An Exposition Upon Colossians, Biblical commentary 3 · Chapter 3 · Verse 4

An Exposition Upon Colossians · Biblical commentary 3 · Chapter 3 · Verse 4

p. 15Ver. 4.

When Christ, who is our life, shall appeare, then shall yee also appeare with him in glory.

These words containe the second motiue to perswade to the meditation of heauenly things:The second motiue is taken from the consideration of the appearance of Christ & the glory of heauenly minded Christians, at the day of Iudge…ent. if men would consider of the certaine and glorious appearance of the Lord Iesus Christ, when hee shall come to take account of all the actions of all men, and put an end to all the earthly felicities which man hath with so many inuentions sought: and withall but thinke how vnauailable all earthly things will be at that day, either to deliuer from the terror of the Iudgement, or the horror of the euerlasting misery will certainely follow (if men bee not more carefull to prouide for their soules beforehand, by following the study of better things) but especially if men would consider the great gaine and profit, that godlinesse at that day will bring, and the incomparable glory that all heauenly minded Christians shall then bee exalted vntounto. The thought of these things daily and truely layd vntounto mens hearts would much excite and stirre vp to a constant care of preparing our selues against that day: and would greatly weane vsus from the cares and delights in these transitory and earthly things heere below, that will so little auaile the owners in they day of death: and will be of so little vse, in that immortall estate, vntounto which after this Iudgement, the godly shall be translated. So that these words offer two things to be intreated of. First, the glorious appearance of Christ. Secondly the glorious appearance of the Christian in the day of Christ.

But before I enter vponupon the particular and full discourse of those two glorious appearances, some things may be briefly and generally noted.

1 That the knowledge of those last things,Obs. 1. is not a curious or vnprofitable knowledge, but contrariwise ought to be searched after, as exceeding vsefull in the life of man.Obs. 2.

2 That the doctrine of the glory of Christ and Christians in that last day,The Diuell, sensuality and guiltinesse, make many men hauehave little minde to thinke of the day of Iudgement. is now but little knowen or discerned: and that the word appeare, imports: so as the fulnesse of Christs Maiesty, or of the Christians glory will not appeare till the very Iudgement day: the better sort know but in part: and the worser sort are so blinded by the diuell, and besotted with sensuality and the louelove of earthly things. and withall are so conscious to themselues of the euils they are guilty of, that they hauehave no desire to discerne, or to be taught to know, the doctrine of Christs comming.Obs. 3.

3 Those words (which is) ….Christ is our life. yo… are not to bee altogether passed ouer, p. 16they plainely a…irme that Christ is our life, and this is an honor that the Lord challengeth to himselfe: and therefore as he would be acknowledged to bee the way and the truth so also he addeth, I am the life aaIoh. 14 6.John 14:6, and to to this end hee came that men in him might hauehave life bbIoh. 10.10.John 10:10. And with great reason, is Christ sayd to be our life, for he formed vsus at first when we were not: and quickned vsus when we were dead, and hath prouided a better life for vsus, and doth preserue vsus vntounto eternall life and daily renew life and power in the hearts of his people, and will raise our bodies at the last day.Vses. The consideration heereof may both teach vsus and trie vsus, it may teach vsus, as to acknowledge that we hauehave receiued life from Christ, so to dedicate what remaineth of our life to the honour and seruice of him, that is the Authour and sole Lord of our liues: and withall to runne vntounto him for the daily preseruation and renuing of life and louelinesse in vsus. And it may trie too. For till we can trulie say out of feeling and experience, Christ is the life of our liues,Who may truely say and professe, that Christ is their life. we shall hardly finde reason of comfortable hope in our appearance before him at the last day. And they onelyonly may truely professe that Christ is their life, that first can liue by the faith of Christ, accounting themselues to hauehave enough if they may see comfort in Gods promises 1made in Christ, and feele the ioyfull fruits of Christs fauour and presence, 2howsoeuer it goe with them for outward things. Secondly, that doe continually sacrifice and deuote vntounto Christ, their best desires and endeauours, and that with resolution to cleaue to his seruice all the dayes of their 3life. And thirdly, that can bewaile his absence, or displeasure as the most bitter crosse: so as they could feele and out of affection say, of such times and such a condition, that the true life of their life was absent or remooued from them.

Now I come to the appearance of Christ. I hauehave not heere to doe with the appearance of Christ as it is considered in the fore ordination of God before the foundation of the world: cc1. Pet. 1.20.1 Pet 1:20but of the accomplishment of it, and so christs appearance is of diuerse kindes.Six appearances of Christ. For first, he hath appeared vntounto the whole world: as the true light, that made the world, and lightneth eueryevery man that commeth into the world ddIoh. 1.9.10.John 1:9John 1:10, and thus he appeared in the light of nature. Secondly he appeares to the whole Church, consisting both of good and bad, by the genenerall light of doctrine and Scripture, but many receiue not his testimony eeIoh. 3.31.32.John 3:31John 3:32. Thirdly he hath appeared corporally, in the daies of his flesh, once in the end of the world to put away sinne by the sacrifice of himselfe ffHeb. 9.26. 1. Ioh. 3.5.Heb 9:261 John 3:5, and to dissolue the worke of the diuell gg1. Ioh 3.8.1 John 3:8then was fulfilled that great mystery, God was manifested in the flesh hh1. Tim. 3.16.1 Tim 3:16. Fourthly, he hath and doth daily appeare in the hearts of all the faithfull, by the manifestation of the spirit of grace, ii1. Cor. 12.7.1 Cor 12:7whereby hee doth not onelyonly shine, but also dwell in them kkEph. 3.16.17.Eph 3:16Eph 3:17. Fiftly he hath and doth appeare, in the day of death, by the ministery of his angels, to translate the blessed soules to their place of peace, rest and ioy. And lastly hee shall appeare in the end of the world in glorious Maiesty, to iudge all men and Angels, and this is the appearance heere mentioned.Threefold iudgement.

There is noted to be a threefold Iudgement. The first Iudgement and that was accomplished on man and Angels at their first fall, then there is a middle Iudgement: The doctrine of the last Iudgement hath beene alwayes vrged.and so God iudgeth the wicked and the righteous eueryevery day. And there is a last Iudgement, and that is this Iudgement about which Christ is heere sayd, to appeare.

The doctrine of the last Iudgement is in a manner onelyonly to bee found in the Church. They were darke and vncertaine things, the Philosopher could see by the light of nature. And the Lords messengers hauehave in all ages from the first beginning till now, mightily vrged the terror of this day, to awaken the secure worlde. Henoch prophesied of it llIud. 15.Judg 15, so did Moses mmDeut. 32.Deut 32and Dauid nnPsal. 50.Ps 50and Solomon ooEccl. 11.9.Eccl 11:9and Daniel ppDan. 7.13.Dan 7:13, and Ioel qqIoel. 3.Joel 3, … …lachie rrMal. 4.Mal 4, so did Christ himselfessMatth. 24.Matt 24, p. 17and Paul tt2. Thes. 1.2 Thess 1, and Peter uu2. Pet. 3.2 Pet 3, and Iohn **Reuel., and Iude xxIud. 6.Judg 6. Neither is the assurance of the Iudgement to come waranted by the words of Gods seruants, onelyonly but the Lord hath left many works of his owne, as pledges that he will once at length for all iudge the whole world for sin. The drowning of the old world, the burning of Sodome, the destruction of Ierusalem yyMat. 24.Matt 24were assured foretokens, that the Lord would not put vp the infinite iniquities of the world, but will most seuerely punish for sinne: the pleading of the conscience zzRom. 2.15.16.Rom 2:15Rom 2:16foretels a iudgement to come, the sentence of death pronounced in Paradise, and renewed with such terror on Sinay, did euidently assure that God meant to call men to an account. The lesser Iudgements in this life, are but foretypes of that last and greatest Iudgement to come. And lastly, the dragging of men out of the world by death is nothing else but an Alarum to Iudgement

Yet as there is a necessary vse of the knowledge of this dreadfull and glorious doctrine.Be wise to sobriety. So there is a restraint to be layd vppon vsus: this is one of the things wherein we must be wise to sobriety aaR…m. 12.3.. We must represse the itching of our eares, and be content to be ignorant of what is not reuealed, this is a doctrine to be inquired into more for vse of life, then to feede the curiosity of contemplation.

Concerning the Iudgement to come,Who shall iudge. if any aske Who shall iudge? I answer, that in respect of authority, the whole trinity shall Iudge: but in respect of the execution of that Authority, Christ onelyonly shall iudge, and that as man bbAct. 17.31.Acts 17:31, it is true that the Apostles and the Saints are sayd to iudge the tribes of Israel and the world: but they ony iudge as assessors, that is, they shall sit as it were on the bench with our Sauiour Christ, when he iudgeth.

And if any aske in the second place,Who shall be iudged? Whom Christ shall iudge? I answer: hee shall iudge the euill Angels: for they are reserued in euerlasting chaines, vnderunder darknesse, vntounto the iudgement of the great day. ccIud. 6. 2. Pet. 2.4.Judg 62 Pet 2:4He shall iudge also the man of sinne, euen the great Antichrist, that hath made such hauocke in the Church, and seduced the nations with the wine of his fornications: euen him shall he consume with the brightnesse of his comming dd2. Thess. 2.8.2 Thess 2:8. He shall iudge also all reprobates, men women and children, of all ages nations and conditions: for though he shall not know them eeMat. 7 22. & 25.12.Matt 7:22Matt 25:12in respect of approbation, yet he shall iudge them, and make them vnderstand he knew their transgressions. Further he shall iudge the very Elect, though it shall be with a different Iudgement. For we must all appeare before the tribunall seat of Christ, that eueryevery one may receiue the things which are done in his body ff2. Cor. 5.10.2 Cor 5:10. Lastly, in some sence it may be sayd, he shall iudge the whole world: for the heauens and the earth that now are, are kept (by the word of God) & reserued vntounto fire against the day of condemnation, and of the destruction of vngodly men gg2. Pet. 3.2 Pet 3, and the Apostle Paul sayth, that the feruent desire of the creature (made subiect to vanity by man) waiteth for this reuelation of the sonnes of God at the last iudgement: for they are subdued vnderunder hope and shall at that day by the sentence of Christ, be deliuered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the sonnes of God hhRom. 8.19.20.21.Rom 8:19Rom 8:20Rom 8:21.

Thirdly,Where shall it bee? if any aske where this iudgement shall be? I answer, that seeing the Lord hath not determined it, it is curious to enquire, and more curious to assigne the very place: as some hauehave that wrote it, should be in the valley of Iehoshaphat: or as others would hauehave it, on Mount Sion, whence he ascended. This we know it shall bee neere the earth,1. Thess. 4.17.1 Thess 4:17 in the clouds of Heauen, where Christs throne shall be set, and further then this we need not enquire.

There hauehave beene also many opinions about the time when it should be.When shall the day of Iudgement bee? Some thought, that as the world was sixe dayes in creating and then the Sabaoth of rest came. So the world should last 6000. yeares (reckoning a 1000. yeares as one day) and then should come the eternall Saboath. Others distribute the times thus, 2000. yeere before the Law, 2000. yeeres vnderunder p. 18the law, and 2000. yeers after the law, and then comes the iudgement. Others thought the world would last after Christ, so long as it was to the flood from the creation, and that was as they say, 1656. yeers. Others thought it should be as long to the iudgement after Christ, as it was from Moses to Christ, and that should be 1582. yeers. this experience hath proued false. Other say Christ liued 33. yeeres, and the world should continue for 33. Iubilies after Christ. What can be said of all or the most of these opinions and such like, but euen this, that they are the blind fancies of men. For is there not a plaine restraint laid vponupon men, in this question, when the Lord Iesus said, it is not for you to know the times and seasons, which the father hath put in his owne power llAct. 1.7.Acts 1:7. And of that day and hower knoweth no man no not the Angells of heauen: but my father only kkMat. 24.36. Mark. 13.32.Matt 24:36Mark 13:32. And the Euangelist S. Marke addeth, that the sonne of man himselfe knoweth not the day and hower. Not that simply Christ is ignorant of the time of the last iudgement,How it is that the sonne is said to be ignorant of the day of iudgement. but he was said not to know, because he kept it from our knowledge. Or else he knew it not as he was man, or rather in his estate of humiliation, and in his humane nature, he did not precisely know it. But that hinders not but that in his estate of exaltation, as he is now in heauen, and hath all power and iudgement committed vntounto him, he may and doth fully vnderstand it.

But letting these things passe, the principall things for vsus to be informed in is concerning the day of iudgement, and this last appearance of our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ, are these three. First the signes of his comming. Secondly, how or the forme of the iudgement it selfe,The signes of the day of iudgement. when he doth come. And lastly, the vse we should in the meane while make of the doctrine of the last iudgement.

For our better remembrance, the signes of Christs comming to iudgement, may be briefly reduced into this Catalogue.

Some signes goe before, and are fulfilled before he appeare. Some signes are conioined with his appearing. The signes going before, are more remote or more neere. The more remote signes are these. First, the vniuersall preaching of the Gospell, to all nations, Gentiles as well as Iewes. Before the end come saith our Sauiour, This Gospell of the kingdome shall be preached throughout the whole world for a witnesse to all nations. llMat. 24.14.Matt 24:14Secondly, most cruell persecution: Euen such tribulation as was not from the beginning of the world mmMat. 24.9.10.21.9.Matt 24:9Matt 24:10Matt 24:21. Thirdly, a generall falling away or apostasie of the Churches in Antichrist nn2 Thes. 2.2.3.2 Thess 2:22 Thess 2:3. Fourthly, warres and rumors of warres famine, pestilence, and earthquakes in diuerse places. Fiftly, false Prophets and false Christs, which shall deceiue many ooMat. 24.11.24Matt 24:11Matt 24:24. The signes more neere are, First the preaching againe of the euerlasting Gospell. ppReuel. 14.6.Rev 14:6Secondly, the detection and fall of Antichrist, and the spirituall BabellqqReuel. 14.8.Rev 14:8. Thirdly, the calling of the Iewes, after the fulnesse of the Gentiles is come in. rrRom. 11.25 26Rom 11:25Fourthly, coldnesse and security in the world, as in the daies of Noah ssMat. 24.37.Matt 24:37. Fiftly, the shaking of the powers of heauen, the darkning of the Sunne and Moone, and the falling of the starres, &c ttMark 13.14Mark 13:14. The signes conioined, are especially two. First, the wailing of all the kindreds of the earth. Secondly, the signe of the sonne of man uuMat. 24 30.Matt 24:30. Which what it shall be I cannot describe.

And thus we are come to the very time and execution of the iudgement. And therein consider.The forme of the iudgemēt. First, the preparation. Secondly, the iudgement it selfe. Thirdly, the consequents of the iudgement.

The preparation is two fold. First, of the Iudge. Secondly, of the iudged. VntoUnto the preparation of the Iudge,The preparation of the Iudge. may be reserred these things. First, his commission or that singular power giuen him of the father to execute iudgement vponupon all the worldxxIoh. 5.22. Mat. 24.30.John 5:22Matt 24:30. And this shall be then made manifest to all men. Secondly, the cloathing of the humane nature with a most peculiar and vnsearchable maiesty and glory, most liuely expressing and resembling the forme and brightnesse of the father yyMat. 16. vlt.Matt 16. Thirdly, the attendance of thousand thousands of p. 19holy Angels, in the perfections of their splendorzzDan. 7.10. Mat. 25.31. Reuel. 20.11.Dan 7:10Matt 25:31Rev 20:11. Fourthly, thē choice of a place in the clouds of heauen where he will sit. Fiftly, the erecting of a most glorious white throne▪ which what it shall be who can vtter? yet without question it shall visibly then appeare. And thus of the preparation of the Iudge.

The Iudged,The preparation of the iudged. First, by citation. shall be prepared foure wai… First, by citation. Secondly, by resurrection. Thirdly, by collection. Fourthly, by separation. First they shall be cited to appeare. The word is three times cited. First, by the Prophets and fathers before Christ. Secondly, by the Apostles, and ministers of the Gospell since Christ. And the last summons is this here meant, which shall be performed by a shoute from heauen, and the voice of the last trumpe. And this shall be the voice of Christ the Archangell of God, and ministred by Angells. For that it shall be Christs voice is plaine, the dead shall heare his voice, as he saith in Iohn aaIoh. 5.28.John 5:28. And the Lord himselfe shall descend from heauen with a shoute, with the voice of the Archangell, and with the trumpe of God bb1. Thes. 4.16.1 Thess 4:16. That the ministery of Angells shall be vsed, is manifest by the Euangelist S. Matthew, who reporteth Christs words thus. And he shall send his Angells with a great sound of a trumpet ccMat. 24.31.Matt 24:31.

Secondly,Secondly, by resurrection. vponupon this voice shall a resurrection follow which may bee two waies considered. First, eueryevery man in his owne body, whether he hath done good or euill, shall reuiue, and rise vp out of the graue, or other places of the earth or sea or aire, ddReuel. 20.13.Rev 20:13without any losse of any part, that so eueryevery man may in his very body receiue what he hath done, whether good or euill? Secondly, the liuing shall be all changed in a moment, ee2. Cor. 5.13.2 Cor 5:13in the twinckling of an eie, at the last trumpet ff1 Cor. 15.52.1 Cor 15:52. And this change shall be in stead of death, and a kind of resurrection. Not a change of substance but of qualities. Our corruptible shall put on incorruption.

Thirdly,gg1. Cor. 15.53.1 Cor 15:53 then shall the Angells gather and collect and bring into one place, from the foure winds of heauen, that is from all the foure parts of the world,Thirdly, by collection. all that are quicke or dead, now raised or changed elect, hhMat. 24.31.Matt 24:31or reprobate iiMat. 25.32.Matt 25:32and such is the…r power, that they will be able to driue in, the mightiest, wickedest, vnwillingest, yea though they were neuer so many millions of them.

Lastly, when they are thus brought together, there shal be made a separation. For the sheepe,Fourthly, by separation. Gods elect, shall all be put on Christs right hand. And the reprobate or goates, shall be compelled to his left hand kkMat. 25.32.Matt 25:32. And thus of the preparation. The iudgement it selfe followeth.

In the iudgement it selfe I consider three things.The iudgement it selfe. First, by what law man shall be tried and iudged. Secondly, by what euidence. Thirdly, what the sentence shall be.

For the first the Gentiles shall be iudged by the law of nature.First, by what law man shall be tried. The vnbeleeuing Christians in the visible Church shall be iudged by the word or law, writ, or preached to them. According to that of the Apostle: they that hauehave sinned without the law shall perish without the law: and they that hauehave sinned vnderunder the law, shall be iudged by the law llRom. 2.12.Rom 2:12. And our sauiour saith, He that refuseth me and receiueth not my words, hath one that iudgeth him: the word that I hauehave spoken it shall iudge him in the last day mmIoh. 12 48.John 12:48. And the faithfull shall be iudged by the Gospell euen by all those comforts and promises contained in, or belonging to the couenant of grace, applied to them in this life, and must fully then bee confirmed, and accomplished. For the sentence at the last day shall be but a more manifest declaration of that iudgement the Lord in this life,Secondly, by what euidence man shall be iudged. most an end by his word hath past vponupon man.

For the second, the euidence shall be giuen in principally by the opening of three bookes. The one is the booke of conscience, and the other the booke of life nnReuel. 20.12.Rev 20:12, and the third the booke of Gods remembrance ooMal. 3.16.Mal 3:16. The booke of conscience ppReuel. 20.12.Rev 20:12, is that word which is kept within eueryevery man, of all sorts of actions. And that p. 20conscience may at that day giuegive in fuller euidence, it is certaine that after the resurrection, it shall be almost infinitely extended by the power of God to expresse this last testimony both in the good and in the euill. The booke of life is Gods sacred and eternall record of all those persons that were foreordained into life, of all ages and nations. The booke of remembrance will exactly expresse without all failing or mistaking, all the inclinations, thoughts, affections, words and deeds, with all circumstances, or occasions and whatsoeuer else, may illustrate either the goodnesse of good men, or the transgression of the wicked.

What the sentence will containe.For the third. The sentence will be vponupon either the godly or the wicked. The sentence vponupon the godly will containe, first, the opening of Gods eternall counsell, and his vnsearchable louelove, wherein he hath resolued and begun to declare his will, to blesse eueryevery one of the electqqMat. 25.34.Matt 25:34. Secondly, a manifestation of all the righteousnesse, desired, thought vponupon, spoken or done, by the godlyrr2. Cor. 5.10.2 Cor 5:10 and that with such feruency of affection in Christ, that he will see and remember nothing but goodnesse in good men ssMat. 5.34. to 41.Matt 5:34–41. Thirdly, a finall and generall absoluing and redeeming of them, from the guilt and power of all sinne, from the beginning of the world,tt1. Cor. 1.30.1 Cor 1:30 in Adam or themselues. So as there shall neuer be either sinne in them, or accusation of sinne against them. Fourthly, ordination to glory, by appointing eueryevery one of them to inherit the kingdome prepared for them before the foundation of the world. Contrariwise the sentence of the wicked shall containe. First, a declaration of Gods eternall and iust hatred of themuuMat. 25.41.Matt 25:41. Secondly, a full manifestation and ripping vp, before all men and Angells, of all their sinnes both of nature and action, both against God or men, or their owne bodies and soules, secret and open of what kind soeuerxxRom. 2.15.Rom 2:15. Thirdly, a most terrible denunciation of Gods eternall curse and horrible ordination to those eternal torments prepared for them,2. Cor. 5.10.2 Cor 5:10 together with the diuell and his Angells.

Hitherto of the iudgement it selfe. The consequents of the iudgement follow. And they are fiue. First, the firing of the world: that is the dissolution of the world by a wonderfull fire that shall inclose all, so as the world shall not appeare, till it be renewed againe, and come out of that fire as out of a fornace, for as the Apostle Peter saith. The heauens being on fire shall passe away and be dissolued with a noise, and the elements shall melt with heat, and the earth with the works therof shall be burnt vp. And there shall be then, new heauens, and new earth, that is as it were a new refinedxxRom. 2.15.Rom 2:15. And the Apostle Iohn saith, the heauens and the earth shall flie away from the face of him that sitteth on the throneyy2. Pet. 3.10.122 Pet 3:102 Pet 3:12.

The second consequent shall be the chasing of the wicked to hell: execution being speedily and fearefully done vponupon them, with all horror and hast by the Angells.

The third shall be the libertie of the creatures. I meane the rest of the creatures besides men and Angells.Rom. 8.19. to 23.Rom 8:19–23 But because this is a point somewhat obscure, I will endeauour in a few words to resolue a doubt or two. Que. First, how are the creatures now in bondage that they shall need then any liberty.Que. 1. Ans. They are in bondage in diuerse respects.Ans. For first they are fraile and corruptible, and so in bondage to corruption.The creatures in bondage in seuen respects. Secondly, they are subiect to confusions and inconstancy: as may appeare by the almost infinit mutations, in the aire, earth, seas, fire. Thirdly, they are now forced to serue wicked men. The sunne 1shines vponupon the vniust as well as the iust. The heauen makes fruitfull with her 2shewers and influence, the field of the wicked as well as the iust. The earth is 3driuen to feed and to receiue into hir bosome, the vngodly as well as the godly. 4And this is a bondage. Fourthly, the visible creatures are Gods great booke to proclaime the inuisible things of God: now they stand alwaies ready and reading too, and men will not learne by them. And so these good masters lose p. 21all their labour, and this is a bondage to bee tied to teach such as will not learne. Fiftly, the creature is made not onelyonly the instrument, but many times the subiect of mans punishment for his sinnes. As the earth is made iron, and the heauens brasse for mans sake, and this is a great bondage. Sixtly, the creature intends immortality, which while it failes of in the dying or expiring of the particulars of eueryevery sort, it would supply for the preseruation at least of the kindes, by a perenniall substitution of new particulars in eueryevery kinde: and yet loseth all this labour, because all things must be dissolued, and must be restored by another way knowen to God and not now to nature. But especially the creatures may be sayd to be in bondage, because since the fall, the more illustrious instincts and vigors of the most of the creatures are darkned, decayed,Ob. Sol. dulled and distempred in them. Oh but might some one say, how can this bondage be ascribed vntounto the heauens? Sol. The heauens are not so perfect but they may admit enlargement of their excellency. Besides they serue now promiscuously to the vse of bad aswell as good, neither are the very heauens without their feeblenesse, and the manifest effects of fainting old age. And therefore by a prosopopaeia they may be sayd to groane together with the rest of the creatures vnderunder the common burthen and vanity vntounto which they are subdued. It is obserued that since the dayes of Ptolomey the sunne runnes neerer the earth by 9976. Germane miles, and therefore the heauens hauehave not kept their first perfection.

Ob. But how can this vanity or bondage bee in any sence ascribed to the Angels.Ob. Sol, Sol. There is no necessity to include the Angels in the number of the groaning creatures. And yet it will bee easie to shew that they sustaine a kinde of bondage: for they are now made to serue earthly things, men hauehave their Angels to attend on them. And it is thought they hauehave a kinde of regency or presidency either ouer nations or in moouing the orbes of Heauen. Besides they are put to inflict punishments on wicked men as on Sodome. Further they performe seruice sometimes not attaining their owne ends. And lastly comparatiuely, at least their felicity in the creation was not so absolute as it shall be in Christ: for if his comming adde not vntounto them a more excellent condition of nature, yet out of all question it addes a fuller measure both of knowledge and ioy.

Q. 2.Q. 2. But what shall the creatures hauehave in the day of Christ they hauehave not now.Answ. Answ. First, they shall hauehave freed once from all the former bondage and vanity. Secondly, they shall bee deliuered into the liberty of the sonnes of God: that is they shall hauehave a most excellent estate, when the children of God are glorified. Wherein the Lord shewes his Iustice, in that the creature shall hauehave restitution for what is lost by man.Ob. Ob. But shall there be a resurrection of creatures aswell as men.Sol. Sol. No, for this restitution shall be made in specie, not in indiuiduo. 1. Not to eueryevery particular of eueryevery kind or sort: But to the sort or kinde of all creatures: and that shall be done to the creatures then found in their seuerall sorts.

The fourth consequent of the Judgement, shall be the possession of the glory of Christians appointed by the sentence of the Iudge but of this afterwards in the end of this verse.

The fift consequent of Iudgement, shall be the deliuering vp of the Kingdome to the Father: and so the laying downe of Christs office. For when Christ hath finally and fully subdued Sathan, death and wicked men, and hath fully reconciled the elect to God, then will there be no word of any such gouernement in Heauen as was on earth. He shall not neede any longer to rule them, either by ciuill Magistrates, or by his need and discipline, or by any other way, which onelyonly did agree to the times of the Churches warfare and pilgrimage: but he shall neuer cease to liue and triumph with them, in all p. 22Perfections of happy contentment and glory. Thus of the consequents of Iudgement. And thus also of the doctrine of Christs last appearance. The vses follow.

The consideration of the doctrine of the last Iudgement, may serue for three principall vses,The vses. First, for terrour. Secondly, for comfort. Thirdly, for instruction.

First this is iustly a wonderfull terrible doctrine to wicked men, that heape vp wrath against this day of wrath, and by their wilfull impenitency prouoke this glorious Iudge. How can it but be terrible? when the holy Ghost giues warning that the Lord Iesus will then shew himselfe from Heauen, with his mighty Angels, in flaming fire to render vengeance on all those that knowe not God and hauehave not obeyed the Gospell: How can it bee but terrible? when wicked men shall be punished with euerlasting perdition, from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power? how can it but be terrible? when they shall feele their conscience exquisitly griping them, and gnawing vponupon them, and when they shall see the diuels to torment them, and hell to deuoure them: when they shall see the world burning about them, and the good Angels forcing them away, and all both men and Angels applauding their Iudgement, and knowing all their sinnes: they must not thinke that the Iudge will deale then as he doth now. Now he iudgeth them secretly eueryevery day, but it is many times insensibly, or with lesser plagues: but then hee will most openly poure vponupon them the full vials of his wrath. Heere they are iudged that they may be amended, but there their iudgement shall be that they may be confounded: for there will be no place of repentance. Deceiue not thy selfe, Christ will not come the second time as he came the first: he came then to be iudged, but now to iudge, he shall then be seene with terror that was before looked vponupon with contempt: he shewed his patience in his first comming, but now he will shew his power: he appeared then in the form of a seruant, but now he will appeare in the forme of a King, greater then all kings. Then hee professed not to iudge any man, but now hee proclaimeth hee will iudge all men. It was commonly thought if any man saw God he should die: alas, alas, how then shall these wofull wretches doe, that must see him in the vnutterable fiercenesse of his irefull indignation? if the powers of heauen shall be shaken at his pleasure, oh how shall the miserable heart of the guilty sinner be rent into a 1000. peeces, with vnmedicinable sorrowes? if Foelix tremble to heare tell of iudgement, what will poore Foelix doe, when he must feele iudgment, both in the sentence and execution? if the word of Christ on earth had such power as it had in the garden, to strike stubborne hearted men to the earth, what power (thinke we) will it hauehave when he speakes as the Lord from Heauen? When Ezechiel, Daniel, and the Apostle Iohn, and others sawe but one Angell, in a lesser manifestation of his glorie, comming as a Messenger of good tydings, they fall downe, and are full of singular feare: if the sight of one Angell bee so terrible, what will the sight of all the thousand thousands of Angels be? especially when they come clothed with all their brightnes of glory? and if good men that had good consciences were so frighted, what shall become of euill men with their euill consciences? and if the messengers of good tydings doe so amaze, how shall the executioners of a most terrible sentence, compasse them about with confusion both of face and heart? if the drowning of the old world, the burning of Sodome, the opening of the earth to swallow vp Dathan and Abiram, and such like iudgments, hauehave so much horrour in them: how then can any tongue expresse or heart now conceiue, the horror of this day when all the millions of wicked men shall be deliuered vp to those eternall and remedilesse torments? if it bee such a shame to doe pennance for one fault, in one congregation, where men will p. 23pray for the offendour. What a shame will it be when all thy faults, shall be discouered, before all the whole world, without all hope of pitty or helpe?

Nor is it possible for them to escape this fearful Iudgement; the Iudge will not be vnconstant, nor will he take reward, he will not be ouerlayd with confusion of businesses, he will no way be corrupted in iudgement. Not to appeare is impossible and to appeare is intollerable. heere will be no respect of persons, nor will the Iudge care how it be taken, nor will he be deceiued with colours and circumstances. He hath tarried so long, he cannot be charged with rashnesse, nor can there be a hiding of any particulars from him. EueryEvery inclination, thought, desire, word and worke shall surely come to Iudgement. And lastly, there can be no impediment to hinder execution.

But heere a question may arise,Que. 1. Viz. Who are they that are in danger heerof? I answer:Ans. All impenitent sinners. But yet there are some kinde of sinners that are expressely named in Scripture. and therefore if thou bee any of that number, preuent thine owne ruine by repentance, or else thou shalt certainly perish. I vndertake not to reckon all: it shall suffice to mention some of the chiefe sinners, that Christ will be sure to remember at that day. The Beast and the false Prophet and all that worship his Image and renew his marke, shall then be cast aliue into the lake that burnes with fire and brimstone aaReu. 20 21.Rev 20:21. False teachers which priuily bring in damnable heresies, or speake euill of the way of truth, hauehave their condemnation long since determined and agreed vponupon bb2. Pet. 2.1 2.32 Pet 2:1. All Atheists that make a mocke of religion & the comming of Christ, shall hauehave a principall portion of the fierce fury of Christ cc2. Pet. 3.3. &c.2 Pet 3:3. All couetous worldlings, and greedy rich men, shall then be in a wofull case. For the very rust of their cankerd gold and siluer shall witnesse against them, and shall eate their flesh as it were fire ddIam. 5.13.Jas 5:13. All mercilesse men, shall then hauehave iudgement without mercy eeIam. 2.13.Jas 2:13. All whoremongers and adulterers and all that defile the flesh God will be sure to iudge ffHeb. 13.4.Heb 13:4. a fearefull looking for of Iudgement and violent fire shall deuoure all those Apostataes, that sinne willingly after they hauehave receiued and acknowledged the truth ggHeb. 10.27.Heb 10:27. How sure doe ye suppose shall his punishment be that doth despight the spirit of grace by which he was sanctified hhHeb. 10.29.Heb 10:29, all those that hauehave troubled Gods seruants shall beare their condemnation whosoeuer they be iiGal. 5.10.Gal 5:10, O man thou art inexcusable that iudgest another man, wherein thou art guilty thy selfe, For the Iudgement of God must needs be in truth against such as commit such things kkRom. 2.1.2.3Rom 2:1Rom 2:2Rom 2:3, especially if men grow masterlike in censuring, it will increase to greater condemnationllIam. 3.1.Jas 3:1. all gotes, or vnruly Christians, that will not be kept within Gods fence, that is will not be ruled by Gods ordinances and ministers, shall be separate in that day from Gods sheepe, and as a people accursed to be cast into an vnauoidable fellowship with the diuell and his angels mmMat. 25.Matt 25, all hypocrites, that say and doe not, or doe all their worke to be seene of men; and take Gods couenant into their mouthes & hate to be reformed how shall they escape the damnation to come? nnPsal. 50. Mat. 6. & 23.Ps 50Matt 6all wicked men with their scant measure and deceitfull waights, and wicked ballances, shall neuer be iustified in the day of the Lord. ooMich. 6.10.11.Mic 6:10Mic 6:11what shall I say, it were too long to proceede to reckon all: and it is a short labour to conclude with the Apostle: no wantons, nor drunkards nor railers, nor extortioners, nor theeues, nor wrathfull persons, nor gluttons, nor idolaters, nor iesters, nor filthy talkers, nor fearfull persons nor liers, nor any that louelies, shall be able to stand in the day of Christ, but shall be shut out of the Kingdome of Heauen, and cast into the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone. And thus of the vse for terror.

Secondly, vponupon the meditation of this last iudgement diuerse lessons for our instruction are inforced.Vse 2. First, it should restraine vncharitable iudging and censuring one of another, for lesse matters especially for things indifferent. Who art thou that iudgest another mans seruant? he standeth or falleth to his owne p. 24master. Christ is the Lord of quicke and dead. And therfore why dost thou condemne thy brother? or why dost thou despise thy brother? for we shall all appeare before the iudgement seat of Christ'. In as much as the Lord Iesus Christ, will iudge the secrets of all hearts, and giuegive a iust triall to the actions of all men, why should we forestall his iudgement, or in doubtfull matters,bb1. Cor. 4.5.1 Cor 4:5 arrogate to our selues this honor of Christ? if we could consider that we shall then eueryevery one giuegive accounts vntounto God for himselfe ccRom. 14.12.13Rom 14:12Rom 14:13, we should find worke enough to doe to looke to our owne score. Let vsus not therefore brethren iudge one another any more. Secondly, are there any matters of difference amongst vsus? let the saints iudge them and end them dd1. Cor. 6.2.1 Cor 6:2: God will be contented to put his cause to them, at the last day (for we know the Saints shall iudge the world) and therefore why should we refuse their arbitration? Thirdly, it should order and moderate our sorrowes for our dead friends. We should not sorrow as people without hope: seeing we beleeue that all that sleepe in Iesus, God will bring with him ee1 Thes 4.13.14.17.18.1 Thess 4:131 Thess 4:141 Thess 4:171 Thess 4:18. We shall meet together againe in that day, and afterwards liue with the Lord together for euer. And therefore we should comfort one another with these words. Fourthly, this summons to iudgement, giues a dreadfull warning and admonition to the world, euen to all men eueryevery where to repent. Inasmuch as God hath appointed a day wherein he will iudge the world in righteousnesse, by the man whom he hath appointed, wherof he hath giuen an assurance in that he raised him from the dead ffAct. 17.32.Acts 17:32: Woe will be vntounto vsus, if that day come vponupon vsus vnawares, before we hauehave made our peace, and humbled our selues before God, and by vnfained repentance turned from all our euill waies. It is an vnsearchable compassion, that God shewes, when he offers vsus this merciemercy, that if we will iudge our selues we shall not be iudged of the Lord in that day gg1. Cor. 11.34.1 Cor 11:34: And it will on the other side excessiuely incense his wrath, when hauing such grace offered, we neglect it, and death and iudgement find our sinnes, both vnremitted on Gods part, and vnrepented on ours. Fiftly, Seeing all these things must be dissolued, how should it fire vsus, and daily quicken our dead and drowsie spirits, to a constant care of all possible holy conuersation and godlinesse hh2. Pet. 3.12.2 Pet 3:12, vnles we would discouer our selues either to be Atheists, that mocke at the iudgement to come, or men giuen to a spirit of slumber, that in soule sleepe it out, and will not consider our latter end.

Seing we are all Gods stewards, let vsus arme our selues as they that must then giuegive accounts of our stewardship. And since we hauehave all receiued some of Gods talents, and gifts in our seuerall places, let vsus be carefull to approue our selues to be good seruants and faithfull, such as can returne them with aduantage, least the portion of the seruāt that hid his masters talents in the earth, fall vponupon vsus. Lastly since the day of iudgement is the day of our full and finall redemption, and since he shall come as a thiefe in the night, euen in the hower that we thinke not: let vsus therefore watchiiMat. 24.44.Matt 24:44, and be ready, alwaies carefull and diligent, sighing and groaning, longing and prayingkkReuel. 22.Rev 22, hasting to and looking for ll2. Pet. 3.2 Pet 3this glorious appearance and reuelation of our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ.

Thirdly, this may be a singular comfort to all mortified and penitent christians: they may lift vp their heads, and reioice with ioy vnspeakable and glorious.Vse 3. For the Lord shall then come to be glorified in his saints and made maruellous in all them that beleeue mm2. Thes. 1.10.2 Thess 1:10. Ob.Ob. But the terrour of the day may amaze a christian. Sol. Sol.There is no sparke of terror in this doctrine to a godly mind. For what should he feare? if he either consider the fauour of the iudge or the manner of the iudgement. For the Iudge is he that hath beene all this while their aduocate nn1. Ioh. 2.1.1 John 2:1, to plead their suits by making intercession for them. And therefore when he comes to sit in iudgement, he cannot goe against his owne pleading. He is their brother, and caries a most brotherly affection: and will he condemne his owne brethren? he is their head, and hath performed all the offices p. 25of a head vntounto them, and can he then faile them, when they hauehave most need of him? nay it is he that hath been iudged for vsus on earth, and will he iudge against vsus in heauen? what shall I say: he died for vsus to shew his vndoubted louelove, euen that he might redeeme vsus as a peculiar people to God, and will he faile vsus in the last act, when he should once for all accomplish his redemption for vsus? besides he hath already promised to acquite vsus in that day, and it hath been often confirmed both in the word and the sacraments and praier: he hath left many pledges of his louelove with vsus, and therefore it were shamefull vnbeliefe to doubt his terror. What though he be terrible to wicked men? yet by iudging in seuerity he hath not nor cannot loose the goodnesse of his own mercy: what should we feare him iudging in his power, when we hauehave felt saluation in his name? besides the manner of the iudgement shalbe in all righteousnesse and mercy. Thou shalt not be wronged by false witnesses, nor shalt thou be iudged by common fame or outward appearance: the iudge will not be transported with passion or spleen, nor will he condemne thee to satisfie the people: and besides there shall be nothing remembred but what good thou hast sought or done. And not the least goodnesse but it shall be found to honor and praise at that day. And if it were such a fauour to a base subiect if the King should take notice of him to louelove him and should in an open Parliament before all the Lords and commons make a long speech in the particular praises of such a subiect: what shall it be, when the Lord Iesus, in a greater assembly then euer was since the world stood, shall particularly declare Gods euerlasting louelove to them, and recite the praises (with his owne mouth) of all that hath been good, in thy thoughts, affections, words or works throughout all thy life, or in thy death? especially if thou adde the singular glory he will then adiudge thee too, by an irreuocable sentence. And so we come to the second appearance, viz. the appearance of christians in glory.

Then shall ye also appeare with him in glory.

The glory that shall then be conferred vponupon Christians may be considered either in their bodies or in their soules or both.The glory of Christians, first in their bodies. The glory of their bodies after the resurrection is threefold. For first they shall be immortall, that is in such a condition as they can neuer die againe or returne to dust. For this mortall then shall put on immortalitie oo1. Cor. 15.53.1 Cor 15:53Secondly, they shall be incorruptible. That is not only free from putrefaction, but also from all weaknesse, both of infirmitie and deformitie. For though it be sowen in weakenesse, yet it shall be raised in power, though it be sowen in dishonor and corruption yet it shall be raised in honor and incorruption pp1. Cor. 15.42 43.1 Cor 15:42. Thirdly, they shall be spirituall not that our bodies shall vanish into ghosts or spirits: but because they shall be at that day so admirablie glorified and perfected, that by the mighty working of Gods spirit, they shall be as able to liue without sleep, meat, mariage or the like, as now the Angells in heauen are: and besides they shall be so admirably light and agile, and swift, that they shal be able to go abroad with vnconceiueable speed, in the aire or heauens, as now they can goe surely on the earthqq1. Cor. 15.44.1 Cor 15:44. The glory vponupon the soule, shall be the wonderfull perfection of Gods image in all the faculties of it. Then shall we know the secrets of heauen and earth. And then shall our memories will and affections be after an vnexpresseable manner, made conformable vntounto God. The glory vponupon both soule and body, shall be those riuers of ioies and pleasures for euer more. And thus shall the man be glorified that feareth the Lord.

The consideration of this glory, may serue for diuerse vses. First let vsus all pray vntounto God, vponupon the knees of our hearts, from day to day, that as he is the father of glory, so he would giuegive vntounto vsus the spirit of reuelation, that the eies of our vnderstanding might be enlightned, to know in som comfortable measure, and that we might be able with more life & affection, to meditate of the exceeding p. 26riches of this glory rrEph. 1.17.18.Eph 1:17Eph 1:18and inheritance to come. Our hearts are naturally herein exceeding both dull and blind: maruellous vnable with delight and constancie to thinke of these eternall felicities: and this comes to passe by the spirituall working of sathan, and the deceitfulnesse of sinne, and too much emploiment and care about earthly things. But a christian that hath so high a calling, and hopes for such a glorious end, should not alow himselfe in that deadnesse of heart: but as he gaineth sence by praier in other gifts of grace, so should he striue with importunity and constancy, wrastling with God, without intermission, so as no day should passe him, but he would remember this suit vntounto God, till he could get some comfortable ability, to meditate of this excelling estate of endlesse glory. Secondly, this should make vsus to be patient in tribulation ssRom. 5.2.3.4.Rom 5:2Rom 5:3Rom 5:4, and without murmuring or grieuing, to endure hardnesse tt2. Tim. 2.3.2 Tim 2:3, and temptations in this world. For they are but for a season, uu1. Pet. 1.6.1 Pet 1:6though they be neuer so manifold or great: and the afflictions of this present life are not worthy of the glory to be reuealed xxRom. 8.18.Rom 8:18. though we might be dismaied while we looke vponupon our crosses, and reproaches, and manifold trialls, yet if the Lord let vsus hauehave accesse vntounto this grace yyRom. 5.2.Rom 5:2, to be able soundly to thinke of the glory to come, we may stand with confidence, vnapalled, and with vnutterable ioy, looke vp to the glory we shall shortly enioy, when the trial of our faith being more pretious then the gold that perisheth shall be found vntounto honor and praise through the reuelation of Iesus Christ zz1. Pet. 1.7.1 Pet 1:7. Yea what were it to loose, (not some of our credits, or our goods) but euen our liues seeing we are sure to find them againe with more then a hundred fold aduantage, at the time when Christ shall come in the glory of his father, to giuegive vntounto all men according to their deeds. Besides we must know that there is no talking of sitting at Christs hand, Mat. 16.24. vlt.Matt 16:24in glory, till we hauehave asked our selues this question, whether we can drinke of the cup he dranke of, and be baptized with the baptisme he is baptized with aaMark 10.37. &c.Mark 10:37. And then if we can suffer with him we shall raign with him: bb2. Tim. 2.12.2 Tim 2:12and shall be glad and reioice with exceeding ioy when his glory shall appeare. And in the meane while the spirit of glory and of God resteth on you cc1. Pet. 4.13.141 Pet 4:131 Pet 4:14.

Thirdly, seeing Christ will receiue Christians into such glory, it should teach vsus to receiue one another ddRom. 15.7.Rom 15:7, into both our hearts and houses. Why shouldst thou be ashamed or thinke it much with all louelove and bounty, and bowells of affection to entertaine and welcome, the heires of such eternall glory? Oh if thou couldst but now see but for a moment, how Christ doth vse the soules of the righteous in heauen, or will vse both body and soule at the last day, thou wouldst for euer, honor them whom Christ doth so glorifie, and make them now thy only companions, whom thou shouldest see to be appointed to liue in such felicity for euer.

Fourthly, the thought of this glory, should win vsus to a care to be such as may be capable of it. Qu. What must we doe that we may hauehave comfort, that we are the men shall partake of this glory,What we must doe that we may be assured of the glory of heauen. and speed well in the day of Iesus Christ? Ans. First, EueryEvery one that would hauehave this hope must purge himselfe as Christ is pure: ee1. Ioh. 3.3.1 John 3:3we must be much in the duties of mortification. For no vncleane person can enter into the kingdome …f glory. And vncleane we are all, till we be washed in the blood of Christ by iustification, and bathed in teares of true repentance by mortification. It hath been obserued before, that if we would not hauehave the Lord to iudge vsus, we must iudge our selues ff1. Cor. 11.34.1 Cor 11:34. And if we would not hauehave Christ to take vntounto him words against our soules, we must take vntounto vsus words ggHos. 14.3.Hos 14:3against our sinnes to confesse and bewaile them in secret. Secondly, we must labour for the assurance of faith. Tis faith that is the euidence of the things not seene hhHeb. 11.1.Heb 11:1. Tis faith that shall be found to honor and praise in the reuelation of Iesus Christ ii1. Pet. 1.7.1 Pet 1:7, It is faith to which the promise of eternall life is madekkIob. 3.18.Job 3:18. Thirdly, we should labour to get vntounto our selues the benefit of a powerfull preaching ministery, for thereby our hearts may be wonderfully stirred vp to see the glory of sincerity p. 27on earth, and it will open a wide dore to behold as in a mirror the glory to come with an open face, changing vsus into the same image from glory to glory by the spirit of God. I say not that this is of absolute necessity as the former are, but it is of wonderful expediency. Fourthly, we must be circumspect and watchfull, in speciall manner attending to our owne hearts that we be not at any time oppressed with the cares of this life, or voluptuous liuing llLuk 21.34.36.Luke 21:34Luke 21:36, if euer we would be able to stand in the day of iudgement, and escape the fearefull things that are to come: especially we must looke to our selues in these things least that day come vponupon vsus at vnawares. Fiftly, Doe we looke for the mercy of our Lord Iesus Christ into eternall life? then we must (as the Apostle Iude sheweth) edifie our selues in our most holy faith, praiyng in the holy Ghost, and keepe our selues in the louelove of God, mmIud. 20.21.Judg 20:21we must be afraid of whatsoeuer may estrange the Lord from vsus, or any way darken the sence of his louelove. For we may be assured, if we hauehave his fauour and walke before him in the sence of it, we shall hauehave glory when we die. Likewise, praying in the holy Ghost, with constancy and frequency doth maruellouslie enrich a Christian, both with the first fruits of glory, euen glorious ioy on earth, and with the assurance of fulnesse of glory in heauen. Sixtly, the Apostle Iohn seemes to say if louelove be perfect in vsus, we shall hauehave boldnesse in the day of iudgement nn1. Ioh. 4.17.1 John 4:17. As if he would import, that to be inwardly and affectionately acquainted with Christians on earth, is a notable meanes to procure vsus gracious entertainment with Christ in heauen: especially if we perfect our louelove, and grow to some Christian ripenesse in the practise of the duties of louelove in a profitable fellowship in the Gospell. It is good discretion, to grow as great as we can with Christians, that so we may winne the fauour of Christ. Lastly, the Apostle Paul shewes in the second to the Romanes, that they that seek glory and honor and immortality, and euerlasting life, must be patient in well doing. For they shall be rewarded according to their works. And to eueryevery man that doth good, shall be honor and glory, and power, to the Iew first and also to the Grecian ooRom. 2.6.7.10.Rom 2:6Rom 2:7Rom 2:10. For all that hauehave any tydings of saluation in the Gospell, or looke for that blessed hope and appearing of that glory of the mighty God, must liue soberly, righteously and godly in this present world ppTit. 2.11.12.13.Titus 2:11Titus 2:12Titus 2:13. Without holinesse no man shall see God qqHeb. 12.14.Heb 12:14. And therefore wee should be abundant in the worke of the Lord, forasmuch as we know, that our labour shall not be in vaine in the Lord rr1. Cor. 15. vlt.1 Cor 15. And thus far of the glorious appearance both of Christ and Christians. And thus also of the first rule of life, namely the meditation of heauenly things.