Christs Certain and Sudden Appearance to Judgment, Chapter 11

Christs Certain and Sudden Appearance to Judgment · Chapter 11

p. 168CHAP. XI.

2. COne…rning the Certainty of Christs second appearance.

I'shall prove this by several Arguments.

1. A…g. If the Scriptures have clearly revealed an… … Christ's second appearance to judgment, an… … p. 169the 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 Christ's 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 finde 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, Iude 14. 15. And Enoch also the seventh from Adam pr…phesied, Behold the Lord …meth with ten thousand of his Saints, to execute judgement upon all, &c. So that it is of ancient revelation. The first coming of 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 En…ch. It is foretold by the Angels, Acts 1. 10, 11. Whilst the Disciples looked stedfastly upon our Saviour in his Ascension, two Angels say unto them, Ye men of G…lilee, why stand ye gazing up into Heaven? this same Iesus which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come down in like manner as …e 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 restimony; further this is foretold by the Ap…stles, who were employed to be p. 170the Pen-men of part of the holy Scripture, and were guided by an infallible spirit; the Apostle Paul speaks often of it, especially see his testimony, I 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 shout, with the voice of the Arch-angel, 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 Christs coming in a comfortable manner unto his people; therefore exhorteth Christians to comfort one another with those words, and hopes of Christs 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 dreadful manner, in regard of the wicked, 2 Thes. I: 7, 8, 9. The Lord Iesus shall be revealed from Heaven, with his Mighty Angels, in flaming fire, taking 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 power. Moreover this coming of Christ is spoken of by the Apostle in every Chapter of both of these Epistles, I Epist, Chap. 1. 10, And to wait for his Son from Heaven. Chap. 2. 19. What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoycing, are not ye in the presence of the Lord Iesus at his coming. Chap. 3. 13. To the end he may establish you, unblameable in holiness at the coming of our Lord Iesus Christ. Chap. 4. 16. The Lord himself will descend from Heaven with a shout. Chap. 5. 23. I pray that your p. 171whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Iesus Christ. 2. Epist. Chap. 1. 10. He shall come to …e glorified in his Saints. Chap. 2. 1, 3. Now I beseech you brethren, by the coming of our Lord Iesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him; that ye be not soon shaken in minde, &c. Chap. 3. 5. 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 blessed hope, and glorious appearance of the great God, and our Saviour. Heb. 9. 28. Unto them that look for him, shall he appear the second time unto salvation. We have also the testimony of the Apostle Iames, Chap. 5. 7. 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 fadeth not away. 2 Epist. Chap. 3. 10. The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night. Of the Apostle Iohn, 1 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 because of him. Even so Amen. To conclude, we have the testimony of our Saviour himself whilst on earth, to his Disciples, Mat. 16. 27. The Son of man shall come in the glory of the Father, with his Angels, and then he 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. Mat. p. 17225. especially from the 31. to the end, where his judicial proceedings are set forth; and our Saviour doth testifie 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 Iohn his beloved Disciple, after his ascension into Heaven, that he would come again, especially, Rev. 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 Iesus. 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 testimonies 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 in glory, according to the predictions in the New Testament. 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, & accordingly it comes 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 p. 173arise any more in our Horison, than that Christ should abide for ever in 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 lie; 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 none will deny, who acknowledge the Deity, and by consequence his omniscience and prescience, especially when the futurity of things doth depend upon his predetermination; and that his revelations of future things are true, I suppose none wil deny, who acknowledge his beeing and perfection, whence follows an impossibility of Gods speaking untruths, and falshood; besides that he need not do it: But then the question wil be, concerning the Divine Authority of the Scriptures, whether they are indeed the Word of God, which (if proved) wil evidence the certainty of Christ's coming to Judgment, which is there revealed and foretold.

That the Scriptures are the Word of God, will appear,

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

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 p…sterity.

p. 1741. From the superscription and Image of God upon them, I mean in that, 1 They bear the name of the Word of God. 2 In that they bear such evident marks and characters of Divinity.

1. The Scriptures bear the name of the Word of God. 2 Tim. 3. 16. All Scripture is given by divine inspiration. We cannot rationally 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 World, 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 and 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 Scriptures are a deceit; (whatever some black mouths mutter in corners) it is not irrational for us to believe, that the Scriptures are indeed the p. 175Word of God, which they bear the Title of.

2. Moreover and especially, the Scriptures appear to be from 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, is the clear discoveries and high praises, which they give of God, and the chief design of the whole Book, which is Gods glory. No Heathen Philosopher or Writer could think, or 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, Wisdome 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 Apostle saith, 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 Elogium's and Panegyricks of some men p. 176and Women, famous in their time, for their valour, and some 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 behinde 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 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 Scripture is, the sublime mysteries therein revealed; namely concerning the Trinity of Persons in one nature and essence of God; the hypostatical union of the p. 177two 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 no… 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 the 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 mean natural abilities; as appeares 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 with such neatnesses of wit, nor garnished with such flowers of Rhetorick; which is not methodized by the rules of Logick, nor enterlarded with any peepings of humane wisdome; which doth not savour 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 the highest mysteries of divinity are set forth by these Pen men in a passsing-mean and home-spun dress, yea they are left even naked and bare of such apparel, as the ingenuous p. 178Men 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 exceed humane writings; but the plainness of the stile, especially of the Apostle Iohn in his Gospel, and Matthew, &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 contrivement of God's wisdome in Mans redemption and salvation by Iesus Christ, which is there made known; No Book in the World doth shine with such beames of wisdome, as the Word doth; it doth teach Men wisdome, spiritual and divine wisdome, in comparison with which all the wisdome of the World is but foolishness; It doth irradiate the minde with the most glorious light, and proposeth to the understanding the most noble objects; it discovers the greatest truths of the greatest concernment; it sheweth 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 being so transcendent, doth evidence both the Contrivement thereof p. 179in 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 Iesus 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 Iesus 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 right 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 finite 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 p. 180as 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 wisdome 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 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 strengthned 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 Wisdome of God! here is the wisdome of God in a mystery! surely they are blinded and hoodwinked by the Devil, who do not acknowledge that this was the contrivement of Gods wisdome.

2. That the Revelation of this contrivement of wisdome, was from God: will appear in that none could know the minde of the Lord herein, unless he himsel… had discovered it; What Man, saith the Apostle▪ kn…eth the things of Man, but the spirit … which is in him, even so the things of God …noweth no Man but the spirit of God. 1 Cor. 2. 11. p. 181And 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 wisdome, 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 themselves had not a clear understanding 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, and 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 contrivement and way of Mans salvation by Jesus Christ.

4. A Fourth Character of Divinity in the Scriptures is the Purity and Holiness of them; the Scriptures, p. 182are like Silver or Gold purified, and seven times tried in the Fire, wherein no dross doth remain. Psal. 12. 7. the Scriptures are pure and holy, from the beginning of them to the end: In no Histories shall we finde such examples of holiness, as the Scriptures do record; in no Writings of moral Philosophers, shall we finde 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 kinde of brightness in the dark places where they have lived; but in no book that ever issued from the brain of man, shall we finde such exact rules for holy living, as in the Book of the Scriptures; In this Book we finde the moral Law summarily comprehended 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 blinde, as to the duties of the first Table of the Law, which have a reference unto God, and in observance of which, mans holiness doth chiefly consist; in the second Table duties they had some understanding, yet they were much mistaken in some things, accounting some sins, as 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 p. 183the 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 finde the holy precepts of the Gospel, which the Heathens were strangers unto; and a way discovered not only for the obtaining the pardon of sin, but also for the subduing and mortifying of sin: where means are made 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 true 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 mo…all vertues 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 as doth not savour of any thing ter…ene and humane; yea, it is such as is directly opposite to the natural biass of the hearts of all men and women 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 …egenerated 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 p. 184holy 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 of the Gospel, which in the Scriptures is contained, as doth 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 sho… a time subdued unto the obedience thereof; whe… the Gospel prevailed not only amongst many … the Jews after Christs 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 Apostl… Peter, Acts 2. 41. and five thousand mo…e, Act. 4▪ 4. but especially, in that it prevailed among… the Gentiles and Heathens, and so many Churches of Christ were planted and brought, not b… 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 firs… preaching thereof; there were not many whic… we read of, besides Paul and Sar…abas who preached unto the Gentiles at the first. If there ha… been multitudes of witnesses, it might have given p. 185the 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 their 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 finde 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 gods, which they had been 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 crucifie 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, p. 186and 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 do, that would be Christians indeed in those daies; 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 instruments 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 Iews 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 to 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 heart; there is a light in the Word, which discovereth the dark filthy corners of the heart, and convinceth of secret sins; and there is a sharp edge in the word to cut and wound; no word in the world searcheth p. 187and 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. 1 Pet. 1. 23. Of his own will begat he us by the word of truth. Iam. 1. 18. there is a great power goeth along with it, …o break rockie hearts, to bow stubborn wils, 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; and 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 …ower doth proceed from God, and that the work is effected by his Spirit, and proves the di…ine Authority of this Word.

3. The Word is powerful, not only for the first working of grace, but also for the encrease thereof, for the building up believers, Act. 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 …uenching Sathans fiery darts, for the repelling and driving back the tempter; for the comforting and rejoycing of distressed and disconsolate souls, …hen they are brought even to the brink of de…air; there are no such joyes in the world, as …ose joyes which Christians sometimes finde in …eading and applying the Word, when they ming…e it with faith, and have the breathings of the p. 188Spirit therewith; and there is no book in the world that can produce such powerful effects, a… the Scriptures do, wherefore it must needs follow, that these Scriptures are indeed the Word o… God.

3. The Scriptures appear to be the Word of God from the Historical relation in them of Prophecies ful…filled, & of miracles, whereby they were confirmed, a… the rationally unquestionable certainty of this History as it is handed down to p…sterity.

1. In the Scriptures we have relation of Pr…phecies, and the fulfilling of them, which do… prove these writings to be from God alone; because he alone can certainly foretell futu… things; indeed wise men may guess, and throug… prudence foresee the effects of some thing… in their causes, and foretell some things th… are not very far off, yet not certainly, and wi… all their circumstances; But it is Gods prerog…tive to foresee and foretell such things (certainl… and with their circumstances, and long before … time) for which no cause in nature can be a…signed, suc… as many of the Prophesies of … Scriptures were. By this argument God doth … the Prophet Isaiah prove the Heathenish gods … be no gods, because they could not foretell fu…ture events. Isa. 41. 21, 22, 23. Produce your cau… saith the Lord, bring forth your strong reasons: … them shew us what shall happen, and declare to … things to come: shew the things which are to … hereafter, that we may know, that ye are Gods. … v. 26. There is none that sheweth, there is none th… declareth, &c. Therefore he concludeth, v. 29▪ Behold they are all vanity, their works are nothing p. 189their molten Images are winde 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 too much room in this small▪ Treatise, to enumerate all the Prophesies of Scripture; take two or three instances. See Gen. 15. 13, 14. God fore…elling to Abraham that his seed should be strangers in a Land, which was not theirs, and serve them, and be afflicted by them four hundred years, and that afterward they should come▪ forth with great substance. This Prophesie is fulfilled Exod. 12. So also the return of the children of Israel …rom the Babylonish captivity, after seventy years, was foretold, Ier. 25. 12. and the name of Cyrus, who should deliver them, before he was born, …sa. 45. 1, 2. So also the name of Iosiah, who …hould destroy the Altar which Ieroboam had rea…ed, and burn the bones of the Priests upon it, was foretold three hundred thirty and three years before he was born, the Prophesie is in 1 King. …3. 2. the fulfilling of it, 2 King. 23. 17. But …specially the Prophesies in the Scripture concer…ing the Messiah, are remarkable, of his birth, l…fe, death, and the fulfilling of them in the History of the Evangelists; the Prophesie of the destruction of the Temple, and Ierusalem by Da…iel, and especially by our Saviour, and the …ulfilling thereof, before that generation wherein our Saviour lived, were all in their graves.

2. In the Scripture we have relation of Mi…cles, whereby they were confirmed: such as the …lague of Egypt; the dividing of the Sea for the …raelites to pass …horow; the raining of Manna p. 190from 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, blinde, deaf, leprous, by a word, the feedin… many thousands with a few Loaves of bread, the calming of the Sea, the raising of the dead afte… 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 with…all; yet all true Miracles, as these were, could b… wrought by none without his immediate power which he would never put forth for the confirm…tion of lies and deceits; therefore we may strong…ly argue from hence, that the Scriptures whic… have been confirmed by these Miracles, are indee… the Word of God. I know the great questio… then will be, whether there were ever such Mira…cles wrought, which the Scriptures makes mentio… of, whether the historical relation both of Prophe…sies and Miracles be not a forgery, for the introd…ction of the worship, which the Scriptures cals fo… therefore,

3. I might show at large the rationally unquesti…nable certainty of Scripture-History, as hand… to posterity; But in brief, when these things we… so notable, and remarked in their times; when the… were not done in corners; when they were the o…ject of sense; when they were so many; whe… they had so many spectators and witnesses; wh… there are divers records of the same things, an… all in the main agreeing; when the way they … p. 191declared in, speaketh 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 with one consent acknowledge these things, who might easily have found out 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 exposed 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 Coun…ries, for the forging of things which were never done; much less how they should agree together …bout it; and least of all how they should keep his secret, but their adversaries would have found …t out, and made it known, some hint of it would …ave been given in History; all these things being …aid together, we may rationally conclude, that …he History of the Scripture is as certain, yea more …ertain than any profane History, which we …ave the least doubt of; and if the Histories of …rophesies fulfilled, and Miracles wrought be …ue, it is a strong Argument that the Scriptures which hereby are confirmed, are indeed the word …f God. These Arguments for the Divine Autho…ty of the Scriptures may be sufficient to stop the p. 192mouths of gain-sayers, 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.

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

2. Arg. If all the dead shall certainly le raised at the last day, and the Lord Iesus Christ shall raise them, then the appearance of the Lord Iesus Christ to do it is certain; but all the dead shall certainly be raised at the last day, and the Lord Iesus Christ shall raise them, therefore the appearance of the Lord Iesus 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 sm…l and great shall be raised, and stand before God: Rev. 20. 12. We read of the Resurrection of the I…st, Luke 14. 14. Of the Resurrection of the Iust and Vnjust, 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 finde for the evidencing of this truth.

p. 1931. The former Scripture is in Matth. 22. from vers. 23. to the 34. The same day came the Sadduces to him, which say there is no Resurrection, and asked him, saying Master, Moses said, If a Man die having no Children, his Brother shall marry his Wife, and raise up Seed to his Brother. Now there were with us seven brethren, and the first when he 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 died also. Therefore in the Resurrection, whose Wife shall she be of the seven, for they all had her. Iesus answered and said unto them, Yee 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 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 Iacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his Doctrine. And vers. 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 Iesus 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 p. 194him with astonishment at his understanding and answers, Luke 2. 46, 47. And much more now, when he was so much encreased in wisdome, 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 Caesar; 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 our Saviour upon the hip; they thought now it is likely, that they should confound him with this Argument, that they should gravel him and shame him before the People; they could not answer it themselves, and they thought that out 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 p. 195would 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-kinde, 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-kinde 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 help 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 behhold the Face of their Father, and have no need of conjugal Relations.

5. 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, p. 196drawn 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 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, hath 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 & 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; he that in the Scriptures hath promised that he will raise the dead, being so 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 M…ses, which the Sadduces (as is observed) did not acknowledge. Vers. 31. 32▪ As touching the Resurrection of the De…d have ye… not read what was said to you by God, I am the God of Abraham, &c. God is not the God of the de…d, but of the living; our Saviour proves the Doctrine by strong inserence drawn from this place, which p. 197needs 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 is satisfied the people, & silenced the Saduces.

The Argument formed up is this: If God be the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Iacob, when they are dead, then Abraham, Isaac, and Iacob 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 Iacob, when they are dead, as they were, when he spake those words of Moses out of the bush; therefore they shall rise from the dead. The consequence our Saviour proves, because he is the God of the living, and not of the dead; if that Abraham, and Isaac, and Iacob, 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 quicknefh the dead, and causeth-those things which are not (but shall be) as though they were. Rom. 4. 17. then Abraham, and Isaac, and Iacob shall be raised from the dead, as certainly as if they were actually living; but they are living before 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, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Iacob, he is their p. 198God in covenant, and by consequence will make them perfectly happy, not only in regard of their souls, by receiving them into glory, when they die; 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 threa…ned 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. chap. 15. thorowout; It seemeth, that some amongst the Corinthians who called themselves Christians, did deny the Resurrection; now the scope of the chapter is to refu…e 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 rotting in the grave, because his mystical body then would never be grown up p. 199…nto 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, to 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 Ionah's being …ast out of the belly of the whale 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 saw 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 in 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.

p. 2004. Then Believers would be yet in their sins; their sins would remain unpardoned; because satisfaction to Gods justice would not have been compleated, had the bonds of death still held ou… Saviour.

5. Then they which were fallen asleep in Christ would be perished in regard of their bodies, li… 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 i… this life; because if Christ were not risen an… ascended into Heaven, to prepare room for the… there, they could not have any good-grounde … hope of ever being received into that place; an… by consequence it would follow, that believe… the best of men upon the earth, would be the m… miserable men of all others, because they a… exposed to so many sufferings for the sake of Jesus Christ: If they had hope only in this life, the… would be most miserable in regard of sorrow (though not in regard of sin) for their hopes … future glory do support and comfort them und… all their afflictions; if they should loose their hope… they would loose their comforts, and be of all … thers the most forlorn and sorrowful; it would break their hearts, and bring them to despa… Certainly then Christ is reisen, and as certainly sh… the dead be raised.

2. The second argument whereby the Apostl… proves the resurrection, is drawn from the Pa… lel between the first Adam▪ and Christ the secon… Adam, v. 21, &c. Since by man came death, … man also shall come the resurrection; for as in Ad… all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive. … p. 201Adam 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 waies perfectly destroyed, but by the resurrection of the dead out of their graves, and the putting immortality upon the body: then when this corruptible shal 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 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; I like Calvins 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 out of the world be baptized in the name of Chri…t? if they did not hope for a resurrection at the last; that as they are buried with him by baptism unto death, so they should rise with him not only unto newness of life here, but also unto everlasting life and glory hereafter.

p. 2025. 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 l…o…e 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 only firm proof of the resurrection. I might add for illustration, some Emblems of the resurrection in nature.

Naturalists tell us of a Phaenix which riseth out of the ashes, into which she had burned her self before; but it is more certain, that some birds lie in holes dead all the winter, and get life again in the Summer; we see Plants, Herbs, Flowers, and the like wither in the Winter, and spring forth again when the cold weather is gone; we see the Sun sets at night, and arise again in the morning; and we our selves, as we have an Emblem of death upon us when we are asleep, so our awaking again, and arising from our beds, is 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. Ioh. 6. 40. this is spoken of believers; but it is spoken also of all, Ioh. 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 p. 203of life, and they that have done evil, to the resurrection of damnation.

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

3. Arg. 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 Iudgment, and the Lord Iesus Christ will be the Iudge; then the second appearance of Christ is certain: But there will be certainly a day of general judgment, and the Lord Iesus Christ will be the Iudge; therefore Christs appearance is certain.

1. The certainty of the last judgment is evident from Scripture, Heb. 6. 2. 2 Pet. 3. 9. Rom. 2. 5, 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 app…intment. Act. 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 arpointed the judgment of the world, it shall as certainly be brought to 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 after his determination; and God being so infinite in power, nothing can hinder the effecting of what he hath determined shall be done.

p. 2042. 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 wil 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 finde out all that should fall under the lash of the 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 daies in mirth and jollity; p. 205we read in Scripture of the various and great afflictions of Gods People. Heb. 11. 36, 37. Some there were mocked, and s…ourged, 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. 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. Iob 31. from the 7. vers. to the 14th.

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 out-wi…ted 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 wisdome 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 is trampled under foot by ungodly sinners; they scorn and deride it, whereever they see any Image or apearance 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 lies under such contempt; p. 206then he will make his holiness to shine with an amazing excellency in the eyes of all those that did despise 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 interest 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 of God doth engage him not only 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 he 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 Iudgment Seat of Christ. And 2 Cor. 5. 10. For we must all appear before the Iudgment Seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be p. 207good 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 expectation 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.