give him room and entertainment: but they shut their [...]ares and hearts against him: and now Christ will shut his eares, and [Page 58] the Door of meter, and Heaven against them. He will be inexorable. Thus concerning the Judge of the wicked.

2. The Assessors, or thos [...] which shall sit with Christ in the judgment of the wicked will be the righteous. This promise the Lord makes particularly and especially to the twelve A­postles, Matth▪ 19. 28. Verily I say unto you, that yee which followed me (that have denied your selves, and parted with all, and taken up your Crose, and followed me) in the Rege­neration, (or restitution of all things, when the Day of Re­surrection doth come) and the son of Man shall sit on the Throne of his glory, (when I shall sit upon my judgment Seat, and gather all Nations before my Bar, to receive their doom) Tee shall sit on Twelve Thrones, Judging the Twelve Tribes of Israel, and though the Apostles of Christ will be especially honoured, and exalted in the day of Judgment, and have seates, or degrees of dignity above others: yet this honour so shall all the Saints have, to sit with Christ in Judgment, 1. [...]. 6. 2. Do yee not know that Saints shall judge the World? They judge and cond [...]mn the sins of the wicked world now, [...] their holy conversation: and they will judge and condemn [...] [...] of the wicked at the last day, by their approbati­ [...] of Christs Judgment. The crimes of the wicked will be [...]an'd before the righteous: their secret sins will be ript up and made manifest unto them: they will not only be brought in as accusers and witnesses against some of the wicked, of which I shall speak by and by: but also they will joyn with Christ in the examination of all the wicked: and they will also approve of Christs justice and righteousness in the con­demning of sinners for their sins, and when Christ doth pro­nounce the sentence of condemnation upon them, Depart from me ye cursed into Everlasting Fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels, they will joyn with him, and approve of this sentence: it may be they will with one voice say, even [...] [...] men: or with aloud shout accompany Christs words, saying▪ Depart yee cursed into Everlasting Fire. A strange turn and change of things will there be at that day: Felix, who late [Page 59] on the Judgment Seat, when Paul was at the Bar, will stand at the Bar when Paul shall fit among the Judges, The Lord will bring down the mighty from their seats, and all wicked Princes and Judges of the Earth shall be dis [...]thron [...]d, when the righteous, though of a low degree, shall be exalted to sit as Judges upon them.

3. The Malefactors which shall be judged, will be,

1. Devils, 2 Pet. 2. 4. The Angels which fell, are said to be Delivered into chains of darkness and to be reserved un­to Judgment: they are punished in part now, but their punish­ment is not yet compleat: when Christ came the first time in the flesh, and began to dislodge the Devils from their habitation in those Persons whom they had got the possession of, they were afraid that he would have compleated their torment presently: and there­fore they cry out, Art thou come hither to torment us before the time? Mat. 8. 29. And let us alone, art thou come to destroy us, Mar, 2. 24. But when Christ comes the second time in his glory: then he will judge and condemn the wicked Angel [...] and the Saints shall joyn with him herein, 1 Cor. 6. 3. Know [...] not that ye shall judge Angels Then the measure of their [...] will be compleated, and the time of their torment will be [...] and their punishment shall be compleated too: the way and ma [...] ­ner of their Judgment is not spoken of in Scripture, and there­fore I shall nor speak of it: but that they shall be judged to ever­lasting Fire, is evident from the sentence pronounced on [...] Men, in which it is said, that everlasting fire is prepared [...] the Devil and his Angels.

2. All wicked Men and Women, that ever [...], or [...] live on the Earth, from the beginning of the Crea [...], [...] the DISSOL UTION of the World, their have no interest in Jesus Christ, will be the Malefactors, which shall [...] judged by Christ at the last Day: this Day is called [...] [...] of Judgment and Perdition of the ungodly, 2 Pet. 3. 7. And the Unjust are▪ said to be reserved unto the Day of Judgment to be punished, Chap. 2. [...]. 9. And the Apostle Paul tells us, that the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven in [...] ­ming Fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, [Page 60] and obey not the Gospel, 2 Thes. 1. 7, 8.

1. By them which know not God, we may understand the Hea­then and the Gentile Nations, this being the Character given of them 1. Thess. 4. 5. Not in lusts of Concupiscence, as the Gentiles which know not God. And the Ephesians, whilst Heathens, before the Gospel came amongst them, were strangers to the Covenant of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world, Ephef. 2, 12. All the Heathen Nations shall be judged by Christ: but I shall not speak of their judgment, [...] which we are not so much concerned.

2. By them which obey not the Gospel we are to understand all those Nations upon whom the Light of the Gospel hath shined, and unto whom the sound of the Gospel hath come: but yet have not yielded obedience thereunto, so as heartily to accept of Christ for their Saviour upon his own terms: all Christless, graceless Persons, who have heard of Christ, and enjoyed the means of Grace, will be the chief Malefactors in the Day of Judgment. I might here give a Catalogue of the sinners which shall be Judged, take one in 1 Cor. 6. 9, 10. The Unrighteous, For­nicators, Idolators, Adulteries, Effeminate, abusers of them­selves with mankind, Thieves, Covetous, Drunkard▪ Revilers, Extortioners, and all other unjustified, unsanctified Sinners. But more of this when I come to speak of the conviction of the Wicked.

4. The Crime for which the wicked shall be judged, & condemned by Christ, will be sin.

1. Sin against the Law, and that I For sins of omission Mat 25. 42. I was an hungred, and ye gave me no medt: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink, &c. 2. For sins of commission, and that 1. for sins of thought and heart, I Cor. 4. 5. When the Lord comes, he will make manifest the counsels of the heart, he will condemn men for their wicked thoughts and contrivements, for their sinful lust s, and desires, and delights. 2. For sins of word, Mat. 12. 36, 37. But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall gave an account thereof in the day of Judgment: For by thy [Page 61] words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be co­demned If for idle words men shall be judged, much more for taking Gods Name in vain, for hideous Oaths and Blas­phemies; if for unprofitable speeches, much more for corrupt communications, for lying, slanderous, bitter reviling spee­ches. 3. Christ will judge the wicked for their sins of deeds, Rom. 2. 6. He will render to every one according to their deeds, And v. 8, 9 To them that obey unrighteousness, indignation, and wrath, tribulation, and anguish upon every Soul of Man that doth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile.

2. The sins against the Gospel, will be the chief condemn­ing Crimes of the wicked. No sins against the Law will be found so heinous, but if sinners be found after the commissi­on of them to have obeyed the Gospel, to have repented, and believed, and yielded the fruits of new obedience; they will have a pardon and absolution on that day; but final disobedience to the Gospel will be unpardonable: final imp [...]nitency, and unbelief in those which have been called to repent, and to close with Jesus Christ will certainly bring men under the sentence of condemnation; I might here give a more particular Catalogue of the sins which the wicked shall be judged for by Christ, but something more of them under their conviction by Christ.

5. The accusers of, and witnesses against the wicked, being the same, I shall joyn them together, and they will be, 1. God. 2. Men. 3. Devils. 4. Themselves.

1. God will be an accuser of, and witness against the wicked, at the day of judgment.

1. God's Justice, to speak after the manner of men, see­ing this judgment is set forth in such a manner, for our bet­ter apprehending of it, because we are not able to conceive in this state exactly of Gods proceeding against sinners in judgment on that day, will arraign the wicked before the judgment Seat of Christ, and draw up as it were a Bill of Indictment against them. Whereas these men and Women, who lived in such and such places and times, though they were my Creatures and Subjects: were made by me and for me, and I gave them my holy, and righteous, and good [Page 62] Law, to be the guide and [...]sle of their life and actions, yet having no fear of me before their eyes: they did shake off my yoke, and break my Laws, they did ca [...]t my Comman­dements behind their bac [...], and live [...] in a course of rebel­lion and disobedience against me; committing such and such sins: And when I sent m [...] Son into the World to d [...]e for sinners, who gave me sufficient satisfaction; and [...] him known, and the way of salvation by him, and proffered him unto them, and entreated them by my Embassador [...] to be re­conciled; but they shut their ear, and hardened their hearts and refused my Son, trampled upon his blood: grieved my Spirit, and neglected the salvation of their own soul s; there­fore I now require satisfaction from themselves, and that a condign punishment be inflicted upon them for their disobe­dience.

2. Gods goodness, and bounty, and patience will accuse them, when they are thus arraigned and indicted by his ju­stice which will aggravate their sins: I nourished & brought up these creatures, like Children, and yet they rebelled a­gainst me: I spared them as a man spareth his Son which [...]erveth him, and yet they had no regard of me: I delivered them in six troubles, and in seven: recovered them often from a sick bed; and brought them back from the Grave, when they were ready to go down into the Pit: and yet they knew not that I healed them, and were so much the more disobedient unto me: I loaded them with mercies, and yet they loaded me with iniquities: I would have led them to repentance by my patience and goodnes s, but they were the more impenitent and hard-hearted, and resolved to do evil: I stretched forth my hand all the day long to these disobedient and gain-saying Creatures, and would have received them, had they returned into the arms of my mer­cy, but nothing would win and perswade them to leave their sins, and come unto me: and now my patience is spent, and long-suffering is at an end, and bowels shut up against them for ever: and let them now smart for all their abuses, affronts and contempts, which they have offered to me.

3. Gods Omniscience will be a witness against the wicke [...] [Page 63] the day of Judgment: their sins have been all committed under the view of God's all-seeing eye: and they have bi [...] noted down upon the Book of his Remembrance: and God will witness against them, I saw these wretched sinners when they were born, and traced all their steps; I compassed their path, and their lying d [...]wn, and was acquainted with all their ways: I did beset them behind and before, and mine eye was continually upon them: I perceived the first sproutings and buddings of sin in their tender years: I took notice of their disobedience to their Parents, when they were young: of th [...]ir li [...]s and pride, and va­nity, of their idleness and sloth, and mis-spending their precious time: I was an eye-witness to all their sins, from their youth to to their dying hour: I beheld them when no eye besides was upon them: I saw their privy lewdness, and all their deeds of dark­ness, which they committed in dark corners: when I kept silence and did not speak, I was not blind so as not to see: and although I did not smite, I did note: and what one of them all have the [...] confidence to deny any one of their sins which I have been a wit­ness unto? The first accuser and witness against the wicked will be God himself.

2. Men will accuse and witness against the wicked at the day of Judgment, and that bath the Godly and the Ungodly.

1. The Godly, and that both Godly Ministers, and Godly Friends.

1. Godly Ministers, will be the accusers and witnesses a­gainst the wicked. Ministers must give an account▪ then to their Lord of the souls which he committed to their charge. Heb. 13. 17. And in some of their Flock they will rejoyce, because their testimony concerning Jesus Christ was [...]eved; because the Gospel which they preached amongst [...]em was obeyed: because the Word was received as the Word of God, they will rejoyce in them which have been effectually wrought upon by then Ministry; in those which they have been instru­mental to regenerate and espouse unto Jesus Christ; to per­swade to leave their sins, and submit themselves unto the yoke and Scepter of the Lord; such will be the joy and crown of rejoycing to their Ministers on that day; of whom with unspeakable comfort they will say to their Lord, Behold the [Page 64] Children which thou hast given us, Thine they were and are, and thou didst give them unto us, and they have believed and kept thy [...]ord; and now as they have shared in thy Grace, let them and us share in, and participate of thy Glory. But alass! what a sad account will they have to give of others of their Flock, who have not believed and yielded obedience to the Gospel, which they have preached; it will be sad for them, when they must bring in heavy accusations against them. Lord thou didst send us upon thy E [...]assage unto them; but they regarded neither Messenger, nor Message; we preached of­ten in thy Name, but either they would not hear when they might, or they would not believe and yield obedience when they heard: we oft told them of their sins, and foretold them of their danger, if they did not repent and reform; but they would not receive conviction, nor be perswaded to repentance and reformation; if we spake of sin more gene­rally, they did look upon themselves as concerned, and made no Application, except it were to others: if we come more home and close, they shrouded their sins as close as they could under the Vaile of some thin excuses: they shut their eyes and would not see: and if the beames of light brake in upon them, and in a start they open their eyes a lit­tle: they were either offended, that we should disturb them in their sleep, or they quicklie shut their e [...]es again, and dropt asleep faster than before: and soon wore off the convicti­ons and troubles of mind which sometimes they have had under the light and allarme of thy word. We often shew­ed them their face in the Glass, but they have gone away and forgotten what manner of Men and Women they were: we have told them of the works of the flesh, which would certainly exclude them the kingdom of Heaven, Gal. 5. 19, 20, 21. That no unrighteous person, nor unclean person, nor drunkard, nor covetous Person, nor Reviler, nor Extortioner could be saved, without Repentance and S anctification: 1 Cor. 6. 9, 10, 11. And yet they would not leave their sins: they would be unjust and unclean still; they would be covetous and Revilers still: t [...]ey would wallow still in their filthiness, and hold fast their sin, whatever we could speak against it. We Preached unto them of the day of Judg­ment, [Page 65] and foretold them out of the Word, of these very things which are now come to pass: but they did not believe it, nor consider it, nor take any care to prepare for this day: they thrust the thoughts of judgment out of their mind, and put the evil day far from them. We preached unto them the Gospel, opened the rich treasures thereof before them, made known the exceeding great and precious promises of the Covenant of grace: the inestimable priviledges and un­speakable benefits, which belong to those that belong to Christ: and proffered all unto them in thy name if they would accept of them, and yield obedience unto thee: but all these things were slighted and undervalued by them. We called and cryed, we beseeched and entreated them that they would be reconciled unto God: but they would not give ear unto us. We held thee forth, Lord, to them, and studied to set thee forth in the best words we could think of: told them of thy beauty and love, and desirableness a­bove all persons and things in the world: told them of their need and that they were undone without thee: tendered to them thy blood, and the purchase thereof pardon and peace, and happiness for ever: but they were like the dea [...] Add [...]r which will not hear, they were like Rocks unmoved, they refused thee and thy treasures, trampled upon thy blood, and put both us and thee to shame by their refusal, we invited them unto the Marriage feast, but they would not come: all excus'd themselves with one consent: one had bought a Farm, and he must see it: another was engaged in a great Trade, and he must fellow it, another had married a Wife, and he could not, and none of them would come, and taste of th [...] Banquet: the [...]res of the World, the deceitfulness of riches, the pleasures of this life, and the lusts of other things, did so over charge their thoughts and hearts, that the Gospel and rich pr [...]visi­ons thereof lay by disregarded.

Such will be the accusation [...] of some Ministers such witness must they give at the last day against those of their Flock, who shall be found in the number of the wicked & disobedient to the Gospel; then their Sermons, now for­gotten, will be remembred, and be so many evidence▪ [Page 66] against them: O that our People would remember them now! O that they would now consider and believe, and turn and live, and avoid the accusations and witness, which otherwise we must be forced to give in then against them.

2. The godly Friends of the wicked will be their accu­sers, and witness against them: some of them are linked in near Relations to the Godly, who now are endeavouring to be instrumental for their Salvation: but if they do not prevail, they will hereafter be their accusers and Witnesses for their condemnation.

1. The believing Husband will then accuse and witness a­gainst his unbelieving Wife. Lord, she lay in my bosom, and was beloved of me as my self: I cherished her, and was as tender of her as my own flesh, according to thy command but all my love and kindness to her could not win her heart for thee: I told her often of thy beauty, and thy love which was a thousand fold beyond what [...] or any man alive could possibly express: but she was stupid and unbelieving, and wholly disregarded both thy Per­son and thy Love: I covered her faults with love, as much as I could, from others: and used many entreaties and loving perswa­sions to draw her to amendment: telling her the danger and de­structive issue of a sinful course, but she would not hearken to a­mend, her heart was set upon sin and vanity, she was proud and foolish, she was wanton and froward, and would not be reclaimed she did see my grief and sorrow for sin, she was a witness to my [...]ears and mournful complaints: and yet she could bear up under greater guilt without any sense: she did see me often retire into my closet, and knew that I spent time dayly between me and thee alone: and yet, though her need was as great, she would not be perswaded to an imitation: I have often in the secret silent night, when sleep hath fled from both our eyes, taken advantage of such opportunities to discourse with her about her soul-affairs told her of the sleep of death which ere long would sei [...] upon us: the night we must [...]nd in the grave: of the morning of the resurrection: of thy second coming, and our appearing before thy Tribunal Seat, but nothing would quicken her to make preparation for death▪ and Judgment, she heard as if she were asleep, as in­deed she was asleep whilst awake, and dead whilst she was alive, asleep and dead in sin and security.

[Page 67] 2. The believing Wife, will then accuse her unbelieving [...] band. Lord, thou knowest how I loved, and honoured, [...] reverenced, and obeyed him in lawful things, and was faithful to him according to my duty; but he would not love and honour thee; he was unfaithful, and would not obey thy more reasonable commands unto whom he owed a greater subjection; I have often sate alone like a Widow at home, when he hath been revelling abroad with his companions: I have been pouring forth tears for him at the Throne of grace in my Closer, when he hath bin pou­ring in Wine and strong Drink in Taverns and Alehouses: I have been troubled for him when he hath sta [...]ed out so late; and troubled more with him when he [...]ath come in so full of drink and passion; and with much patience have endured his soul speeches and behaviour which he hath used: I have watched the most fit opportunity I could take to put him in mind of his sin and danger: and I have done it with the greatest humility and meekness, and tender affecti­on as I could: but either he hath not regarded my words, or flew out into a rage against me: O how fain would I have perswaded him to draw in the same yoke of Christ with me, but he would draw another way, do what I could: none of my prayers, nor tears, nor arguments, no, not th [...] love of Christ, nor the love of his own soul could [...] with him to change his course: he would not leave [...] drunkenness and adultery, his worldliness and unjustice, [...] ­lying and over-reaching, his swearing and bitterness again thy people, by no means would he be perswade [...].

3. Believing P arents will then accuse and witness against [...] ungodly children and servants.

Lord, we endeavoured to bring them up in the [...] and admonition of thee: we laboured to put good [...] betimes into them: we dropped many wholsom instruction upon them: we prayed frequently for them, & with them and spake plainly and earnestly to them about their Soul concernments: we [...]old them of the immortality of the souls, the preciousness of their time, the evil of sin the need of thee, the excellency of grace, their danger of [...] [Page 68] the way to escape it; the glory of Heaven, the way to at­tain it: but alas, to the grief of our hearts, they shut their ears against all our instructions, and would take none of our reproofs or counsels, they would go foolishly and stubbornly on in a course of sin, and neither thy Law nor our Fear would restrain them.

Thus these and other godly relations will rise up in judg­ment, and witness against the wicked.

2. The ungodly friends and companions of the wicked will at [...]hat day be their accusers and witness against them; especial­ly those who have been drawn by them into sin; however now they are very well pleased with them, and delight in their company, because sin pleaseth them, and they do not feel nor believe the bitterness which will be consequent: yet when they come to be judged, and punished for those sins, they will with rage and madness accuse and curse those wicked Persons which were their first tempters: Drunkards will accuse those that drew thhm first into Taverns and Ale­houses, and perswaded them by healths, and other ways to drink beyond their measure: Adulterers and Adulteresses will accuse those which first inticed them unto privy lewd­ness: ungodly servants also will then accuse their wicked Masters, and ungodly children their wicked Parents, who have been drawn into sin by their example. Thus men will be accusers and witnesses against the wicked.

3. Devils will be the Accusers and Witnesses against the wicked; they are now accusers of the brethren, then they will be accusers of the wicked; they accuse the brethren [...]ly, they will accuse the wicked truly; now they please & [...] the wicked, and perswade them to sin; then they will accuse them for those very sins which they perswaded them unto: they have done the Devils drudgery all their d [...]ies, and been his [...]aithful slaves; and this is his recom­pence, he will be their accuser at the last day.

4. The wicked will [...]e accused by themselves their own thoughts shall accuse them in the day when God shall judge the secrets of [...] by Jesus Christ, Rom. 2. 15, 16. their own consciences will accuse them, and be as a thousand witnesses against [Page 69] them: they will find all their sins registred in that book, and that book will then be opened, and they will not be able to deny one word of what they shall find there recorded. Thus of the accusers and witnesses against the wicked.

6. Concerning the Conviction. And here I shall speak of the conviction of some particular sinners; especially of such who have lived in the days and places, where the Gospel hath been preached, whom the Lord Jesus Christ with up­braiding haveing so full evidence with convict of their [...]ins To set this out the more lively.

Suppose that this very day were the day of Judgment; and in this very Church were the Judgment seat: that here were a great white Throne, and the Lord Jesus Christ him­self sitting upon it in his glory, with millions of holy An­gels about him, and all the Saints in white at his right hand: and on his left, all the wicked gathered together into one body, as it will be at the last day: And the Judge should cry with a loud voice, Bring the prisoners to the B ay, Bring the sinners to judgment, and so summon and convict particular sinners.

1. Come forth all ye ignorant persons: who have not known the Father, nor me, nor the misteries of salvation, however clearly revealed in my Word; who lived in dark­ness, and loved darkness, and hated the light, least your deed▪ should thereby have been reproved: What dark in a [...] ignorant in L ondon! in a place of so much knowledge and in­struction! Did not Parents teach you when you were young? how is it that you would not be taught? If Parents neg­lected to instruct you, had you not Ministers, [...] were ready to do it? How is it that you have not [...]? If knowledge did not offer it self to you, why did you not seek after it? why did not you learn of your selves? was there any thing in the world that did concern you more to know? was not the knowledge of me, and my waies, [...] the look­ing after? had you a capacity for other knowledge, and not for this? have not others learnt, who were naturally [Page 70] as dull, and had as few helps, as you? had you time to spend about other thing s, in sports and sins, and not time to spend in getting knowledge? had you an ear, and yet not hear, so as to learn? had you an eye, and yet see so as to un­derstand? And if you were naturally blind, had not I eye­salve? could not I have opened your eyes? was I not wil­ling? did I not stand in the gates to call upon you, How long ye simple ones will you love simplicity? and fools hate knowledge: Turn unto me, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and make known my words unto you? Prov. [...].22,24 Have you neglected me through ignorance, is not your fault double, because you have neglected knowledge too? have you com­mitted many sins through ignoronce, is not this an aggra­vation of your sin▪ did not you hate knowledge, and there­fore dis-regarded it? did not you love sin, and therefore shunned the light, which would have discovered it, and dis­turbed you in your wicked courses? have you liked dark­ness so well, and is it not fit then that you should go to the place where there is blackness of darkness for ever? Take them Devils binde them hand and foot.

2. Come forth all yee slothful and unprofitable persons. Had not ye Talents committed to you for my use and service, & what have you done with them? did you bury them in the earth? or lay them up in a napkin? what could you lie down and slumber, when you had so much work to do? could you trifle away so many hours, when time was so precious? could you sleep in the day, in the day of grace? sleep in the Harvest, which was so rich and plentiful, were you lived? could you stand idle all the day long in the market-place? were you born for nothing, that ye lived so unprofitable, and were good for nothing? would not religion have found you imployment sufficient, if you had followed its direction? Did the difficulties of duties discourage you, and therefore you would let them alone, though they were so necessary had the command of God no force with you? would not your own good and happiness move you at all to diligence? did fear of men, and suffering damage in the world, keep you off from zealous profession, and a strict course of li [...]e: and [Page 71] should not the fear of God and danger of Hell, have kept you more from sin and stirred you up unto the most dif­ficult hazz [...]rdous duty? was there a Lion in the way to Heaven [...] were there no Lions in the way to Hell? did not some sin cost you pains and labour? did you find no difficulty in the service of the devil, and your own lusts? & was not holiness more worth your paines to get? would not I have proved a better master, had you been diligent in my service? could you be diligent in your callings, to get a livelihood for your selves and families? and neglect the life and salvation of your precious souls? would not my work have brought wages with it? was there not sweetness mingled with the difficulty? and would not the fruits have been sweet? would not a Crown and Kingdom, a weight of glory, and eternal pleasures, move you to undergo some difficulty? was there so much difficulty in obedience to my commands (which were not grievous to a spiritual heart) and is there not more difficulty in suffering what you must unavoidably suffer for your neglect▪ if my yoak were pain­ful to an unaccustomed neck, could not I have fitted your neck to it, and made it easie? if my burden were heavy to a weak back, could not, would not I have put under my shoulder, and helped you to have born it? were not the most difficult duties I required, for your own good, and so many priviledges, and the best work you could be imployed in? were any of my servants so wearie [...] with my service, with the hardest work I set them about, as you were weari­ed with your idleness, and doing nothing? did not the Earth groan under such unprofitable burdens? did not Hell gape for you long ago, and Devils long for this time when you should be delivered into their powers. Take them▪ Devils bind them hand and foot.

3. Come forth all ye that have neglected Family worship, and never sought after God in your Closets; Were not you Crea­tures, and did the Law of Creation require no worship? were not you subjects, and should not you have shewen homage to your Soveraign? did not you live upon Gods finding and bounty every day, and should act you have ac­knowledged [Page 72] your dependance? did not God bring you in to your Family Relation, and did he require no duty Did [...]o: he threaten to pour out his wrath upon irreligious Fa­milies? and yet would not you set up Religion in yours? had you any business to do in your Houses, of that conse­quence, as Worshiping God in your houses? if you had not ability to pra [...] at first with others, might not you have at­tained it, had you used to pray by your selves: would not God have helped you had you been wil [...]ing to have been helped? had you been sensible of sin, would you have wan­ted words in Confession? had you been sensible of your wants, would you have lacked expressions to make them known? was it curiosity and el [...]ganci [...] of words, that God it much looked for? would not sighs and groans have been understood? would not the Scriptures have furnished you with expressions, had you used to read them? would not Sermons have furnished you with matter and expressions had you used to repeat them? had you need of such and such things for your Families, and had you no need of Gods blessing? and could you hope for this blessing, if you did not worship him? might not you have prospered more in the World, if you had used to pray more in your houses? might not you have had more comfort in your Relation s, if you had daily engaged with them in the Duties of Gods Worship might not Family Prayer have prevented much sin and sorrow which you brought upon you? did not you fall into many snares daily, for want of the Armour of Pray­er? had your Children and Servants no need of religious education? were they like to be obedient and faithful to you, if you did not teach them to be obedient and faithful unto God? had not you the charge of their souls put into your hands? and what account can you give? have not you brought their blood upon your heads? have not you contracted to your selves the guilt of their sins? can you endure to hear their curses and [...]an­ning of you for neglecting to give them such religious education, as might have been the means of their salvation? And you that were under government in Families which had no Religion, could you so w [...]hingly imitate the Governours, and the [Page 73] rest, in the neglect of Gods Worship? Could you contentedly go to Hell for company? is it any allevation of your grief & horrour that all your Family is together? can your Masters or Fathers answer for themselves, or you? had not you a greater Master in Heaven, whom you should rather have obeyed? did not you understand your dut y? and if you could not worship God more publickl y, should not you have sought out retiring cor­ners: if others would not pray with you, should not you have prayed alone b y your selves: What if you had no ex­ample for it in your House, had you no precept for it in the Word: what if you were under command, and much busi­ness was required of you, and you were discouraged in such duties, could not you have found time when business was o­ver, or before business began: could not you have red [...]emed time from sleep and recreations, rather than have neglected Gods Worship dail y: would not God have encouraged and rewarded you: what if you had been scoffed at, and reproa­ched for this: would not the favour and smiles of God have compensated the flours of men, would not Heaven have bin worth all the reproaches you could have undergone: could you eat, and drink, and sleep, and not to pray to God, which was more necessary than any thing, which is most necessary for your bodies: and if there was no worship of God at home, could not you have looked abroad: were there none lived near you who would have been glad of your compa­ny in the worship of God, and way to Heaven: could you find out no religious young men or women suitable to your degree, who would have quickned you, and heartned you a­gainst discouragements: did not you devote your selves ra­ther to the service of some lusts, and were glad of any ex­cuse when Conscience would have minded you of your duty towards God: Take them Devils bind them hand and foot.

4. Come forth all ye Sabbath-breakers, you that have spent the day in sleeping, in eating and drinking to excess: who instead of holy meditations, have been thinking and contri­ving your worldly business; instead of [...] conferen­ces, have discoursed only of earthly matters: [...] of go­ing to Church to worship God, have walked into the fields▪ [Page 74] and spent the time in recreation, or if you have seemed to give God a half day service by your presence at Church one part of the da y: yet have worshiped him only with your bo­dies, when your hearts were removed far from him, had not you an express command for the Sabbaths observation: and if the day of first institution were changed, was the day and worship thereof laid aside, and ceased to be a dut y: if the Jews were obliged to keep a day hol y, were not the Christians much more: Was not the Sabbath made for man, was it not for his priviledge to take [...] [...] for ho­ly rest and worship: and did the Gospel [...] mens Pri­viledges: Did not the Moral Law of which Sabbath obser­vation was one precept, bind throughout all generations: could you call other days holy which the Scripture gave no warrant for, and not observe that holy day which you were enjoyned: Did not God allow you six days for labour in your callings: and was it unequal for him to take one day for his own worship: had he eased you of the burdensome Ceremonies under the Law, was the Sabbath so burden▪ [...]me to you: could you reasonably hope to enter into eter­nal rest, and keep a Sabbath in Heaven, if you would not celebrate the appointed Sabbaths on Earth: Were not the works of the Creation and Redemption worthy your me­morial: was not communion with God in Ordniances de­firable: had you no need of those spiritual provisions, which God did use to deal forth on the Sabbath days to them that waited upon him for them: what: not worship God either in your own houses, no [...] in his house, neither on the work day or Sabbath da y: could your sometimes cold and formal services be counted worship: Did you think that [...] prayers would ever be heard by God that searcheth and requireth the heart: did you think that Sermons unmind­ed, un-remembred, which you did neither believe, no [...] were affected with, would be effectual to save you▪ Take them Devils, [...]ind them hand and foot,

5. Come forth all ye swearers, and profaners of the Name of God▪ Did you never read nor hear the third C [...] ­ [...]dment, which for had this sin! Did you [...] near of my [...] [Page 75] Injunction: that you should not swear at all in your discourses, [...] that your communication should be yea and [...]ay? Were you never [...] told that swearers would fall into condemnation? Was the Great and dreadful Name of God of so little regard, that you could not only use it irreverently, so frequently: but also even tear it in pieces by your oaths: What profit did you get by your swea­ring: and are you like to sustain no lo [...]s: what pleasure did you find in your swearing: and are you like to reap no bitterness: was it for your honour to swear by the Name of God: or ra­ther was it not for your dishonour but how did you dishonour God: What an affront did you offer to him hereby? you call'd upon him sometimes to damn and s [...]k you: can you speak in that language now▪ now damnation is so near you: Worms! could [...] God have trodden you under his feet▪ or crusht you as easily as you could do a f [...]ie, every time you profaned his Name: and be­cause he was patient, would you presume: because [...]e did not present [...]e punish, did you dare him, and fli [...] in his face to [...] his fury: You have sworn in your folly, and have not repented and God hath sworn in his wrath, and will not repent, [...] [...] shall never enter into his rest. Take them Devils, [...] the [...] hand and foot.

6. Come forth all yee scoffers at Religion, and the zeal­ous Professors thereof: who thought and spake of Religion as if it had been a fancie, and cunningly devised Fable: and of the most holy, humble, and self-denying Christians, as if they [...] the most mean-spirited, foolish, and contemptible People [...] Earth: and have used the name of a Saint in derision, and [...] verb of reproach. Have you the same mind now, that Religion was but a fancy: Is your Resurrection, and my appearance, but [...] fancie: Is your punishment eternallie in Hell, like to [...] but [...] fancie: Had you not [...] sure groun [...] and bottom▪ for your faith [...] the Scriptures: Could you have desired more reasonable evid [...] of things done before your age: Could you [...] [...] Scriptures▪ threatnings: And can you laugh now [...] the [...]: Could you content Gospel-promises [...] they so con­temptible now in your eyes, when now you [...] of them before you: Against whom was it [...] while a [...]: [...] was it that you did [...] [Page 76] [...] Disciples! because they were [...]eek and humble, and did not take the pleasures of sin with you, and were strict in their profession and conversation: What think you of them now: Were they so mean spirited and contemptible: Were they so foolish, which made to wise a choice: Did they well, or ill, in staying till this time for their happiness: Look upon the Persons now, whom once you scorned, and thought unworthie of your companie: Was it so ridiculous a thing to be a Saint, as you imagined: Was not [...]ining with them in glory, at all desirable: Would not you be glad to be [...]bred amongst them now: Why do you not laugh and [...]eer at the Saints now: Yee fools and blind sots, do you know what you scoft at: Could you see no excellencie in Ho­liness, and the Divine Nature, in my Image, which was engra­ven upon them: Did ever any Man of understanding laugh at the light of the S un: They were lights in the dark World, where they lived: what mock at Holiness: hereby you mocked at God himself, who is so infinitelie glorious in this attribute, and here­by distinguished from all his Creatures: vile Wretches! Take them Devils, [...]ind them hand and foot.

7. Come forth ye Persecuters of my Disciples: Was it not enough for you to mock them: but you must persecute them too: Was it not enough for you to persecute them with the tongue, but you m [...]st persecute them with the hand: What, could you betra [...]y them like Judas for a piece of mone y, or ou [...] of malice, which was worse: Could you disturb them in their service and worship of [...], when they were praying for your Conversion and Solvation: Could you hale and drag them to Prison, who endeavoured to keep you out of the Prison of Hell, could you seek the ruine of such as were the best Friends of your Souls: when you never received injury from them, [...] you be so envious to them: do you know whom you persecuted: It was me, it was me whom ye perse­cuted, when you persecuted my Disciples: it was me whom you wounded through the sides, it was me you betrayed in betraying them: it was me ye imprisoned, in imprison­ing them: it was me ye spurned at, when ye lifted up the heel against then: and did you ever think to prosper [Page 77] in this way? You, you, have been above all other [...] upon the Earth, my professed Enemies, and most like [...] Father the Devil; come ye Wretches, gird up your [...] like men: gather your forces together: put on strength & courage, if you have any: and lift up your hand, if you dare against me; do you find strength to fail you now, and your forces too weak to make resistance? and were you so foolish an to engage in Battle, where you might have known, you should certainly be conquered at the last? Doth your Courage fail upon the sight of the Captain? [...] should you not have been afraid to touch my anointed ones, my lifted Souldiers? you served the Devil, and fought un­der his Banner against me and mine, and can be deliver you now out of my hand? can he desend you against my rage and fury? Or would he do it, if it lay in his power? Had you ever more spight and malice against my People, than the Devil had against you, in setting you about perse­cution Work? Did not he design your ruine hereby? did not he think of this day, and on purpose draw you to this sin▪ that ye might be the more horribly tormented? and doth not he with his Angels wait now for you, that [...] may drag you into torments? Take them Devils, bind [...] hand and foot▪

8. Come forth all ye intemperate and licentious Persons, who have indulged your flesh, and laid no restraint upon your sen­sual appetite; who have made provision for your flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof: but made no provision for my glory, and took [...] care to fulfil my commands: Did you never hear of such a Duty as self-denial, which I required of all my Disciples and Follow­ers? Were you never told that if you followed the Inclinations and obeyed the commands of carnal self, it would be to your ru­ine and destruction? that bitterness and sorrow would be the issu [...] of flesh-pleasing? that lust, if conceived, would bring forth sin, and sin when perfected would bring forth death? Did you never read that if ye lived after the flesh, ye should die, and that your must, through the Spirit, martifie the deeds of the body, other­wise life and happiness could not be obtained? and yet would you [...] the [...] on the neck of your lusts? if you had no faith, [...] [Page 78] [...] [...] reason neither, to keep you from intemperance? if you [...] not live like Christians, would you not live like men? would you needs be bruits, and live as if you were all body, and had no souls of such high Capacity? were you so blind as not to see a­far off before this day of Judgment, when I should call you to an account? or to see a little before you, to the day of your death, which would put a conclusion to all your sensual pleasures: Could you bribe and muzzle Conscience, and lay it asleep whilst you take your pleasures? Could you tread reason under feet, and resolve you would not be controlled by any light, or law, or government, from your eager prosecution of your carnal delights.

Come forth all ye Gluttons, who have prepared your flesh with delicious food, but never had the least regard to feed your souls which had more need, who have spent many hours & days in feasting your bodies, nourishing your selves against the day of slaughter; but when you were invited by my Messengers to the Marriage-Feast, to the Feast I had prepa­red for you, of the richest and most costly Spiritual dainties; you had no stomack, no appetite, and could not, would not come: what! did you indeed make your belly your God? and can s [...]h a God save and make you happy? Did you think that food which perisheth, could give happiness to a never doing soul? did you not know that both meat and belly would be destroyed? and that your bodies would be­come food for Worms? and yet could you make it the chief business of your lives to feed your bodies? you were allowed food convenient, and sometime for delight, that your bodies might serve your souls with strength and vigour, and both, their Lord and Master: but excess you were forbid­den, which did distemper both body and mind, and unfit you for the service of the Lord: and yet would you over­charge your selves? now reap the fruit of this intempe­rance, and taste the Gall and Wormwood which your sweet bits are turned into.

Come forth all ye Drunkards, who if you have not overcharg­ed your bellies with excessive eating, yet have often intoxica­ted your brains with the fumes of excessive drinking: who have drowned your understanding, wit and fancy, your natu­ral [Page 79] parts and ingenuity, which might have rendered you [...] ­ful in the Church, or Common-wealth where you lived, and made your selves meer sots by drunkenness: and what account can you now give of the talents you were en­trusted withall? what excuse can you find for this sin? were you enticed to it, and overtaken before you were aware but who could entice you to drink a portion which would kill your bodies? and was not the death and damnation of your souls more to be avoided? would you be enticed to that unto which a very Beast will not be enforced? but were you not forward of your selves to the sin? did you not like the company well that joyn'd with you therein? did not you o­vertake the sin by your desires? did not the liquor please your appetite? did not you swill it in without perswasion? if you had been overtaken, would you have been so often guilty? would you have come so often into the places and company where you fell into it? was not your [...]efest mirth amongst your cups, and drunken Companions [...] were not you melancholly and troubled, when your meetings of good-fellowship were disappointed? you would have your Cups, and drink Wine in Bowles, and strong Drink without measure: and now also you have a Cup to drink of, even the Cup of the Wine of the wrath of the angry Allmighty God: now yee shall drink of the dregs of this Cup, which hath ten thousand times more bitterness in it, than your other Cups have had sweetn ess.

Come forth all yee Adulterers, you that have neighed like full Horses after your neighbours Wives, and assembled by troopes into Harlots house s: or if not so, have committed this sin in secret corners: was there no shame in you, to keep you from this nasty, filthy sin? could you delight so much to wallow in mire and dung? was there no fear in you to restrain you? did not conscience check and rebuk [...] you, when this lust first conceived in you? did you never hear that Whoremongers and Adulterers God would judge? and did you not think you should be called to an account for this sin? Could you melt in filthy sinful pleasures of the [...]h, and not consider how you should consume in torments? [Page 80] [...] your short pleasures comparable to an eternity of [...] [...] misery? were there no pleasures of a higher nature, [...] sweeter relish attainable in life, if you had foregone and denied your selves unlawful pleasures? have you not lost them and the unspeakable eternal joyes of Heaven by your intemperance. Take them Devils bind them hand and foot.

9. Come forth all yee Covetous Persons, whose treasure, & heart, and hope, and confidence hath been in earthly things; who have made the world your God, desiring, and loving, & delighting, and trusting in your wealth and riches, as if they could yield the most contentment, and be the best defence unto you: whose greatest thoughts, and care, and labour have been spent about getting and keeping an estate and portion in the world, with little heart to use it for your selves, much less for the good of others, and glory of God that gave it: Did you not know that covetousness was Ido­latry? and that no Idolater shall have any admittance into the new Jerulasem? Did you not know that the love of the world was inconsistent with the love of the Father? had you such mean thoughts of God, that you chose the world before him? were the riches of grace of so small esteem, that you preferred earthly riches? had the treasures in heaven no more worth in your account, that you should neglect and disregard them, and make choice rather of treasures on earth? When you had tried the world, and found it vain and empty, would you still set your heart upon it? when you felt such thorny cares, and piercing sorrows in your eager prosecution of this world, could not this damp and deaden your affecti­on to it? when your own and others riches sometimes sud­denly took flight as upon an Eagles wing, of desire after them? did you not foresee how naked and bare death would strip you of all: and yet would nothing wean your whorish heart from the love of the world? were you never told that riches could not profit you in the day of wrath? is not all your wealth consumed now? treasures there indeed prepared for you▪ [...] they are treasures of wrath which your sins have deserved. Take them Devils bind them hand and foot.

10. Come forth all yee unmerciful persons: whole [...] [Page 81] have been shut up against the poor and needy who have spoken churlishly to the poor, and looked upon them a far [...]: or if you have spoken to them fair, and said to the na­ [...]d and destitute of daily food, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and be ye filled [...]: yet have not given unto them things needful for the body, whatever abundance you had by you, who have no pitty on my distressed members, so as to contribute any re­lief to their necessities? I was hungry, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was waked, and ye cloathed me not: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in [...] I was sick▪ [...]nd you visited me not: I was in prison, and ye did not administer unto me. Did you not un­derstand it was your duty to relieve the▪ poor? had you not your riches given to you for this [...]? was not this the best use you could put them unto? would not works of mercy have brought unto you the best returns at last: might you not hereby have laid up for your selves a good foundation against this day? if you had laid o [...]t▪ your estate according to my prescription, migh [...] not you now have [...] hold [...] eternal life? were you never forewarned, that such should have judgment without mercy, that did not shew mercy? And you that have had no mercy to forgive, that know not how to pass by real, or conjectural injuries, which [...] hare received: that were ready to take your brother by the throne for a hundred pence, when you might have been forgiven your ten thousand talents which you owed unto God: were ye never told, that the King of Heaven would deliver you to the tormentors, if you were unmercifull? Take them De­vils bind them hand and foot.

11. Come forth all ye unrighteous [...] ▪ [...] have wronged Widows, and Orphans: who have over-reached your Neighbours in your dealings; who have heaped an estate together by unrighteous practices: who have sque [...]'d and oppressed the poor, which have had no helper: was not the Law of right writ­ten upon your heart: did you not read it more plainly in the Word did not men condemn you: did not your own Consciences secretly [...] you for your unrighteousness? and did not you think that [...] [...] God would condemn you much more: [...] you not [...] [Page 82] that no unrighteous person should inherit the Kingdom of Heaven that the Lord would avenge himself upon you for this sin? [...] you wrong others so much as you have hereby wronged your selves: is the gain of the world comparable to the loss of your souls: it a little Silver or Gold (now taken away from you) comparable to the loss of Heaven, and eternal Glory: Did you think such faults would be winked at: did you expect to hear of them again at the day of Judgment: is it an unrighteous thing to punish you for your unrighteousness▪ Take them Devils, bind them hand and foot.

12. Come forth ye liar:s you who have taught and accus­tomed your selves to this sin; who have not only reported lies; but also made them: whose words have been feigned and deceitful: Did you not know, that God who made you, and to whom you owed all subjection and obedience, was a God of Truth, and that he required Truth: that every man should speak Truth to his Neighbour: that he abhor­ned Lying lips? that he threatned to punish Liars with the [...] death, and give them their portion in the Lake of [...]? [...] had you no fear of God, no fear of future [...] restrain you: might you not as easilie have [...] truth, as uttered falshood? would you not hereby have [...] more credit in the World: would not you have been more fit for society: would not you have had more peace in your Conscience: did you excuse faults by your lies: but was it not a greater aggravation of them: if you hid them by lies, from men, could you hide them from God, who searched your heart: did you shew kind­ness [...] by your lies: and did not you injure your selves [...]ousand fold more: did you harm others by your lies so [...] as your selves: Did you not know that the Devil was the Father of lies, and liars? and were you so desirous tribe like him: were you so forward to do him service: Take them Devils, bind them hand and foot.

13. Come forth all ye Slanderers and Backbiters, who have walked about with flanders, and carried about tales unto the reproach and injury of your neighbours good name: Did you not know it was your duty to endeavour the pre­servation [Page 83] of your Neighbours Reputation as carefully as your [...]: were you not commanded to speak evil of none: [...]uld you flatter others before their faces, and alter your [...]eech so much when their backs were turned: did not our own self-contradicting words condemn you: did you and good in backbiting, and speaking evil of others: did you gain reputation by wounding others reputation: or rather, did you not give occasion to others to speak as re­proachfully of you: did you not alienate affection and se­parate near friends by your slanders: did you not know many things to be false, which you spake to others dispa­ragement: could you with confidence have averred the same things to the persons themselves: would they not easily have disproved you, and put you to shame: and if you were privy to some real faults of other s, should you not have concealed them: if you had had real love, would you not have covered them: did you do as you would be done by: had you not as great faults of your own: and could you be content to have them blazed abroad: you have accused others falsly, and now you are accused trul y, and you shall be punished justl y: Take them Devils, bind them hand and foot.

14. Come forth all ye proud and ambitious persons, you [...] have builded your nests on high: that have taken many dirty steps to get into the seat of honour, [...] hearts have been lifted up with high towring imaginations▪ and conceits of your own excellencies, unto the scorning: and contempt of others: who have had proud hearts, & [...] looks, and proud speeches, and proud carriage towards o­thers, especially towards them that have been of meaner degree, who have looked upon others afar off, and have disdained the converse and company of some, of [...] the world hath not been worth y: were you acquainted with no higher honour and dignit y, than the world could give unto you: might you not have had seats in Heavenly pla­ces, if you had looked after them, and less after the other: did you not know that the highest places on the earth were the most slippery places: did you not foresee [...] [Page 84] turning of the wheel upon you: did you not believe that God would cast down the mighty from their seats: that the higher you were lifted up in dignit y, if your hearts were withal lifted up with pride, the lower and greater would be your fall: And was the favour and the pla [...]se of men so desirable: was it not an empty breath, an inconstant wind▪ If you had been ambitious, should you not have been ambi­tious of the favour of the King of glor y, which would have been so beneficial and lasting▪ And are You the persons that once were so proud and scorn [...]ul▪ You proud: had you any such reason: proud, when creatures! depending crea­tures! who had nothing, but what was borrowed, and re­ceived from God! proud, when such mean creatures! proud when fallen into the dirt, and so defiled! proud, when sinners, sinners so vile! so full of sores! when you had such lothsom spirits! when you had such leprous souss! could you lift up the plumes, when you had such black feet: could you be proud when you had lost Gods Image, and were [...] [...] unto foul devils: proud when such beggarly sinners! clothed in such filthy rags! proud when such slaves and vas­ [...] to the vilest and basest tyrants! proud in chains and fetters of Satan and lust! You had reason indeed to be [...] and to look so high, and speak so big, when you were [...] odious to God, and such low, mean spirited, miserable wretches, who were drudging in mire and dirt, and were [...] by the Devil in chains, like dogs, towards the Prison of [...]: you had need scorn the company of my Disciples; as [...] dirt y, dunghil beggars should scorn the company of high­ [...] noble Princes! but now you shall be debased, & laid [...] indeed. Take them Devils, bind them hand and foot.

15. Come forth all ye envious and malicious persons, You that have grieved at the good of other s, which they have [...], or done; that have grieved at the good [...]states of o­thers, and that they have thrived faster than you in the World; that have grieved at the sweet and comfortable Relations of others, and that yours have not been like to them; that have grieved at the beauty or strength of Bod y, the gifts and endowments of mind of [...] beyond [Page 85] that your selves have had; that have grieved at the [...] [...] of others, that they have been esteemed and presence [...] before your selves; that have grieved because others [...]ve done more good, and been more useful than your [...]ves; and hence have secretly hated them; and have been [...] towards them in your minds: and have entertained thoughts and desires of doing them some mischief: and were glad when any mischief did befal them: You, you have been children of the Devil indeed, and the likeness & lusts of your Father you have had: was your eye evil because God was Good? Did not God put the difference between them and you? and should not you have been contented was not God good to you, and had not you reasons to [...] thankful? Did not you put a stop to the Currant of [...] goodness by your envy: did not you lose the comfort of the good things you had, by this sin? did not you [...] [...] the benefit you might had by the good things of o­thers? should not you have rejoyced in their good things? If you had loved them indeed, would not you have done it? Did not you rack and torment your selves by [...] [...]vie? had you been humble, would you have been [...] [...]? had your affections been set upon things above, [...] this sin have so much prevailed? had you been [...] desirous to promote Gods glor y, would you have been so much concerned, that your glory should [...] [...], whe [...] Gods Glory was advanced, though by others more [...] your selves? Were you not warned to [...] aside all [...] and malice, if you would be Christians indeed: if you [...] put your spirits under my Government, would not [...] conquered by my Spirit their inordinate motions should not you have found sweetness and comfort in love, if [...] had laboured after, and lived in the exercise of [...] Grace: Did you not know that these were works of the flesh which would exclude you the kingdom of [...] Take the Devils, bind them hand and foot.

16. Come forth all ye wrathful and Contentious persons: your that have [...] fiery Spirits, and [...] tongues: whose tongues have been [...]spand [...] with you have lashed and wound­ [...] [Page 86] others in your reproachful reviling speeches; who have had the po [...]son of Asps in your hearts and lips, which hath vented it self in invirulent language; whose words have been bitter and clamorous, full of anger and wrath, and contention: who have been incendiaries in the places where you have lived; who have disturbed the peace of your fa­milies, and turned all things unto uproar and confusion: did you not know the precepts of the Gospel, which com­manded peace, and gentlenes s, and meekness, and easiness, to be intreated? did you disturb others peace b y your cont­entions, and did you not disturb your own! did you raise an uproar in your houses, and was not there a greater uproar in your hearts: did you not taste the bitterness of such a conversation, and yet would you persist therein: did not you receive some blows, and wounds b y your contenti­on sometimes: and yet would not you hearken to such re­bukes▪ were you angry with others without just cause, & [...] there not good reason that God should be angry with [...]: was not the fire of your tongues kindled by the fire [...]: And is it unreasonable that you should be thrust [...] the place of burning for your contention: Take the [...] Devils bind them hand and foot.

17. Come forth all ye civil and moral persons, who have [...] moral righteousness, and been upright in your dealings, but [...] strangers unto the power of godliness, who have observed [...] precepts of the second table of the Law in reference to [...] [...] and others externally; but have grosly neglected the [...] the first table; which have had reference to God, who [...] no knowledge of God, nor fear of him, nor love to [...], [...] delight in him; who have never sanctified his name, or [...] in [...] hearts, nor worshiped him in a spiritual manner [...] [...]cording to the prescriptions of his word, who never yielded [...] [...] to the Gospel, never saw your need of me, obtained inte­rests and acquaintance with me, what [...]ver calls and opportunities [...] had: and do you think I should know you, and own [...] [...], when you are none of mine: will your moral righteous­ness stand you now in any stead, when you are to give so [...] [...] account: did not I tell you in my word, [...] [Page 87] righteousness did exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pha­risees, ye should in no wise enter into the Kingdom of Heavens: that you must be born again, or else you could not be saved: That you must be holy, or else you could not be happy: did you not hear of the young man, who had as much moral righteous­ness as you, and yet must of Heaven, because he would not obey my other commands: hath your moral righteousness been so perfect, that it hath had no flaw: have you lived free from sin in re­gard of the second Table of the Law: besides your breaches of the first will not Conscience tell you of some slips, some stum­bles and falls as to your external walking: were you never guilty of unrighteous dealings: never were lustful and wanton: never told any lies, nor utt [...]ered any standers: and if you have been fair in your outward carriage and converse, have you [...] had foul insides: had you not need of pardon for your sin,s, [...] my blood to wash you from your filthiness: have not the best of your works been sinful, in regard of the principal, and [...] [...] manner of performance: Did you think the works of [...] would save you, when the works of Grace cannot, without the imputation of my righteousness, because of their imperfe [...] must not Gods justice be satisfied for your sins: and [...] think it should be done, but by your eternal punishment in [...]! had you believed in me, and yielded obedience to me, my righte­ousness should have been yours, and then you might have held [...] your heads with joyful expectation of glory on this day, but [...] cleaved to your own righteousness, and were well and whole, [...] did not see your need of me to be your Physician and Saviour, [...] would not submit unto, and accept of my righteousness, and [...] have you to say, why judgment should not pass upon you? [...] [...] think such works as yours would satisfie Justice when if you [...] done better, and kept the whole [...] for the greatest part of [...] life, yet you had done but your Duty, and the [...] of your [...] were enough to sink you into Hell: [...] was any of your righte­ousness perfect: Did you think to [...] Heaven by such works do you think you deserve a Crown of glory for your [...] [...] morality? where have you a promise of it? and if you had [...] promise: could you think you should ever attain it? what, [...] [Page 88] mouth [...]opt, and are you speechless new? Take them Devils, bind them hand and foot.

18. Come forth all ye Hypocrites, who have made a show of Holiness; and have born the name of zealous professors of Religion, but have been acted by carnal designs and prin▪ciples, who have used Religion as a Cloak for your Cove­tousness, who followed me only for the loaves, who have, been hollow at the heart, rotten at the Core, painted Se­pulchres, blazing Comets, wandring and falling Stars, for whom the mist of darkness is reserved for over? what did you mean by your shows and outward appearance of Wor­ship and Service? did you think that the All-seeing, [...]eart­ [...] arching God judged according to outward appearance? [...]id you think that lip-service, and bodily exercise would be accepted by him, or was it acceptation only with men which you sought after? that reward you had, and can you [...] any other reward, when you did not desire it, nor design it? and what doth it, can it now profit you, that [...] accounted you religious? will their esteem of you [...] pardon and Salvation for you? Could you be con­ [...] cast away and lose all your external services for [...] of sincerity, and an internal living principle? did not [...] think that all your services would rise up one day in judg­ [...] against you? did not you affront the highest Majesty [...] the mockery of your shew-worship? did not he very well understand which way your heart went, when you seemed [...] devout? was not he acquainted with the secret lust which you harboured in your heart, and secret way of wick­ness which you walked in, when you made a shew of [...]rti [...]ication, and self-denial, and a holy, and strict conver­sation? were you not warned against hypocrisie, and told [...] [...]odious it was to God, and that hypocrites portion would [...] in utter darkness, where there is weeping and wailing, and gnashing to teeth? Take them Devils bind them hand and foot.

19. Come forth all ye Back-sliders and Apostates, from me and my wayes: You that turned back to wayes of prophane­ [...], and open wickedness, after some time of profession, and [Page 89] joyning your selves with my people; was my service so burdensome that you could endure it no longer▪ was the way to Heaven so unpleasant, that you would walk no longer therein? after some tr [...]al in shew of me, did you prefer and make choice of the Devil before me▪ after some wash­ing your selves, would you wallow in the mire again? after heaving some vomit off of your stomack, would▪ you again lick it up? after some sweepings and dressings would you open the door, and let in seven worse spirits of defile your hearts? after you seemed to be escaped, were you again entangled; would you needs put your foot again into the [...]re, & bind your selves even in fresh bonds of sin? did you prefer the company of the wicked which were going Hell-ward, before the company of my people, which were going Heaven-ward? could not you now wish that you had held on, and held out with them unto the end? would not you have rejoyced if you had now been found in their society? did you repent of your repenting, and do you not now re­pent of your back-s [...]idings! were not you told, if you drew back, my Soul would have no pleasure in you?

And you that have turned aside from me and my wayes in­to wayes of errour, that suckt in damnable Heresies from false Teachers. Did you not know that there were damna­ble Heresies, as well as other damnable sins? were you [...] warned that Satan sometimes appeared as an Angel of [...] would you so quickly turn aside after some workings and strivings of my Spirit with you, and some hopes which you gave of your conversion and reformation▪ did not you per­ceive how Satan lay upon the catch, so soon as you began to be awakened, to prejudice you against the truth, and draw you aside in another way to serve him? did you not under­stand the mysteries of his delusions? if you had heartily lov­ed the truth as is was in me, would you have been to delu­ded? was not deep Humiliation and Mortification of every lust too hard a Doctrine, and therefore [...] chose such as would give you more scope, and [...]erty, and shroud your lusts under some other name, and term [...] your hatred and anger against my people by the name of zeal for my glory? [Page 90] did you think if you gave Satan one hold, that it would no [...] be sufficient to undo you? had you stuck close to my Mini­stry and Ordinances, would you have been so deluded: did you think your selves wiser than my Ministers, so soon as you got a little glimmering of light? could you so readily open your [...]are to slanders, and receive prejudices against them, though Satan and his Instruments perswasions, to the shipwracking of your own Souls? did you not find how wavering and unsteady you were, how like Children tossed too and fro with every wind of Doctrine, when once you forsook my Ministry, which I appointed for your establish­ment; did you conceit that you might live above Ordinan­ces in the World? did you imagine to get into a higher form, when you went forth of my School? and when you expected perfection most, were not you more imperfect than be [...]: when you fancied a clearer light, were not you most full of darkness: when you thought your selves so holy, as none like you, and none must be holy but those [...] your way: were you not most unholy, and like a smoke in my nostrils: could I accept of your worship out of the way of my Ordinances and Institutions: when you thought your selves most guided and acted by the Spirit, was it [...] a spirit of delusion: did my spirit lead you, and act [...] [...] a way which my word did not allow of: were not [...] [...] renders and tearers of my Church: was it not [...] of you that the ways of truth were evil spoken [...] Men: were not those without prejudiced against [...] [...] wayes, because of your delusions, which made so forward a profession▪ Suppose I permitted some of mine so mistake in c [...]rcumstantial s, was this a just excuse for your errours in fundamentals, when the word was open for you to in form your selves in the truth: did not you wrest the Scriptures to your own destruction: Suppose you dented your selves some things, were they those things that I com­manded: supp [...] suffered some things in your way, do you hope for a reward for sufferings, which I never called you unto, and which did but so much the mo [...] har­den your party, and promote your delusion: [...] [Page 91] know what a share you were hampered in, so soon as your put your foot in the way of errour, and turned aside from that old strait, narrow way of my Word and Ordinance s, which have brought so many to Heaven:

Were not you in a greater unlikelihood of being called effectually, than Drunkards and Adulterers, and the most vicious, who lay more naked to the blow of the Word, & were more ready to receive instruction: you were more forward to reprove my Ministers, than to receive my Mi­nisters, and conviction from them; you could call them An­tichristian and false Prophets, though they adhered to and maintained nothing but the truths of my Word; & when I gave them so many seals of their Ministry in the conver­sion of many souls: you could call them Self-seekers and [...]irelings, though they gave such evidence of self-denial, [...] many of them forsook all that they had rather than they would make a brea [...]h upon their conscience s: you could, some of you intrench upon their office, though you had no tall, nor commission from me, you had the Scripture to discover to you the right way, but you shat your eyes a­gainst the light, and chose ways of darkness, and is it not fit that you should go to the place of darkness. Take them Devils, bind them hand and foot.

20. Come forth all ye Impenitent Persons and [...] believer s, all ye that have yielded obedience to the Gospel; [...] you not called to repentance by Ministers, and the Spirit, [...] Or­dinances: and when a stiller voice was not [...] called louder by God in his judgment: did you [...] except you repented you would certainly [...] would be your ru [...]ne, unless your heart were [...] from it, and yet were you, though you lay under the guilt of [...] much s [...]n, could you [...]e so impenitent and hard-hearted: [...] not you called to me by the Voice of the Gospel▪ did [...] I [...] you, and stre [...]th out my band all the day long to you: did not I stand at the door of your heart, and [...] hand for [...] and ye [...] could you shut the door against me, though you [...] need of me: [...]ad you not commands and encouragement [...] [...] believe: could you rationally desire firmer ground and [...] [...] [Page 92] your faith: did not you give God the lie by your unbelief; have you not hereby fastned the guilt of all your other sins up­on your selves, which I was willing to take off from you: would any son against the Law have condemned you, had you turned from it, and yielded obedience to the Gospel: were you not foretold of the wrath to come, and yet would you not fly from it: were you not proffered a Saviour, and yet would you not accept of him; have you not treasures opened before you, and would you not look after them: were you not shewen the way to Heaven, & would not you walk in it: how can you escape, that have been guilty of disobedience to the Gospel: Take them Devils, bind them hand and foot.

Christ at the day of Judgment will convict the whole ungodly. World, especially those who have lived under the [...]und of the Gospel, their Crimes will be made manifest & evident, and every mouth will be stopped, when they are found guilty before him, and they cannot deny it: then the wicked will be speechless, and stand after their full convi­ction like so many Rogues in Chains before the Judge. And think now with your selves what the behaviour of the Wicked will be, when they are thus convicted of their sins, and are ready to receive their Sentence. I believe some of you have seen Malefactors at the Bar, when the [...] bath found them guilty, and the Judg bath been pro­ceeding to give the sentence of Death, how their counte­nances have changed, and their joynts trembled, and un­expressible horror seized upon them: but O the dread and [...] that will be upon the spirits of the wicked, when they are [...]cted of sin by this Judg [...] and with what [...] [...] expectation will they wait for their Sentence?

7. And this is the 7 th particular to speak concerning the Sen­tence which the Lord Jesus Christ will pass upon the Wicked in Judgment, see Mat 25. 41. Then shall [...]e say unto them on his left hand, Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting Fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels. De­ [...] from me, that ye have formerly said in your hearts [Page 93] unto me, Depart, we will not have thee to reign over us: that have said unto my Ministers, Depart, we will not hearken to your words; that have said to my Spirit, De­part we will not yield to thy motions. Now Depart [...] Depart from me, yee that would not come unto me, yee have often been called and invited to come, but yee re­fused, n [...]w Depart! yee shall not have one Call more; you shall not have one proffer of grace more for ever; Depart! never shall yee hear my voice any more; never shall yee fee my face any more; Depart! be gone out of my sight: Depart from me ye C [...]rsed! as yee cared not for blessings, so shall it be far from you; as ye loved cursing, so shall it be unto you; Depart with the Curse of the Law, with the curse of the great God upon your; let the curse of God cloath you like a garment, and bind you like a chain: let it enter into your flesh and bones like Oyle, to enrage so much the more the flames of Hell a­bout you; and let it pierce into your soul, and fill you with horrible anguish; Depart from me yee cursed into e­verlasting fire. Ye shall not depart into your old habita­tion to spend an Eternity in sinful sensual pleasures; no, Depart into Torments, Depart into Fire, into the Fire of Hell; into the burning Lake; into Tophet ordained of old for you, into a stream of Fire and Brimstone, enkindled by the breath of God: Depart into Everlasting, Fire: Go dwell with devouring Fire, and inhabit everlasting burd­ings: Depart into everlasting Fire, prepared for the De­vil and his Angels; ye served the Devil and divers lusts, whilst you lived in the world; now go and live with the Devil and his Angels in Hell fire for eve [...], partake of [...] Torments, primarily prepared for him, and belonging al­so to you, because ye belonged to his Kingdom.

And when the se [...]enoe is irreversroly pronounced by the l [...]dge upon the Wicked. O what direful [...] will they give forth! With what horrour will they cry out, How shall we be able to endure the devouring flames, and e­verlasting▪ burnings of Hell!

[Page 94] Thus have I done with the Judgment it self, both of the Righteous and the Wicked, at the appearance of Je­sus Christ.

CHAP. IX.

THE second thing is to speak of the Execution of the Sentence pronounced upon both in Judgment, which you have spoken of together. Matth. 25. 46. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternall.

1. Concerning the execution of the Sentence on the [...]icked. Those shall go away into everlasting punishment. Here I shall speak,

• 1. Of the wickeds going away.
• 2. Of their going into punishment.

The former doth imply the punishment of loss, the latter [...] punishment of sense.

1. The wicked, when the Sentence is pronounced, shall go away; and here I shall show,

• 1. From whom they shall go away.
• 2. From what they shall go away.
• 3. The aggravations, or vexing considerations, which Gos­pel, Sinners will have in their going away.

1. From whom the wicked shall go away.

[...] They shall go away from Jesus Christ; the Righte­ous are at his side, and shall remain with him; but the wicked shall go away from him; the righteous shall go with him, and abide with him, where he is, there they shall be also; they shall be for ever with the Lord; but the wicked, must go away, and be eternally seperated from his presence. The righteous shall behold his glory, and share in it; they shall see the smiles of his face, and [...] [Page 95] entertained by him with unexpressible love; but the wick­ed shall be thrust out of his presence with frowns and in­dignation: it will be one great part of the misery of the wicked, that they shall go away from so glorious a person as the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. They shall go away from the Saints; now some of them are mingled with Gods people, the Tares and the wheat grow up together; the sheep and the goats feed in the same pasture; and though it was bitter to the wicked to dwell with the righteous, because of the contradiction, which was in their lives, to their lusts; yet then it will be more bitter to them to be excluded their society, because then they will perceive their excellency with admiration: when they see them shine with such beauty, and rejoyce with Songs of triumph, and they must be gone away from them; this will fill their hearts with racking envy, and torme [...]r them unspeakably.

2. From what the wicked shall go away; they shall go away from happiness, from the [...]ppiness of heaven; the doors of heaven shall be shut upon them; they shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacoh, and many come from the East, and the West, and the North, and the South, even an innumerable multitude of all Kind [...]reds, and Nations, and Tongues, and enter in and [...]it down in the Kingdom of God and themselves thrust out, and thrust down to Hell

3. Concerning the Aggravati [...]ns, or vexing considerations, which Gospel [...]ers will have it their going away; as the sin of those is more hainous, who sin against the light of the Gospel, than of those who sin only against the light of nature: so their punishment will be more severe; all shall be, beat­en, but these persous with many stripes; as there will be degrees in glory, though all will be filled with glory, yet some will have a larger capacity; so there will be degrees of torment and misery, all shall be filled with torment, but some will have a larger capacity, especially Gospel sinners will have stings beyond what heathens will be capable of in their punishment of loss, when

[Page 96] 1. They shall have a clear discovery of the glory and hap­piness which they have missed; now they hear of heaven and the happiness which the Saints shall have in the vision and fruition of God: but there is avail of unbelief up­on their minds, that they do not apprehend such a hap­piness as is spoken of; they have mean thoughts of God, & of heaven: they think there is no heaven like the Earth; and no happiness like the fruition of the Creatures; no glory like the glory of the world, no treasures like earth­ly treasures; and no delights like those which they find in the objects of their sense: but when their portion in this life shall be spent; and the good things which they enjoyed shall be taken away from them; when their hon­ours shall vanish like smoke, or a thin vapour; their riches shall [...]ie away like an Eagle, or sail like a ship out of their sight; when their sensual delights and pleasures shall fail them, and die like sweet flowers in their hands; when the bright cloud of earthly things, which shadowed the glory of heavenly things from their view, shall be blown away, and the vail shall be torn in peeces which was before them, and hindred them from looking into the Ho­ly of Holi [...]s; and the scales shall fall off from their eyes: In a word, when the heavens shall pass away with a great ho [...]se, and the elements shall melt with fervent hear, and the earth, with the works thereof shall be burnt up; and they shall be awakened out of their long sleep in their graves, and shall be summoned before the tribunal seat of Christ, and stand there stripped and quite naked of all their en­joyments in the world, which they had set their hearts up­on; and they shall be examined and condemned for their sins; Then, then, their eyes will be opened, and they will clearly see their mistake of happiness; then they will per­ceive and be fully perswaded of the fulness of joy and un­speakable pleasures at the right hand of God, the least taste of which would ravish their hearts ten thousand times more than all the full draughts, which they have taken in the sweetest of all their sinful delights: I say, they shall see this [Page 97] happiness, and that which will v [...]x them to the heart will be, that they shall only see it, not injoy the least share in it. O what high apprehensions will they then have of the glo­ry of Heaven; they will see the Crown which will [...] upon the head of the Righteous, which will have more worth then in their esteem, than all the Crowns and S [...]pters of the greatest Kings upon the earth; then the will be clearly conv [...]ced that the choicest treasures were in Heaven, and the sweetest delights were to come, and the thoughts of missing this Crown and glory, such treasures and sweetness, will tear their very hearts: they must go away from Heaven and Happiness.

2. In going away they shall remember the capacity which they had once of obtaining this happiness; if they had been b [...]uits indeed, and had capacity for a [...] life only; and grace and glory had been [...] so far beyond their reach, that it had been in possible for them to attain, it; it would not much trouble them to lose it, whatever other miseries they should endure; but they were capable of the beginnings of Heaven in the life of grace, and the compleat­ing of their happiness in glory; they will remember that they had souls endued with reason, and hereby advanced to a higher capacity than beasts; that they had minds capable of divine contemplations, and hearts capable of divine affection; that they had wils which might have chosen God for their portion, and Heaven for their heri­tance; that they had desires, and loves, and hopes, and joyes, which if they had wrought God-ward, and Christ-ward, as they did toward the creature, if they had wrought up-ward and heaven-ward, as they did down-ward and toward the earth, and earthly things, they might have been happy for ever; they will see that others, who had the same natures▪ as they had, and were guilty at first of as great sins, as they had committed, yet repented and turned, believed and reformed, were changed and saved; and with unexpressible vexation they will think that thus it might have been with them, if they had not been fools, [Page 98] if they had seriously endevoured to fill up the capacity, which God hath given them.

3. In going away they will remember the proffers which they had of this happiness; that they lived in places where the light did shine, and the Gospel did sound, and Christ was preach­ed and tendered with all the benefits of his purchase; they will remember how often they were called to repent, how earnestly they were entreated to be reconciled; they will remember the discoveries, which were made to them of future glory, and the invitations, which they had to come unto Christ that they might have pardon and life, and partake of the inheritance of the Saints in light; all which was little regarded by them; they will remember how long, and how loud Christ knocked at the door of their hearts for entertatnment; that he knocked by such a Sermon, such a Motion of the Spirit, by such a Judgment, such an Affliction, such a Deliverance; and yet that they barred the door, deaf [...]ed the ear, and if they did not fully resolve to keep him out, yet they put him off with such tedious delayes, untill on a sudden death knocked at their door and broke it open, and drag [...]d them away to Hell before they had given en­tertainment unto Jesus Christ, and had provided an eternal ha­bitation for their souls: they will then remember the oppor­tunities and seasons of grace, which once they enjoyed; that once they had a Day, a Day of grace, and that with some of them it was a long Summers day; and that they had calls at the first hour, and the third hour, and the ninth hour, and at the eleventh hour, and that all the Day long God stretched forth his hand unto them; but they did not know the day of their visitation; they were more foolish than the Crane and the Stork, and the Swallow, they did not understand their, appoin­ted time; they did not mind the things which belonged to their peace, untill they were hid from their eyes; they slept in the Harvest, they loitered away, and sinned away their time, and wasted their day, in which they should have made provision for their souls: O how will they be then ready to tare themselves in pieces, that they should neglect so great Salvation, in the [Page 99] day when Salvation was attainable? yea, that they should refuse the proffers of grace and pardon and peace, and life and happiness, which in that day were so frequently and ear­nestly made unto them: then they will wish that they had opened their ear and heart, that they had regarded and accepted such gracious proffers whatever they had neglected or parted withall: then they will wish they had imbraced and improved the op­portunities which once they had for Pr [...]ayer, and hearing, and attendance upon Gods Ordinances: that they had been in the Church when they were in the Ale-house; that they had associated themselves with Gods people, when they frequented the company of the le [...]d, and ungodly; that they had been upon th [...]i [...] knees with grief confessing sin; when they took so much delight in the commission of it; that they had taken time from their sports to make their peace with God; that they had worshipped God in their Closets, and worshipped God in their Families, and laid up for themselves treasures in Heaven; and horrible will their vexation be that they did not so.

4. In going away, they will remember for what it was that they refused this happiness; that it was only for the satisfaction of some foolish and unprofitable lust: If two Kingdomes of equal worth and glory were proposed to a Mans choice, it would not trouble him that he had re­fused the one, to obtain the other; but if a Man were to chuse whether he would be a King or a Slave; if he should refuse the former, and chuse the later, when he comes to feel the misery of his bondage, this would rouble him, more than the bondage, that he might have avoided it, that he hath chose this thraldome, and parted with a Kingdome for it: they will then perceive that they have chosen to beslaves unto sin, and [...]athan, rather than to be Heires unto the Kingdome [...] Glory; I know that though now they are slaves, and [...] divers [...], and though their bondage is a thousand fold, worse, than if they were Vassals to thee cruellest Tyrant upon Earth; yet they are not sensible, neither are they weary of their [Page 100] bondage; because their wills are in thraldome, and their affections are cap [...]ivated; and through heirdome to the glory of Heaven, be the choicest priviledge upon Earth, and most desirable; yet they do not desire it, but prefer their slavery before it; because they are blind, unbelieving, besotted sinners, and judge of things according to sense; yet on the day of Christs appearance, all things will ap­pear with a new face, and they will look upon things with a new eye; they will then perceive that they were slaves all their dayes; and that there was no such drudgery as that which they were employed in; and that there was no such glory and happiness, as that which they refused, and foolishly cast away; then it will sting them indeed to re­member that they have chosen rather to do the work of the Devil, and yield obedience to the basest lusts, for which they must now be repayed with the wages of death and eternal misery, than to do the work of the Lord, who would have rewarded them with eternal life, and a Crown of glory and immort [...]l [...]ty, Then they will say, What profit have we got by those things, whereof we are now ashamed! What fruit doth all our labour and toile in the Woold now yield unto us? What are we the better for our riches and great estate on Earth, for our honour, and high esteem amongst men, for our luscious pleasures and delights, (now varished and gone) which we bought at so dear a rate, as the loss of our precious and immortal souls, and the forfeiture of an Inheritance in the kingdom [...] of Heaven? Then they will cry ou [...], O be witch­ing world! O deluding D [...]vil! O d [...]c [...]itfull hearts and lusts! O what fools and mad men have we been, that we should trample Jewels und [...]r our feet like Swine, and in stead of them, put dross and dang into our Cabinet! that we should so gree­dily drink the sweet poison of sin to the bane and ruine of our souls; and refuse to taste of the Cap of Salvation, which all our dayes was hold forth unto us! Then they will cry out of their voluptuousness, their covetousness, their pride and haughtiness, and the like lusts, which have kept Christ out of their hearts, and kept them O it of the Kind­dome of Heaven.

[Page 101] 5. In going away, some of them shall remember how neerly they missed of this happiness; that they were almost per­swaded to be Christians, in deed as well as in name, and to accept of Christ upon his own termes; that they were not sar from the Kingdom of Heaven; that they were come even within sight of the Heavenly candan, and yet died in the Wilderness; that they were come even to the Gate of the new Jerusalem, out finding it too strait for them, and the luggush of their sins together, there they stuck and could not enter in; that they climbed up a great way of the Hill to Zion, but did not reach the top, and tumbling down, their fall was the greater; they will remember the means of grace which they enjoyed: the Ordinances which they [...] under; and the treaties which the Lord did make with them by his word and spirit, about their life and salvation; and the carriage of their hearts towards the Lord in those treaties; some of them will remember what convictions the Lord wrought in them of sin, and what tremblings of Conscience, for fear of Hell and wrath to come; and if they had followed that preparative work, they might have quickly been acquainted with Christ, and escaped the misery which they feared; but they sti [...]ed convi­ctions, and shook of their troubles, they shut their eyes a­gainst the light, and stilled the noise of their Consciences, and calmed their spirits with the delights aud pleasures of the World; and so grew more hardned in sin than before, and gave such repulses to the spirit, that the spirit quite departed from them: Others will remember that they were perswaded to ascend some steps higher, under the Ministry of the Word: when they were reproved for such and such gross sins, which they lived in the practise of, that they could have no case in their Con­sciences, untill they had broken off that wicked course [...] that they left off their Drunkenness, and their swearing, their uncleanness, and unrighteous dealings; and were in a great measure reformed in their lives: but there [Page 102] were some lusts in their hearts which they hugged secretly, and delighted in, and could not be perswaded to leave, which were there undoing: Pride, Revenge, Uncharitable­ness, Covetousness, or the like remained in their reigning power, which were inconsistent with the power of godliness: others will remember what profession they made, and that, they went with some kind of gladness in the company of Gods people, unto his House and Ordinances, and heard the Word, and received some impressions thereof; yea obtain­ed some kind of graces under its influence; that they had a kind of righteousness, repentance, faith, desires, love, joy, hope, that they had some tastes of the heavenly gift, and the powers of the World to come, and thought themselves as fair for Heaven as the best and who ever missed, that they should not miss of glory: but O the confusion and vexation, which will be upon the spirits of these Persons when the Lord Jesus shall disown them, and shut them out of his Kingdom; O what tearings of heart will they have, when they perceive that they were mistaken, and find themselves disappointed of the happiness which they had such hopes of, and confident expectations to obtain: when they find that their silver was but dross, and their graces were counterfeit, and not of the right stamp, that they had not the Image and Superscription of Christ upon them; when they remember that they had a Righteousness, but it was like the morning Cloud, which the wind of affliction or temptation had driven away; that they had some repen­tance, but it was legal, not Evangelical; that the teares they [...]ad sometimes shed for sin, were like the early dew, which the bright Sun of prosperity did quickly dry up; that they had a faith, but it was a temporary faith, which wanted deep rooting in the heart and whatever flourishing fruit it quickly sent forth, yet the hot Sun of persecution did wither it, that it came to nothing when they were put upon the Trial; that they had desires after Christ, and the favour of God and spiritual things; but they were but faint velleities, they were like the untimely birth of a Woman, which never [Page 103] came to any perfection; that they had love to God in show, or it may be at sometime a passionate glow of heart under an Orninance, which was not enkindled by a spark falling down from Heaven upon them, blown up by the spirit of God; but a false or a more inferiour [...]ire, which arose from a sympathy with Ministers or other Christians in the more inferiour workings and expressions of their love, which in the sincere arose from the right principle; that they had some kind of hope, but it was like a spiders web, broken quickly to pieces, or swept down by the [...]eesome of de­struction with them into Hell; that they had some joyes; but they were flashy and ungrounded; some tastes arising from misapprehensions of Gospel-priviledges, and misap­plication of Gospel-promises, all which did quickly vani [...]h & come to nothing: They will find, if not before, be sure at that day that they were mistaken, and have lost all their pains and labour, for want of a thorow work of grace; for want of foundness at the root; for want of hearts sorrow, deep humiliation; good-ground, and deep-roote [...] faith: supream love; well-bottom'd hope: universall reformation and mortification of the deeds of the body; that none of their actions were accepted by the heart-searching God for want of a right principle and end; now when these Persons are sentenced to Hell, and are going away from Christ and the glory which once they had hopes of, and were so near unto, and had they gone but a step or two further, they might have attained. O with wh [...] unconceivable grief and cuttings of heart will it be? they will remember then that they did seek to enter in at [...] strait Gate, and they will wish with all their hearts th [...] they had striven, that they had taken more pains, that they might not have missed and fallen short of Salvation; a possibly then with unutterable anguish they may say, There is a glorious Inheritance in Heaven, which we are now departing from, we often prayed for it when we were upon the Earth; and if we had been sincere and fervent, if we had re­solved to take the place by storme and would not have been, de­nyed, [Page 104] we might have got it; we have read of it in the Word, and heard of it in Sermons, and it hath been proffered to us freely; and if we had renounced the world, and forsaken sit, and chosen it for our portion, we might have had it; we par­ted with some sins, if we had left all, it should have been [...]urs; once we had some hopes of it, when we had some taste of it, and had done some things to obtain it; and if we had gone a little further, we might have indeed obtained it; if we had taken pains with our hearts before God to get them raised to things above; if we had denyed our selves, and mortified our members upon the Earth; if we had cast away all our trans­gressions, and cast away our own righteousness, and r [...]wled our selves wholly upon Jesus Christ, and acted faith upon him and the promises of this Kingdom, and walked in the narrow way which we seemed to walk in, we might now have been made pos­sessours hereof, and shined amongst yonder glorious Saints, some of whom were our companions, and hoped for our company, and wonder to see us separated from them; But alas! we were [...]oathfull and carel [...]ss; we were unwatchfull and idle, our pains was more to appear Religious, than be Religious; we had some lusts which lay nearer our heart than Jesus Christ; we did some things with seeming vigour, but carnal motives were the chief incentives to our duties; and how ever lifeless, faith­less, and empty of true grace they were, yet we trusted in them, and made them our Saviour, and never were brought clear off from our own bottom, unto a closure with Jesus Christ, and we have [...]ool'd away our Salvation, and made our selves unworthy of e­ [...] life, Deservedly, Deservedly do we lose this Crown; for our folly! O that we had been sincere, and thorough Christians!

6. In going away it will sting the wicked to think that now this happiness of Heaven is irrecoverable, once they might have obta [...]ned it, and that upon easie [...]earms; yea after some refusals of it, they had fresh proffers and invitations; the [...] of mercy, and gate of salvation and glory stood open a long time; but now the door is lockt upon them, and [...] never be opened more; they must go away without [Page 105] any hopes of ever entering into the new Jerusalem, or ob­taining the least degree of the happiness of the Saints; they must bid adieu unto joy and comfort for ever.

These considerations will sting Gospel-sinners in their go­ing away.

Thus concerning the first particular in the execution of the sentence on the wicked, they shall go away.

2. They shall go into punishment, and here I shall speak,

• 1. Of the punishment which they shall go into.
• 2. Of their entring into this punishment.

1. Concerning the punishment which the wicked shall go into. Take two or three places of Scripture which set forth th [...] punishment, Matth. 25. 41 Depart yee Cursed into everlast­ing Fire, Mark 9. [...]3,44. Then to go into Hell, where their worm dyeth not, and the Fire is not quenched Rev. 14. 10. 15. They shall drink of the Wine of the wrath of God, which shall be poured out, without mixture, into the Cup of his indignation; and be tormented with Fire and Brimstone, and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever. The punishment then will be Gods wrath, which the damned shall drink of, so as to feel the immediate impressions thereof upon their souls; and Fire and brimstone kindled by the breath of God, the impression whereof they shall feel upon their bo­dies; but what tongue can express the punishment of the wicked in Hell? if some expressions in Scripture concern­ing it be metaphorical, surely they fall short of what the real punishment will be; the drops and sprinklings of Gods wrath here are but small in comparison with the O­cean, which the wicked shall be cast into; the top of the Cup hath nothing of the bitterness which they will find in the dreggs: never was there such a Fire on Earth, as the Fire of Hell; never was there such a pain endured by those which have undergone the more exquisite tor­ments; as the pains and torments which shall be inflicted [Page 106] hereafter upon the damned. Yet, though we are not able here to conceive how dreadful this punishment will be, we may conceive it to be unexpressibly more dreadful than any punishment on Earth; if we consider,

• 1. The inflicter of it.
• 2. The subject of it.
• 3. The properties of it.

1 Concerning the Inflicter of the punishment which the wicked shall go into, and that will be the most holy, just, powerfull, and sin-revenging God; the wicked will then fall into his hands immediately, and O how fearful a thing will it he to fall into the hand of the living God? Heb. 10. 31. Wicked men now have no fear of God before their eyes; though their sins and affronts to God be great; and his anger and displeasure against them be great; yet because his goodness and patience towards them is also great; because he keeps silence, and doth not speedily execute his vengeance upon them; therefore they are secure, and in­sensible of his displeasure; and have slighter thoughts, & lesser fear of him, than of weak dying worms like them­selves: but when their eyes shall be opened, at the last day. and a discovery of God shall be made unto them in his infinite Majesty, and greatness, and power, and ho­liness, and fiery indignation against them: O how fear­full then will it be to fall into his hands? It will be very sweet to fall into the arms of his Love; but very dreadful to fall into the hands of his displeasure; when God doth execute his vengeance himself, he will do it very terribly, especially if we consider.

1. That he will glorifie his infinite Wisdom in the pun­ishment of the damned, which will contrive such tortures for them, that if all the men in the world should joyn their wits together, and take to their help all the Devils in hell, they could not invent the like; dreadful ingre­dients will his wisdom find out to put into the Cup which [Page 107] he will put into the hand of the wicked to drink.

2. That he will glorifie his infinite Power, he will make bare his arm, and smite with an infinite force; the blow of a child will take little imprission, but if a Goliah [...] with a Goliah [...]s sword, he will smite to the ground; the weightier the hand, the heavier the stroke; there is more difference between the power of God and the strongest creatures, than between the strongest creature and the wea [...]est child; It would be dreadful to be delivered up to the power of some strong fierce and cruel creatures: what will it be to be delivered up to the power of the omnipotent and most furious God. God will glorisie the power of his anger in the destruction of the wicked, Rom. 9. 21. What, if God willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, &c. God will show what his power can do in the punishing of the wicked; his last work of power in punishing, will be as glorious as his first work of power in creating; and he will glorifie the power o his anger in hell, as he will glorifie his goodness and love in heaven; in heaven he will open the treasures of his love, and in hell he will open the treasures of his wrath. God will inflict the punishment.

2. Concerning the subject of the punishment which the wick­ed shall go into, and that will be both soul and body.

1. The Souls of the wicked will be punished; not only with the loss of the glorious and comfortable presence of God, and the happiness of heaven; but also I conceive that they will be filled with anguish through the impres­sions of Gods wrath upon them; they will be filled up to the brim with the fierce wrath of God; the Arrows of the Almighty will be shot up to the head in them, and pierce them thorow and thorow; we read Ro [...]. 2. 8,9. Of indignation and wrath, tribulation, and anguish, which at the day of wrath shall be upon every soul that doth evil. The impressions of Gods indignation and wrath on the foul will [Page 108] effect tribulation and anguish: such wounds they will have in their spirits, as well be unsupportable, such tribulation as will be horrible, such anguish as is inconceivable, when the hand of the Lord is upon them, when they see the frowns of his brow; when he strikes them with the blow of his anger. Christ rasted the bitterness of Gods wrath in his soul, for the sins of others, which caused his bloody sweat in the garden, and such roa [...]ings upon the cross: O how bitter will the wrath of God be unto the wicked, when their souls taste of it for their own sins; It will be Gods wrathful presence, which the souls of the damned will feel the impressions of, which will make Hell to be Hell, as it will be the glorious ond comfortable presence of God, which the souls of the righteous will feel the im­pressions of, which will make Heaven to be Heaven.

2. The Bodies of the wicked shall be punished, they have been sharers in sin, and they must share in torment; they must lie in the Lake of Fire and Brimstone, Rev 21 8. the torment of the [...]od [...]es of the wicked will be dreadful; be­sides the impressions which the anguish of Soul will make upon them, they will have their own proper torment, through the sense of the fire which will be kindled about them, and burn more horrible than Londons fire did, when it had got into the heart of the City; their torment will be greater than if scalding lead were poured into their bowels; than if they were torn in pieces with wild horses; than if their b [...]e [...]sts were rip [...] up▪ and their heart were pluckt out with burning pincers: it will be worse than if they were cast into a Caldron of boiling pitch or lead; or put into Phal [...]ris Bull, or Ne [...]uch [...]n [...]z [...]ars fiery Fur­nace: the torture of the damned's bodies will be far beyond the sharpest pain now incident to humane nature by racking diseases, or have been inflicted upon any of the children of men by the most cruel Tyrant; for the bodies of the wicked when raised again, will be strengt [...]ed unto a greater capacity for punishment, when they will he made incorruptible and immortal, and punishment will be the [Page 109] and of their resurrection; but more of this punishment under the properties.

3. Concerning the properties of the punishment which the wicked shall go into.

1. It will be Universal, it will not onely be in soul and body, but also in every part of both: in every faculty of the soul, in every member of the body: O the black thoughts! the dismal apprehensions! the grisly fancies! the heavy griefs▪ the finking fears! the dreadful terrors! the hellish grapes▪ the utter dispair! the horrible ang [...]sh, and confusion! which the soul will have, when the wrath of God shall be poured in upon it like water; the wicked will not only he in Hell, [...] they will have a Hell in themselves; in their Consciences, th [...] will have a never dying worm, which will gnaw and tear them; they will have a storm in their spirits raised by the wind of Gods wrath, which will blow most fiercely [...] upon them; every faculty of the soul will be [...] afflicted according to its capacity [...] and every member of the bodies of the wicked will be tormen­ted. O how will their eyes glare! their tongues roar! their bands and feet fry! their flesh ro [...]t! [...] no part will be free from the devouring flames of this horrible burning Fire. There are many diseases which the body is exposed unto in this world, but very seldome do they meet together in the some subject▪ if, the head ake, the members may be free; if the foot be pained, the hand may be at case, and ready to contribute some relief unto the pained part; and if the body be sick, the soul may gi [...] some consolatory arguments to alleviate the irks [...]meness of the disease; but in Hell the punishment of the wicked will be uni­versal, it will be in every member of the body, and every fu­culty of the soul.

2. The punishment of Hell will he Extream; the souls of the wicked will be filled with anguish, as full as they [...] hold; their capacity, will be larger, and they will be filled it to the hight of their capacity; and their bodies also will have the most exquisite pain, as it is possible for them to [...] [Page 110] their sence of pain will be quicker, and their strength to endure pain greater; and their pain will be in the utter­most extremity: some pains of the body here are not very acute; and some troubles of mind may well enough be born, but any disease in extremity is very irksome; the pain of the head, or the tooth in extremity, the gout, stone chollick in extremity, especially the troubles of the mind in extremity; will make a man weary of his life; but to have every part afflicted in extremity, and that beyond our now capacity or conception, this will be very dreadfull.

3. The punishment of the wicked will be Continual, without any intermission or alleviation; the wicked will have no rest day nor night, Rev 14. 11. there will be no­thing but weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth, Matth. 22. 13. The most painful diseases here have their fits, which do not continue long; the diseased find after their fits some case and asswagement; they have intermissions some­times; some lucida intervalla, lightsome intervals; but the wicked in Hell will have no ease or asswagement; no lightsome intervals of their grief and pains; there will be [...]o mixcure of comfortable ingredients in the cup of God's wrath, which the damned must drink of; there will be but one fi [...] in their disease, and this fit will always be at the [...]e [...]ght; they will not have the least drop of water to cool to much as the tip of the tongue, which shall be tor­mented in flames; their grief will not have any allay, they will not have one comfortable thought, no eye to pitty them, none to bring any relief unto them: O how bitter will their sins be unto them; here they are but bitter swee [...]s, then they will be nothing but bitterness, and gall, and worm-wood, unto them; Their punish­ment will be continuall.

4. The punishment of the wicked will be Remidiless; there will be no escaping or flying from the wrath of [...] [...] sinners may f [...]ee from the wrath which is to come [...] when it is once come, and hath get hold on them; it will hold them down, so that they shall never get loose [...] is: now they thay agree with their adversary upon [...] [Page 111] way; they may ma [...]e their peace with God in this world; there is no sin for which they may not obtain a pardon, but the unpardonable sin against the Holy Ghost, which carries men away from God; but hereafter in Hell there will be no more sactifice for sin; the Saviour of mankind will be their judge, and pass an irreversible semen [...] of condemnation upon them; it is possible now for the wick­ed to be delivered from this punishment, but it will [...] impossible then to be delivered out of it; their punish­ment will be remediless.

5. The punishment of the wicked will be Eternal, Hell fire will be unquenchable, Mark. 9 43 Everlasting, Matth. 2 [...] 4 [...] ▪ the smoke of the torment will ascend up for ever and ever▪ Rev. 14 11. This eternity of punishment will, be a fearful aggravation of it: If you saw a Malefactour to [...] to pie­ces with wild horses, or thrown into a fiery furnace, and there burned to ashes; you would say that either of th [...] were dreadful punishments, though the pain possibly might not endure a quarter▪ of an hour, for death concludes all bodily pains here: what then will it be to endure the torments of Hell for ever? a small pain, if it should [...] long, would be very irksome; much more some [...] ­ing pains by the stone, strangury, gout, cholick, an [...] [...] like, if they should continue for a year, or a moneth [...] to­gether, how mis [...]able would they make the life [...] yea, if a man should hold but one of his! singers in [...] fire but for a day, it would afflict him more, than all [...] ­ward comforts could delight him; the torments of [...] will not be in one part only, but in every part; not [...] weaker degree, but in the greatest extremity; [...] for [...] day, or a moneth, or a year, but for ever; the [...] will be alwayes dying, never dead; the [...] [...] will [...] upon them; and vet they [...] never give up the Ghost; if they could die they would think [...] [...] happy; they will alwayes be roaring, and never breat [...] out their last; alwayes sinking, and never come to the [...]come; alwayes burning in those flames, and never con­sumed; [Page 112] the eternity of Hell, will be the Hell of Hell, When our S [...]viour [...]endured equivalent punishment to this of Hell, for his people, it had not this circumstance of e­ [...]rnity in it; the [...]e not being that need, because of the excellency of his person; so that though the pains of Hell [...]at hold on him, yet they could not keep him in hold, but he brake thorow them, and triumphed over them, & could say in the conclusion, It is finished: but the damned will not be able to break thorow their punish­ment; they will be compassed about with them, and hedg­ed in, and shut down, and never be able to lift up the [...]eid; never shall they say of this punishment, It is finish­ed, for their pains will alwayes be as it were beginning; when they have spent the time of as many years in Hell as there are Stars in the Firmament, Sands on the Sea shore, and Moats in the Sun, their torment will be as it were beginning, and no nearer a conclusion, than the first day they were cast into that place. Who can express this e [...]ernity? when we la [...]ch [...] forth out thoughts in the consideration thereof, we loss them quickly; it being such a deep which cannot be fathomed, such a vast Ocean which cannot he measured; yet a little to extend your thoughts in the consideration of the Eternity of the wickeds punish­ment. I shall, by one or two suppositions illustrate some­thing of the vastness hereof.

Suppose that this globe of Earth on which we tread were hollow, and that it were filled with great folio Books, as full as it could hold; and moreover there were Books; heaped up upon it to fill the whole circumference of the dire round about i [...]; yea that the whole space of place to the uttermost [...] verge of the Empyrean Heavens were filled with Books; and all this vast number of Books were filled with figures in the highest degree of multiplication; O what a number of Books would there be in the whole space of place? what a number of figures in these Books and what a vast number would there be deciphered by these figures? A bit of paper half as broad as an half [...] [Page 113] penny will hold the figure of the number of as many years as have been since the creation of the World; what then would a whole leaf of a great folio hold? what would a whole folio hold: what then would a room full of folios hold? but what would the whole World full of folios hold? now if at the end of time, when the wicked go [...] Hell, God should fill the whole space of the World with folios full of figures of numbers; and tell the wicked that every thousand year one of these num­bers should be substracted, and promise them when all the numbers were substracted out of all these Books, they should have a release out of their torments; they would have a small spark of hope, that after the substraction of so many Millions, Millions, Millions of innumerable num­bers, in the revolution of so many Millions, Millions, Millions of innumerable years, yet at last there would be an end; there would be time then set and a wearing towards an end; yet if we could cast our thoughts so far in a supposition, that all this number of years, where­in all this number of figures were substracted by one in a thousand years were past and gone; yea wherein they were all substracted, as many thousand times as the num­ber of figures in all those Books would a mount unto; yet even then the punishment of the damned would be as far from ending, as at the very first beginning of them.

Yea suppose further, that there were as many Worlds as the number in the Books before supposed would arise unto; and these Worlds should continue as many years as by this account there would be Worlds; and all these Worlds were filled with Angels and Men; and all these Angels and Men should be employed in nothing else from the beginning of these Worlds unto the end of them, but in conceiving numbers of years unto the uttermo [...] conception which they could have of numbers; what a-to-us-inconceivable number of years would there be con­ceived by so many Angels and Men, in so many years, [...] [Page 114] so many Worlds? yet if all that vast number of years were joyned to the end of the time wherein all the num­bers in the figures of so many before-mentioned Books, were substracted by one in a thousand years; and these multiplied as many thousand times as numbers were conceived; such a vast number of years would reach a great way, but they would not be so much as a haires breadth in the measure of Eternity; and if we should suppose the space of all these years too, to be spent by the damned in torments, even then their torments would be as far from a conclusion, as they were upon their first entrance into Hell. O Eternity! Eternity! Eternity! how vast is Eternity! how infinite and immeasurable! how horrible will the thoughts of Eternity be unto the dam­ned! to be punished so extreamly, and that without any intermission, or hopes of a conclusion! to fall into such a horrible Pit, and fiery Lake, and there burn for ever without any possibility of ever getting forth! O dreadful! O blind World! O so [...]tish sinners! that take no more care now to avoid, and get deliverance from such a pun­ishment as this, which they are exposed unto, and will be the certain consequent of sin without repentance.

Thus concerning the punishment which the wicked shall go into.

[...]. Concerning their entrance into this punishment; when the whole crew of wicked and ungodly persons, together with the whole Flock of Devils are departed from the presence of Christ, and the glorious Saints; and Heaven [...]s now upon their backs, and Hell before their face; and they are now come to the very mouth of the bottomless Pit, unto the Doors and great Gates of Hell; and now they are opened before them, and unto them, and for them; and they see the black smoke ascending up from thence, and smell a horrible stink from the sulphurious Fire; which they must be throw into; and when they [Page 115] behold the horrible flakes of Fire flashing forth from the Furnace of Hell, ten thousand times more dreadfully than those which were seen to arise from London on the M [...]n­day night; and now begin to feel the heat; and see others tumbling in before them, and they following of them; and when they begin first to put their hands and their feet into the Fire; and now they are in and cover­ed with flames, and begin to boile and fry, and when they perceive the Gates of Hell to be shut upon them, and great Stones rowled before them which can never be re­moved, and great Bars put upon them which can never be broken, and they are out of all hopes of ever breaking Prison, and getting forth; O how will they sh [...]e [...]k, and roar, and cry out in the the anguish of their souls, and torture of their bodies, Wo, Wo be unto us miserable sinners! and is this the Hell which Ministers warned us to flie from? and yet would we needs run out selves into such flames? Is this the wages of our si [...]? [...]hath our drunkenness, and swearing, and whoring and lying, and unrighteous dealing, such a dreadfull consequent as this? Is this the company we must take up our eternal abode, withall? and this the place of our eternal ha­bitation? must we then dwell in this devouring Fire? and inhabit these everlasting burnings? O miserable! miserable! forlorn wretches we! would God we had never been born! O that we bad been Dogs or Swine! O that we had been Serpents or Toads! O that we had been the meanest w [...]r [...]s, or Stones, or any thing without Souls who are now annihilated! O that we had been nothing, or might be turned to nothing! O that we could recall our time! how would we improve it. O that it were with us, as once it was, when our being and abode was upon the Earth, when the day of grace did shine upon us, and the meanes of grace were afforded to us! how would we pray, and hears and watch, and strive, and live! how would we forsake sin, accept of Christ, and deliver up our selves unto universal obedience! But alas time is fled! the day is spent! the door is shut! we are bound up in Chains, which cannot be loosened! we are now in torments, which cannot be [Page 116] remedied; and are extream and will never be ended! O the pains of my eyes! would I had none! O the pains of my tongue! would it were out, and I were dumb! O the torture of my hands and feet! would they were off, and my wh [...]le body were consumed! O I am sick! I am sick! and here is no Physician! I am sad! I am sore troubled! and here none is to pitty me! my head doth [...]! my heart doth ake! O the terrours which I feel! O the gripes and tearings of the never dying worm within me!

But who can conceive what the thoughts and com­plaints of the damned will be at their first entrance into the punishment of Hell? Thus concerning the executi­on of the sentence pronounced by Christ upon the wicked.

CHAP. X.

2. THE second thing is to speak of the execution of the sentence pronounced by Christ upon the Righteous. Matth, 25. 46. These shall go away into everlasting punishment, There is the execution of the sentence on the wicked. But the Righteous into life eternal, there is the execution of the sentence on the Righteous. And here I shall speak,

• 1. Of the Righteous going away.
• 2. Of the Righteous going into life eternal.

1. Concerning the Righteous going away, The wicked shall go away, and the Righteous shall go away too; the wicked shall go, away from Christ and Saints, and the happiness of Heaven; and the Righteous shall go away from Devils and wicked Persons, and the misery of Hell, which with some considerations will be unspeakably com­fortable unto them.

[Page 117] 1. The righteous shall go away from Devils; Christ doth here redeem them and deliver them from that tyrannical power which the Devil had over them before conversion, yet they are not wholly freed in this life from all his assaults and baits and snares; some of them are much buffered and oppressed by him most part, if not all their dayes; but at the last day they shall all go away from Sa­than; the Devil and all his Angels will be lockt up in the bottomless Pit, and the righteous will never be molested with any of them any more, however the righteous some­times are foiled by Sathan here, and receive some wounds in their spiritual combat; yet then they will be victori­ous, and triumph over principalities and powers, and leave them bound in Chains behind them; they shall go away from Devils.

2. The righteous shall go away from all the wicked Persons; some of the wicked separated them from their company when they lived on Earth; now God will separate them from the company of all the wicked; they were hated by the wicked and troubled by them, and some of them suffered much under their reproaches and persecutions; then the wic [...]ed will cease from troubling them any more: their heart [...] were grieved with their oaths and filthy lewdness and un­godly conversation in the World; but now they shall go away from the wicked, no Devil, nor wicked Persons shall be admitted into their society, or have any room in the place whether they are going.

3. The righteous shall go away, from that place and state of misery which the wicked shall go into; they shall be deli­vered from the d [...]mnation, and punishment of Hell, and all fears of it for ever: and herein their joyes will be unconceivable, in that,

1. They shall have deeper apprehensions of the punishment of Hell, than ever did here enter into their hearts to imdgine; they were told by the Word and Ministers what a dreadful punishment was prepared for the damned; and they did believe it, and fear it, and flee from it; but the one half [Page 118] was not told them; the Fire which they conceived, was but as it were a painted Fire in comparison with that which they will see the wicked cast into; the pains they fancied were but fleabitings, in comparison with those which they will see the wicked undergo: they guessed something at the wrath of God▪ by the little scortchings thereof in their first conviction of, and contrition for sin; by the sweetness of Gods smiles of love afterwards, they judged that his displeasure and fury would be unsupportable; but their thoughts were mean, and sh [...]r [...] of that fiery vengeance and dreadful wrath which then will break forth into a flame to consume the ungodly: as the wicked will have high apprehensions of the glory and happiness of the righ­teous beyond whatever entred into their hearts to con­ceive here in this world, and it will be their unutterable grief; to be deprived thereof, and shut our for ever from the Kingdome of Heaven, which the righteous with joy and triumph shall go into: so the righteous shall have deep apprehensions of the sufferings and misery of the wicked, beyond whatever they did imagine here; and it will be no small part of their joy that they are delivered from this misery, and saved from the torments of Hell, into which they shall see the wicked go into, with such dread and hor­rour. [...]a [...]arns will then see Dives tormented; the other Apostles will see Jadas thrust into Hell, and all the righte­ous will be Spectators of the vengeance which the Lord Jesus will execute upon the ungodly world, and O how will they then adore Gods electing love? how will they vallue the blood of Christ, which was shed for the redemp­tion of them? how will they bless God for pardoning mer­cy? how will they hugg the feet of their Saviour, who hath delivered them from this so dreadfull wrath, and fearfull torments which they will see inflicted then upon the damned? especially,

2. When they consider in their going away, that they were by nature Children of wrath, even as others; Ephes. 2. 3. That they had as soul natures as the vilest; that the [...] had as leprous, poysonous, odious hearts, until they we [...] [Page 119] renewed and sanctified, as those which they shall see con­demned and tormented; that they were sometimes foolish and disobedient, [...]erving divers lusts, and pleasures, hateful and hating one another, until the kindness and free love of God was manifested in the regeneration and re [...]vation of them by the holy Ghost. Tit. 3 3,4 5. That they were dead in sin with others, and walked according to the course of the World, according to the Prince of the power of the Aire, who wrought in them, as in other Children of disobedience, so that they were as forward as others to fulfill the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and [...]n with others to the same excess of riot; until God who is rich in mercy, for his great love, wherewith he loved them, had quickned them and saved them by his grace, and hereby put a difference between them and the wicked, who went on to the end of the sinful course in which sometimes they were running with them in company. Eph. 2. 1,2,3,4, &c. yea some of them will remember, how they out-stripped others in sin, and were guilty of more gross breaches of the Law than many Millions of the wicked, whom they will see condemned; & that they should escape, and be awakened to repent, and enabled to believe and reform; and that they should obtain pardon and salvation thorow Christ, when others were passed by, and let alone to perish under smaller sins; this will fill them with astonishing admiration, and won­dering joy: when they see some of their neer Relations go­ing to Hell, their Fathers, their Mothers, their Children, their Husbands, their Wives, their Brethren, their Sisters, their intimate Friends, and Companions; however they are grieved now to see them take such courses, and walk in the way to Hell, and they labour to Pull them out of that way, and would [...]ain perswade them to walk with them in Heavens way; and are troubled to forethink of the tor­ment which they must endure, if they go on, yet hereafter relative tyes, and those affections which now they have to relations out of Christ, will cease; and they will not have the least trouble to see them sentenced to Hell, and thrust into the fiery furnace; but rejoyce in the glory of [Page 120] God which will be manifested upon them in their destructi­on; and, O the joy that they will be filled withal to think that they were not passed by with the rest of their relations; that they are not under the same deserved-condemnation with them; that God should chuse but one or two in many families, and they should be in the number of the chosen ones; that when his chosen were comparatively so few, and the reprobates so many, that they should be elected; when there was no motive in them to encline God to the choice of them, that he should chuse them freely; if he had not chosen them, if they were now to change places with some of their wicked relations going to Hell; this would be dreadful; but that they are going from Hell, when their relations are going into it, this will fill them with joy unspeakable. Especially.

3. When they consider in their going away, that they were sometime so neer to H [...]ll; that whilst they were in a state of nature, and under the guilt of sin, that some of them were neer to death; that they were brought to the sides of the pit, to the doors of the grave, to the very brink of Hell, before they had repented, and accepted of Jesus Christ; some of them will remember how neer they were to death when they were young; how neer they were to death by some casualties; how neer by some diseases; some of them will remember the great Plaugue in London, which swept away so many thousands, how ill they were provided for death at the beginning thereof; how neerly they escaped the disease; and some which had the disease, how neerly they escaped death by it; and if they had died then, that they should certainly have gone to Hell; O how will they admire the [...]ovidence of God in keeping them a­live notwithstanding [...] many dangers they were in of death all the dayes of their unregeneracy; and when they more over consider how they tried Gods patience, and trampled upon it, by their hainous provocations; how they abused his goodness, and turned his grace into wantonness; how they did hasten in the wayes of sin towards Hell, and were come even to the end of the line; that some of their [Page 121] were Drunkards, and Sabbath-breakers, and profane per­sons, and swearers, and unclean persons, and persecutors of the people of God, and were arrived even to the heighth of wickedness, and wanted but a step or two of falling into Hell; and yet that the Lord should meet with them, with a flaming sword in the way of sin, they were driving on so fast and furiously in, and stop them, and turn them, and change them, and bring them home to himself; yea, when they had dea [...]fned their ears against many calls, and stifled many convictions, and often quenched the motions of his spirit, and were so unwilling to leave their sins, and to come out of the way of destruction, and were so desperately bent upon their ruine; that yet he should knock, and call again and again, and follow them still by his spirit; that he should lay hold on them as the Angels did on Lot and bring them out of Sodom even by force: and over power the contranitency of their stubborn wills. and break open the door of their hearts, and overturn the strong holds of sin and Satan [...] and set up the throne of his Son within them; that he should s [...]a [...]ch them like fire brands out of the fire; and pluck them out of the snare of the Devil, that had almost drag [...]d them into Hell; O how will they be astonished to remember Gods infinite pi [...]ty and love, and the power of his rich grace that did work salvation for them? especially when they perceive how dreadful the misery is which they were hastning unto? I have heard of a man who, in the night galloped over a high bridge which was broken down all but a narrow plank, which Gods providence directed his horses [...]at upon; which if they had flipt never so little on the one side on the other, horse and man had follen into the deep stream, and been drowned; which the man did not known till the next morning; but then, viewing the place, and considering the danger he had so narrowly escaped, was struck with such astonishment at it, that he fell down dead in the place. When some of Gods people shall go away from Hell at the last day, and look behind them into the bottomless-pit, and take a view of the streams of fire and brimstone, which are running in the burning lake; and remember how they have galloped [Page 122] over those streams, when they were in the carreer of their sin; and by how narrow a plank they passed over them; that if they had slipped but a little aside, they had fallen into the lake, from whence they could never have got out; when they shall remember how neer they were to Hell, and how narrowly they have escaped such horrible torments; surely they will be struck with such admiration and joy which now they could not bear, but would over-whelm their spirits, and bring immediate death upon them; but then their nature will be strengthned to bear this joy, which might be enough to sweeten an eternity, if they had no o­ther happiness than the consideration of the misery from which they have been so wonderfully delivered. Thus concerning the going away of the righteous from the wicked, and the miseries which they shall endure.

2. Concerning their going into eternal life: and here I shall speak,

• 1. Of the eternal life which they shall go into.
• 2. Of their going into eternal life

1. Concerning the eternal life which the righteous shall go into. Eternal life is taken in Scripture frequently for the life of grace; but chiefly, and so here, for the life of glory: by eternal life we are to understand the glory and happi­ness which the righteous shall have in Heaven, of which happiniss in Heaven I shall speak,

• 1. Subjectively,
• 2. Objectively.
• 3. Formally.

1. Subjectively. The subject of the happiness in Heaven, will be both the bodies and the souls of the righteous.

1. The bodies of the righteous will be subjects of the happiness of Heaven.

1. They shall be most glorious bodies, 1 Cor. 15. 42 They are sown in dishonour, when they die; they shall be raised in [Page 123] glory at the resurrection; some glory and Majesty is put up­on the bodies of men now, in comparison with the bodies of inferiour creatures; but the bodies of the righteous shall then be made a thousand-fold more glorious; there is not so great a difference between celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; between the body of the glorious Sun, and the body of the meanest fly or worm, as then there will be between the bodies of the righteous on earth, and in heaven: they will be celestial bodies; they will shine like Stars, Dan 12. 3. Yea, like the Sun in the Kingdom of their father, Matth, 13. 43 their bodies will be transformed, whereby their dirty hue will be changed, more than if all the stones in the street were turned into Diamonds, Phil. [...]. 21. Their vile bodies will be fashioned like unto the glorious body of Christ: Now their bodies are vile, being so frail, especially as they are the instruments of sin; they are earthy, as they bear the image of the earthy Adam: then they shall be glorious, because they shall bear the Image of the Heavea­ly Adam: the bodies of some doe now shine with Gold and Pearls, and costly Apparrel which are about them, and yet under all, their bodies remain vile bodies; but here­after the bodies of the righteous shall shine with a mar­vellous brightness and glory through the qualities which shall be in them, beyond what the richest attire can give.

2. And by consequence the bodies of the righteous shall be most Beautiful Bodies: they shall have a perfect beauty, beyond whatever eye did behold, in the fairest woman that ever lived upon the face of the earth.

Their bodies will have the most exact symetry of parts; those which were mis shapen here, shall then he healed of that imperfection in their bodies; the crooked back shall then be be made straight; the members which now are wanting, shall be supplied, and the parts which now are dissolved shall be put into the right place; and all joyned so exactly together; espe­cially the lineaments of the face shall have such a figure and composition as shall render their feature most lovely, and grace­ful, beyond what the greatest observers, and admirers of beau­ty, can conceive in their fancy.

[Page 124] Moreover, the bodies of the righteous shall have a most sweet mixture of colours; there will be no black skin, no swar­thy complexion, no pal [...] face, no wan look; their colour will be most lovely, without change or fading; there will be no wrinkles of old age but they will be alwayes young fresh, and blooming; if the composition of these [...]l [...]ments, which are so dreggish, doth give forth in same such l [...]v [...]liness of colour, what will the more refined composition of the bodies, of the righteous do, and when the Lord will fashion their bodies after the pattern of his Sons body: and therefore I conceive further that the bodies of the righteous shall have a most comely stature, not dwarfish nor [...]igantick; but according to the measure of the stature of Christ: And lastl [...], to compleat their beauty, I doubt not but they will have most graceful gestures and sparkling motions in their coun­tenances; they will have no grief to deaden their beauty, to anger or envy, or the like, to change and transform their visage; But love and joy will continuall [...] look out at their eyes, which will marvellously add to the lustre and sweetness of their beau­ty; they shall have most beautiful bodies.

3. The bodies of the righteous shall be most Strong, that they may be sutable to their great soul, and fit for such works as in heaven they must be employed in; were they weak as new they are they world never endure such works and motions, they would tire and faint, their spirits would quickly be spent; but in Heaven there will be no lassitude and weariness; no fa [...] ­ting, or failure of spirits; all their motions, though never so great and conti [...]ual, will be sweet and delightful; and therefore their bodies must be strong that they may be sutable h [...]re [...] to: Moreover the glory of Heaven, which they shall have in their eye would sink a weak body, and the ravishing joyes and love, the transports of their souls in the visions which they shall have, would crack a weak vessel to pieces; they must be strong to hear the glory of the place; and when besides they must endure unto all eternity; and all this without reparation, by meat, or drink, or sleep; I conceive that no bodies visible to us are made so strong, as the bodies of the righteous will be made at the last day.

[Page 125] [...] it follows, that their bodies will be most Healthful bodies, they will be free from all pain, and disease, which may in the least weaken them; the temperature of their bodies will be so exact, that there will be no fighting of contrary qualities within them, no flowing of ill humours: In Heaven there will be no plague nor [...]ague, nor feav [...]r, nor gout, nor stone, nor strang [...]y, nor any distemper, no need of food to preserve health, nor ph [...]sit [...] to recover it

5. The bodies of the righteous will be Spiritual bodies, 1 Cor. 15. 44. not absolutely, spiritual; for then they would cease to be bodies; but comparatively, to what they are now, they will be spiritual, that is, I conceive th [...]y will be quick & [...] in their motions, like spirits; now they are dull, and slow and heavy, and a clog to the spirit; I conceive that [...] they shall be like Angels for quick and nimble mati­ [...] they may be so qualified, as in a moment to move many [...] miles; why may not they move so quick then, as well as the Sun and other Stars in the Firmament do so [...] which are bodies of many thousand times greater magnitude.

6. The bodies of the righteous will be incorruptible and immortal, 1 Cor. 5. 42. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption, And v 52. 53. In a moment, in the twink­ling of an eye, at the last te [...]mp the dead shall be raised in­corruptible; for this corruptible must put on incorruption, and th [...] mortal must put on immortality, And v. 54. Then shall come to pass the saying which is written, Death is swallowed up, in victory. Now death is unavoidable, and unto some is very terrible; death hath all the Children of men in the chi [...]e, and shoots his arrows at the righteous, as well as the wicked; and though they be delivered from the sting [...] death which is sin, yet they are not delivered from the stroke of death; but however death play the tyrant here on earth, and spare none; yet he will have no footing i [...] Heaven; the bodies of the righteous when raised up a [...]a [...]n will be impassible and immortal; immortality wil [...] be swallowed up of life, and the life of the body, as well as of the soul will be everlasting.

[...]. The souls of the righteous will be the subjects, and [Page 126] the chief subjects of the glory and happiness of Heaven; in their bodies shall be glorious, their souls shall be must more glorious; as being their more excellent part, and capable of more glory than their bodies, will be; We read, Rom. 8. 18. Of the glory which shall be revealed in us, that is, in the soul; and the Apostle tells us, tha [...] The sufferings of this present time, are not worthy to be compared with this glory; the greatest sufferings and calamities in this World have not that evil and misery in the least shaddow of comparison, with the happiness of the glory which shall be put into the souls of the Saints; indeed the Apostle doth compare them, and see how he makes this future glory to ou [...]-b [...]llance, 2 Cor. 4. 17. These light afflictions, which are but for a moment, do work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. The afflictions are light, but the glory will be weighty; the afflictions are but for a moment, but the glory w [...]ll be eternal; the weight of glory will be exceeding, more excee­ding, fat more exceeding; here the Apostle layes one high expression upon the back of another, and another upon that, like so many great Mountains upon the back one of another, and when he hath got upon the top of the highest of them, yet he is too low to look into the glory of Heaven, and his expressions and apprehensions fall short of the glory which shall be revealed in the soul, when it shall be received into the new Jerusalem, for it is yet to be revealed: and therefore as the Apostle John saith, 1 John 3. 2. It doth not yet appear what we shall be, but when Christ shall appear, we shall be made like him; not only the body shall be made like his glorious body, but also the soul shall be made like his glorious soul, for we shall see him as he is; as the eye doth receive the image of the object, which it look upon, so the soul in its vision of Christ shall receive their Image of Christ, and have a perfect similitude and likeness unto him; the soul will be made most beautiful, the perfect lineaments of Christ will be drawn upon it: if grace make the soul to shine here, how much more will glory, which is grace in the perfection of it, make the soul to shine is Heaven? & therefore grace is called glory, it is lory begun [Page 127] 2 Cor. 3. 18. We all with open face beholding, as in a Glass, the Glory of the Lord, are changed into the same Image, from glory to glory, as by the spirit of the Lord. The Vail, which was under the Law, is now taken away, and with open face we behold the glory of the Lord, that is, I conceive the Lord Jesus Christ who is the glory; of the Father, the bright­ness of the Fathers glory; which glory was more dark to our view under the Law, represented by the cloud, which filled the Temple; but now there is more clear revelation of Christ without the Vail, and clouds of types and figures, whom we now see in the Glass of the Word and Ordinances, and hereby are changed into his Image, and receive from him impressions of grace, which is glory begun, through the ope­ration of his spirit in his Ordinances upon us; yet still we see him in a Glass, and therefore there is a darkness, through this interposition; and the eye of our faith which looks thorow this Glass upon Christ is weak, and therefore our Graces are imperfect, and our similitude to him is imperfect; but when the Glasse shall be removed, and instead of the sight of faith, we shall have an immediate Vision, then our souls will be changed into a perfect conformity unto his Image, and it will not be from glory to glory, from one degree unto another, but glory will be arrived unto its heighth, and the souls of the righteous will be made perfectly glorious; their souls will then have perfection of holiness without the least remainders of sin, which in this World the most holy Persons are not wholly free from.

1. Their thoughts shall be holy; no blasphemous thoughts shall then arise in their mind, no filthy thought, no envious and malicious thoughts, yea they shall not have the least va­nity or impertinency in their thoughts, all their thoughts shall then be brought into perfect obedience unto Jesus Christ.

2. Their understandings shall be holy; their shall not be the least Cloud or mist of ignorance or errour to darken and sully them, when they appear before the glorious Sun of righte­ousness, the brightness which will issue forth from his face will dispel all clouds, and they will have a clear under­standing [Page 128] of all things which will be needful for them to know, to make them happy; God will then unlock his treasures, op [...]n his Books, which now are sealed, and open their un­derstandings too, that they may conceive those mysteries of his word, and that manifold wisdome of God, which now do exceed their comprehensions.

3. Their memories shall be holy; they shall be strength­ned to retain and bring forth continually out of their trea­sures whatever things, new or old, shall tend to feed them with love and joy, and elevate their souls in the praises of God.

4. Th [...] Wills shall be perfectly holy; there shall be a sweet harmony between their wills and the will of God, a per­fect compliance with the sweet Law which they shall be under, without the least contranite [...]cy, or contradiction; they shall not have day evil motion, or inclination of will in Heaven.

5. Their Hearts and affections shall be perfectly holy; the inner room of their hearts shall then be swept clean of all cob­webs, there shall not be the least dost of sin remain; the roots of bitterness will be plucked up then, and the stains which now are upon them shall be washed off; all the disorders and distempers [...] their affections shall be removed, yea some affections which now they have and are suitable to this estate of sin and imper­fection, shall be removed in their state of glory, such as grief, anger, fear, and the like; they shall have no bitterness upon their spirits, no sorrow in their hearts, no sinking and fainting of spirit, no discouragement and dispondency, no t [...]rrour or per [...]lexity, no anguish or anxiety; all these shall flee away like a Cloud, yea they shall have no hope in Heaven, nor desire as I conceive, be­cause these affections suppose the chief good to be absent, and imply imperfection; but there they shall have a perfect enjoyment and rest of soul in the chief good; which is the next thing to be spoken of, namely the object of the Saints happiness in Heaven.

2. Objectively, The object of the happiness of the righ­teous in Heaven, or the chief good which will make them perfectly and compleatly happy, will be GOD; who is in, [Page 129] finitely good in himself, and infinitely blessed in the enjoy­ment of himself, and in him will the happiness of the righ­teous consist; that which fills an Ocean, surely will fill a Bucket, or but-shell; God will be the happiness of the righ­teous for ever; it is but a thin and subordinate happiness which is to be found in the creature; it is but an imperfect happiness which is here to be found in God, because of our blindness and sin, and incapacity; but in Heaven God will be a perfect happiness unto the Saints▪ It is said, 1 Cor. 15. 28. That God shall be all in all God will be the whole happiness of the righteous, God in himself, God in his Son God in the Angels, God in other Saints, God in themselves, God will be all in all, the only object of their happinesse.

3. Formally, the happiness of the righteous in Heaven will consist in the union of the subject and object together, God will be united to their minds by Vision, and to their hearts by Love, from whence will spring unspeakable joy.

1. The minds of the Saints, will have a perfect Vision of God, which will infinitely transcend all the visions and sweetest discoveries of God, which they have, or are capable of in this World; hereafter their capacity will be enlarged, their minds will be elevated; here they see God darkly, there they shall see him clearly; here they see him afar [...], there they shall see him neerly; here they see him as be is represented, there they shall see him as be is; here they see him in a Gloss, there they shall see him immediately; here they see aliquid de D [...]o, there they shall see Deam here they see his foot-steps, some impresses of God upon the Creatures, especially upon his Children, chiefly they see his Image in Christ, whom they view by faith in the Glass of the Gospel, (as was said) yet the uttermost they can here attain unto, is to see his back parts, but in Heaven they shall see his face, they shall see him face to face; they shall see him as be is. This, this will be the happiness of the righteous in Heaven, to have the immediate fight, the bea [...]ifical vision of God.

[Page 130] 2. The hearts of the righteous shall be joyned to God, who is their chief good, by love. But who can utter the love which the Saints shall have unto God in Heaven? it will exceed our now conceptions, much more will it exceed the love which those of the most intimate acquaintance with God do here attain unto; that it will be heightned beyond what now it is, we may apprehend, if we consider,

1. That the righteous will have an immediate Vision of God, as hath been shown; now they live in a dark World, and have a Cloud upon their minds and see but a little of God through the perspective Glass of his Ordinances, a little in the works of his hands, and in the works of his spirit upon the hearts of his Children; and if when they see and know him so little, they can love him so dearly above the whole World, how will they love him when they behold his face, when the Clouds shall be dispelled, and the Sun break forth? when they behold his beauty, and the transcendent excellencies which are in him, beyond whatever they could here imagine? how will their hearts be ravished with love to look God in the face, when they see him in himself, when they see him in his Son, when the Divinity of Christ shall appear in him, and shine so gloriously before them, when they see the Angels so full of God, and the Saints so full of God, and every thing in Heaven represent the glorious Jehovah unto them?

2. The love of God will heighten their love to him; to be loved by such an excellent Person, and with such a superla­tive love, O how will this enflame their hearts with love unto him? when they take a review of the past expressions of his love, and find the love of God in many things, which they did no [...] mind, when they were in the World; and when they see a thousand fold more love in those things which they did take notice of, but with low apprehensions, and dull affections, how will it raise their hearts? when their apprehensions of his love shall be raised; they will admire electing love so free towards them without any previsions of merit in them; they will admire his love in sending his Son to redeem them, and sending his spirit to convert them; his love in pardoning their sins, in adopting them to be [Page 131] his Children; now they admire his love sometimes, Behold! what manner of love is this, that we should be called the Chil­dren of God! 1 Joh. 3. 1. Then they will admire it ten thousand times more; they will see Gods love in all his fa­therly provisions, protections, yea in his chastisements, and corrections, and all his providences working for their good; but O what love will they see in his special distinguishing mercies, beyond what now they apprehend; and Gods past love will have a present and deep impression upon their hearts; further they will see the treasures of his love open, the heart of God opened, and the glory which in Heaven he will confer upon them, of which they shall never be deprived; and what a demonstration of Gods love will this be unto them. Moreover then they shall have no doublings of his love, which here do damp affections, they shall know assu­redly that he hath loved them, doth love them, and will love them unchangeably, & eternally; and withal they shall have a full sense of his love upon their hearts, which will make such an impression, as to raise their hearts to an unconceivable heighth of love,

3. The righteous will have a higher capacity for love in Hea­ven, than here they have, and they shall be filled with love un­to the heighth of their capacity; they will be able to love a thousand times more than now they can do, and they shall love unto their utmost ability; they will see perfection of loveliness in God & all that are about him & they shall have perfection of love; here their love is sincere and growing, but it is weak and imperfect, hereafter it will be grown up to the full heighth of it, and perfect love will cast out all tor­ment; here their love is mixed, the stream is divided, it runs and wasts it self in many small rivulers, which empty themselves upon the creatures; but then the whole stream will run forth unto God undividedly; not a drop of their love shall be spilt on the ground; God will be the sole object of their love: here their love is uneven and incon­stant to God; sometimes it ebbs, and sometimes it flows, sometimes they have a high and spring tide of love to God, but at other times it is low water; hereafter their love to [Page 132] God will be even and constant, and alwayes at the greatest heighth.

3. And O what joy will there be in their hearts, through the union which the righteous shall have unto God the chief good, when their minds shall be joyned to him in immediate vision, and their hearts in perfect love! O how sweet a fruition of God will this be! what delights will spring from hence! if the Saints can now rejoyce exceedingly in God, when they see him so little, and their love is so imperfect, what will they do when they see and love him perfectly and fully? if they are now ex­ceeding glad sometimes with the light of his countenance, though they have but a glimpse thereof, what will they be, when they shall have a constant view thereof, and live eternally under the beams of that light I their love to God is sweet now, though it be weak; but what will it be is Heaven, when the conjunction of their hearts to God by love shall be so neer and close? if the Saints can now rejoyce in hope of the glory of God, what will they do in the possession thereof, when faith shall be chang­ed for vision, and hope turned into fruition! O how will the Saints rejoyce and triumph when they are sailed quite thorow the tempestuous Sea of this world, and are landed safely in Hea­ven, where there is rest, and peace, with u [...] any windy storm? when they have got the victory over the the Devil, and sin, and are now placed out of the gun-shot of temptation, and have conquered through Christ the grave, and death, and are out of fear of his arrows; when they see that they have escaped the terrible wrath of God, and find themselves in the arms of his love; when they perceive that they are in Heaven now indeed, notwithstanding all their sins, and doubts, and fears, and now they have that blessed vision of God which they so much desired; and the full fruition of God in love which they hoped for; when they shall look about them, and see so much glory about them, and shall look within them and see so much glory there, revealed, beyond whatever they could imagine; O how will they be transported with joy! then they will have f [...]lness of joy in the presence of God, and their pleasure and happiness will be per­fect without interruption or possibility of a conclusions. And the eternity of their happiness will be the Heaven of Heaven; as eter­nity of misery will be the Hell of Hell.

[Page 133] Thus concerning the happiness of the Saints, or the eternal life of glory, which they shall enter into.

2. Concerning the righteous going or entring into eternal life. The righteous after the pronouncing of their sentence, and their seeing the execution of the sentence of the wicked, shall pass away from them, and go with Christ into eternal life; they shall go with singing to the Zion which is above, and everlasting joy on their heads, they shall obtain joy, and gladness, & sorrow and sighing shall flee away, Isai. 51. 11. It will be a most glorious train, such as eye never hath seen, which will go together unto Heaven. The Lord Jesus Christ, will be in the head in shining glory, all the holy Angels will be with him, and the whole company of the righteous will be together, that ever lived in all generations; and O with what mirth and gladness will they move towards Heaven together; with what [...]outings and Hosannah's will they attend upon the glorious Triumph of our Saviour, unto the new Jerusalem! but when they are come to the gates of Heaven, & the everlasting doors shall be lifted, up to them, and they Look into the place pre­pared for their eternal abode; when the Lord Jesus shall bring them into the glorious presence of the Father, and they shall have the beatifical vision of his face, and see the smiles of his countenance, and are received into the imbr [...]cements of his love; Then, Then, they will find themselves to be happy Indeed! then their heart will be filled with joy, and their tongues with singing: then they will sing the new Song, the Song of the Lamb, which now cannot be learned; then they will found forth the praises of God, and cry with a Loud voice, as Rev 7 10,11. Salvation to our God; who sitteth upon the Throne, and to the Lamb And worshipping God they will say, Amen Blessing and Glory and Wisdom, and Thanksgiving, & Honnour, and Power, and Might be unto our God for ever & ever Amen. And there shall they live and reign for evermore.

Thus concerning the execution of the sentence on the righ­teous; and concerning the second appearance of Christ, and end thereof.

CHAP. XI.

C Oncerning the Certainty of Christ second appearance.

I shall prove this by several Arguments.

1. A [...]g. If the Scriptures have clearly revealed and foretold Christs second appearance of Judgment, and the Scriptures are certainly true, then this second appearance of Christ is certain: But the Scriptures have clearly revealed and fore­told this second appearance of Christ to Judgement; and the Scriptures are certainly true: Therefore the second appearance of Christ is certain.

1. The Scriptures have clearly revealed and foretold Christs second appearance to Judgment. It is not a truth written in the Book of nature, it is not to be found in the writings of the Philosophers, and those who have had the highest speculations of natural causes, and effects, and products; this is a mysterie which the world by wisdom could never find out; it is a secret which hath been hid in God, and is revealed by his Spirit in his Word: this coming of Christ was foretold by Enoch Jude 14,15. And Enoch also the seventh from Adam prophesied, Behold the Lord cometh with ten thousand of his Saints, to execute judgement upon all, &c. So that it is of ancient, revelation. The first coming of the Christ was foretold to Adam, in the promise, that the seed of the woman should break the Serpents head; and the second coming of Christ was foretold to Enoch. It is fore­told by the Angels, Acts 1. 10,11. Whilst the Disciples looked stedfastly upon our Saviour in his Ascension, two Angels said unto them, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye ga [...] ­ing up into Heaven? this same Jesus which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come down in like manner as ye have seen him go into Heaven; however Devils are Lyars, and the Fathers of Lyes and Lyars; yet the good Angels are true, and Ministers of truth, and this is a true testimony; further, this is foretold by the Apostles, who were employ­ed to be the Pen-men of part of the holy Scripture, and [Page 135] were guided by an infallible Spirit; the Apostle Paul speaks often of it, especially see his testimony. 1 Thes. 4. 15,16. 17. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive, and remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent them which are asleep: For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a sh [...]t, with the voice of [...] Arch­angel, and with the Trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord; Thus he sets forth Christ coming in a comfortable manner unto his people; therefore exhorteth Christianes to comfort one another with those words, and hopes of Christ glorious appearance, when they should be caught up to meet with him and be with him for ever: and he sets it forth in a dreaded manner, in regard of the wicked, 2 Thes. 1. 7,8,9. The Lord Jesus shall be re­vealed from Heaven, with his Mighty Angels, in flaming f [...]e­taking vengeance on them which know not God, and obey not the Gospel, who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his [...] over this coming of Christ is spoken of by the Apostle in every Chapter of both these Epistles, 1 Epist. Chap. 1. 10. And to wait for his Son from Heaven Chap. 2. 19. What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rej [...]ycing, are not ye in the presence of the Lord Jesus at his coming. Chap. [...]. 13. To the end b [...] may establish you, unblameable i [...] holiness at the coming of our Lord Je­sus Christ Chap. 4. 16. The Lord himself will descend fr [...] Heaven with a shout. Chap. 5 23. I pray that your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ 2. Epist. Chap 1. 10. He shall come to be glorified in his Saints. Chap 2. 12. Now I bes [...] you Brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him; that ye be not soon shaken in [...] &c. Chap. 35. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and patient waiting for Christ. I might turn you to further testimonies of his. Tit. 2. 13. Looking for the [...] hope, and glorious appearance of the great God, [...]ed our Saviour, Heb. [...] 28. [...] them that look for him, shall [...] [Page 136] second time unto salvation. We have also the testimony of the Apostle James, Chap. 57. Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord Of the Apostle Peter, 1 Epist. Chap. 5. 4. When the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall re­ceive a Crown of glory which sadeth not away 2. Epist Chap. [...]. 10. The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night. Of the Apostle John, a Epist Chap. 3. 2. When he shall ap­pear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. And, in his Revelation frequently Rev. 1. 7. Behold he cometh with Clouds, and every eye shall see him, and they also that pierced him, and all the kindreds of the earth shall waile [...] of him. Even so Am [...]n. To conclude, we have the testimony of our Saviour himself whilst on earth, to his D [...]ciples, Matt. 16. 27. The Son of man shall come in the glory of the Father, with his Angels, and then be shall reward every man according to his works! Matth 24. 27. As lightning, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be. V. 30. They shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of Heaven V. 31. And he shall send his Angels with a great sound of a Trumpet to gather the Elect from the four Winds. Matt. 25. especially from [...] the end, where his judicial; proceedings are set forth; and our Saviour doth restifie to his enemies, that he would, come again, Matth. 26. 64. Hereafter ye shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power, coming in the clouds of Heaven. And our Saviour testified by his Angel to John his beloved Disciple, after his Ascension into Hea­ven, that he would come again, especially, R [...]v. 22. where we have three promises of the same thing. V 7 Behold I come quickly, Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of this Book [...] V. 12. Behold I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give to every man according as his work shall be. V. 20. Surely I come quickly, Amen. Even so Come Lord Jesus. If any one word in the whole Book of God may be believed, this concerning Christ's second coming and appearance may be believed, of which we have such frequent and evident res­ti [...]onies in the Word; as surely as he came the first time in the flesh, according to the predictions hereof in the Old Testament: so surely will he come the second time [Page 137] in glory, according to the predictions in the New Tests­ment. God can as soon cease to be God, as this Word concerning Christs second coming fail; when the Sun goes down in the evening, we believe it will return and arise at such a time in the morning, and accordingly it [...] to pass: So now Christ the Sun of Righteousness is gone into Heaven, whilst the night of this world doth last, though we cannot know the certain time, yet we may believe that he will certainly return, and come down from Heaven in the morning of the resurrection; it is more possible that the Sun when it is set, should abide for ever in the other parts of the world, and never arise any [...] in our Horison, than that Christ should abide for ever [...] Heaven, and not return to judge the World, when the thing is evidently revealed and frequently promised, in the Scrip­ture.

2. That the Scriptures are true is evident, because they are the Word of God; who is a God of truth, and cannot die; who can as soon cease to be God, as cease to be true; untruth in God would argue weakness and imper­fection in God, which cannot be, since to be infinitely perfect is his essential property. That God doth know whether Christ shall appear to Judgment, I suppose [...] [...] will deny, who acknowledge the Deity, and by consequence his omniscience and prescience, especially when the further of things doth depend upon his predetermination; an [...] that his revelations of future things are true, I support none will deny, who acknowledge his beeing and perfect [...] on, whence follows an impossibility of Gods speaking [...] truths, and folshood; besides that he heed not do it [...] But then the question will be, concerning the Divine Au­thority of the Scriptures, whether they are indeed the Word of God, which (if proved) will evidence the [...] ­tainty of Christ's coming to Judgment, which is there [...] ­vealed and foretold.

That the Scrip [...]nres are the Word of God, will appear [...]

1. From the Superscription and Image of God upon them.

[Page 138] 2. From the marvellous power and efficacy of them.

3. From the Historical Relation in them of Prophesies fulfill­ed, and Miracles whereby they were confirmed, and the rationally unquestionable certainty of this History, as it is handed down to posterity.

1. From the supersciption and Image of God upon them, I mean i [...] that, 1 They hear the name of the Word of God. 2. [...] that they bear such evident marks and cha­racters of Divinity.

1. T [...]e Scriptures bear the name of the Word of God. 2. Tim. 3. 16. All Scripture is given by divine inspiration. We can­not nationally imagine that the all-seeing and jealous God should permit such an impious forgery and deceit to receive credit for so many generations, amongst the most zealous worshipers of him in the World; and by such wonderful providences preserve and maintain the Scriptures against the rage and fury of an ungodly Word, who have opposed the truths therein contained, and endeavoured the sup­pressing of the Light, which therein hath shined, if so be that they had been a forgery and deceit indeed, and the fancies and inventions of Men, fathered upon him as his Word, and will, and proceeding from the inspirations of his spirit; but that he would have made known their falshood unto some, at least, who had the greatest love & respect to his name and honour, and have been the most diligent enquirers after truth, and unwilling to be impo­sed upon with deceits, especially in such things as are of the highest concernment; which the Lord having given no testimony against, but all along owned; and when none in the World, either worshippers of him, or others of high­est pretensions to reason have any evident and swaying rea­son to believe that the Scripture are a deceit; (what­ever some black mouths mutter in corners) it is not ir­rational for us to believe, that the Scriptures and indeed the Word of God, which they bear the Title of.

2. Moreover and especially, the Scriptures appear to be from [Page 139] divine inspiration, insomuch as they bear such evident marks and characters of divinity beyond all other Books.

1. The first character of Divinity in the Scriptures, in the clear discoveries and high praises, which they give of God, and the chief design of the whole Book, which is Gods glory. [...] Heathen Philosopher or Writer could think, of speak so highly of God, as the Scriptures do speak. However God hath put characters of himself in the Book of, the Creatures to be read of all, making known by his Works his eternal Beeing, his infinite Power, Wisdom and Goodness; yet most of the wisest Men, who have lived in the Heathen World, and have been the greatest Students of the Book of the Creatures, and have had no view of the Book of the Scriptures, have been so gross in their conceptions of God, that as the [...] ­postle said, Rom. 1,22,23. When they professed themselves to be wise, they became fools; and changed the Glory of the incor­ruptible God, into an Image made like to corruptible Man, and to Birds, and four footed Beasts, and creeping things; They have figured to themselves and worshipped many Gods, unto the dishonour of the true God: And if some of them have arrived by the light of nature, unto the notion of one God; yet their conceptions of him have been low, mean, and unworthy of him: and in no Book in the World is God set forth so fully and highly in his glorious attributes, and superlative excellencies, as he hath set forth himself in the Book of the Scriptures. We may finde in heathen Writers high Elogi [...]m's and Panegyricks of some men and Women, famous in their time, for their valour, and so [...] moral vertues, whom they have deified in after ages, and given room amongst their feigned Gods and Goddesses, de­dicating Temples, and giving worship unto them: but in no Heathen writings shall we finde the praises of the true God, and rules given for the service and worship of him a­lone, as we shall finde in the Scriptures. Large Volumes some Heathens have left behind them, the design of which hath been their own glory, and (as much as in them lay) the eternizing their Fame, which is an evidence that themselves were Authors of them; because we cannot rationally think [Page 140] that any motive should induce others to make, and put forth Books in their names, that they might obtain glory for them unto whom it did not belong: so this little volume of the Scriptures, designing the glory of God, and the promo­ting of his Interest in the hearts of Men, and the Pen-men employed in the writing thereof, not in the least pretending, that what they wrote, was the invention of their own brain, doth evidence God himself to be the Author of this Book. Wherefore the Scriptures being so clear in their discoveries of the one true God, and setting him forth more gloriously than any other Book, and ascribing all praise and honour to him, and appointing all religious worship to be given to him only, and designing his glory throughout the whole, doth evince that the Scriptures are indeed the Word of God.

2. The second Character of Divinity in the Scriptures is, the sublime mysteries therein revealed; namely concerning the Trinity of Persons in one nature and essence of God; the hypostatical union of the two natures of God and Man in one person of Christ; the mystical union of Christ and his mem­bers, and the like; which mysteries are so sublime, so high, that no mortal Man of the highest reason, and most elevated understanding could possibly invent, in as much as now they are revealed, they exceed the capacity of the most en­lightned to understand: especially if we further consider by whom these mysteries were revealed; not by the great Schollars, and subtle Philosophers of the World; not by them who were brought up in Schools, and had conversed with Books and learned Men; not by Men of high parts, who had polished their reason, and heightned their under­standings by all possible humane helps; but the most of the Pen-men of Scripture, especially those by whom the greatest mysteries are revealed, were Fisher-men, Publicans, and the like; Men of mean education, illiterate Men; Men of no reading, and of but m [...]an natural abilities; as appears not only by the history, but also by the stile of their writings; which hath not that politeness as is to be found in many humane Authors; which doth not run in such a golden stream of eloquence, neither is dressed wi [...]h▪ [Page 141] such nea [...]nesses of Wit, nor garnished with such flowers of Rhetorick; which is not methodized by the rules of Lo­gick, nor enterl [...]rded with any peepings of humane wis­dome; which doth not favour of high parts, and great na­tural ingenuity, or give the least suspicion of cunning, and subtilty, which these Men had above others; But some of highest mysteries of divinity are set forth by these Pen-men in a passing-mean and home-spun [...]dress; yea they are left even naked and bare of such apparel, as the ingenuous Men of the World have cloathed their matter withall, which hath given the light of the most glorious truths and mysteries more evident discovery▪ not but that some parts of the Scriptures have such a strain of divine eloquence, as doth exdeed humane writings; but the plainness of the stile, especially of the Apostle John in his Gospel, and Ma [...]thew, &c. Doth evince that what they delivered was not their own invention, but that they were acted by another spirit in the writing of them, even by the Spirit of God, who did re­veal all the mysteries, which they speak of in whole, unto them.

3. A third Character of Divinity in the Scriptures is the wisdome which there doth appear, especially the wonderful cor­ty [...]vement of God's wisdome in Mans redemption and salvation by Jesus Christ, which i [...] there made known; No Book in the World doth shine with such beames of wisdome, as the Word doth; it doth teach Men wisdom, spiritual and divine wisdom, in comparison with which all the wisdome of the World is but foolishness; It doth irradiate the minde with the most glorious light, and proposet [...] to the understanding the most noble objects; it discovers the greatest truths of the greatest concernment; it she we [...]h the way to avoid the most dreadful effects which sin will produce, and to obtain the highest happiness which humane nature is capable of; which is one part of its divine stamp. Moreover the Scriptures do set forth the infinite wisdome of God, in the wonderful Contrivement of the Salvation of fallen Man by his only Son the Lord Jesus Christ, the only Saviour of Man-kind, which wisdome [Page 142] being so transcendent, doth evidence both the Contrive­ment thereof in Mans salvation, and the discovery thereof in the Scriptures to be from himself: so that as by the light of the Word we may know what this wisdome was, even so by this wisdome we may know the Word to be the Word of God.

To clear this Argument, I shall show, 1. That the way of Mans salvation by Jesus Christ, which the Scriptures re­veal, must needs be the contrivement of Gods wisdome. 2. That the revelation of this contrivement must, needs be from God, which I suppose will be an evident demonstra­tion of the Divine Authority of the Scriptures.

1. That the way of Mans Salvation by Jesus Christ was the contrivement of Gods wisdome, will appear, because it was impossible for any Man of the most searching brain, and most notable invention to have imagined it. Man being guilty of sin against the Law of God, inscribed upon the hearts of all Men, which natural Conscience will accuse of, if sinners listen thereunto; and Gods Justice being engag­ed to inflict a punishment proportionable unto the crime without a satisfaction, which [...]ight reason will say is but reasonable; and this Justice of God being infinite; must in reason require an infinite satisfaction; Now what created understanding could of it self have contrived or conceived, a way how this should be done? Every thing that hath a being, is either God or a Creature; all the Creatures are [...]nice in their Beeings and Actions, and therefore could not make an infinite satisfaction; It is God only who is infinite, and he being the party offended could not make satisfaction to his own justice, especially since his justice requires pun­ishment for satisfaction, which God as God, being impas­sible, is uncapable of; not to say any thing that the same nature which did commit sin should in justice suffer the punishment; would not reason now conclude, that it were impossible for this satisfaction to be made? Surely it was none but the wisdom of God that could contrive the way of satisfaction to his justice, by the incarnation of his Son, by the union of the divine nature in the second Person of [Page 143] the Trinity, unto the humane nature in the Person of Christ that so by vertue of the hypostatical union, the humane nature might not only be strength [...]ed to undergo the wrath of God, which was due for the sins of Men, in the suffer­ings which he endured before, and upon the Cross; but also that through the communication of attributes, the sufferings of Christ might be of infinite value, because the sufferings of such a Person as was God, as well as Man, that so they might be a full satisfaction unto Gods justice for sin; and through Gods Covenant, with him, and gra­cious acceptation of this satisfaction from the surety, instead of the offenders themselves, the sins of Men might be par­doned and their souls saved. O the depth of the Wisdom of God! here is the wisdom of God in a mystery! surely they are blinded and hoodwinked by the Devil who do not acknowledge that this was the con [...]rivement of Gods wisdom.

2. The Revelation of this Contrivement of wisdom, was from God: will appear in that none could know the mind of the Lord herein, unless he himself had discovered it; What Man, said the Apostle, knoweth the things of Man, but the spirit of Man which is in him even so the things of God knoweth no Man but the spirit of God. 1 Cor. 2. 11. And the spirit of God searcheth all things, even the deep things of God; and unless the spirit had revealed these things, we must have remained in our ignorance of them, since it could not have entered into our hearts to have conceived them: seeing then none could have discovered the deep contrivements of Gods wisdom, unless God by his spirit had revealed them, and seeing these contrivements are revealed in no other Book, but the Book of the Scriptures, it is evident that the Scrip­tures must needs be the Word of God: which also will further appear, if we consider the manner of the Revelati­on of the mystery of Mans redemption and salvation by Je­sus Christ, that it was revealed by pieces, and more ob­scurely at first; and that divers Men were made use of in the discovery thereof in divers ages, who spake hereof most­ly in dark sayings; and where they spake most clearly, yet [Page 144] themselves had not a clear understanging of what they were moved to speak by the Holy Ghost; but searched what, and what manner of time the Holy Ghost which was in them did signify, when it testified of the sufferings of Christ, & the design of them; whence it is evident that they were not, neither could be the Contrivers of what they revealed, but that the Revelation was from the spirit of God, which did inspire the Prophets, and was the same in all the Pen-men of the holy Scriptures, whom Men of insight in the Scrip­tures may plainly perceive to be guided and acted by the same spirit in their Revelation of the contriv [...]ment and way of Mans salvation by Jesus Christ.

4. A Fourth Character of Divinity in the Scriptures is the Furity and Holiness of them; the Scriptures, are like Silver of Gold purified, and seven times tried in the Fire, where­in no dross doth remain, Psal. 12. [...] the Scriptures are pure and holy, from the beginning of them to the end: In do Histories shall we find such examples of holiness, as the Scriptures do record; in no Writings of moral Philoso­phers, shall we find such precepts of holiness, as in the Scriptures are enjoyned: Indeed, the light of nature hath been improved by some Heathens so far, that they have given excellent rules for the restraining of vice, and ob­taining of moral vertues, and the ordering their conversa­tions in such a vertuous way, that those persons, who have observed these rules, have been illustrious in their gene­rations, and have shined with some kind of brightness in the dark places where they have lived; but in no Book that ever [...]ssued from the brain of man shall we find such exact rules for holy living as in the Book of the Scriptures: In this Book we find the moral Law summarily, comp [...]e­hended in the Ten Commandements, which was written by God himself on the Tables of Stone, when Moses was with, him in the Mount; in which there are such holy pre­cepts, as no Heathen Author can show the like; the Hea­thens were blind, as to the duties of the first Table of the Law, which have a reference unto God, and in obser­vance of which, man holiness doth chiefly consist; in the [Page 145] second Table duties they had some understanding, yet they were much mistaken is some things, accounting some sin [...] ▪ [...]s ambition, self-murder in some cases, and the like, to be vertues; and they had not so deep an insight into sin, they did not apprehend the inclination of the heart, and the pre­vious motions to the consent of the will to evil, (which the Scriptures do discover) to be sinful and offensive in the eyes of a pure and holy God.

Moreover, in the Scriptures we find the holy precepts of the Gospel, which the Heathens were strangers, unto; and a way dis­covered not only for the obtaining the pardon of for, but also for the subduing and mortifying of sin: where means are made a known, not only for the restraining of a vicious nature, but also for the changing of it, for the regenerating of the soul of man, and form­ing it after the Image of the holy God, in knowledge, righteous­ness, and ture holiness, the making men partakers of the di­vine nature, which Heathens never understood the meaning of; the Scriptures show the way of obtaining the sanctifying graces of Gods Spirit; which do further exceed the morall virtues of the Heathen in lustre, than the Sun doth exceed the lesser Stars in brightness and glory.

Marvellous is the purity and holiness of the word, such [...] doth not savour of any thing terrene and [...]; yea, it i [...] such as is directly opposite to the natural b [...]ss of the hearts of all men and woman in the world, whilst they are in a state of nature; such as doth contradict carnal affections, and against which the carnal mind hath a natural enmity; and unto which all such and none but such have a liking and love, as are re­generated by the Spirit of God; whence it strongly follows, that the Scriptures could not proceed from men, but that this holy Book did proceed from the immediate inspiration of the holy Ghost, in those holy men which were the Pen men thereof.

2. It will appear that the Scriptures are the word of God from the marvellous power and efficacy of them. Such a pow­er and Spirit hath and doth accompany the preaching [...] the Gospel, which in the Scriptures is contained, as do [...] [Page 146] evidence them to be from God alone: we read 1 Pet. 1. 12. of them which preached the Gospel with the holy Ghost sent down from Heaven. This hath been, this is unto this day.

1. The wonderful power of the Gospel in the first preaching of it, doth evince that it was from God, when so great a part of the world was in so short a time subdued unto the obedience thereof; when the Gospel prevailed not only amongst many of the Jews after Christ Ascension, and the effusion of the holy Ghost more largely upon the Apostles, so that three thousand people were converted to the faith by one Sermon of the Apostle Peter. Acts 2. 41. and five thousand more, Act. 4. 4. but especially, in that it prevailed amongst the Gentiles and Heathens, and so many Churches of Christ were planted and brought, not by carnal weapons but by Spiritual, to the subjection and obedience of the Lord Jesus. This power will appear to have been from God, if we consider,

1. How few men were employed in the first preaching thereof; there were not many which we read of, besides Paul & Barnabas who preached unto the Gentiles at the first. If there had been multitudes of witnesses, it might have given the more credit to the Doctrine, when the testimony of a few is not easily believed and received.

2. That these men were but of little esteem in the World; that they were Jews whom the Gentiles had an antipathy against; and so were not so ready to believe there report, and entertain their message; that their persons were con­temptible in their eyes; that they were like crucified per­sons to the world, and therefore unlikely to find accep­tation.

3. That whatever humane Learning and Wisdom any of them were endowed withall, yet they did not make use of it in their preaching, they did not come with excellency of speech and wis­dom in declaring the testimony of God, but used all plainness, which was not likely in it self to produce such great effects.

4. That the doctrine which they preached was,

1. New to the world, and tended directly to pull down the old religion, and superstitious worship of the Heathenish [Page 147] gods, which they had brought up in, and wedded unto, which could not be done by any humane power.

2. Strange, they preached such things as were above rea­son, and therefore the world might have had much show and pretence of reason, to have excused themselves from yielding obedience thereunto.

3. Strict, severe, and contrary unto natural inclination and interest, they taught the world to deny themselves, to cruci [...]ie the flesh, to mortifie the deeds of the body, to take up the cross, to mourn and weep for sin, to endure hardship, to forsake father, and mother, and wife, and chil­dren, and houses, and lands, if they stood in competition with Jesus Christ; to venture imprisonments, yea to lay down their life for Christ, as many of necessity must and did d [...], that would be Christians indeed in those dayes; and when the Doctrine of the Gospel was such, surely it was not likely of it self to receive entertainment, unless the power of God, had accompanied it.

5. The power of the Gospel in the first preaching appears, in that it met with so much opposition; the Devil stirred up it struments against it, the powers of the Earth were against it, as well as the powers of Hell! great men did oppose it, Philosophers were against it, Learned men did oppose it; the Jews were against it, and raised up persecution against the Apostles, and the hearts of all men naturally were against it; and when there was such an opposition against it; surely it was none but the power of God which could cause it to prevaile and conquer, and cause so many Nations to bow and yield obedience hereunto.

2. The wonderful power and efficacy of the word, where it is preached unto this day, is a strong Argument that it is the Word of God.

1. The power of the Word the search the heart, and con­vince of sin. Heb. 4. 12. The word of God is quick and power­ful and sharper than any two-edged Sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the hearts; there is a light in the Word, which discovereth the dark filthy corners of the heart, [Page 148] and convinceth of secret sins; and there is a sharp edge in the Word to cut and wound; no word in the world search­eth and pierceth, like the word in the Scriptures.

2. And especially the power of the Word doth appear in the work of Conversion and Regeneration, which it effecteth; it is called the incorruptible seed, by which men are born again [...] Pet. 1. 23. Of his own will begat he us by the word of truth. Jams. 1. 18. there is a great power goeth along with it, to break r [...]kie hearts, to how stubborn wills, to spiritualize carnal affections, to subdue strong lusts, to work a gracious▪ and thorow change in the heart of man, which exceedeth the power of nature, or moral suasion; [...]nd in so much as all are not wrought upon by it which read or hear it, yea sometimes the more disposed subject receiveth no impression, thereby, and the less disposed subject is effectually changed: which shows, that the power doth proceed from God, and that the work is effected by his Spirit, and proves the divine Authority of this Word.

3. The Word is powerful, not only for the first working of grace, but also for the increase thereof, for the building up believers▪ Acts 20 32. for the perfecting of the Saints, and the edifying the body of Christ; there is Milk in the Word for babes▪ and strong meat for strong men; whol­some words, which have much spiritual nourishing vertue in them: the Word is powerful, for the quenching Sathans fiery darts, for the repelling and driving back the tempter; for the comforting and rejoycing of distressed and disconso­late souls, when they are brought even to the brink of de­spair; there are no such joyes in the world, as those joyes which Christians sometimes finde [...] in the reading and applying the Word, when they mingle it with faith, and have the breathings of the Spirit therewith; and there is no Book in the world that can produce such powerful effects, as the Scriptures do, wherefore it must needs follow, that these Scriptures are indeed the Word of God.

3. The Scriptures appear to be the word of God▪ from the Historical relation in them of Prophecies fulfilled, & of miracles, [Page 149] whereby they were confirmed, and the rationally unquestionable certainty of this History, as it is handed down to posterity.

1. In the Scriptures we have relation of Prophecies, and the fulfilling of them which doth prove those writings to be from God alone; because he alone can certainly foretell future things, indeed wise men may guess, and through prudence foresee the effects of some things in their causes, and foretell some things that are not very far off, yet not certainly, and with all their circumstances; But it is Gods prerogative to foresee and foretell such things (cer­tainly, and with their circumstances; and long before the time) for which no cause in nature can be assigned, such as many of the Prophesies of the Scriptures were. By this Argument God doth by the Prophet Isaiah prove the Hea­thenish gods to be no gods, because they could not fore­tell future events. Isai. 41. 21, 22 23. Produce your cause saith the Lord, bring forth your strong reasons: Let them shew is what shall happen, and declare to us things to come: shew the things which are to come hereafter, that we may know, that ye are Gods. And v. 26. There is none that sheweth, there is none that declareth▪ &c. Therefore be concludeth, v. 29. Be­hold they are all vanity▪ their▪ works are nothing; their Mol­ten Images are wind and confusion: The Prophesies of Scrip­ture, as they prove the Lord, who spake them by the Pro­phets to be God; so they prove the Scriptures in which they are spoken, to be of Divine Authority. It would take up two much room in this small Treatise, to enumerate all the Prophesies of Scripture; take two or three instances. See Gen. 15. 13, 14. God foretelling to Abraham that his seed should be strangers in a Land, which was not theirs, and serve them, & be afflicted by them four hundred years, [...] that afterward they, should come forth with great sub­stance. This Prophesie is fulfilled Exod. 12. So also the return of the children of Israel from the Baby [...]onish cap­tivity, after seventy years, was foretold, Jere▪ 2 [...]. 12. & the same of Cyrus, who should deliver them▪ before he was born, Isai. 45▪ 1,2. So also the name of Josiah, who should de­stroy the Altar which Jero [...]oam had reared, and burn the▪ [Page 150] bones of the Priests upon it, was foretold three hundred thirty and three years before be was born, the Prophesie is in 1 King [...]. 2. the fulfilling of it, 2 King. 23. 17. But especi­ally the Prophesies in the Scripture concerning the Messiah, are remarkable, of his birth, life, death, and the fulfilling of them in the History of the Evangelists; the Prophesie of the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem by Daniel, and espe­cially by our Saviour, and the fulfilling thereof, before that generation wherein our Saviour lived, were all in their Graves.

2. In the Scripture we have relation of Miracles, where­by they were confirmed: such as the Plague of Egypt; the dividing of the Sea for the Israclites to pass thorow; the raining of Manna from Heaven; the standing still, and going back of the Sun: the preservation of the three Chil­dren in the fiery Furnace, and the like, in the old Testa­ment; especially the Miracles wrought by our Saviour and his Disciples, which the new Testament do record, such as healing the sick, the lame, blind, deaf, leprous, by a word, the feeding many thousands with a few Loaves of bread, the calming of the Sea, the raising of the dead after burial, and the like, all which did exceed the power of nature; and however wonderful things, might be wrought by Men in a praestigiatory way, which God may permit some to be delu­ded withall; yet all true Miracles, as these were, could be wrought by none without his immediate power, which he would never put forth for the confirmation of lies and de­ceits; therefore we may strongly argue from hence, that the Scriptures which have been confirmed by these Miracles, are indeed the Word of God. I know the great question then will be, whether there were ever such Miracles wrought, which the Scriptures makes mention of, whether the historical relation both of Prophesies and Miracles be not a forgery, for the introduction of the worship, which the Scriptures calls for? therefore,

3. I might show at large the rationally unquestionable certainty of Scripture-History, as handed to posterity; But in brief, when these things were so notable, and remarked in their times; when they were not done in corners; when [Page 151] they were▪ the object of sense; when they were so many; when they had so many spectators and witnesses; when there are divers records of the same things, and all in the main agreeing; when the way they are declared i [...], speaking so much simplicity in the relators; when there were so many Copies of the Records dispersed into so many divers places; when Enemies could not deny the truth of things recorded, only imputed them to other causes; when mention is made of these things in profane Histories; when we have the Writ­ings of the ancient Fathers by us, who lived in all the Centuries between us, and the time of Christ, and wi [...]h one consent acknowledge these things, who might easily have found ou [...] the deceit, had there been any, when they lived some of them so neer to the days wherein the chief of these things were done; when we cannot rationally assign an end, which should move Christians to deceive themselves and posterity, since they expose themselves to such losses, per­secutions, reproaches and afflictions by their profession of Christianity; neither can we rationally imagine how all the Christians in the World could meet together from so ma­ny Countries, for the forging of things which were never done; much less how they should agree together about it; and least of all how they should keep this secret, but their adversaries would have found it out, and made it known, some hint of it would have been given in History; all these things being laid together, we may rationally conclude, that the History of the Scripture is as certain, yea more certain than any profane History, which we have the least doubt of; and if the Histories of Prophesies fulfilled, and Miracles wrought be true, it is a strong Argument that the Scriptures which hereby are confirmed, are indeed the word of God. These Arguments for the Divine Authority of the Scriptures may be sufficient to stop the mouths of gain-sayets, but without the testimony of the spirit in and by them, none will be sufficient to effect a saving faith. Thus it is evident from the truth, and divine Authority of the Scriptures, which do so clearly reveal and foretel it, that the Lord Jesus Christ will certainly appear to Judgment.

[Page 152] The second Argument to prove the certainty of Christs ap­pearance, may be drawn from the certainty of the Resur­rection.

2. Argu. If all the dead shall certainly be raised at the last day, and the Lord Jesus Christ shall raise them, then the appear­ance of the Lord Jesus Christ to do it is certain; but all the dead shall certainly be raised at the last day, and the Lord Je­sus Christ shall raise them, therefore the appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ is certain.

1. That all the dead, which are or shall be brought into that state, shall be raised at the last day, is a truth so clear in the Scripture, that nothing is more clear. The general Resurrection of the dead is one great Article of our Christi­an Faith; one Principle of the Doctrine of Christ made mention of by the Apostle: Heb. 6▪ 1, 2. The dead small & great shall be [...]atsed, and stand before God: Rev. 20. 12. We read of the Resurrection of the Just▪ Luke 14. 14. Of the Re­surrection of the Just and Unjust▪ Acts 24. 15. I might mul­tiply many Scriptures to prove this Doctrine of the Resurrecti­on, but I shall further speak but of two places which pur­posely treat thereof, and being so full of Arguments, I shall make use of no other than there I find for the evidencing of this truth.

1. The former Scripture is in Matth. 22. from verse. 23. [...]o the 34. The same day came the Saddnces to him, which say there is no Resurrection, and asked him▪ saying Master, Moses said, [...]f a Man die having no Children his Brother shall marry his Wife, and raise up Seed to his Brother. Now there were with we seven brethren, and the first when be had married a Wife, deceased, and having no issue, left his Wife unto his Brother. Likewise the second also, and the third unto the seventh; And last of all the Woman dyed also. Therefore in the Resurrection, whose wife shall she be of the seven▪ for they all had her: Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do erre, not knowing the Scrip­tures, nor the power of God: For in the Resurrection, they nei­ther marry nor are given in marriage, but are like the Angels [Page 153] of God in Heaven. But as touching the Resurrection of the dead, have yee not read that which was spoken unto you by God▪ say­ing, I am the God of Abraham▪ and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the [...]ing. And when the mullitude heard this, they were astonish­ed at his Doctrine. And verse 34. it is said, He put the Sadduces to silence.

Here we have a Disputation concerning the Doctrine of the Resurrection, wherein we may take notice of,

1. The opponents, and they were the Sadduces, who denied the Resurrection, they denyed the immortality of the Soul, for they said there was no Angel nor Spirit: Acts 23. 8. And they denyed the Resurrection of the body.

2. The Respondent; and that was the Lord Jesus Christ, the wisdome of the Father; he that when he was but twelve years old, did dispute with the Doctors in the Temple, and filled all that heard him with astonishment at his understand­ing and answers, Luke 2 46, 47. And much more now, when he was so much encreased in wisdom, was he able to deal with the Sadduces, and answer them about this truth, of which (he coming out of the bosome of the Father, and being ac­quainted with his secrets) he had so perfect knowledge; he had answered the Herodians before most wisely to their ensnaring question, whether it were lawful to pay tribute to Coe [...]ar; and he was able to give answer to the Sadduces about the Resurrection.

3. The Objection of the Sadduces. Master, Moses said, &c. their Argument against the Resurrection, is this: If there were a Resurrection, then there would be a confusion in Relati­ons, insomuch as seven Men having been in this World married to one Woman, all of them would claim a propriety in her, and to whom should she belong, would not this breed a discord? Must not six of them with grief be deprived of her, who once was their Wife? And could this agree with the state of perfection and happiness, in which all the just should be raised? The Sadduces thought now they had out Saviour upon the hip; they thought now it is likely, that they should confound him with this Argument, that they [Page 154] should gravel him and shame him before the People; they could not answer it themselves, and they thought that our Saviour could not answer it neither; and truly the ob­jection hath subtilty in it.

4. The answer of our Saviour lies in vers. 30 In the Resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are like the Angels of God in Heaven. Hereby he gives them to understand that there would be no confusion in Relati­ons at the Resurrection, that there would be no enjoyment or deprivation of conjugal Relations there, because such Relati­ons would then cease; and Men and Women would then be like Angels, which neither have such Relations, neither do stand in need of them; the end of such Relations will then cease, and the Relation will cease too.

1. One end of the conjugal Relation here, is, the propagation of Man kind insomuch as the number is incompleat, and will be incompleat till the end of the World, and the number is com­pleating by Generation▪ but at the Resurrection the number of Man kind will be compleat; the number of the Elect will be perfect, and in this regard they will be like to Angels▪ whose number was compleat at the first and therefore this end of mar­riage ceasing, the Relation should cease also.

2. Another end of marriage is mutual help; and this end also will cease; at the Resurrection the wicked they shall have no help, the righteous shall have no need of [...] from such Relati­ons; God will supply All, they will be perfect in him; God will be All, and in All: God will be instead of Father, Mo­ther, Husband, Wife, and all unto them, like Angels they shall behold the Face of their Father, and have no need of conjugal Relations.

3. And with this Answer to the Sadduces Objection, we may take notice of Christs Discovery of their errour, and the grounds thereof, namely their ignorance of the Scrip­tures, and the power of God; whereby, our Saviour doth suggest a strong Argument, to prove the Doctrine of the Resurrection, drawn from the power of God, and the Scrip­tures; the Argument is this. If there be power in God to raise the Dead, and in the Scriptures he hath revealed that he [Page 155] will do it, then there will certainly be a Resurrection of the Dead; But there is power in God to raise the dead, and in the Scriptures he hath revealed that he will do it.

1. That there is Power in God to raise the Dead, is evident, and none which acknowledge his Deity can rationally deny; he that had power to make the World out of nothing, [...]ath power to raise the Dead out of their Graves; he that had power to give life, hath power to restore it; he that hath all power, hath this power; he who is infinite in power, who is omnipotent, unto whom nothing is difficult, he can raise the dead, and joyn soul and body together after a long separation. There is little doubt, but God can raise the dead▪ but the great question lyes in his will, whether he will or no, Therefore,

2. The Scriptures reveal his will herein; be that in the Scrip­tures hath promised that he will raise the dead, being (o pow­erful and faithful, he will certainly do it; but God hath pro­mised in the Scriptures, that he will raise the dead. And though in the old Testament the Doctrine of the Resurrection be spoken of more obscurely yet our Saviour fetcheth a proof of the Doctrine out of the Book of Moses, which the Sadduces (as is observed) did only acknowledge. Vers. 31, 32 As touching the Resurrection of the Dead have y [...]e not read what was said to you by God, I am the God of Abraham, &c. God is not the God of the dead, but of the living; our Saviour proves the Doctrine by strong inference drawn from this place, which needs a little opening to perceive the Argument.

It is not unlikely but our Saviour cleared the thing in more words, (for we have but the heads in Scripture of many things which were delivered in large discourses) he made it so clear that it fatisfied the people, and silenced the Sadduces.

The Argument formed up is this: If God be the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, when they are dead, then Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob will rise again from the dead; and so there shall be a Resurrection from the dead; but God calls himself the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac; and the God of Jacob, when they are dead, as they were, when he spake those words to Moses out of the bush; therefore they shall rise from the dead. [Page 156] The consequence our Saviour proves, because he is the God of the living, and not of the dead [...] if that Abraham, & Isaac, & Jacob, be living before God, in regard of his purpose to raise them from the dead, because he is their God, when their bodies lie rotting in the grave, and there­fore they may be called living when dead, by him who quick­neth the dead, and causeth those things which are not (but shall be) as though they were. Rom. 4. 17. then Abraham, & Isaac, & Jaoob shall be raised from the dead, as certain­ly as if they were actually living; but they are living be­for God, in regard of his purpose and promise to make them alive; which is evident from the nature of the co­venant which he hath made with them, which doth include a promise of blessedness, and perfect happiness, which he will give unto them. If God be the God of Abraham, & the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, he is their God in covenant, and by consequence will make them perfectly happy, not only in regard of their souls, by receiving them into glory, when they dy; but also in regard of their bodies too, by raising them from the dead at the last day, till which time their happiness is but in part, and imper­fect; and therefore hence may strongly be inferred▪ that they shall be raised; and by consequence all in covenant shall be raised, to receive the perfect happiness promised in the covenant; and by parity of reason, that all out of covenant shall be raised to receive the compleat punish­ment threatned to sinners for their sins; and by conse­quence that there shall be a general Resurrection. Thus our Saviour confirms this great doctrine of the Resurrection, whereby he stopped the mouths of the Sadduces; his an­swer made the people astonished, and the Sadduces con­founded; they came with their mouths open, but they went away with their mouths shut; they came with full cry, but they went away in silence; he put the Sadduces to silence.

2. The second Scripture to prove the Resurrection, is in 1 Cor. Cap. 15. thorowout; It seemeth, that some a­mongst the Corinthians who called themselves Christians▪ did [Page 157] deny the Resurrection; now the scope of the Chapter is to refute this dangerous errour, and to prove the truth, which the Apostle doth by several Arguments.

1. The first Argument is drawn from the Resurrection of Christ; If Christ be risen from the dead, then believers which are his members, shall be raised also; he will not suffer his members to lie for ever rotten in the grave, because his mystle I body then would never he grown up unto per­fection: Christ is the first fruits of them that sleep, V. 10. As certainly as he was awakened out of his sleep in the grave on the third day, so certainly shall all those that do, or shall sleep in Jesus, be awakened out of their grave at the last day: But Christ is certainly risen from the dead, which the Apostle proves,

1. From the Prediction thereof in the Scriptures, as his death was foretold, so also his resurrection was foretold in the type of Jonab's being cast out of the belly of the whole on the third day.

2. From the testimony of those persons to whom the Lord Jesus Christ did appear after his Resurrection, namely of Cephas, all the Apostles, above five hundred brethren at once, who law him before his Ascension; and last of all, in that he was seen by himself upon the way to Damascus after his Ascensi­on: all which witnesses did with one mouth confirm the truth of Christs Resurrection.

3. From the absurdities which would follow if Christ were not risen.

1. The Apostles would then be found false witnesses and the Spirit of God which spake in them, would be a false spirit, which is impossible.

2. Then their preaching would be in vain, and the whole doctrine of Christianity, which was built partly upon this founda­tion, would fall to the ground.

3. Then their faith would be i [...] vain: because if Christ were still dead, he would not be a meet object for their faith, for then he could not be the Son of God, nor a Mediatour between God and man.

4. Then Believers would be yet in their sins; their sins would [Page 158] remain un [...]ardoned; because satisfaction to Gods justice would not have been compleated, had the bonds of death still held our Saviour.

5. Then they which were fallen asleep in Christ would be pe­rished in regard of their bodies, like the beasts when they die; because if Christ were not risen, it would be impossible that they should ever rise any more.

6. Then believers should have hope only in this life; be­cause if Christ were not risen and ascended into Heaven, to pre­pare room for them there, they could not have any good-grounded hope of ever being received into that place; and by consequence it would follow, that believers, the best of men, upon the earth, would be the most miserable men of all others, because they are exposed to so many sufferings for the sake of Jesus Christ: If they had hope only in this life, they would be most miserable in regard of sorrow, (though not in regard of sin) for their hopes of future glory do support and comfort them under all their af­flictions; if they should loose their hopes, they would loose their comforts, and be of all others the most forlorn and sorrowful; it would break their hearts, and bring them to despair. Cer­tainly then Christ is risen, and as certainly shall the dead be raised.

2. The second Argument whereby the Apostle proves the Resurrection, is drawn from the Paralel between the first Adam, and Christ the second Adam, V. 21. &c. Since by man came death by man also shall come the Resurrection; for as in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive. By Adam sin came into the world, and death by sin, and death passed upon all his posterity, because all have sinned, at least in him: By Christ came righteousness into the world, and by righteousness life▪ and all his posterity shall be raised by him unto eternal life at the last day, because all are partakers of his righteousness.

3. The third Argument is drawn from the reign of Christ at the right hand of the Father, until all his enemies be put under his feet; and the last enemy which shall be destroyed is Death; and death is no wayes perfectly destroy­ed, but by the Resurrection of the dead out of their graves, [Page 159] and the putting immortality upon the body: then when this corruptible shall put on incorruption, and this mortal shall put on immortality, death shall be swallowed up in victory; therefore since death, with other enemies, shall be put under Christ's feet, it is of necessity that there should be a Resurrection.

4. The fourth Argument is in V. 29. Else what shall they do that are baptized for the dead: if the dead rise not, why are they baptized for the dead? The words are diffi­cult; various are the interpretations which are given; [...] like Caloins best; if it will hold with the words, Why are they baptized for the dead, or for dead? that is, why are they that are dying, and given over for dead? baptized? if the dead rise not; why will any when they are going one of the world be baptized in the name of Christ? if they did not hope for a Resurrection at the last; that as they are buried with him by baptism unto death, [...] they should rise with him not only unto newness of life here, but also unto everlasting life and glory hereafter.

5. The fifth Argument is drawn from the Jeopardie and sufferings of Christians, which they would not undergoe unless they had hopes of the Resurrection.

6. The denial of this Doctrine opens a door to Licenci­ousness. People would eat and drink▪ and let loose the reigns to sensual delights, and commit sin with greediness, if they must die, and there were no hopes of a Resurrection to glory and happiness, and no fears of a Resurrection to torment and misery.

Besides Scripture testimony and Argument, which is the [...] firm proof of the Resurrection. I might add for illustration, [...]me. Emblems of the Resurrection in nature▪

Naturalists tell us of a Phoenix which riseth out of the shes, into which she had burned her self before; but i [...] [...] more certain, that some birds lie in holes dead all the win­ [...], and get life again in the Summer; we see Plants, Herbs, [...]lowers, and the like wither in the Winter, and spring forth gain when the cold weather is gone; we see the Sun [...] night, and arise again in the morning; and we ourselves [Page 160] as we have an Emblem of death upon us when we are asleep, so our awaking again, and arising from our beds, it an Emblem of our Resurrection at the last day. It is certain that the dead shall be raised▪ which hath been proved.

2. And secondly, it is as certain that Christ shall raise them. I will raise them at the last day. Joh. 6. 40. this is spoken of believers; but it is spoken also of all, Joh 5. 28,29. The hour is coming, in which all that are in their graves; shall hear his voice and come forth: they that have done good to the Resur­rection of life, and they that have done evil, to the Resurrection of damnation.

Hence it strongly follows, If the dead shall certainly be raised, and the Lord Jesus shall raise them, that the appear­ance of Christ to do it, is certain.

3. Argu. The third Argument to prove the certainty of Christ's second appearance may be drawn from the certainty of the last general Judgment.

If there will certainly be a day of general Judgment, and the Lord Jesus Christ will be the Judge; then the second appear­ance of Christ is certain: But there will be certainly a day of general Judgment, and the Lord Jesus Christ will be the Judge; therefore Christs appearance is certain.

1. The certainty of the last judgment is evident from Scripture, Heb 6 2. 2 Pet. 3. 9. Rom 25,6,7. and elsewhere frequently, and I shall further prove it by Scripture Ar­guments.

It doth appear there will be a day of Judgment,

1. From Gods appointment. Acts 17. 31. He hath appointed a day wherein he will Judge the world in righteousness. God appointed the Creation of the world, which accordingly he effected: he appointed the reconciliation of the world to himself, which he brought to pass; and having appointed the Judgment of the world it shall as certainly be brought [...] pass in its day. Nothing can frustrate God's appoint­ments, God being so infinite in wisdom, doth not appoint any thing about which there shall be any reason to alter his de­termination; [Page 161] and God being so infinite in power, nothing can hinder the effecting of what he hath determined shall be done.

2. From Gods Supreme and Universal Soveraignty; he is the blessed and the great Potentate, which rules over all the Kingdoms of the earth; He is the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, 1 Tim. 6. 15. All the children of men are not only his creatures, but also his subjects. As it is the work of earthly Kings to judge their subjects, and to dispense re­wards and punishments: so God being the supreme Sove­raign, will judge all his subjects; Kings are but Gods Vice­gerents, they rule under him, and they must give an ac­count unto him; God will judge the judges of the Earth; men do often judge unrighteously, sometimes through their own wickedness and partiality; sometimes through igno­rance and false information; the righteous are condemned by some, and notorious offenders are acquitted; and those which judge most righteously, cannot find out all that should fall under the lash of he Law, and the strictest laws of men do not reach all offences against God; therefore there is need that the Soveraign Lord and King should call the whole world to another judgement, which will be at the last day.

3. From Gods most excellent Wisdom in the mannagement of his government over the children of men; the wisdom of God now is much out of sight, and is little taken notice of in the world: there seems now to be a great disorder and confusion in the government of men; the most faithful subjects of the King of Heaven in most places are trodden un­der foot, and have many bitter cups put into their hands; and the most vile Traitors and Rebels▪ against the highest Majesty, are lifted up into the seat of honour, and spend much of their dayes in mirth and jollity; we read in Scrip­ture of the various and great afflictions of Gods People. Heb. 11. 36 37. Some there were mocked, and scourged, and tortured, they were sawen asunder, they were slain with the Sword. they wandered about in Sheep-skins, and Goat skins, being destitute, afflicted and tormented, and yet such as the World was not worthy of; whereas it is said of the wicked, Psal. 73 5,7,10. [Page 162] Their eyes stand out with fatness, they have more than heart could wish, and Waters of a full Cup are wrung out unto them; and they are not in trouble like other Men, neither are they plagued like other Men. See also Psal. 17. 14. Job. 21. from the 7 vers. to the 14 th.

So that if there were not another Judgment, God would seem to have been an ill-contriver of Government for the welfare of his people, and to have ill-consulted his own glory in the World; yea his enemies would seem to have out­witted him; therefore it is needful there should be a day of Judgment, when all things shall be set at rights, and put in order▪ when Gods wisdom all along shall plainly appear in the view of all, and his glory be made manifest; when his people shall be exalted, and his enemies debased.

4. From the infinite holiness of God, now the holiness of God i [...] trampled under foot by ungodly sinners; they scorn and deride it, where ever they see any Image or appear­ance thereof; they scoff at the name of a Saint; they hate holiness, and many do their uttermost to banish it the World; which is a high affront, which such Persons offer to the highest Majesty in this high attribute; it is therefore ne­cessary that there should be a day of Judgment, that God may redeem the honour of his holiness, which now [...]i [...]s under such contempt; then he will make his holiness to shine with an amazing excellency in the eyes of all those that did dispise it.

5. From Gods justice and Righteousness; God hath given unto Man a most just and righteous Law, and annexed threatnings of everlasting punishment, which he will inflict upon the breakers thereof; Gods justice cannot be satisfied without execution of his vengeance in the punishment of all transgressors, except it be of such who have an interest in the satisfaction, which was made by the Lord Jesus Christ; and all the Children of Adam being transgressours, and very few of them having an in [...] in Christ and his merits, and none receiving condigne punishment for their sins in this life; therefore there will be a day for the revelation of the just and righteous judgment of God, Rom. 2. 5. This righte­ousness [Page 163] of God doth engage him not to punish the wicked for their sins, but also to give his people that reward which the Lord Jesus Christ hath purchased and prepared for them; therefore there must be a day for him to do it in.

Thus it doth appear, that there will be a day of gene­ral Judgment.

2. That Christ will be the Judge▪ is also evident from Scripture, Acts 17. 31. He hath appointed▪ a day wherein [...]e will judge the World in righteousness by the Man whom he hath ordained, whereof he hath given assurance unto all Men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. And Rom. 14. 10. We shall all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. And 2 Cor 5. 10. For we must all appear before the judgment Seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in this body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. And Christs judicial proceedings is set forth at large, Matth. 25. Hence then it follows, that the Lord Jesus Christ shall certainly appear to Judgment. I might add other Argu­ments drawn from the faith, and hope, and expectations of the righteous, and Christs faithfulness, love, and the engage­ment of his honour to appear again, but so much con­cerning the certainty of Christs second appearance.

CHAP. XII.

3. T He third thing proved, is to shew that the Lord Jesus Christ will quickly appear, that is, 1. He will come within a short time. 2. He will come suddenly and unexpectedly, when he doth appear.

1. Christ will come quickly, that is, within a short time. Heb. 1. 37. Yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. He that shall come will come, there [...] the certainty of his coming, and [...] a little while, he will come, and will not tarry, there is the speediness of his com­ing. The Lord is at hand, Philip. 4. 5. The [...]ing of the Lord draweth, nigh, James 5. 8. The Judge sta [...]eth at the [...], [...]ers. [...]9. The end of all things is at hand, 1 Pet. 4. 7. There­fore [Page 164] our dayes are called the last dayes. 2 Tim 3 1. And upon us the ends of the World are come, 1 Cor. 10, 11. We live in the end of the World, in the last dayes, in the old age thereof. The World hath as i [...] were three ages, the youth, the middle age, and the old age 3. the Youth of the World was from the creation to the Flood, the middle age from the Flood to the first coming of Christ; the old A [...] from the first coming of Christ to the second▪ com­ing, the old age and last dayes of the World began in the Apostles time, now many of them are spent, and we are come not only to the declining years, but also to the decrepit age of the World; and if the Lord Jesus Christ were to come shortly in the dayes of the Apostle, much, more shortly will he come now, when so many years are past since the Scripture was writ, and these things foretold.

If any should doubt of the certainty of Christs appear­ance, because the Scripture speaks of the speediniss thereof, as if Christ had been in those dayes presently to come, and yet above sixteen hundred years are past, since the pro­mise was made.

I answer, that the Apostle Paul who in his first Epistle [...]o the Thessalonians spake of Christs coming as if it might be in his time, 1. Thess. 4. 16, 17. The Lord himself will descend from Heaven with a shout, &c. And the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up in the Clouds, &c. The same Apostle tells the Thessalonians in his second Epistle, Chap. 2. 3. That the day of the Lord should not come till there was a falling away, and the Man of sin should be revealed, &c. And vers. 7. That there was then a lett to the Revelation of the Man of sin, which was the Heathenish Romane Empire which lett was not likely in haste, neither was removed till some hundred of years after; and therefore it is evident from that place, that the coming of the Lord was not to be until several ages after the writing of the Scriptures. This may be sufficient to give satisfaction concerning the length of time, since the Scripture tells us that the Lord Jesus would quickly appear.

[Page 165] If any profane Mockers shall scoff at this answer, and say, where is the Promise of his coming? Do not all things remain as they were since the Creation? Do not the Sun, and Moon, and Stars keep their constant course? And what likelihood of the darkning of the Sun, and falling of the Stars, and the passing away of the Heavens with a great noise? Is not the Earth established upon sure foundations, and what likelihood of moving it and burning it, with the works which are upon it? and if Christ would have come so quickly, would not he have been here before now? I answer,

1. That the Apostle Peter foretels, that in the last days such scoffers should arise. 2. Pet. 3. 3,4.

2. That all things are not as they were from the Creation, for the World in the time of Noah was drowned with the Flood, Noah only excepted, and those which were with him▪ in the Ark; surely there was a great transformation of things in that age, Vers. 5,6.

3. That by the same word of command, whereby the old World was drowned with Water, by the same Word, the World that now is shall be burned with Fire at the day of Judgment and perdition of the ungodly, Vers. 7.

4. That though many hundred years be past since the promise, that the Lord would come quickly, yet there is not a failure, in regard of God; for though the time be long, in regard of our account, who are of so short continuance; and time seems tedious to us, because of the miseries of our short life; yet in regard of the eternal God, the time is but short, for in his sight a thousand years is out as one day, and by that account there are not yet two dayes past since the promise. Vers. 8.

5. The reason of Gods protracting this appearance of Jesus Christ to Judgment, is for our sakes; it is from his long­suffering to us ward, that hereby he might lead us unto repen­tance, Verse. 9. The Lord hath a number to be called, some of which may be unborn, others not yet new-born, but scatterred amongst the wicked; but when the Elect▪ are all called, and perswaded to repent, and believe, and [Page 166] are gathered into Gods Family, I doubt not but the Lord Jesus Christ will be here immediately. The Lord Jesus surely now will come within a short time; the certain time of his appearance is unknown, Matth. 24. 36. But of the day and hour knoweth no Man, no not the Angels, but the Father only; this is a secret which God hath locked up in his own breast, it is written in the Book of this Decree, and however other things are revealed and unfolded to Men, yet the leaf where this i [...] written is folded up and sealed, so that none can read it; yet surely it cannot be long before the mystery be finished, and Christ be revealed from Heaven; yet a little while and he will be here, he stands at the Door, and the Door will quickly be opened, and then he will make his appearance.

2. The Lord Jesus Christ will come quickly, that is sud­denly, and unexpectedly, especially in regard of the ungodly World. The day of the Lord will come as a snare upon all them that dwelt on the face of the whole Earth: Luke 21.34.35. And sudden destruction will then come upon the wicked, as pains on a Woman with Child: 1 Thess. 5 3 The Lord will come in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye; 1 Cor. 15. 52. As light­ning cometh out of the East and shineth unto the West, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be: Matth 24. 27. Further, this coming of the Lord Jesus is set forth in Scripture.

1. By the coming of a Thief in the night, Rev. 16. 15. Be­hold I come as a Thief: 1 Thess. 5. 2. For your selves know per­fectly, that the day of the Lord so cometh as a Thief in the night: 2 Pet. 3. 10. The day of the Lord cometh as a Thief in the night, in which the Heavens shall pass away with a great noise, &c. The Lord will not come like a Thief, in regard of any wick­ed purpose and design; but he will come like a Thief, in regard of the suddenness and unexpectedness of his coming. Men do not think of, they do not know of, they are not aware of, they do not desire the coming of Thieves: so the Lord will come at a time, which Men do not know of; when they [...] not think of it, when they are not aware of it; and he [Page 167] will be more unwelcome at his second appearance to the greatest part of the World, than a Thief, who comes sudden­ly in the night, and breaks in upon their Houses, to steal their goods▪ and take away their lives; when the Lord Jesus shall suddenly unfold the Doors of Heaven, and come down in his glory, and summon the wicked to Judgment, how will they start, and be affrighted out of their deep sleep of security, and be filled with horrour and amazement!

2. Christs coming is set forth by the coming of a Bride­groom at midnight, in the Parable of the ten Virgins, Matth 25 6. At midnight there was a cry made, Behold the Bride­groom cometh, go yee forth to meet him. The Virgins were all asleep, the Wise as well as the foolish, they did not expect the Bridegroom at that time; the coming of Christ will be sudden and unexpected, as to the particular time unto his own Disciples; yet they will quickly arise, and trim their Lamps▪ and receive him with joy, when the Lamps of the foolish Virgins, for want of Oyl, will go out, and they shall be shut out of the Bride-chamber of Heaven for ever.

3. Christs coming is set forth by the coming of the Flood upon the old World, and Noah's entering into the Ark: Luke 17. 26,27. And as it was in the dayes of Noah, so shall it be in the dayes of the Son of Man; They did eat, they drank, they married Wives; they were given in marriage, untill the day that Noah entered into the Ark, and the Flood came and destroyed them all. The old World was very licentious, and secure in the dayes of Noah; though universal ruines and destruction were so near, yet it being a thing which was unseen, they did not expect it, nor take any care to prevent it. It is said of Noah, Heb. 11. 7. That by faith being warned of God; of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, he prepared an Ark to the saving of his house: By faith he knew that the Flood▪ would come, when there was no appearance of it, nor possibi­lity, in regard of the ordinary way of the working of second causes; he believed it, because God who could effect it, and who cannot lie, had foretold it; and therefore he prepa­red, according to Gods direction, this great Vessel, to defend himself and Family, and some living Creatures of every kind▪ [Page 168] against the Waters, which he foresaw were coming upon the Earth; but the ungodly World, having no eye of saith, could not discern this unseen thing; it is most likely they heard often of it by Noah, who was a Preacher of righteousness; but they did not believe it, therefore they did not expect it, nor fear it, nor prepare for it: they a [...]e, and drank, and slept, & [...]in [...]d as if no such thing had been coming upon them: It is likely, when they saw Noah build the Ark, such a large and capacious Vessel, on the dry Land, that they scoffed at him, and accounted him no better than a mad-man, as we should do a Man that should build a Ship on the top of a Mountain, and expect that Waters should come up thither, and waft it away.

But when the dayes of a hundred and twenty years, which the Lord had appointed the old World to continue, after his threatning of their destruction, were expired; when the de­cree had brought forth, and the year of Gods recompence was come, and the day of his fierce anger, wherein he sent the Flood upon the Earth, O the terrour and amazement which did surprize the secure sinners of the World at that time! when the Windows of Heaven were opened from above, out of which God looked forth upon sinners, with such a furi­ous countenance, and poured forth his anger in such streames of water; and the Fountains of the great deep were opened from beneath, and the Flood began to arise, and lif [...] up the head, and swell about them; when the Valleys were filled with running Waters, and the Plains were covered, as if they had been a S [...]; when this enemy did combine so many For­ces together (having a Commission from God to destroy) and strengthned it self on every side, and environed these rebellious sinners round about, and assailed them in every quarter; when not only smaller Cottages were over turned, but also the streames brake in with irresistible force upon the strongest and greatest edifices; when great Doors were lifted off of their hinges, or broken to pieces, and the Water (like a Thief) climbed in at the Windows, and roaring all about with a hideous noise, pursued those which fled from it, fol­lowing them up stiars, even to the highest room until it had [Page 169] overtaken them, and devoured them without mercy; think what a hurry and affright the World was in at that time; how every one shifted for himself, if possible, to preserve himself from the fury of this Conqueror; how they forsook the lower grounds, & flocked together to the Hill-Countreys in great hast, leaving their substance behind them, with a sad heart; how they were drenched with the Rain from Heaven, and wet to the skin as they went along, and scarcely were able to take breath, the stormes was so impetuous about them; and when they perceived the Flood to beset the highest Mountains, (whither some of them were fled, and upon the top of which some of them had climbed, hoping (it may be) that they had got unto an inaccessible place) & that the bil­lows were mounting towards them; & now the whole World seeth their death and ruine to be inevitable, that there was [...]o contending with, no resisting or flying from these armed Waters, which God had sent to execute his vengeance upon them for their sins; we may imagine some­thing of the horrible perplexitie of their mindes: O how did they look one upon another, when such a judgment as this was come upon them which they never looked for! how did they speak! how did they weep! how did they cry and shreek! what distress was there then upon all Nations, and how did their hearts fail them▪ and sink within them through fear, when they looked upon the flood that was come upon the earth; when they heard the winds blowing, and waves roaring, and saw no way of escaping? Then they which had heard Noah foretell and threaten them with this judgment▪ too late believed the truth of his words, which be­fore they did not regard▪ then they which had seen Noah b [...]ild the Ark, and had accounted him no better than mad, were con­vinced of their own f [...]lly and madness, that they did not with him take some course for the defence of themselves at this time; the [...] thoy were perswaded of Noah [...]s wisdome above all others on the earth▪ and could have wished that they had imitated his wisdom, in building for themselves such another Ark, or that they were with him in his; and possible some, when the waters were come, and Noah was shut in by God i [...] his Ark▪ might run to the place & endeavour to clamber into it, and he washed off with the stream.

[Page 170] Thus will it be at the second comming of the Lord Jesus Christ to judgement, his coming will be sudden and unex­pected: the wicked of the earth will be eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage; they will be as sensual & sinful, and as secure withal, as they are at this day; they are told frequently, by the preaching of the word, that the day of Judgement is appointed, and that it hastneth greatly; that the Lord Jesus Christ will come, and that he will come quickly; but they want faith to believe it, and therefore they do not expect it, nor fear it, nor prepare for it: It is said, Luke 18. [...]. When the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Some interpret this place as spoken not of Christs second personal coming to judgment; but of his comming in a way of eminent deliverance of his people from the cruelty and oppression of their enemies, which will be so strange and unexpected, because they shall be brought so low, insomuch that there will hardly be faith in any to believe a deliverance. Others interpret this place, as spea­king of Christs last appearance to judgment; that the earth will then be generally secure▪ and that wicked men, and unbelievers, and oppressours of Gods people will abound, & that true believers will be rare, and very hardly to be sound: I shall not determine which is the true sense of the place, but sure I am the wicked will be many, and very secure at the day of Christ's appearance; though the wicked be forewarned of this day, yet they do not believe this thing, than which nothing is more certain; the wicked, which are mingled amongst Gods people, think strange that they do not run with them unto the same excess of riot; they look up­on them as no better than fools, and people besides them­selves, when they see them deny themselves, sleight the plea­sures and profits, and vanities of the world, and are so solli­citous above all other things to prepare and Ark for the saving of their souls, to get an interest in Jesus Christ, typified by the Ark, that under his shelter they may be defended from the storm of Gods wrath, which shall beat upon the head of the wicked at the last day. The wicked do expect Christ's coming no more than the old world did the Flood in the [...]yes of Noah.

[Page 171] But when the time which the Lord hath appointed the world to continue, is expired and the Angel hath lifted up his hand to Heaven, and sworn by him that liveth for ever and ever, that time shall be no longer; when the mystery of God is finished, and all the things to be done in the world are accomplished, and the day of judgment of old ordained, is now come▪ and Christ hath re­ceived his commission from his Father to summon all to his judg­ment seat: O the dread that will on that day fall upon the wicked tribes of the earth! when they shall see the heavens opened above, and such a glorious Majesty, with such a glorious Train appear in the air; and when the earth and the graves shall be open beneath and all the dead bodies of all generations shall be raised and come forth and some of them shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the Clouds, and themselves with the most to be left behind; and when they feel the wrath of God to begin to assaile them like a flood, and to be poured into their souls like water; when they see Christ coming in flaming fire to take venge­ance upon them for their sins: O this will be an unexpected & terrible appearance, and so much the more terrible, by how much the less expected: Then they will not endeavor [...]r to climb up mountains, but to creep under them to bide them from the wrath of the Lamb▪ but all to no purpose, no mountain will receive them, for all the mountains, and earth it self, with the heavens, will flee away from the face of the Lord Jesus Christ, when his Throne is set for Judgment, Rev. 20. 11. they will then look about them, and perceive all refuge to fail them, and no way of escaping for them; then they will with grief remember the warnings which they had of these things, and be ve [...]d at the very heart that they did not take warning; then they will wish for an Ark; and O that they had a [...] interest in Jesus Christ▪ and they will account believers, whom once they esteemed as fools & mad men, to have been the wisest people upon the earth; and O that they were in their condition! possibly some may endeavour to clamber up into the Air with them, when they are ascending to their Lord; but they will have weights sufficient to keep them down. The dread of sinners at the last day▪ when Christ doth come so suddenly and unexpectedly will be far greater than the dread of the old World in the dayes of the Flood.

[Page 172] 4. And lastly, to name no mo [...]e, the suddenness and un­expectedness of Christs coming is set forth by the raining of Fire and Brimstone from Heaven upon Sodom, and Lots going out of that wicked place, Luke 17. 28,29,30. Likewise as it was in the dayes of Lot, they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded: But the same d [...]y that Lot went out of Sodome it rained Fire and Brimstone from Heaven. & destroyed them all: Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man shall be revealed. The Sodomites were notori­ously wicked, they were worse than beasts, they would have effected violence, and buggered the very Angels which were sent 10 Lot; they were generally wicked, there were not so many as ten righteous persons in the place, though righ­teous Lot dwelt amongst them; it is likely there was not one righteous person, besides what was in Lots family; and though they were so wicked, and the cry of their sins was gone up to Heaven and the Lord was provoked unto so great displeasure by them; yet they are jovial and secure; they did not think in the midst of their peace, that sudden de­struction was so near; Abraham with his servants had not long before delivered them out of the hand of Chedorlaomer, (against whom they had rebelled) and Am [...]aph [...]l, and the other Kings which had conquered them, and sack [...] the place; they did not think of a more furious enemy, who was arm­ing himself against them, even the King of Heaven, against whom they had worse rebelled, and out of whose hands none could deliver them: They ate, and they drank, they did not think that their flesh, and all the provisions thereof should so soon be deaoured by fl [...]mes; they bought, & they sold, they did little expect that both money and merchan­dize should be consumed so suddenly; they planted & they builded, they did no [...] in the least imagine that instead of showers of Rain from Heaven to water their Plants, to them make grow, they should have showers of Fire and Brimstone to [...] up their plants, & burn down their houses to the ground. The Sodomites did not in the least look for such a Judg­ment as this: it is said, Gen. 19. 14. That Lot went out and spake to his sons in Law, which had married his daughters, [Page 173] and said up▪ get you out of this place, for the Lord will destroy this City: but he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in [...] His words were unto them like idle tales, which they did not believe, other wayes they would not have remained in the place until they had been consumed; and if Lot's sons in Law, (who in likelihood were some of the best of the place) did not believe nor expect the judgment; though they were forewarned by their Father; much less did the rest of the Sodomites expect it, that had not before heard of it. This Fire from Heaven was altogether unexpected in Sodom.

But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom, it rained Fire and Brimstone upon them, and destroyed them all. The morning was clear, when Lot went forth, and the Sun did shine with a glorious brightness, when he got into Zoar; but then we [...] imagine that a strange darkness did quickly fill the Heavens, when the Lord came down clothed with vengeance as with a garment, and wrapped in thick clouds of the sky; when the Lord thundered in the Heavens, and the highest gave his voice, Hail-stones and coals of fire; when the Lord rained. Fire and Brimstone upon the place; Who can utter the horrible perplexity of the Sodomites on that day, under this [...]n bought of, unexpected, sudden▪ and so dreadful un-heard of Judgment? when they opened their windows and doors of their houses in the morning, and perceived the fashion of the Heavens to be altered and the tempest of Fire and Brim­stone to beat in upon them so forely and suddenly; when the air was strangely converted into fire, and such scalding sulphurious matter enkindled by the breath of God did fall upon them; when the whole place was put into flames together; and every house was set on Fire by this Fire from Heaven; when they saw if they went forth of doors, they should be burnt by the fire of Heaven, if they stayed with­in, they should be burnt by the fi [...]e of their houses; when-there was such a dreadful burning heat by the Fire, accompanied with such a stinking, noisome, suffocating smoke by the brim­stone; when there was a little kind of Hell in that place born for torment and sin; O the Dread of the Sodomites at that time! then those beasts which would have forced them­selves [Page 174] into Lots doors, to commit leudness, and were strucken by the Angels with blindness, when they began to feel the vio­lence of this Fire, & their pampered flesh began to be rosted by these flames, how did they howle like Dogs, how did they roar and yell with anguish and horrour? Then all the sin­ners of the place, whose sins before went up with such a loud cry into the ears of God, what a loud cry did they send forth out of every house under the sense of their torments? then the sons in law of Lot, who were forewarned, I beleive, were above others perplexed and filled with unspeakable vexation, that they did not hearken to the voice of their Fa­ther, and remove with him from that place before the Fire came; then they knew he did not mock them, but was in good earnest, and that his words were not idle tales, but the truth of Gods intention, which he was sent to give them no­tice of: Sodom is now made a fiery Furnace, and all the wicked of the place are consumed together suddenly and un­expectedly.

Even thus will it be in the day when the Son of Man shall be revealed, when the Lord Jesus Christ shall come to Judgment. The world is very wicked, and the longer it doth continue, the worse it grows; the fins of the wicked world, like the sins of Sodom have gone up with a loud Cry of God; and the Lord hath exercised his patience a long time to lead them unto re­pentance; and if there had not been some righteous persons on the Earth, the day of Judgment would have been long ago; if there had not been some Lots in Sodom, I mean some Elect Persons in their sins▪ that are yet to be called, and some as yet un-born, that must be gathered, the World would ere this have been consumed for the wickedness thereof; there is a measure appointed for the Worlds sins, which will be filled up▪ and there is a number appointed of chosen Persons, who ere long will be brought in, and so soon as Lot is got into Zoar, God rains Fire and Brimstone on Sodom; and I con­ceive that so soon as all the Elect Persons are got into Christ, [...] then Christ will appear to Judgment; and as it was in the dayes of Lot, so will it be on the day of Christs appearance; the wicked of the World will be secure, eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building.

[Page 175] The day before Christ cometh will be a merry day with some ungodly sinners, they will be eating and drinking, feasting and carouzing, singing and rejoycing, and putting the evil day far from them; even when it is so very neer▪ but how will their chear be changed the next morning▪ how will their singing be turned into howling, and their joy into heaviness and dreadful terrour?

The day before will be a gainfull day, it may be with many in their buying and selling, possibly they may have got a good bargain in their buying and got good profit in their selling; and it may be a busie day with others in their planting and building, which may fill their time and thoughts with Worldly, care and contrivements for many years to come, little thinking that the World is not of a years, nor two dayes standing longer, but O what terrour will seize upon these Worldings the next morning, when Christ doth appear to judge them! and they find, that whilst they have gained something in the World, which they cannot now keep, and will yield no profit in this day of wrath, that then have lost their souls and happiness for ever, which they cannot regain; that whilst they have been busie about trifles, they have neglected the one thing necessary; then they will wish, that instead of planting Trees in their Ground, they had spent their time in getting grace planted in their hearts; that in­stead of building Houses for their bodies, they had laid a good foundation for this time, and got a title to the building of God, the House not made with hands, which is durable and eternal.

The day before Christs coming will be a sinning day with all the wicked, and a day of general security; some will be swearing and cursing, others will be oppressing and grinding the faces of the poor, others will be reproaching and per­secuting of Gods people; and the very night before, it may be many wicked Persons may be got together Carding, and Dicing, and Drinking all night unto Drunkenness, and others may be got into the unclean Bed, and there lie in their filthiness, and all will be sleeping in sin and security; but the sound of the last Trumpet will startle and awaken them [Page 176] all; when sinners open their eyes on this morning, and see the Heavens open before them, and the Lord Jesus Christ de­s [...]nd in such glory as hath been described, none can utter [...]hat their perplexity will be at that day; and the sudden­ness of Christs coming will make their horrour the greater; some of them were told of this day of Fire, when the Heavens should pass away with a great noise, and the Elements should melt with fervent heat▪ and the Earth [...]with the works thereof) should he burnt up▪ and what course they should take to escape the ven­geance of this day; they were perswaded to leave their sins▪ to [...] from the wrath to come, to hasten out of Sodom, if they would not be consumed in its flames, to get away▪ and not look [...]ck to flee presently into Z [...]ar where only they could be hid, to get into the City of refuge, if th [...]y would escape the vengeance which did pursue them which had them▪ upon the chase; they were invited into Gods Family, and into the armes of his mercy; they were invited unto Christ, and to partake of his grace fre [...]l [...]; they were told again, and again, if they did go on in the way of sin that iniquity would be their ruine, that so long as they did abide in a state of impenitency and unbelife, that the wrath of God did abide on them; they were told how sweet a Savi­our the Lord Jesus Christ was, and how ready he would be to receive them, if they [...]plyed themselves by faith, with repentance for sin unto hi [...]; and they were told how furious and inexorable a Judge he would be, and what vengeance he would take upon them at the last day, if they did not take warning in the day of grace, which they had allowed them; they were told that Hell Fire was very hot and intollerable, and that Heavens plea­sures were very sweet, and m [...]st desirable, and they were ear­nestly entreated to [...] from the former, and accept of the latter, upon the most reasonable t [...]rmes on which they were proffered▪ But they were like Lot [...]s Sons in Law they did not believe: Mi­nisters which warned them, seem'd in their eyes, as if they had mocked them▪ their words seemed like idle tales; whatever hast the Lots made▪ out of Sodom, they would not [...]; they did not look after a Z [...]ar to flie unto; they hug­ [...]d their sins and would not leave them; they heard of Christ, [...] they neglected, slighted refused him; the did not apprehend [...] need, which they had of a Saviour; they were fearless of [Page 177] future wrath and careless of the salvation and happiness of their souls. But when Christ doth come down so suddenly and unex­pectedly to judge and condemn them, and shall cast them into the Lake, which burns with Fire and Brimstone; then they will re­member these things with vexation far greater than that of Lots Sons in Law, (when Fire and Brimstone was rained from Hea­ven upon them) who would not hearken to the counsel of their Father to escape it.

CHAP. XIII. The Application.

T He Lord Jesus Christ will certainly and quickly appear. The day is appointed by the eternal and unalterable decree of God, and he hath revealed the thing, though not the time, in his word of truth; the day approacheth, it cannot be far off; time is flying away upon swift wings; the day of the World is almost spent, the shaddowes of its evening are stretched forth to a great length; yet a little while, and Christ will be here; he will appear in his glory; never did eye of Man behold such glory and majesty in the greatest earthly Potentate, as will be seen in the Lord Jesus Christ on this day; all the state & pomp, & splendor, & glittering glory, which some Princes have been decked withall in their Triumphant showes, is no more to be compared with the pomp and [...] of the Lord Jesus Christ in this appear­ance; than the shining of a Candle, or Glow-worm, or rotten stick in the night, is to be compared with the shining of the Sun in its noon-day glory: Ere long the great Gates of Heaven will life up their heads, and those everlasting Doors (within which Christ doth, for the present, remain) will be opened; and then this King of Glory will come forth, and come down with marvellous splendour and brightness of Majesty; It is said, Psal 47. 5. God is gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of the Trumpet▪ then God will come down with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a Trumpet, [...] Thess. 4. 16. The Chariots of the Lord are twinty thousand, [Page 178] even thousands of Angels: Psal. 68. 17. All the holy Angels shall attend upon him, and blow the Trumpet before him, at this last Assize, to awaken and summon the World to judg­ment: then the Sun in the Firmament will be darkned, when this more glorious Sun doth appear; then the whole frame of Heaven will shake▪ and the foundations of the Earth will be moved, the everlasting Mountains will bow, and the perpetual Hills will shrink; yea the Heavens will pass away with a great noise, and like a s [...]roll be rolled together, and the Elements will melt with fervent heat, and the Eeath will be on Fire, and every Mountain and Island will flee away from before his sace; then the Sea will roar, & all living Creatures, likely, will be in a strange consternati­on; the [...] the wicked Tribes of the Earth will mourn, and the Saints will rejoyce at this glorious appearance of the great God, and their Saviour.

But who will be alive on this glorious day? who will be the Spectators of these treat things? whose eyes shall behold this blessed fight? who will see th [...] Lord Jesus come in such glory? many Kings and Prophets, and righteous M [...]n desired to see Christ came in the flesh, and did not see him; and to hear the things which he taught, but they did not obtain their desire; many Ge­nerations were asleep in their Graves before Christs first appear­ance; the righteous saw him afar off, and darkly in types and figures; few lived in the dayes when our Saviours abode was upon the Earth▪ he had not many Disciples when be made happy with his personal acquaintance and abode with them; A great access there hath been since Christs departure unto the Church who though they have loved him, and believed in him, yet they never saw him with bodily eyes; Three things one desired to see, Christ in the flesh, Paul in the Pulpit, and Rome in its glory; but past things are out of sight, and the wishes of such things are to no purpose; death hath closed the eyes of many millions of Christs Disciples, who have heard the report of him, but never saw him: And is not their hopes of seeing Christ perished in the Graves with their bodies▪ which are turned into rottenness and putrefaction? and are not we all hastning towards those dark Chambers, where [...]o beam of light doth shine, and nothing can be seen? the righteous indeed which remain, when Christ doth [Page 179] come down, will be happy, when they see their Lord in the air, but if we die before the time, what shall we be the better?

Beloved, let me tell you, or rather believe the Word of God, which doth tell you, that all of you will be spectators of the great things which shall come to pass at the last day [...] all Generations of Men and Women that ever lived upon the face of the Earth, and are sleeping in the d [...]st, shall then be awakened, and raised, and be alive together, and you shall be found alive amongst them: that which our Savi­our spake to the chief Priests and Elders of the Jewes, before whom he was accused, and [...] as a prisoner. Hereafter yee shall see the Son of Man fitting at the right hand of Power, and coming in the Clouds of Heaven: Matth. 26 64 The same may I say unto all you that hear me this day, hereafter yee shall see the Son of Man coming in the Clouds of Hea­ven: Rev. 1. 7. Behold he cometh with Clouds, and every eye shall see him. These very eyes with which you look upon me, or one upon another, shall fee the Lord Jesus Christ come in the air; these very eares with which you hear me preach this Doctrine unto you, shall hear the sound of the last Trumpet, and the great shout with which Christ will de­scend out of his Fathers Pallace into this inferiour World; these very bodies which are standing or fitting in this place, must stand before Christs Tribunal Seat a [...] the last Day.

Death hath a Commission from God to pull you out of your ha­bitations and drag your bodies into its Prison, and this enemy is upon the way and hath you all in pursuit, and how neer he is come to your Doors you do not know; his arrows are flying a­bout your eares, and you will be smitten sooner or later either when you are younger or elder, no [...]e can escape his stroke; [...]ow time is wasting, your Glass is running, and ere long you will be expiring your last breath and these bodies which you are cloath­ing and feeding and providing for every day, will lie a dying & be carryed by your mourning friends, to your Graves; And as certain as Death, so certain will your Resurrection be at Christs coming▪ Christ hath received a Commission from God to judge the World, and he will come down from Heaven with the Keyes of Death and Hell, and open the Doors, where you shall have your [Page 180] lodging, and bring you forth to judgment; I must awake on that day if I fall a sleep into my Grave before; and arise, and give an account of my self, and the souls committed to my charge un­to my Lord and Master; and you m [...]st awake also, and give an account of your selves and actions, un to this glorious Judge: your lives then will be reviewed, your actions will be examined, and it will be known then what you have been doing ever since you came into the World, how you have spent your time; how you have improved the seasons and means of grace; then it will appear who are Christs sh [...] and who the Goats, however they now flock together sometimes in one Company; who are wise, and who the foolish Virgins, however now all have Lamps shin­ing; then it will be known who have been wise unto salvation, who have made their peace with God in the way who have furnished their hearts with grace laid up their treasure in Hea­ven, & improved their talents for their Mast [...]rs use upon the Eearth, and who have foolishly slipt and sinned away the Harvest, and day of grace, neglecting Christ and the things which belonged to their peace and happiness, unt [...]ll [...]hey were hid from their eyes, who have been hypocrites and unbeli [...]v [...]rs▪ and served divers lusts, instead of serving the Lord of life and glory; and all ungodly sinners will be found out and punished: then all of you, yea the whole World will believe the doctrine, which we now preach concerning the vanity of the Creatures the evil of sin, the necessity of Christ▪ the excellency of grace, the happiness of Gods Children; and O what will the pardon of sin, the favour of God the least mea­sure of grace be worth then? our doctrine concerning these things is as true now, and the worth of Christ and grace, and salvation as great, though then M [...]ns valuation will be greater, because the worth will be more apparent▪

But give me leave to apply this Doctrine concerning the certainly and speediness of the coming of Christ to Judgment.

• 1. To Sinners.
• 2. To Believers.
• 3. To B [...]th.

[Page 181] 1. I shall speak to sinners.

• 1. To discover them.
• 2. To awaken them.
• 3. To exhort them.

1. For the Discovery of sinners.

Will the Lord Jesus Christ certainly and quickly appear to Judgment? and must the whole World be summoned unto his Ba [...]? surely then it doth above all things concern all of you to sit down, and consider how you are provided for this day; all of you will be spectators of Christ, and his glory on that day; but you will not be idle spectators▪ as some times you have been of great shows in the City, whilst it [...] yet standing, which have passed away, and you have gone a­way without much regard of the things you have seen No, you will all be most highly concerned in this appearance of Christ, more then Person s, who are to be tryed for their [...], are concerned at the appearance of the Judge, who comes to pass sentence upon them; you will all be tryed on that day, and your everlasting weal, or wo, will depend upon the account you shall give, and the sentence which shall be pro­nounced upon you by the great Judge: therefore let me, beseech you all to examine your selves, whither you are prepared for this day of Judgment; it will be a woful day to such sinners, whom the Lord Jesus will condemn unto e­verlasting torments; and are there no such Persons amongst, you? are there no ungodly ones gathered together into this place? are all of you Saints and Children of God? if you are not such, you will wish you had been such at that time? but are you all such now? the worst of you may be such, if you seriously, diligently, and timely [...] such a priviledge but are you such yet? are there not [...] here, whom the Lord Jesus Christ will come in flaming [...] to take vengeance upon? It would take up too much room to speak of all these sinners whom Christ will condemn; especially having already▪ spoken particularly of them under the conviction▪ But briefly and more summarily for the discovery of such Persons [Page 182] that you may examine your selves whether you are in their number; The sinners which Christ will condemn at his appearance may be known by these Charactors: They are,

• 1 Carnal.
• 2 Sensual.
• 3 Earthly.
• 4 Devilish.

1. Christ will condemn such as are Carnal; I mean such as are in the flesh, such as a [...]e in the state of nature, such as never were regenerated or born again by the Word and Spirit; as never have had experience of a work of grace upon their hearts; such as are blind, and never had their eyes opened to see their sin, and their Saviour, who are [...]filed up in the darkness and hoodwinked with the vail of ignorance and unbelief, and upon whose eyes there are such thick scales, that the glorious light of the Gospel hath never been discerned by them in a spiritual and saving way; such who are asleep, and never had their consciences awak­ened out of their carnal security, whose consciences are feared as with a hot I [...]on, and permit them to sin with little check o [...] controll: such who are dead in sin, and never were quickned by the Spirit of life; such as are slaves to their losts▪ and under the reigning power of sin, and never were delivered from this worse than Turkish bondage; that never were converted, and savingly changed; never were humbled and emptied of themselves, never truly re­pented, and mourned for sin, never were powerfully drawn unto, and savingly closed with Jesus Christ; that never were renewed in their minds and hearts, transformed after the Image of God, transplanted into the garden of the Lord, [...] engrafted into the new stock; such in whom all old things remain, and are wholly carnal, in the same state in which they were first born; their persons will all be con­de [...] by the Judge▪ John 3. 3. Matth. 13. 3. Rom. 8. 13. 2 [...] 5. [...]. Eph 4 22,23,24. 1 Cor. 15. 50. Matth. 5. 8. Heb. 14. 14. [...] 13. 3. [...]. 21. 27.

2. Christ will condemn the Sensual: I mean such who are [...] from denying themselves, crucifying the flesh, mor­tifying [Page 183] the deeds of the body, taking up the cross, walking in the narrow way of strict obedience, striving to enter in at the strait gate, which alone can bring unto eternal life and happiness, and subjugating their thoughts, will, and af­fections unto the government of Christ, and so living as if they were his servents indeed whose name they hear; that they labour either to imprison, or banish, or hide themselves from the light of those truths which would teach them these things, to bribe or muzzle conscience which would urge them, yea to shake off the government of reason it self, which would put a curb upon them, and so give up themselves to licentiousness, making provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof with all greediness; such who are so far de­generated and fallen from that primitive holiness which na­ture was endued with at the first creation, that they have lost the relicts of Gods Image and blotted out the characters of his law engraven upon the hearts of all men, and have made themselves like beasts, yea more vile than the beasts that perish; such are they that are sensual and luxurious, and seek for their chiefest happiness in pleasing their sensual appetites; such are drunkards, and gluttons, and adulterers, who wallow in the mire of such sins, who spend their days in such pleasures, and gather as much of them as they can finde, without any regard to Gods Law, which doth forbid them, or to those higher, sweeter pleasures which they are capable of, and might obtain if they did seek after them in the way which God hath appointed; All these which fulfil the desires of the flesh are children of wrath, Eph 3. 3. and they which please themselves, and live deliciously here, will have torment and sorrow given them by Christ at his ap­pearance, Rev. 18. 7. Luke 6. 25.

3. Christ will condemn the Earthly, such who lay up for themselves treasures on earth, and neglect the heavenly treasure, Matth. 6. 19. 20. [...] love the world, and things in the World, and have no true love to the Father, who is the God of love, and the chief good of mankind, 1 Joh. 2. 15. All covetous, worldlings will be condemned by Jesus Christ for their heart I­dolatry, Eph. [...]. 5,6. especially unjust and unrighteous persons, [Page 184] oppressors and extortioners; earth will be all the portion of such who make choice of it, no room will be found for them in the Kingdom of heaven, 1 Cor. 6 10.

4. Christ will condemn the Devilish; all such as are children of the devil as hear his Image, and do his work, that yield themselves to be his slaves and servants, and endea­vour the promotion of the interest of his Kingdom; all such [...] are under the power of Devilish pride and Devilish envy, and Devilish malice; all Devilish l [...]ars, and Devilish slanderers & Devilish persecutors of Gods people: In a word, all such per­sons as live in a course of sin, and never brake off the trade thereof by repentance, and obtained a pardon of sin through faith, and yielded up themselves unto the obedience of the Gospel will [...] condemned by Christ at his appearance.

[...] loved, examine your selves seriously hereby, and what hath [...] before said, whether you are not in the number of these persons; whether none of you are carnal, in a state of nature; whether none of you▪ are sensual or earthly: whether none of you are children of the Devil: whether none of you are Drunk­ards, Adulterers, Lya [...]s, slanderers, unjust, unrighteous, and withall impenitent persons, unbelievers, and children of disobedi­ence, against whom the wrath of God will be revealed, when [...] Lord Jesus Christ shall be revealed, from Heaven to Judgment.

2. For the awakening of sinners. Will the Lord Jesus Christ certainly and quickly appear to judgment? methinks [...]his doctrine should awaken sleepy sinners, and aron [...]e them our of their carnal security [...]y. Doth conscience accuse you, and secretly tell any of you, that you are in the number of those persons whom the Lord will condemn at the last day; and sentence unto Hell; methinks it should make you startle, and look about you; methinks it should make your hair stand an end, and every joynt to tremble; methinks it should fill you with fear▪ and imprint such trouble upon your spirits, as would damp all your earthly comforts [...] delights, to consider the danger which ye are in by reason [...] sin, the guilt of which doth still lie upon you. Every word of this Doctrine is awakening

1. Awake sinners, Awake! Christ will appear to judg­ment. Christ will appear, whom you have read of, and heard of, and have had frequent proffers of, but could ne­ver be prevailed to accept of; Christ will appear in his glory, in whom you could see no beauty, or desirableness▪ Christ will appear as a Judge, whom you might have had for your Saviour. Sinners, the Judge of the whole world will appear, and can you sleep under the guilt of sin? He will be a most glorious, powerful, wise, holy, righteous, strict, furious, inexorable Judge, as hath been shown. And yet are you secure and fearless? you have heard God's ter­rible voice in the City, and that hath not awakened you; and will not Christ's appearance to Judgment awaken you neither? You have been asleep under the sound of temporal judg­ments, and can you sleep under the thoughts of the last judgment, when the punishment, which shall then be in­flected, will be eternal?

2. Awake, sinners Awake! Christ will certainly appear to Judgment; if there were only a peradventure of Christs com­ing to Judgment, methinks it should awaken the guilty, but [...] there is a certainty of it, how should it awaken you? as cer­tainly as God is true, as certainly as the Scriptures are his [...] as certainly as you are creatures and sinners; so certainly [...] the Lord Jesus Christ appear to judge the ungodly World for [...] at the last day England hath of late been under the stroke [...] several temporal Judgments; and England is in danger of fur­ther and [...]reater calamities; God may [...] a more bitter [...] into our hands to drink, than yet we have tasted [...] the [...] ­ger of which should awaken secure sinners, because They cannot promise to themselves any shelter at such a time: yet there is a possibility that the Lord may be entreated to spare▪ and put up his Sword, and prevent our ruine, which we have deserved; but the day of Judgment is most certain; God, who cannot change, hath decreed it: God, who cannot lie, [...] it; the iniquities of the World, which are great, [...] it; therefore it must be, the day will certinly come; [...] yet can you sleep in sin? If a Thief knew after he had rob­bed his neighbour, that he should certainly be taken and judged [Page 186] and condemned, and punished, it would affright him; you may know that Christ will certainly come to judgment, and that all guilty sinners shall be brought forth and condemned, and should not this awaken you, especially fince if you fleep on, your damnati­on and eternal punishment will be certain?

3. Awake sinners, Awake! Christ will Quickly appear to Judgment. The coming of the Lord draweth nigh▪ the Judge [...]undeth at the Door; the Lord will suddenly come down; when you least expect it, the Lord may be here; and can you sleep, when the appearance of Christ is so sure, and so neer too? can you sl [...]moer, when your judgment lingr [...]th not, and your damnation slumbreth not? If the day of general Judgment should be protract­ed for some time longer, untill all the Elect be gathered, and the things foretold in the Word, be fulfilled; yet your time for pre­paration may be almost spent, you may suddenly go down into your Graves, where there is no operation; and can you sleep in sin, when you are liable every day to the stroke of death, which will [...] you off from all opportunities of making your peace with God for [...]ver, and deliver you up at the last day into the hands of the Judge, under the same guilt as it found you when it first laid [...]s arrest upon you?

4. Awake sinners, Awake! when Christ doth appear, Yee also shall appear; when Christ is descended from Heaven, yee shall be raised from the Earth; you shall be awakened out of the sleep of death, and will not you be awakened out of the sl [...]ep of [...]? If there were any hopes, that by getting into your Graves before this day, you could hide your selves, and lie buried there for ever, you might be the more secure; but when your death is not more certain, than your Resurrection will be, when the ap­pearing of Christ to Judgment is not more certain, that your ap­pearance on that day to be judged, you have reason to shake off sleep and bethink your selves how you are provided; Death will [...] terrible to you if it come with the sting of sin in its month, if it sho [...]t its poisoned arrowes into you; but your Resurrecti­on will be a thousand fold more dreadful if you awake at the last day with the guilt of sin in your consciences; Sinners, think what terrours will invade you, when you are raised out of your [...], when you first lift up your heads and eyes to Heaven, and [Page 187] see the Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Judge of the World, come down with millions of mighty Angels, cloathed with ven­geance, like flames of Fire, and look down with a furious coun­tenance upon you; when in your rising you hear the sound of the Trumpet, and such a shout given in the Aire, as will make a Louder noise, than if twenty thousand great pieces of Ordnance were shot off together, just before you; when you have a summers given you and you are dragged with the rest of the damned crew, which have lived in all ages of the World, to the Tribunal Seat of Jesus Christ; O how will you quiver, and tremble, and be filled with confusion then? and yet can you sleep se­curely now, as if you were not at all concerned?

5. Awake sinners, Awake! when Christ doth appear, you shall be Judged by him: Then the Books will be open­ed, where all your actions are recorded; then your [...] (now it may be forgotten and slighted) will be called to remembrance, and your secret sins, which now you are [...] shamed of will then be manifest before the whole World your old sins will be reviewed; your old uncleanness, your old drunkenness, your old unrighteousness; and you will be made to hear of all your sins, past and gone many years before, in such a manner, as shall make your [...]ares to tingle, your hearts to quake, and tremble; and when Gods justice shall arraign you, and the Devil accuse you, and your conscience shall hear witness against you, and the Lord Jesus Christ shall pronounce the Sentence upon you, D [...]part from me yee cursed into everlasting Fire, prepared for the Devil and his Angels▪ and the Saints it may be accom­pany him with a loud shour, Even so Amen, or say with one voice, Go yee cursed into everlasting Fire, and so pass from you into Heaven, and leave the Devil and his Angels to drag you unto torments, and when you see there is no remedy, no reversing of your condemnation, and the Devils seize upon you, and tear you, and hale you away. O how terrible will this Judgment be unto you? O how will the terrours of the All-mighty flow in upon you? how will your consciences gnaw, and sting, and torment you? how will your spirits fa [...]l and s [...]nk within you, and hearts melt [Page 188] like drops of water? How will you weep, and wail, and gnash your teeth? and cry out in the fearfulness and hor­rour of your spirits, Woe, woe, woe be unto us that ever we were born! Woe, woe, woe be unto us that ever we have sinned!

6. Awake sinners Awake! The execution of the Sentence, which Christ will pronounce upon you for your sins [...] the last day, will be in Hell: and do you know what Hell is? what tongue can express the future torments, which the damned shall endure? what heart can conceive the mise­ries, which God hath prepared for sinners in Hell? yet look into the Perspective-Glass of the Word, and you may per­ceive something of the dreadfulness of the punishment, which will be inflected upon you, if you be found in your sins at [...]hrists second appearance.

1. Sinners, consider he greatness of the punishment; you [...] dwell with devouring Fire, and inhabit most horrible [...]ings; and think with your selves how you will be able to endure, to have those bodies (unto whom the prick of [...] [...]in is so irksome, and a little scorch of a culinary Fire [...] so painful cast into the great Furnace of Fire, which God will kindle with his breath; which will turn them, it may he, into a burning Coal, that shall not waste, neither ever be consumed; be sure will torment them with a thousand-fold [...] accute sense of pain, than the body is capable now of [...]eeling, under the most exquisite torments; think what the [...] whelming grief, what the horrible anxiety, what the despainful agonies, what the hideous torrour and unexpressi­ble anguish of your souls will be under the immediate sense of Gods wrath and indignation, and the thoughts of that glory and happiness of Heaven (once proffered unto you, but refused by you) which you will then perceive your selves but out from for ever.

Awake sinners, Awake! will you sleep in sin until you are awakened in the midst of flames? will you not leave off sinning, until you have sinned your selves into Hell? will you needs run into these burnings? Awake! open your eyes [...] look down, and see how deep the Pit is, [...] which [Page 189] you are leaping, it is a bottomless Pit, from whence there will be no returning; consider how hot the Fire of [...] will be unto which you are hastning, it will be an inconceivable hot Fire, of which there will be no avoiding, if you go on in that broad way of sin, which is leading you thereunto 2 Awake, and look up sinners, there is a Door open, the Door of mercy is open, and the Door of Heaven is open, and will you shut your eyes, and turn your backs upon God, and refuse the proffers of Grace which are made to you? will you tram­ble Crowns under your feet, and slight future glory and hap­piness, which now is possible for you to obtain? will not this [...]ear your hearts in Hell, to remember that you have been, the cause of your own ruine, and brought misery upon your selves, that you suffered your selves to be cheated by the De­vil, and your own deceitful lusts, of the unspeakable joyes and glory of Heaven, which God did once make tenders of unto you?

3. Sinners, consider the sureness of the punishment of Hell▪ it is m [...]st certain that God hath prepared such a punishment and it is certain that you shall endure this punishment, if you abide under the guilt, and persevere in the way of sin, which you are now walking in; God hath threatned this punishment, and, his justice doth require it, and his truth doth engage him to execute his threa [...]ned wrath, and in­flect this deserved punishment upon you; and can you then have the least hopes to escape it? will God, can God prove a [...]yar, to save you from the torments of Hell? Is it not equal that you should reap that which you have sown, that you should gather and taste the bitter fruits of your own evil ways? if you sowe to the flesh, will not torment be the fruit hereof? if you sowe sin, will not you reap Hell?

Awake sinners, Awake,! are not all your hopes of happiness in the uncertain and empty Cisterns of the Creatures meer dreams, when such dreadfull miseries are so surely pre­pared for you? and what senseless dreams then are your hopes of Heaven and Salvation; whilst you are going on i [...] the way of sin to Hell, and destruction? Is there any mercy for impenitents? Is there any pardon for unbelievers? Do [Page 190] God love those which are haters of him? shall those live with him, who have no likeness unto him? to joyn these things together which God hath never joyned, is like the sense­less fancies in the sleep of strange Chimaeraes and Monsters, which nature never produced: Awake sinners, it is but an idle fancy to joyn Heaven to the end of a sinful course; no! the foot steps of sin will certainly take hold of Hell; and whi [...]hout holiness none shall see God; and as one saith, ‘ Sooner may Angels turn Devils Men Beasts and Beasts stones and all the World just nothing, than that an unholy Person should have an entrance into Heaven; yea, and that it is as possible that God should cease to be God, a [...] that any Men, not made after the Image of God, should be received into the blessed V [...]sion, Possession and fruition of him in Glory.’ Sinners, if there be no room for you in Heaven, and your entrance there is impossible, whilst you are in a state of nature; then your punishment in Hell is sure, which methinks should a­waken you.

3. Sinners, consider the neerness of the punishment of Hell: I mean the soul punishment which will be the greatest part of he punishment; the perfect and full punishment of body and soul cannot be fa [...] off because the time of Christs com­ing is not f [...]r off; but the punishment of your souls will be­gin, so soon as your lives come to an end; no sooner will your souls be separated from your bodies, but they will appear before God, to receive their particular judg­ment; and they will be banished his glorious and comfor­table presence, and filled with horrour through the impre­ssions of Gods wrath.

Awake sinners, Awake! You lie upon the brink of the Pit, you are sleeping over the burning Lake; you are like Saylors, which drop asleep on the top of a Mast, whom a great wind would blow into the Sea; so the wind of death, which may suddenly beat upon you, will blow you into Hell, into the O [...]ean of Gods wrath; and can you secure your selves a moment from the stroke of Death? when you are most secure, may not death be most neer? when you think you shall live many years to eat, and drink and take your pleasure, like the rich fool in the Gos­pel, [Page 191] may not death knock at your door that night, and break in upon you, and fetch away your bodies to the grave, and Devils drag your souls to Hell?

Awake then, before you sleep the sleep of death, awake out of the sleep of sin, think with your selves, this night we may be in Hell, and free, or rather bound in Chains of Darkness and h [...]rrour amongst the damned; or tomorrow we may be in torments with Cain and Judas, with the Devil and his Angels and therefore give no [...] sleep to your eyes, no [...] slumber to your eve-lids, until you have redeemed your selves out of the snare of the Devil and sin, as a Bird out of the snare of the Fowler, or a Roe out of the hand of the hunter.

4. Sinners, consider the everlastingness of your punish­ment in Hell; when your Souls a [...]e [...] in, they shall never come forth, until they are brought forth unto the last Judg­ment at Christs appearance; and when soul and body are joyned, and sentenced to this place of torment, and thrush into it, the Door will be shut upon you, and you will be locked in, so that it will be impossible for you to get forth for ever; your bodies as well as souls will be immortal and the Fire of Hell will be everlasting, those flames will never be quenched, and your torments will never be end­ed; when you have been ten thousand times ten thousand millions of years in Hell, it will not bear the porportion of a moment of time, to the unmeasurable space of Eternity, in which you must be tormented for sin; your punishment will alwayes be in the beginning of it, never, never, never, will it come to a conclusion, nor you to any hopes of [...] as long as God lives, and Heaven continues which will be for evermore, so long will Hell continue, & you abide in extremity of torments, without any possibility of release and deliverance.

Awake, sinners, Awake! think how horrible the thoughts of Eternity in Hell will be; Extremity! and Eternity! will be the great aggravation of your misery; methinks the danger of such torment should fill you with such fear and terrour; that nothing should be able to remove, until you had secured your selves by an interest in him, who alone can deliver from the [Page 192] wrath to come; and yet can you be secure, when you are in the greatest danger?

Awake, think whether the pleasures of si [...] for a season, are to be compared with the eternal torments of Hell; or the un­certain treasures of Earth with the eternal store of Gods wrath, or the empty vanishing worldly honour, with the exceeding and everlasting weight of misery, which the damned shall sink under in H [...]ll? If any sleepy sinners begin to startle with such thun­der [...] of Judgment and being unwilling to part with their sins feel their hearts to rise within them against the message & Messengers, for thrusting such harsh things into their eares f [...]r [...]sting their spirits, and d [...]st [...]rbing the peace which they have [...]herto had in their sinful way: cannot Ministers let us alone, [...] they be called to an account for us? will they suffer for [...] and why do they thus affright [...]us with Peales of Judgment? [...] loved, [...]e Ministers are set as Watchmen to sound the Trumpet, [...] warn [...] of Judgment, which if we should neglect to do, [...] blood would be required at our hands, Ez [...]k 33. from [...] first Verse to the 11. And we shall be called to an ac­counts for the Souls committed to our charge, Heb. 1. 17. And [...] having notice given us by God in his Word of the coming [...] to judge and punish the ungodly World at the l [...]st day, [...] awing the terrour of the Lord, how terrible the day of [...] will be unto you if you be found amongst the ungodly and how terrible the day will be unto us, if we be found unfaith­ful to your souls, we warn you, and p [...]rswade you to flee from the wrath to come; and can you blame us then for using harsh language, when we cannot omit it without danger to our selves [...] [...] your souls? when otherwise we cannot be faithful to you [...] Master, who hath sent us to declare these things? [...] indeed (like some) flatter you, and sooth you up in [...] of [...]; we might speak smooth things unto you and pro­ [...] [...]; but what advantage would it be unto you to be [...] if you were pleased with us, and did commend us [...] sure you would curse us for our unfaithfulness here­ [...] [...] Sinners, it is not cruelty, but pitty and mercy to shoot [...] arrows of Gods threatnings into your consciences; it [...], but sender love to your souls, that we en­deavour [Page 193] to thrust the sword of the spirit into your besomes, that if possible we might wound [...] the heart, and fetch forth the blood thereof, as it were, which if it still live i [...] you, will be your ruine: Christ will certainly [...] quickly [...] [...], and when he doth appear, we shall appear to be [...] is [...] not good you should know it before hand, that [...] [...]ght [...] prepared?

If any be so awakened by this Doctrine concerning Christs coming to Judgment that they begin to feed a sting and wou [...]d in their spirits, and are so perplexed with [...] of being con­demned for their sins which their consciences do accuse them of that they know not what [...] do, yet are willing to take and course to prevent [...] [...] And those dreadful miseries [...] they are in danger of at that day▪ I shall speak unto [...] by way of Counsel and Exhortation.

1. For the Exhortation of Sinners.

Will the Lord Jesus Christ certainly and quickly [...] to Judgment? there are two things I would [...] unto, that they may escape the wrath of God [...] on that day will be revealed and inflicted [...] wicked of the Earth.

• 1. Fl [...]e from Sin.
• 2. Flee unto Christ

If you would fl [...]e from wrath [...] Hell.

• Or, [...] R [...]pent of Sin.
• 2. Get an interest in Christ.

And then you may be able to stand with [...] the Son of Man at his appearance; yea, [...] sins be now, do these two things effectually, and [...] d [...]t [...] appear you also shall appear with him in glory.

1 Sinners repent of sin. Acts 17 30 31. God [...] all M [...]n every where to repent, this is a [...] which [...] of all, Because he hath appointed a day, [...] he will judge the World in righteousness, &c. [...] Argument to enforce the duty. It is your [...], because you have sinned, and God [...] [Page 194] to do it; and it is your interest and concernment to repent, because God will judge the World by Jesus Christ for sin, and condemn you if you be found impenitent. Sinners, you have tasted the sweetness of sin, in the Commission of i [...], O labour [...]o taste the bitterness of sin in your repentance for it; your sins have been displeasing to the holy and jealous God; let them be displeasing to your souls; your sins have wound­ed the Lord Lord Jesus Christ, let them pierce your hearts; the spirit of God hath been grieved and quenched by them, be you grieved and troubled for them; grieve for sin, not only because of its consequential evil, but also because of [...] intrinsecal evil; not only because it is like to damn [...], but also because it hath so much defiled you; not on­ly because it is likely to sink you into Hell amongst Devils, but also because it hath debased you, and made you more vile than the Beasts that perish.

Sinners mourn for sin: Be afflicted, mourn and weep: Let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into hea­vinesse, Jam 4 9 Get your proud hearts humbled, and your hard hearts broken for those sins whereby you have broken Gods Law; get your hearts broken for sin, and get your hearts broken from sin; Break off your sins by Repentance; Cast away all your transgressions like mensturus cloathes, saying, get you hence, Isai. 30. 22. Let the wicked forsake his way, & the unrighteous man his thoughts, and turn to the Lord, &c Isa. 55 7. Thrust these Inhabitants out of doors who have so long had possession; suffer them not to lodge any longer within [...]; remember that they are Vipers which will [...] you, that they are enemies which will wound and kill [...]: Do not harbour sin any longer, do not entertain it [...] smiles and a pleasing countenance, but with [...]eares and [...]ownes: Get your hearts set against sin; labour for deep rooted hatred of it, and accordingly behave your selves towards it; get the strong holds of sin demolished [...] your hearts; get the rooms in which your lusts have [...] defilement, washed with the [...]eares of Repentance, [...] the blood of Jesus Christ: let Christ have his Trone [...] sin hath reigned; let your thoughts and affections be [Page 195] brought into captivity and obedience unto Jesus Christ: Keep the door of your hearts with all diligence▪ least your old enemy enter again upon you: Flee from sin as from a Cockatrice and if you be pursued, manfully resist, resist even unto blood, striving against sin; never parley with sin, hearken not to any [...]earms of composition: Be not enticed unto sin by pleasing bai [...]s, neither be affrighted to sin by frowns and threatnings: Fight the good fight of Faith; Turn by repentance from sin, break off the course of sin, and walk not in the way thereof, and turn by repentance unto the Lord; let the Biass of your hearts be turned unto him; Deliver up your selves unto the obedience of his Law, yield your selves unto God, &c Rom. 6. This is Repen­tance. And that you may repent of Sin:

1. Examine your selves: Christ will examine you at the last day, and you m [...]st give an account unto him; examine your selves and call your selves to an account, that you may repent and prevent the future misery which will be the con­sequent of sin; Finde out your sins that you may mourn and turn; that which the eye seeth not, the heart will no [...], can­not be affected withal; Consult the Register of your con­sciences, turn over the leaves and read what is recorded in that Book: open your hearts to the beams of the light of the Word, and be ready to receive the convictions of the Spirit; Find out your sins, your original sin, the defilement of your natures, your actual sins, your great Conscience▪ wounding sins; find ou [...] your bosom-sins, which your hearts are most nearly joined unto, and are most loth to part with­all; find out your Constitution-sins, your Calling-sins, the sins which bear the greatest sway, and are most supported [...] the interest of the flesh, and your hearts are ready to cloak and cover under the [...] of excuses and plausible pleas: Thin [...] how you will be able to answer for them at the great Day, to the Heart-searching Judge.

Sinners, finde out your sins, otherwise your sins will [...] you out, and Christ will finde you out, and Wrath will [...] you out and then woe be unto you.

2. Judge and condemn your selves for your sins: this [...] [...] [Page 196] way to escape the judgment of God. 1 Cor. 11. 31. If you judge others, you shall be judged, Matth 7. 1. but if you judge your selves you shall escape; and therefore,

3. Make confession of sin; Spread the black Catalogue of your sins before the Lord; come with ropes about your necks, and tears in your eyes, and sorrow in your hearts unto the Throne of Grace, and fill your mo [...]hes with humble acknowledgements of your sins: rip up your hearts before the Lord [...] open before him your soars: stand not in your own desence and justification, but fall down Prostrate at God's feet, and confess what sinfull natures you have, what vile hearts what wicked lives you have lead; confess [...] how you have broken his Law and disobeyed his Gospel, charge upon your selves the guilt of your particular and most [...] sins, and do not extenuate but aggravate them with all the circum­stances you can think of; look upon your selves as cur­ [...]d wretches whilest under the guilt of sin, as miserable, [...] forlorne creatures, whilest God is your enemy and his [...] abideth on you; acknowledge your sins and the [...] your sins, that you have deserved not only temporal [...], but also eternal torments; that you have forfeited [...] outward mercies, and are unworthly of the least grace [...] savour, much more unworthy of eternal life. Lye very [...] before God, lick the dust; look upon your selves as Wormes, as Toads, yea as more vile and more full of [...]yson.

4. If under the view of sin and confession thereof, you finde your hearts hard and se [...]s [...]sse like rocks, or Adaman­tine stones within your hearts, yet be not discouraged; the sense of hard-nesse is some beginning of softnesse; but do not rest in beginnings: take pains with them to get them [...] throughly▪ to get them broken to pieces: Read and [...], and apply, and urge at the Throne of Grace the [...] promise, [...]. 36. 26. I will take away the stony [...] of your flesh, and give you a heart of flesh. Be [...] of your own inability of your selves [...]repent of sin, [...] perswaded that it is Gods grace; remember it is free, [...] withall that it is promised; be [...] the influence of his [Page 197] Spirit upon your hearts to melt them; beg the application of the blood of Christ to mollifie them: the blood of [...] Goat only can break an Adamant stone, and it is the blood of Christ the Scape-goat which alone can break the hard hear [...] of sinners.

If any be discouraged with the difficulty of Repentance, that it is hard to obtain, and a very greievous thing to endure; Let them,

1 Consider; That Repentance is necessary: it is necessa­ry Virtute proec [...]ti, by ver [...]ue of Gods precept; it is a ne­cessary Duty, Acts 17. 30 God Commandeth not only [...] men, but all men: not only in some place! but every where to repent: and it is necessary Virtute medi [...] as it is a mea [...] to avoid misery and obtain happinesse; you must sow in [...] if you would reap in joy; and you must go forth [...] [...] bearing precious seed, if you would return again rejoy [...] b [...]earing your sheaves with you, Psalm 126 5,6. That [...] ­wers of tears make way for the Sun-shine of comfort here [...] the wet seed-time of Repentance, is necessary to the harvest [...] everlasting glory and joy; and if Repentance be difficult [...] yet since it is absolutely necessarie, this should be so far [...] discouraging you, that it should quicken you unto-more [...] ­ligent endeavours after it.

2. Consider, that Repentance is attainable; the [...] [...] ­ners may be enabled through Gods Grace to repent, as [...] as the most holie Saints at their first turning unto God. [...] is difficult unto you, yea impossible for you to repent of your selves, because there are no seeds of this Grace in Nature, but it is easie with God to work you to it, and he can carr [...] you thorow the difficultie; pray to God for this Grace, [...] endeavour to repent and in your endeavours God may assist God is easie to be entreated, and is ready to give this Grace unto them that desire it.

But some are discouraged from Heb. 12. 17. where [...] said, that Esa [...] was rejected, and found no place for [...] though be sought it carefully with tears: hence concluded [...] that though they seek repentance carefully with tears, [...] may be rejected and finde [...]o place for repentance.

[Page 198] I answer, 1. That this place which speaks of Esau's re­jection, hath not a reference [...] his rejection by God (though that may be included in it) but his rejection by his Father Isaac▪ in reference to the Blessing, which his younger brother Jacob had by a wile g [...]t before him. 2. That Esau there did not seek to God for Repentance, but he sought to his Father for his blessing. 3. That he did not seek repentance for himself, but he sought with tears to his Father, that he would repent his giv [...]ng the blessing to Jacob, and give it unto him. Such as with tears seek repentance of God, it is a signe they have some measure of this Grace.

3. Consider, the worth and excellency of this Grace▪ though it be difficult, yet it is excellent, Purchra sunt difficilia, the best things are not obtainted without difficultie; had you this grace, you would no [...] be without it for a world, you would not change your tears and sorrow for sin, for all the sweet­nesse and pleasure that others finde in the commission of it; if you did but truly repent, you would not think i [...] so grie­vous a thing to be born, but he more you had of it, the more you would desire, and be best pleased, when you could act this grace most stronglie.

4. Consider, that the greatest difficulty is at first: Flesh may contradict and violently oppose the beginnings of Repentance, which doth so manifestly seek its ruine and destruction; but after you are accustomed to the yoke, you will finde it more [...]sie; after you have got mastery over your flesh, and have attained some degrees of mortification, you will finde it suita­ble to the new man to live in the exercise of Repentance, and reap much sweetnesse from it.

5. Consider, That you must repe [...]t and mourn for sin here, or you will be damned and burn for sin for ever; You cannot a­void grief for sin, if you have it not in this world, you will be sure to have it in the other world; And is it not a thou­sand-fold more eligible to grieve for sin here? especially considering,

1. If you repe [...]t of sin now, your grief will not be in ex­tremity: it will have some allay, some alleviation, some mixture of secret comfort, at least something will be given [Page 199] in to support, when you are even ready to be overwhelmed when the heart is most broken and contri [...]e under the sense of sin and apprehensions of Gods wrath, yet God will not suffer the Spirit to fail before him. Isai. 57. 1 [...] [...]6. the Lord will keep up [...]he soul from quite sinking: and I am confident, that such persons as are most heavie laden with grief for sin, would not change their condition when at the lowest ebb, with the most prosperous world [...]ng: But if you repent not till hereafter, your grief will be extream, without the least mixture of comfort or support. In Hell you will have no­thing but weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth; you will be there uterly consumed with terrours, quite overwhel­med with sorrows, and be alwayes sinking in the bottomlesse­pit under the weight of grief, which will be un-supportable.

2 Your Repentance of sin now will be pleasing unto God: We read, Luke 15. how well pleased the Father was when his Prodigal son returned home, and with grief did acknowledge that he had sinned against Heaven and against him; and was not worthy to be called his Son; the Father meers him in the way, and [...]isseth him, and cloathe [...]h him with the best Ro [...]es▪ and kills the farted Calf for him, and maketh merry with him; so, though you have been prodiga's hitherto, have gone astray from God, and wasted your time, and talents in the service of the Devil, and your own lusts; yet if at length you come to your selves, and with repentance, and humble con­fession of your si [...]s, you return unto the Lord, he will pitty you, his bowels will [...]ern towards you whilst you [...]e yet upon the way; and he will meet you, and embrace you▪ & cloath you with the Ro [...]es of his sons righteousness▪ and be pleased with you, and rejoyce over you; yea, and the Angels al [...] will rejoyce in your conversion; there will be joy in Heaven at your repentance amongst the Angels & joy on earth amongst the Saints, Ministers will be pleased and rejoyce; they will pittie you and pray for you; and Saints will be pleased and be ready to help and advise you; but Gods pittie is beyond all. See how God is taken with repe [...]g Ephraim. Jere. 32. 18. 19, [...]0. I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning him▪self, &c. Surely after I was turned, I repented; and after [Page 200] was instructed I smote upon my thigh, I was ashamed, yea even confounded because I did bear the reproach of my youth; there you have the description of Ephraim's repentance; and O the sweet words of most [...]ender Love which the Lord doth express himself in, towards Ephraim under his repentings▪ Is Ephra­im my dear son? is he my pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still? therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy on him, faith the Lord. But if you repent no [...] till hereafter your grief will not only be extream but also you will have no eye to pittie you, God will not pittie you in the least, but laugh at [...]our calamitie, his bowels will be shut against you; your [...]rief then will not be pleasing in the least, and your cries & complaints of sin then will be like the howling of a Dog in [...] eares: He will then instead of meeting you to embrace [...], he will meet you to destroy you; instead of speaking [...]dly to you, he will speak to you in his wrath, and vexe [...] you [...] his hot displeasue; Angels and Saints will then turn from [...], and Devils will drag you with them into torments.

3. If you repent of sin now, you may obtain the pardon of [...]; I will surely have mercy on him, saith the Lord [...] concerning [...]enting Ephraim, Jere. 31. 20. He that confesseth his sins, that [...] with repentance, so as not only to grieve for them, but also [...] leave and forsake them▪ shall finde mercy, Prov 28 13. Yea, God hath promised abundantly to pardon such as forsake their [...] wayes▪ and by repentance turn to him Isai 55. 7. and if sinners cease to do evil and learn to do well, that though their [...]as be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow▪ though they be red like Crimson, they shall be as wo [...]l, Isai. 1. 16, 17, 18. And not only his mercy, but also his Justice and faithfulnesse is engaged [...]o pardon such as acknowledge their sins with re­pentance and apply themselves to him by faith: 1 Joh 1. 9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, [...] to cleanse as from all unrighteousness. The Door of mercy [...] now open to all true penitents, and the golden Scepter of Grace and Reconciliation is held forth unto them; the Lord Jesus Christ is now interceding at the right hand of God, ready to make their peace with God; but if you do not [Page 201] repent until hereafter, a pardon will be unattainable; there, will remain no sacrifice for sin; then the day of grace will be quite spent; and the Door of mercy will be fast shut: then Jesus Christ will have finished his interceding work, and it will be impossible to obtain remission.

4. If you repent of sin now, you may get strength against sin; you shall be delivered from the reigning power of sin present­ly and you shall be freed from the rage and tyranny of sin by degrees and at the last you shall obtain a perfect freedome from the being of sin, and be wholly delivered from the bondage of cor­ruption. But if you do not repent until hereafter, you will for ever abide under the power of sin, you will not only be tormented in Hell▪ but also be for ever sinning in Hell

5 If you repent of sin now, you will escape the punishment of sin; I do not speak of some temporal calamities, which God may exercise his people withall in this World; but you shall assuredly be kept from the eternal punishment [...] of Hell; which shall be ins [...]icted upon the ungodly World; but if you do not repent of sin until hereafter, your punishment will be unavoidable▪ no cries nor teares will then save you from the torments of Hell which you will be condemned unto; now you are condemned for sin, whilst unbelievers, but in this World the sentence is reversible, you may [...] from the B [...]r of justice, to the Throne of Grace, and if with repentance and faith you apply your selves unto Jesus Christ, he will deliver you from the wrath to come and free you from con­demnation; but hereafter▪ when the Lord Jesus Christ shall appear unto Judgment, and summon you, and examine you, and finde you guilty, and pass sentence upon you to depart into ever­lasting Fire; this sentence will be irreversible and your repen­tance will be too late to procure freedom from, or the least miti­gation of your punishment.

6. If you repent of sin now, your grief will be but for a time; for a season, a short time, a few dayes a night, a moment. 1 Pet 1. 6. Rev 2. 10. Psal 30 5. Isai. 54 6, 7. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning; God will not permit you [...] weep and grieve for [...] long; it is not a life of grief which he calleth you unto, but a life of faith and love; it is not grief for it self which he requir­eth, [Page 202] but in order unto your comfort, and therefore it shall not be of long continuance; your grief for sin doth make way for spiritual comforts, for the joyes of the holy Ghost, which after sorrowing times the Lord doth often give in a­bundantly unto his Children in this World; in which they finde incomparably more sweetness, than ever they could finde sweetness in sin, or bitterness in sorrow; they have pleasures of a higher and more transcendent nature; be sure your grief for sin will make way for your everlasting joyes in Heaven, where all teares shall be wiped away from your eyes, and all sorrow and sighing shall be removed from your hearts, and you shall obtain gladnesse unspeakable & everlasting But if you do not repent until hereafter, as the pleasures which you finde in sin▪ will be but for a season, and your [...]ry [...]mph [...]ng but short, Death be sure will put a conclusion unto all: so your grief for sin then will be long, the dayes of darkness and sorrow will be many, yea your grief will be eternal.

Repent then sinners, repent; Christ will come certainly to judgment, therefore repent truly; and Christ will come quick­ly to judgment, therefore repent speedily. Protract not the time, endeavour presently without any further delay. Considering,

1. Your particular Judgment may be suddenly, and the time of preparation your may be spent quickly; You may be within a few moneths or weeks▪ or dayes, yea, it may be within a few hours smitten by Deaths arrows and there will be no place for repentance and preparation in the other World.

2. If you defer your repentance, it is a thousand to one that you never repent as long as you live, If your life should continue many years; because not one in a thousand that defer their repentance, do afterwards repent; there are millions in Hell that lived under the light of the Gospel who intended to repent, but were prevented by death before they were aware; and it is a thousand to one if you defer any longer, but ere long you will be received into their num­ber; have not you deferred your repentance before this till such a time and such a time? and yet when such times [Page 203] have come again and again, have [...] [...]ot deferred i [...] [...]ll? and will not your [...] [...] still finde as plausible excuses till it be too [...]? Remember this sinners, that it is a thousand to one but you will be damned if you any longer defer your repentance.

3 The longer you defer your repentance, the more difficult will you finde the work to be because you will be the [...]ster bound in Sathans chains, and not so easily loosn [...]; because you will be the faster asleep in sin, and not so easily a­wakened; because your hearts will grow the harder by the long practice of sin, and not so easily broken; because your sins will be more encreased which you must repent of; be­cause your time will be the more decreased which you are to repent in; so that if it should come to passe (which is a thou­sand to one) that you should repent after procrastination or deferring repentance; yet you will finde the work to be very difficult.

4. Think what glory you may bring to God, what service you may do if you repent and reform presently; all which time, whilest you defer repentance, is spent in the service of the Devil and your own lusts, unto the dishonour of God.

5. Think what measures of grace and comfort you may at­tain here, and what degrees of Glory you may attain hereafter, if you repent without delay, which by deferring the work, you are like to lose.

6. If you defer Repentance, it is a question whether your last repentance will be true; and if it should be true it is a question whether ever you shall obtain the evidence of the truth thereof.

7. And lastly, If you defer your Repentance, God may never call you to repentance; yea, he may give you up to a judiciary hardness [...], and seal you up unto condemnati­on, swearing in his wrath that you shall never enter in [...] his Rest. Thus much for the exhortation of Sinners to repent.

2. Sinners, will the Lord Jesus Christ certainly and quickly appear to Judgment, be perswaded then to flee to him, and get [Page 204] an interest in him before his appearance▪ I am sure that there is none of you, but would be glad of an interest in Christ when he cometh in his glorie to judge the world; the vil­est persons upon the earth, those who despise and reject Christ now, those who have and scorn the wayes of godli­nesse, as being too mean a way for their high spirits, would give ten thousand worlds if they had them, for the room of the meanest Believers who have an interest in Christ at that day; But let me tell you sinners, that this world is the onely place, and this time while the day of Grace doth last, is the onely time of obtaining such a priviledge as this is; if you have not an interest in Christ whilst you live, it will be impossible to obtain it after death, or at the re­surrection; If you are none of Christs now, he will not know you, no [...] own you at the day of his glorious Appearance.

1. Get an interest in Christ as your high Priest and Advo­cate; Be sensible of your sins: be assured of his death for sin and satisfaction to Gods justice; Be perswaded of his interces­sion at the right hand of God, and that he is able and willing to save you: apply your selves to him, that through him you may obtain remission of sins, and an inheritance amongst the Saints; and if through the mediation of Christ now, you obtain a pardon of all your sins here: how welcome will your Redeemer be unto you, and with what joy will you lift up your heads out of your Graves when the day of your Redemption and perfect Salvation is come, and your Saviour doth appear to take vengeance up a un­ [...]pardoned sinners, but shall own and acquit you before the whole World.

2. Get Christ to be your Master; Enter your selves a­mongst his Servants and [...]ciples: submit to his Teachings: learn his Lessons; believe and obey his Commands: fol­low his Example; promote his honour and interest in the world; be readie to do, or suffer any thing for him; and when your Lord and Master cometh in his glory, you will [...] that it was not in vain to serve him, though in wayes [...] and grating to flesh and blood. O what a Reward will he give then to his Servants! What a Crown of glo­ry will he put upon their heads! It is a sweet enco [...]ragi [...] [Page 205] Promise which Christ hath made now, and will make good to all his faithful servants at that day, John 12. 26. If any man serve me, let him follow me▪ and where I am▪ there shall my servant be; if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

3. Get Christ to be your Husband. Sinners, We Ministers are sent to invite and wooe you to enter into this most near and sweet Relation unto Jesus Christ; we are to tell you of the beau [...]ie and excellency of his Person, of his Love and tender affection to poor sinners, of his willingness to be yours, and to make you sharers in his Riches; O ac­cept of him, it is the best motion that ever was made to you, and it may be the last motion: Accept of Christ to be your husband, lay off your filthy Garments; put on the white Robes of his Righteousness; jo [...]n your hearts to him; d [...]vorse your selves from sin, and dedicate your selves unto Christ alone; and if Christ be your husband, O how joyful will his appearance be unto you, when you shall see his glorious face, and sweet smiles, and be re­ceived into his embracements, and be carried by him into his Fathers house, where you shall live with, and delight in his loves for evermore.

4. Get Christ to be your Captain; List your selves under his banner; wear his Colours; ar [...] your selves with his Weapons; follow his conduct; fight against his Enemies; en­d [...]re hardness as good Souldies, and do not shrink when you are put upon the tryal: and if you have an interest in this, Cap­tain and be victorious here over your spiritual enemies; when your Captain doth ride in Triumph at the last day, you shall be caught up into the Clouds, and Triumph with him, and re­ceive a Crown of Glory from him which fadeth not away.

Sinners, get an interest in Christ in all his Offices in all his Relations; it is he only can save you from sin, & wrath, and eternal death It would be too large a subject here to treat of Salvation by Christ, and the way of attaining it; I may (God giving leave) hereafter treat purposely on some words is hereby we may be saved, from Acts. 11. 14 He shall tell thee words, whereby thou and thy House shall be saved▪ which [Page 206] I though [...]o have added to the end of this, with some words of advice unto young M [...]n from 1 John 2. part of the 14. Verse I have written unto young Men, because yee ar [...] strong and the Word of God abideth in you, and yee have [...]vere come the wicked one [...] which I did indeed at the first intend to have i [...]ned together in one small Volume, with God's terrible voice in the City; but thoughts have so mul­tiplyed in putting them into writting, that I am even forced to separate them into three parts, which I thought at first the room of one would hold.

CHAP. XIV.

HAving spoken to Sinners, I come now to speak,

• 2. To Believers, and that in two words.
• 1. For the Tryal of them.
• 2 For the Comforting of them.

1. For the Tryal of Believers; the Doctrine of Christs cer­tain and sudden appearance to Judgment, is a m [...]st dread­ful Doctrine to sinners, which are in sin; and it is a most comfortable Doctrine to believers, which are in Christ: but because many sinners, which are still held fast in the [...]ond of iniquity, and are under the reigning power of some [...]ns, are art to mistake, and without good ground do per­swade themselves that they are believers, who at the last day will be found to be hypocrites; and through their mis­take of their state do ward off those strokes of Gods threat­nings which are made at them, and themselves hereby from those terrible apprehensions of Christs appearance to Judge and condemn them, which did they entertain, might be a meanes to startle them, and awaken them to take an effectual and speedy course for the salvation of themselves from future vengeance; and because many true believers, who are really united unto Christ by faith, are apt also through the temptation of Sathan, and their own ignorance, and doubting misgiving-heart, to mistake themselves, and look upon themselves to be hypocrites, and therefore fear [Page 207] that when Christ doth appear, that they shall be condem­ned by him, being so ready to condemn themselves, and therefore gather matter for trouble from this Doctrine, which indeed is matter of the greatest comfort; therefore it will be needful for the undeceiving of the former, that they may not falsly apply comfort, and the rectifying [...]he mistakes of the latter, that they may not put off comfort, to make some tryal of true believers: It would be too large to present to you all the character which we may finde in the Word of God of true believers: therefore I shall make mention but of one, which the Text holds forth, and is the second Doctrine observed from the Words, in the begining of our Discourse.

DOCT. 2. That there is an earnest desire in the Church, or true Believers, after the second appearance of the Lord Je­sus Christ

You may try your selves whether you are true Belie­vers by your desires after Christs appearance; this is the Character which the Apostle Paul giveth of Believers, that they are such as love, and by consequence desire the appear­ance of the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Tim. 4. 8. Henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness, which [...] Lord, the Righteous Judge shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that love his appearance: All such, and none but such shall have a Crown of Righteous­ness, who love Christs appearing; Believers are said to look for Christs coming, Heb. 9 28. Unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time, without sin unto salvati­on. He will appear unto all, but only to them that look for him, will he appear unto salvation. Believers look for Christs appearance, with an eye of faith, of hope, and of desire.

1. Believers look for Christs appearance with an eye of faith; they expect it as sure as death, yea as more s [...]re, because the death of some will be prevented by it; it is not impossible that the Lord Jesus should come in [...] days: they surely believe that the Lord will come.

[Page 208] 2. Believers look for the appearance of Christ with an eye of hope; Tit. 2 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearance of the great God, and our Saviour. As they have hopes of the glory of Heaven, so they have hopes of the coming of Christ, who will receive them into glory, who will put the Crown upon their Heads, and bring them with Tri­umph unto the new Jerusalem.

3 Believers look for the appearance of Christ with an eye of love and desire; they love and long for his appearance, they look with many a glance of love towards the Pallace above, where their Lord is, and they have many a longing wish, that he would come forth, and come down, and receive them unto himselfe, that where he is, there they may be also. The Bride saith come, and the desire of the Spouse is M [...]ke haste my beloved and be as a Roe noon the Mountains of Spines: Cant 8. 14. Believers pray, Thy Kingdome come, in the Lords Prayer, which he taught his Disciples, they desire the com­ing, not only of the Kingdome of grace, but also of the King­dome of glory; and in the Text, the Church breathes forth, this desire, after Christs appearance, Amen, even So come Lord Jesus.

Now examine your selves whether you are true believers by this Character. Do you love and desire Christs appear­ance?

Object. If any object against themselves, and say, alas! we fear then we are no true believers, because we cannot say that we love and desire Christs appearance, we are so far from de­siring it, that we are afraid of it, and it is matter of the great­est trouble unto us to think of it.

Ans. 1. See you to that, many go under the name of believers, which have only the name; take heed that none of you Be found in the number of such, at the last day.

2. Possibly some of you may condemn your selves without reason, as Gods Children are more forward to do than hypo­crites, who have the most reason; It may be you do not desire that Christ should come immediately, but do not you desire that Christ should come at all? a Wife may sin­cerely and greatly desire the coming home of her Husband, [Page 209] when he is gone a long journey; and yet if her House be out of order, and not fitted to her minde for the receiving of him, if she be not dressed and got into such a garb, as she knows would be pleasing to him; she may be consent that he would stay a little longer, until the be better prepared, yea she may be afraid of his coming whilst she is unprepared; the Harlot or Adulteress could be consent that her Husband should never ret [...]n, but the true Wife doth desire the com­ing of her Husband, though sometimes not the present coming: [...] true believers they do desire Christs coming, who is gone a long journey to Heaven, though they may not desire his present coming, because they are not so fitted as they desire to be for the receiving of him; they desire his coming, they would not for all the World that he should stay away for ever in Heaven; unbelievers could be content Christ should stay away for ever, and that they might live for ever upon Earth, but believers could not be so content, they may fear Christs immediate coming, because of their unpreparation, but they desire his coming.

Quest How shall we know whether our desires after Christs coming be sincere?

Answ. 1. If you love Christs person, it is a sign your desires after his coming are sincere; we desire the com­ing of friends to us, whome we love; Do you love Christ in sincerity? Do you love him for himself, for his own ex­cellencies, this loveliness, his love, and spiritual love-tokens? do you love him upon a spiritual account?

2. If you do sincerely desire the coming of Christ into your hearts in regard of his Spirit and grace it is a sign you have sincere desires after his coming in glory; when grace will arrive to its perfection; Can you understandingly and heartily [...] Thy: Kingdom come; I mean, that Christ's Kingdom of Grace should be [...]rrected in your hearts: and are sincerely de­si [...]ous to have all things within you brought into subjection and o­bedience thereunto? Do you sincerely and earnestly desire the pre­sence of Christ and the breathings of his Spirit upon your hearts in his Ordinances? it is a sign that there are at the least true radical desires in you after his second appearance, though by [Page 210] reason of doubts and feares they may not be so expresse.

3 If you have laid up your treas [...]r in Heaven, and placed your happinesse in things above: if you have cast the Anchor of your hope upward into that which is within the V [...]il, it i [...] a sign you have true desires after Christ's appearance▪ that he might give you possession of the happinesse which you have made choice of.

4. If you are careful to please the Lord and whether pre­sent or absent to be accepted of him; and are affraid of sin, because it is grievous to him; and are diligent in the use of meanes to sit and prepare your selves, and make all things rea­dy for the receiving of him, it is a sign you do both look for his coming, and do desire it.

5. And [...], if you have lively hopes of his coming, and can rejoyce in [...] hopes, if you can with earnestness pray Come Lord Jesus, come quickly; this is a sign indeed of your desires, though all true Believers have not attain­ed to so great a h [...]igh [...].

Unbelievers, they do not desire Christ's appearance, be­cause they do not believe in him, because they do not love him, because their hearts are set upon the World, because they are under the guilt and power of sin, and because when Christ doth appear, he will judge them, condemn them, and punish them; But though they do not desire Christ's coming, nor think [...]f i [...], nor prepare for [...], yet Christ will come, and his coming will be dreadful unto them.

Believers, they desire Christ's coming, they are looking for [...], and waiting for it, they are hoping for it, and pre­paring for it, and he will certainly, he will quickly appear, and they shall appear with him in glory, and this appear­ance [...]ill be a most comfortable and joyful appearance unto them: which leads unto the second Word which I [...] to speak.

2. For the Comforting of Believers.

Will the Lord Jesus Christ certainly and quickly appear to Judgment: here then is a full breast of the sweetest [Page 211] consolation, ar [...] which you may suck and be satisfied and exceedingly refreshed; As every word in this Doctrine speaks terror to Sinners, so every word doth breath forth comfort to true Believers: and therefore I shall [...]nd a [...] your hence to help work up your hearts unto spiritual joy.

1. Rejoyce. Believers Rejoyce! Christ will appear to Judgement▪ Christ will appear in his Glory, the great God and your Saviour will appear, He, that is your Saviour and Advocate will then be the Judge of the World; your Lord and King will appear attended with a glorious Train of Heavenly Courtiers, decked with glorious beams of most excellent Majesty! Your Captain will appear, the Captain of your Salvation, with the spoils of his and your enemies: and he will ride triumphantly in the Clouds; your dearly beloved Friend and Husband will appear with such beauty and loveliness in his face, and with such dear love towards you in his heart, as hath not entred into your hearts to con­ceive: the Lord Jesus Christ will be glorious in the eyes of the whole world on that day; and should not this rejoyce your heart to think of the glory of your Lord, which will be then so conspicuous, and of your interest in such a Person?

2. Rejoyce, Believers Rejoyce! Christ will certainly ap­pear: if there were any grounds to doubt the [...]uth of this thing, you would have reason to grieve; but when the thing is so certain, when God hath revealed it in his Word so clearly, when the Lord hath promised it to his people so faithfully, and given his People hopes and expectations of it, he will not disappoint them: You have reason to re­joyce, there is nothing more certain, as hath been proved, that the second appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ at the last day.

3. Rejoyce Believers, Rejoyce! Christ will quickly appear; the coming of the Lord draweth nigh; there is a time se [...], though you cannot know it, because God hath locked [...] this secret in his own bosom; yet you may know [...] [...] cannot now be far off; the Lord will not [...]arry much [Page 212] longer in Heaven before he come down to Judgment! Look up then, and li [...]t up your heads with joy, for the day of your Redemption draweth nigh, Luke [...]1. 28. You will not long groan under the bondage and burden of corruption; You will not long mourn and complain under the persecu­tions of cruel Enemies; You will not long be assaulted and buffetted with the temptations of Satan; You will no [...] long live in the dark Prison of the world, Christ will quickly be here and open the Prison-doors, and deliver you into the glorious liberty of the Children of God.

4. Rejoyce, Believers Rejoyce! When Christ doth appear, Ye also shall appear; Possibly some of you may remain alive until his appearance, be sure all of you shall be made alive; if you go down into your dust before, you shall not be hid there for ever, you shall not be buried there in eternal oblivion; but the Lord Jesus Christ will awaken you out of your long sleep of Death, and raise you out of your beds of darkness; He will send his Angels to gather you from the four Winds; Think, O think how joyful a day this day will be unto you when the Voice is proclaimed, the Bridegroom is come, Go ye forth to meet him; when the Trumpet doth sound in the Air, and you are called out of your graves by the Angels, and gathered into the company of all the Saints, of God which lived in all generations from the beginning of he Creation; and in a moment in the twinkle of an eye, such of you as are alive shall finde your▪ bo­dies strangelie transformed, and all that come forth of the ground made incorruptible and immortal; and when you shall set the Lord Jesus Christ come down with such brightnesse, and beauty, and glory, and such Royal Attendants, and you are all caught up to meet with him in the▪ Air; when you shall finde your selves! in the number of those blessed, happy ones, whom the Lord [...] send for, and receive to himself, when the greatest part of the World will be left behind crying to the Rocks to cover them, and the Mountains to fall upon them, to bide them from the wrath of this furious Judge that is come to condemn them; O how will your hearts then be filled, and even ravished with transporting joy which no heart now can conceive!

[Page 213] 5. Rejoyce, Believers Rejoyce! When Christ doth appear ye shall be judged by him; ye [...] shall not be condemned by him, but yee shall be judged by him; your advocate will be your judge: Who shall then lay any thing to your charge? God will then justify you; who then shall condemn you? Christ will acquit and absolve yo [...]: You will openly be declared Righteous on that day through the Righteousness of Jesus Christ, which here hath been imputed to you; Christ will own [...] the [...] [...] Re­deemed people, whom he hath pur [...]sed with his own blood; then all your works of mercy [...]ill be made [...] of; all your services of Christ [...] the World with be had in Remembrance; all your graces will be taken no­tice of; and the Lord will kindly accept of the improve­ment of the smallest talents, which he hath [...] [...] withall. Well done good and faithfull Servants, yet have been saithfull in a few things, enter into the joy of y [...]r Lord, Matth. 25. 21. And if you have been persec [...] [...] Righteous­ness sake; if you have been imprisoned, banished re­proached, and greatly afflicted for Christ sake; if you have left Father, Mother, Wife, Children, Houses, L [...]nds, yea and have laid down your lives for the testimony of Jesus, and that you might keep a good Conscience, think what entertainment the Lord Jesus will give to you [...] time? and O how will you Rejoyce that the Lord should confer so great honour and dignity upon [...] as to call you forth and enable you [...] to suffer for his name? and think how sweetly the sentence which Christ shall pronoun [...] upon you, will sound in your [...]ares! Come yee blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundation of the World.

6. Rejoyce Believers Rejoyce! When Christ doth ap­pear, he will reward you, he will give you a crown of Glory, which fadeth not away; He will not only Judge and sentence you to inherit the Kingdome of Heaven, but he will receive you into the Kingdome, he will give you possession thereof, he will carry you along with him unto [Page 214] glory, he will lead you; & you bring into the new Jerusalem he will show you the Fath [...]r unto your full satisfaction, and you shall behold his glory and share in it, he will put you into those mansions which he hath perpared for you; Then, and never till then shall you be perfectly happy, and the fore-thoughts of this is matter of excee­ding great comfort, especially if you consider these four properties of Heavens happiness.

[...]. Believers consider the greatness of the happiness [...] Heaven, it will be full, and you will be filled there with unto your utmost capacity, yea beyound what here you are cap [...]ple of; consider these particulars in your happi­nesse of Heaven.

1. Think what Bodies you will have; they will be most beautiful and glorious bodies, they will be most healthful, strong and immortal bodies: you will then bear the image of the Heavenly Ada [...], in regard of your bodies, as well as in regard of your souls.

Rejoyce then believers Rejoyce! what though some of you have crooked and deformed bodies now? what though some of you are blinde or lame, or maimed or have your Bodies filled with irksome pains, and weakned with long sickness? what though you live in expectation of death, and these bodies, what­ever their mold and sha [...]e be, must ere long be carried to the cold stinking grave, and be turned into putrefaction? yet Re­joyce you that are believers, because your bodies will be made so glorious in the Resurrection when all blemishes of nature will be healed, and all sickness and vain will be removed, be­cause they will be raised in incorruption, and freed from any more dominion of death for ever.

2. Think what Souls you shall have; you will be glorious without, your bodies will shine; but you will be far more glorious within, your souls will shine much more; then your souls shall be washed clean from all, rem [...]inders of sin, so that they shall not have the least spot or stain; then you shall be cleansed; ro [...] all [Page 215] fil [...]hiness of flesh and spirit, and arrive unto perfection of holiness; then the seeds of grace will be grown up into the flowers of glory, and O what a fragrant garden will your souls be? when the rude draught, as it were of Christ here in your hearts, shall be finished and per­fected by Gods Pensil, and your spirits shall be made per­fectly like unto your glorious Lord, O how beautiful will they be in the eyes of God!

Rejoyce then Believers, Rejoyce! it grieveth you when you look within you, and perceive so much remaining defilement; when you feel such strong opposition of the flesh against the spi­rit, and you fi [...]de your selves sometimes foiled thereby, your weaknesses [...] [...]mities trouble you; but Rejoyce believers, because in [...] will be perfectly freed from sin you will never be [...] [...]filed with it any more, but you will be made perfect [...] and perfectly happy.

3. Think what Habitations ye shall have; you shall [...]ve Mansions in the Fathers house, John 14. 2. A building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens, 2 Cor. 5. 1. your persons will be glorious, and your H [...]bi­taions will be glorious.

Rejoyce then, Believers, Rejoyce! what though some of you live in poor and mean co [...]ages; then you shall live in the glorious Pallace of the King of Kings; what though your houses have been burned with f [...]e, and some of you have not where to lay your head, and none of you have a certain dwelling place which you can secure to your selves? yet rejoyce because there are Mansions provided or you, out of which it will be impossible for you to be [...]urned or turned out for ever. The City which is above [...]ath foundations which cannot be over-turned, and the building of God which is not made with hands, cannot be destroyed by hands, neither is exposed to flames of fire, which may demolish the fairest City in the World.

[Page 216] 4. Think what Company you shall have: you shall have the presence of the Father, you shall dwell with the Lord Je­sus Christ, and the Spirit of God will dwell in you for ever [...] you shall have he company of holy Angels, and all the glo­rified Saints; all your companions will be most lovely and glorious.

Rejoyce then Believers, Rejoyce! what though wicked men separate you from their company, and think you un­worthy of their fellowship? God will not think you un­worthy of his fellowship, nor separate you from his presence; what though some of you are forced to dwe [...] i [...] Meseck, and are linked [...]in neer relations to some un [...] [...] persons, and are every day vexed with their ungodly [...] [...]ation? Re­joyce; for in Heaven you will be freed [...] company, no wicked person will be permitted to come [...] that place.

5. Think what Treasures you shall have; you shall have Treasures which cannot be corrupted by moth, no [...] stoln [...] thief, your riches will be durable and unsearchable.

Rejoyce then Believers, Rejoyce! what though you are poo [...] in the World? you are rich in faith, and hope; what though you have no inheritance on earth? yet you are heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven▪ you shall have an inheritance which is i [...] ­ [...]rruptible, and undefiled; what though you indure some hard­ship in your journey through the World? when you come hom [...] to your Fathers house you shall be freed from all want and have such Treasures to spend upon, which can never be exhausted.

6. Think what Honours you shall have; the meanest of you will be exalted unto higher dignity than the great­est Monarch that ever lived; you will be crowned with immortal glory, you will be honoured by God and the Angels; and you will not only have honour, but you will be made most honourable.

[Page 217] Rejoyce then Believers, and [...]ake comfort, though you are scorned by some, and accounted as the off-scouring of the earth; you are reproached and vilified by men here, but all your reproaches, especially those which you have born for the sake of Jesus Christ, shall be wreathed into a Crown, and make you the more glorious in Heaven; there you shall not have the least disgrace cast upon you any more: and you shall be kept from doing any un­becoming action to blot and sullie you in the least, but you shall shine like so many Stars, or glorious Suns in the Kingdom of your Father.

7 Think what Peace and Rest you shall have; you shall have a most sweet peace and tranquility of mind, no enemy without to disturb and molest you, no Dev [...]d to tempt and assault you, no lusts within, or distempered passion to disquiet you; then you shall have perfect peace; and then you shall rest from all wearisome imployments, and take up your repose in God for ever.

Rejoyce then Believers, and let this chear your hearts in your passage through the tempestuous Sea of this World; ere long you will come to the haven, where there will be no waves nor winds; sometimes now you are troubled on every side, and have no rest in your spirits; without are fightings, within are fears; but in Heaven you shall be freed perfectly from all disturbance and mol [...]station.

8. Think what Joyes and Pleasures you shall have; you shall have fulness of Joy, Psal 16. 11. you shall drink of the rivers of pleasures, Psal 3 [...] 8. O the delights which you shall have in the immediate views of Gods face, in the sence of Gods love, in the high actings of your love; in the fruition of the chiefest good, and the high employ­ments which you shall have in Heaven.

Rejoyce then Believers, Rejoyce in hope of these joyes; now you mourn and weep for your sin, and because of the [Page 218] Eclipses of the light of Gods countenance; it troubles your hearts that you can see and enjoy so little of God, that your love is so low and inconstant, that your highest ser­ [...]ices are but mean, and diverted many times by little trifling businesses in the world, from converse with God; in heaven all tears will be wiped away from your eyes, and all sorrow, with all the grounds thereof will be removed, you will come with singing into the new Jerusalem; you will enter and live in the vision and fruition, in the love and joy, and spend an eternity in the praise of the Lord.

2. Believers, consider the sureness of the happiness of Heaven; as surely as you are Believers, so surely shall you obtain this happiness; you cannot be sure of any thing in the World, but you may be sure of the glory of Hea­ven, and though there [...]e not the certitudo subjecti: and many of you be not assured of it, but are full of doubts and fears that you shall f [...]ll short; yet there is certitudo objecti, the thing is sure to you.

Rejoyce then Believers Rejoyce! your names are written in the Book of Life, out of which they shall never be blotted, la­bour to answer your doubts, and to get your hearts wrought up to a full assurance of this happiness, by such arguments as these, which will evidently prove, that if you be true believers, you shall not, you cannot miss of Heaven.

1. God hath chosen you to glory, he hath elected you to salvation before the world was, Act. 13 48. As many as were Ordained unto eternal life, believed. Hence it follows, that all believers were ordained to eternal life; and 1 Thes. 2. 13 God hath chosen you to salvation, through Sanc­tification of the Spirit, and beliefe of the truth. All true belie­vers are elected persons, and Gods decree of Election cannot be frustrated, because God is unchangeable; because God changeth no [...], therefore you are not consumed; because God changeth no [...], therefore you shall be saved.

[Page 219] 2 God hath promised this happiness to you, 1 John 2. 24. This is the promise which he hath promised, even eternal life. And Tit. 1. 2. In hope of eternal life, which God who cannot lie hath promised. If God hath promised this happi­ness, and your faith doth give you interest in the promise [...] and God be faithful to fulfil to them, it being impossible for God to lie; then as certainly as God is true, you that are believers shall obtain.

3. The Lord Jesus Christ hath purchased this happiness for you, it is called the purchased possession, Eph. 1. 14. as cer­tain as the purchase, so certain will be the possession.

4. The Lord Jesus hath taken possession of Heaven for you, The fore-runner is for us entered, Heb. 6. 20. He is pre­paring these mansions in the fathers house for you, John 14 2. and as certain as Christ is in Heaven, so certainly shall those that are believers be received thither in time.

5. Christ prayed that you might have this happiness whilst he was on the earth, Joh. 17 24. Father I will that those which thou hast given me, be with me where I am, [...] they may behold the glory which thou hast given me. Which prayer was made for you, if believers, as well as for his pre­sent Disciples, V 20. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word And for this thing Christ intercedes above, and whatever he prayes and intercedes for, he will prevail for you, and there­fore you will obtain.

6. Ye are Christs, as ye are believers, and therefore all things are yours, saith the Apostle, 1 Cor. 3. 22, 23. amongst which, things to come are enumerated; ye are Christs ser­vants, and do his work, and he will give you you [...] wages▪ You honour him in the world, and therefore you shall be honoured by him; You follow your Master in a way of self▪denial and suffering, and if you suffer with him, y [...] shal [...] reign with him, 2. Tim 2. 12. and be glorified together, Rom 8. 17. and where Christ [...], there shall his s [...]rvants be, Joh. [...] [Page 220] [...]6. Ye are Christs members, and where the head is, there shall the members be: Ye are Christs Spouse, you are [...], married to him, and therefore shall live with him, [...] the powers of earth and hell, cannot separate you from his love, and therefore cannot keep you out of Heaven, Rom. [...] 35, 36, 37, 38 39.

Ye are justified by faith, Rom. 5. 1 [...] and therefore ab­ [...] [...] from the gui [...] of sin, therefore freed from the con­ [...] [...] Rom 8. 1. [...] therefore shall not perish, [...] thereof is removed, therefore you shall have [...] 3. 16. whom God justifieth, them he also [...] Rom. 8 30.

[...] Yee are the adopted children of God. Gal 3. 26. For [...] [...]re all the [...] of God by faith in Jesus Christ. And if [...], Rom. 8. 17 and if heirs, you shall be sure [...].

Ye are called with a Holy calling, and sanctified with [...] Spirit, and thereby in some measure fit [...]ed and qua­ [...] [...] for this happiness by the work of grace, conformity to the [...] in holiness; grace is glory begun, and is called eter­ [...] [...], and God hath promised to perfect it, Phillip. 1. 6. [...] relation to Heaven, as sin hath relation to hell; [...] will certainly bring men to Hell if it be not pardon­ [...] and [...] so grace will certainly bring men to [...], because [...] cannot be wholly eradicated.

[...] have made choice of Heaven for your portion, you [...] laid up there your treasure, and God hath set your [...] after it, and given you hopes of it; and therefore [...] miss it, your desires shall be satisfied, and your [...] make you ashamed, Rom. 5. 5.

[...] And if besides all this, you have the witness and feal­ [...] [...] of the spirit, giving you some first fruits and fore­ [...] of this happiness; though all believers do not obtain it [...] know without question, that this is a sure happiness, [...] its self▪ and unto you.