Three Decades of Sermons, Decade 2 · Sermon 7
The Day of Iudgement
Diſcovered from Rom. 2. 16.
In the day when God ſhall judge the ſecrets of men by Ieſus Chriſt according to my Goſpel.
A Serious diſcourſe of the day of Judgement, is both ſeaſonable Serm. 7. at St. Maries Oxon. Decemb. 9. 1655. 1. This Doctrine is ſeaſonable. 2 Pet. 3. 3, 4.and profitable; ſeaſonable, becauſe (as the Apoſtle informed long agoe) there ſhall come in the laſt dayes ſcoffers, walking after their own luſts, and ſaying, where is the promiſe of his comming? There have been of old multitudes of Hereticks, who have decried, and endeavoured to expunge this Article out of the Creed concerning the day of Judgement: Such were the Sadduces, Epicures, Doſitheans, Samaritans, Mar…chees, Prod…anitae, Floriani, Symmachiani; and of all theſe Sects the vileſt were the Borboritae, againſt whom Auguſtine made an elaborate Confutation. Aug. lib. de Haereſibus ad Quod vult Deum c. 6. V. Act. & Mon. vol. 1.Near of kin to thoſe filthy beaſts were the Harlots (againſt whom there was long ſince by King Hen. 2. a Proclamation ſent into Northhamptonſhire) and the lewd Ranters, their genuine, abhominable offſpring, in theſe laſt and worſt of times. Now adaies Hell it ſelfe is broke looſe through the variety of Hereticks, who though differing from one another, yet all agree againſt the truth, like Herod and Pilate, who of enemies were made freinds, and they both agreed together againſt Chriſt. What ſhal we ſay when Scepticks, Antiſcripturists, Atheiſts in print and practice, in their works and deeds deny the day of Judgement? Surely, as at all times, ſo now eſpecially, the Preaching of this Doctrine of the day of Judgement is exceeding ſeaſonable.
2. This Doctrine is as profitable as ſeaſonable: And this will 2. This Doctrine is profitable.be evidenc'd by two Reaſons, which are of great weight and conſequence.
1. Becauſe the Preaching of this Doctrine is an incentive, and a 1. Becauſe it is an Incentive to godlineſſe.ſpeciall motive to excite unto the practice of godlyneſſe: Why doth God command all men to repent? there's a ſtrong reaſon uſed by the Apoſtle to perſwade, Becauſe hee hath appointed a day it the which he will judge the world in righteouſneſſe. And from the conſideration of the day of Judgement, the Apoſtle draws a ſtrong engagement unto Holyneſs of life and converſation, Seeing then that all theſe things ſhall be diſſolved, what manner of perſons ought wee to be in all holy converſation and godlyneſſe, looking for, and haſting unto the coming of the day of God? 2 Pet. 3. 11, 12.
2. Becauſe this Doctrine of the day of Judgement is the foundation 2 This Doctrine is the foundation of comfort.of comfort unto the godly. Hence Paul triumphed; I have (ſaith he) fought a good fight, I have finiſhed my courſe, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is layd up for me a crown of righteouſneſs, which the Lord the righteous Judge ſhall give me at that day, &c: 2 Tim. 4. 7, 8. Such as have been troubled, who belong to Chriſt, they ſhall have reſt (as the Apoſtle ſaith) When the Lord Jeſus ſhall be revealed from heaven with his mighty A…gels: and the righteouſneſs of God is engaged for performance, 2 Theſ. 2. 6, 7 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God, to recompence tribulation to them that trouble you, and to you who are troubled reſt with us.
Now to come nearer the words: Their connexion and dependance is upon ver. 12. For as many as have ſinned without Law, ſhall alſo periſh without Law: And as many as have ſinned in the Law, ſhall be judged by the Law. Although they had not the Moral Law promulgated to them by the Miniſtery of Moſes, yet they had the Law of Nature written in their hearts: And the Law of Nature, though unwritten in Tables of ſtone, ſhall condemn them that ſinned againſt the written Moral Law. What elſe is the Moral Law, but a Tranſcript, more fairly wrote, of that Law of Nature, which was firſt wrote in Adams heart? Thoſe likewiſe that ſinned againſt the written Law (as the Jews did) ſhall be judged by it: For there is a dreadfull curſe threatned, Deut. 27. 26. Curſed is he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to doe them. Now if the Queſtion be propounded, When ſhall this judgement bee executed upon Jews and Gentiles? My Text gives in the Anſwer, In the day, &c.
Which words containe a plain aſſertion, and an evident proof of a grand Article of our Faith concerning the day of Judgement: Wherein wee may obſerve,
1. A Fundamental Doctrine aſſerted, That at the day of Judgement the ſecrets of all mens hearts ſhall be judged by Jeſus Chriſt.
2. Here's a full proof of this aſſertion, foreign, according to my Goſpel: Which is not to be underſtood as if Paul Secundum quod annuncio per Jeſum Chriſtum. Hier. Suum appellat …atione Miniſterii. Calvin.was the Author of the Goſpel, but onelyonly the Publiſher thereof. Jerome thus underſtands the Apoſtle, According to that which I declare by Ieſus Chriſt. And this the Apoſtle calls his own (as Calvin obſerves) in reſpect of his Miniſtry. So that I conceive Paul may be thus underſtood, as if he ſhould ſay, This is the Goſpel that Chriſt, my ſelf, and all the Apoſtles have taught: This and no other Goſpel I preach unto you.
The words thus opened and divided contain three Doctrines.
1. That there ſhall be a day of Judgement.
2. At that day the ſecrets of all mens hearts ſhall be judged.
3. Ieſus Chriſt ſhall be the Iudge at that day.
I reſume the firſt Doctrine in order, according to this Method. Doct. 1
1. To lay down evident proof for clearing of ſo great a truth.Method. 1. 2.
2. To make ſome uſefull improvement of all by particular Application.
For proof hereof, Scripture and Reaſon both contribute abundantly The Doctrine proved.to the evincing and ſtabliſhing of us in this Article of ou… Faith, I begin with Scripture Teſtimony, which is inſtar omnium: And I ſhall ſelect ſome principall in the Old and New Teſtament not mentioning ſo many places, as might eaſily be produced, leſ… quotations onelyonly fill up my Sermon.
1. For the Old Teſtament, read with deliberation, Pſal. 9. 8, 9. Eccleſ. 11. 9. Eccl. 12. 14. Dan. 7. 22.
2. For the New Teſtament; in the Text it is ſaid foreign, ver. 5. And foreign. It's called foreign, that day, Luk. 21. 34. 2 Tim. 4. 8. It's called foreign, a day of Judgement, foreign, the judgment of the great day, foreign, a day of Redemption, foreign, a day of refreſhing and reſtitution. Chriſt himſelfe foretels of this day, Luk. 13. 41. Mat. 26. 41. Mat. 26. 64. His Apoſtles foretell thereof, Paul, Rom. 14. 10. 2 Cor. 5. 10. Phil, 3. 20. Peter, 1 Pet. 4. 5. 2 Pet. 2. 9. The Apoſtle Jude quotes Enoch, ver. 14. St. Iohn, Rev. 1. 7. chap. 20. 11. And he cites the teſtimony of Chriſt in the concluſion of his book. c. 22. 7. and v. 20. Surely I come quickely. To ſcripture teſtimonies I might adde Fathers, Councils, Confeſſions. It were eaſy to call in heathens for witneſſes as Hydaſpes, Hermes, and ſuch like, mentioned by Euſebius de praeparatione Evangelica, or I might quote the Sybils, according to Lactantius his Relation: But that I judge it ſuperfluous to light a candle to the Sun. To Scripture proofe I'le adde ſome evidences of reaſon, or Arguments a fortiori, for confirmation of the Doctrine.
The firſt Argument ſhall be drawn from the decree of God: Arg. 1. Drawn from Gods decree.Heb. 9. 27. It's the ſtatute law …nd decree of heaven, which cannot be reverſed. God is immutable and changeth not; Omnia alia futura quae praedixerat Spiritus Sanctus, evenerunt &c. ſaith Auſtin. All other predictions are fulfilled, concerning the coming of Chriſt, concerning the deſtruction of Jeruſalem, and this alſo concerning Chriſts ſecond coming, ſhall come to paſſe, God hath appointed a day to judge the world in Act. 17. 31. Gods decrees and purpoſes cannot be diſappointed nor diſ…nulled. Truth it ſelfe hath ſpoken, the word is gone out of the mouth of God, and therefore undoubtedly ſhall come to paſſe, Balaam giveth a true teſtimony in this particular, Numb. 23. 19. Hath he ſaid, and ſhall he not doe it?
A ſecond Argument ſhall be drawn from the juſtice of God: Arg. 2. Drawn from the Juſtice of God.Gods children have not their portion in this life, it's reſerved for them in heaven. The beſt of Gods children meet with many hardſhips, they are afflicted, perſecuted, tormented, killed all the day long. This queſtion poſed heathens, as Seneca and others, Car bonis male ſit, & malis bene fit? It put David to a ſtand, to ſee the proſperity of the wicked, Pſa. 73. 12. He never had his judgement rightly informed, till he went into the Sanctuary Pſal. 73. v. 17. The day of judgement will ſet all things right and ſtraight; ſhall not the Judge of the world doe right? read 2 Theſ. 1. 6, 7, 8. We read Iſa. …. 10, 11. That it ſhall be well with the righteous, and ill with the wicked. In this world it goeth often very …ill with the righteous, they are made a prey unto wicked men, and the wicked are advanced. The rich man went in ſumptuous apparrel, and fared deliciouſly every day, when Lazarus wanted the crumbs to ſuſtain nature. Pharaoh was in proſperity, whileſt the poor Iſraelites endured ſlavery at the brick-kiln. Ioſeph was in priſon, Daniel in the lyons den, Jeremiah in the dungeon, the city Shuſhan in great perplexity whilſt the King and Haman were at a banquet. But at the day of judgement the ſcene will be altered, the righteous will be happy, the wicked miſerable. The godly ſhall be at Chriſts right hand, the goats at the left. In die judicii cum Aug. in Pſal. 72.juſti introducentur in regnum Dei, injuſti autem abjicientur foras, tunc juſtitia Dei oſtendetur, ſaith Auſtin on Pſa. 72. The righteous are misjudged, accuſed falſly, and maliciouſly perſecuted: at that day they ſhall be cleared. Luther uſed to ſay, At the day of judgement John Hus and Jerom of Prague will appear to all to be faithful and holy martyrs, When the Pope and his Cardinals, will appear to be vile wicked wretches. It is a good obſervation of Bernard in his Epiſtle Bern. in Epiſt. ad Nepotianum.ad Nepotianum, Veniet, veniet, qui male judicata rejudic abit dies. There will come a day, there is a day comeing wherein all illjudged caſes and cauſes ſhall be reviewed and rectified, when all perverſe judgements ſhall have judgement againſt them.
A 3. Argument ſhall be drawn from the convictions of conſcience. Arg. 3. Drawne from the conviction of conſcience. Lipſius …. 2. de Conſtantia.The bangs of conſcience, thoſe ictus & laniatus, which Julian the Apoſtate had; theſe (which are aſſidua & domeſticae Furiae, as the Orator ſpeakes) doe teſtify a judgement to come. Haenc conſcientiam Deus impiis impoſuit, in quá poenas luant, priuſquam luant, ſo Lipſius. But read the verſe preceding my Text. Conſcience gave Judas a bang, and made him reſtore the thirty pieces. The horrour of conſcience made Cain to roar, and changed Paſ…ur's name to Magor Miſſabib, a terrour round about, a terrour to himſelf. When the Doctrins of righteouſneſſe, and temperance were preached by Paul to Felix, he fell a trembling: A ſtrange change, that the very Judge ſhould tremble before a deſpiſed priſoner. However men commit ſin never ſo ſecretly, and think that no man living knowes thereof, yet conſcience laſheth fore. The conſideration of a day of judgement makes the ſinner afraid of himſelf. Hereupon the wicked Arg. 4. Drawn from the connexion between the reſurrection and the day of judgement. … Mat. 25. 33. Heb. 6. 2. Heb. 9. 27.flee when none purſue. Conſcience when it's awakened ſlies into the face of the abhominable ſinner. It makes him afraid whereever he goes. His fanſy is ſo troubled, that he thinketh every buſh to be a man, every man an executioner to hale him before the judgement feat of God.
A 4. Argument ſhall be drawn from the near dependence and connexion between the reſurrection and the day of judgement. The reſurrection goeth before, the judgement muſt needs follow after. The general judgement is a neceſſary conſequent of the reſurrection: Chriſt will come to rayſe up the dead and judge them. Reſurrection and judgement are coupled together, and death and judgement joyned together. And that place Joh. 5. 29. wherein we read of a reſurrection of judgement; Gerrard conceives that foreign may be fully rendred per foreign.
A 5 Argument ſhall be drawn from the general expectation of the Saints, Rom. 8. 19. It is an emphatical word foreign, It's Arg. 5. D…awn from the generall Reſurrection of the Saints.derived foreign caput & foreign videri: it ſignifieth the looking for ſomething with the lifting up of the head, or ſtrerching out of the neck, with earneſt intention and obſervation. Thus doe the Saints long for the appearance of Chriſt, Heb, 9. 28. it's not an ordinary looking for, it's ſaid foreign. And the Saints cry Rev. 22. 20. Come Lord Jeſus. The Saints looke for a better life, 2 Cor. 15. 10. a howſe not made with hands. Their deſire is to be diſſolved and to be with Chriſt, and when their bodies are in the grave, their ſouls are in heaven. They wait for a glorious reſurrection, and at the day of judgement it will be known who are Saints, who are not. Many that the world accounts hypocrites, will prove reall Saints then: Many that the world accoun…e…h Saints, will then appear to be painted hypocrites. Thoſe whom the world hath falſly condemned ſhal then be acquitted, and thoſe whom the world hath unjuſtly acquitted ſhal then be condemned. That Tribunal is impartial and juſt, no falſe judgement can be given there, no unjuſt ſentence, no wrong Verdict ſhall be given by that Judge; wherefore the Saints long for that day, they earneſtly deſire the appearance of Jeſus Chriſt. And theſe breathings and longings are not invain, for the elects ſake Chriſt hath promiſed to ſhorten theſe dayes of ſin and miſery.
The 6 and laſt argument ſhall be drawn from Gods glory. To Arg. 6. Drawn from Gods glory.this purpoſe was man created to glorify his maker unto all eternity. Now, God will be glorified either in our ſalvation or damnation. God hath ordained mankind to an eternal condition, either of happyneſs, or miſery. Now God will glorify himſelf in the fight of men, and Angels, in an eminent manner at the day of judgement, when Chriſt ſhall paſſe a ſentence of eternal abſolution, and ſay, Come ye bleſſed of my Father, &c. Then will be glorified the mercy of God, & when he ſhall ſay, go yee curſed, then will be glorified Gods juſtice. Thus you have heard the Doctrinal part of duplicate page duplicate page the Text proved by Scripture and reaſon: It now remains that I ſhould improve all unto our conſciences, by ſome uſeful Application. A 3 fold Uſe I ſhall now make of this Doctrine, for reproof, Inſtruction, and conſolation.1 Uſe, For Reproof.
1. For Reproof. This brings heavy tidings to all ungodly perſons, who live as if there were neither death nor judgement, heaven, nor hell. Becauſe this great day is not yet come, they put it far from them. How ſoon a particular judgement may befal them, as it did Korah, Dathan and Abiram, Sennacherib, Herod, and others none can tell. And how ſoon the general judgement may come, is a ſecret locked up in Gods Cabinet. As for Prognoſticators and Wizards who determine the time when, we are not to put the leaſt confidence in ſuch preſumptuous perſons, who are no better then the Devils Chaplains. But here's the great wickedneſs, that people conſider not how ſoon they may be ſurprized: They have not this day in their thoughts; drunkards, ſwearers, adulterers, oppreſſours, voluptuous perſons, they run on in their mad careere, and think not of this day. Flagitious profligate ſinners adde iniquity unto iniquity, and treaſure unto themſelves wrath againſt the day of wrath, and the declaration of the righteous judgement of God againſt them. What ſhall we ſay of hereticks and blaſphemers? who like that horne (which was Antiochus▪ foreign, or foreign) Dan. 8. 12. which caſt the truth to the ground. Deſperate hereticks are broke looſe, Socinians, Familiſts, Enthuſiaſts ſwarm like thoſe flyes of Egypt, and make the whole land to ſtinke. But there will be a day of viſitation, a day of recompence, all their varniſhes, pretexts and diſſimulations will…ly open to the ſight of men and Angels. Manes, Arrius, and others, met with dreadful particular judgements in this life. However at the general judgement Macedonians, that deny the Diviny of the Holy Ghoſt, Arrians, that deny the Divinity of Chriſt, Circumcellians, whoſe apes the Quakers are now adays, and tread their ſteps, all theſe ſhall appear before that judgement ſeat, which they now dread not, that God whom they now vilify, ſhall judge them. What ſhall we ſay of looſe Libertines, Jovialiſts, Epicures, diſſolute livers, who are mighty to powre in ſtrong drink, game, and carouſe away many pretious hours? what ſhall we ſay of hypocrites, who dawb, juggle, diſſemble, whoſe words are ſmoother then butter, but within are ſharp ſwords? What ſhall we ſay of Apoſtates that deſert their profeſſion, and relinquiſh their Principles, and fly from Chriſts colours, and fight under the banners of Arrius, Macedonius, Donatus, or ſome of the ſame bran? What ſhall we ſay of abominable livers, Antinomians, Athists, and who overthrow Laws, Rule, Government, and live as they liſt, who run into all ſorts of laſciviouſneſs, and follow ſin with greedineſs? Let me tell all ſuch that they are already dead, dead to God and goodneſs, they are dead in ſins, and follow Satan their chief commander, they dance after his pipe, go when he bids go, come when he bids come. But a day of judgement will come, then thou wilt be called to account for thoſe cups which thou haſt been mighty to poure down thy own throat, and for thoſe which thou haſt forced on thy brother: Then thou wilt be called to an account, for thy ſecret whoredomes, and abominations committed in the darke: Then thou wilt be called to an account for thoſe Sermons, which thou haſt ſcoffed at, and gave no heed unto, for thoſe Sabboths which thou haſt profaned, and for all thy miſpent time, for all thoſe precious ſeaſons which thou haſt ſquandred away. All the creatures will bring in their Indictments againſt thee, Imprimis, For gluttony and drunkenneſſe, thou haſt eaten not for health but gluttony, drunken not for ſtrength, but drunkenneſs: The cloaths thou weareſt will come againſt thee; Thou ſpendeſt more for ſuperfluities then would cloath many poor ſervants of Jeſus Chriſt: Thou followeſt thy fanſy, the Garbe, and faſhion of the time, theſe thou art curious to obſerve, and thou harkeneſt after all the new faſhions, but in the mean time conſidereſt not how many of Gods children want cloaths for their nakedneſs. All thy books in thy ſtudy ſhall come and witneſs againſt thee, ſuch great helps thou hadſt, ſuch prices were put into thy hands, but they were prices put into the hands of a fool, for want of a heart to improve them. All thy parts and gifts ſhall witneſs againſt thee, thou haſt hidden all thy talents in a napkin, thou haſt let thy gifts lye ruſty for want of uſing. All the Sermons, Sabboths, exhortations, admonitions, waytings, treaties, and ſtriveings of the Holy Spirit will come and preferre a black bill of Indictment againſt thee, who notwithſtanding theſe pretious means, yet didſt not regard thy eternall condition. Thou didſt not conſider in that day thoſe things that concerned thy peace. Now if at that great day of judgement the righteous ſhall ſcarcely be ſaved, where ſhall the wicked and ſinner appear? What will be the doome of ungodly men? The Apoſtle tells us 1 Cor. 6. 9, 10. and the Holy Ghoſt tells us of their doome, Rev. 21. 8. Rev. 22. 15. At that day however wicked men have been flattered and idolized in this world, they will appear vile and abominable. The ſwearers are thoſe dogs, that are whipt out of the preſence of God. The drunkards are ſwine, unclean beaſts, theſe ſhall not come to heaven. The unclean perſons are the goats, theſe ſtand on Chriſts left hand, and ſhall hear the ſentence of condemnation pronounced againſt them. Then will the wicked ſinners wiſh that the mountains might fall upon them, and that the hills might cover them from the face of the Lamb. The wicked ſhall appear in judgement, but they ſhall not be able to ſtand in judgment. I might further inlarg this Uſe, but there are many who have in print beſtowed fruitful pains on this argument, as Carthuſianus, Drexelius, Gerrard, Voſſius, Alſted. Among our own country men, Babington, Perkins, Smith, Bolton, &c. In an eſpecial manner I commend to your ſerious reading and meditation that powerful and patheticall application concerning the day of judgement, by the reverend and learned Dr. Hackwel in his 14th chapter, and 8 Hackwell Apology. …ib. 4. c. 14.laſt ſections of his 4th book of the Apology for the power and providence of God in the government of the world. I muſt profeſſe that I conceive that Application which that worthy Dr. there uſeth, to be one of the moſt full, pithy and particular Applications of any that ever I met with-all on that argument; I commend the peruſal of that to you.
And in the ſecond place I proceed to an uſe of inſtruction: Let the Ʋſe. 2. Inſtruction.cōſideration of the day of judgment be our inſtruction, and put every one of us according to our ſeveral ſtations & capacities, in mind of the great duty incumbent upon us. Let Magiſtrates from the conſideration of the day of judgement, be inſtructed in their duty, to be a praiſe unto them that doe well, and a terrour unto …evil doers. Let them execute juſtice impartially; let them in the diſtribution of juſtice be like Levi, who knew neither father nor mother, nor brother nor ſiſter. Let not a Magiſtrate ſhew more pitty to a blaſphemer then to a murtherer or theef, conſidering that thoſe that murther ſouls are the worſt of murderers, and thoſe that robbe God of his honour are the worſt of theeves. Let Miniſters be inſtructed in their duty to cry aloud and ſpare not, to ſpeak as the oracles of God, to divide the word aright, and walke aright. Such as are Pastors and Doctors let them diſcard that Antiphraſis, Paſtores, à non paſcendo, & Doctores à non docendo. That rotten diſtinction per ſe & per alium, will not excuſe a lazy Miniſter at the day of judgement. Let Governours, Tutors, and all that have the inſpection over others remember the day of judgement. It is Apoſtolical counſel, Rom. 12. 8. foreign, whether he be Secular or …ccleſiaſtical Ruler, the duty is of weight by both ſorts to be put in practiſe; The Maxime is moſt true, Every onthat ruleth ought to rule with diligence. Let there not be any among you, who (as Diogenes his ſervant was called Manens à non manendo; becauſe he uſed to run away) I ſay, let not any be called Prafecti, à non praeficiendo, and Tutores à non tuendo. …emember the day of judgement. Then thoſe young-ones, thoſe Depoſita, Parentum chariſſima Pignora, will be required of you. Let all tradeſmen be inſtructed in their duty, from the conſideration of the day of judgement, to deal juſtly, to uſe a juſt weight, a juſt meaſure, a juſt ballance, & a juſt …phah. Sophiſticated wares, falſe lights, falſe weights, adulterated wares, couſenage in the trade, will ly heavie upon their account at the day of judgement. Let young ſchollars whoſe witts are green, wanton, and frothy, remember the day of judgement, then they would not adventure upon Platonick fanſies, vain ſpeculations, and bend their wits to m…intain them after they have diſcovered them, for no other reaſon but that they are new diſcoveries, like ſome new African monſters. It's a ſad thing to conſider that men now a daies bend their wits to be ſceptical, to defend any Chimaera or abortive iſſue of their ſterile brains. Men are ſo ſool-hardy as they will venture upon any opinion, any notion that ſo (as Simon Magus deſigned) they might be accounted ſome great ones, like Eroſtratus that burnt Dianas Temple to get himſelf a name. Many that have parts care not whether they imploy them for the truth or againſt it. Hence it comes to paſſe that Judaiſme, Socinia…iſme, Familiſme, Enthuſiaſme all theſe ſhall have their patronage. Many will plead for them and defend them with eagerneſs. I will tell you a ſtory (though I uſe very few ſtories in a Pulpit) which is recorded by Matthew Paris an hiſtorian of good repute among us. There was one Simon Carnatenſis a Maſter of Paris Anno 1201, who having moſt ſubtilly and acutely diſputed about the Trinity, ſome of his familiar friends perſwaded him to put his diſputation in writing, that ſo the memorial of ſuch excellent things might not be loſt, whereupon he proudly brake forth into this blaſphemous ſpeech, O little Jeſu! how much have I confirmed and advanced thy Law in this Queſtion! but if I liſt to deal croſly, I know how with ſtronger reaſons and arguments to weaken, and diſprove the ſame: Which proud, blaſphemous ſpeech was no ſooner ſpoken, but hee was ſtrucken dumb, and became an errand I deot, and ſtark fool, and ſo made a Ludibrium, a laughing-ſtock to all that ſaw him. Let all wanton Scepticks, Noveliſts, and Platonicks take heed by this ſad example: Let this be their Warning-peece.
Now that I may more particularly ſet forth your duty, I ſhall commend theſe ſerious leſſons of ſpecial concernment for your inſtruction and practiſe.
1. Let us entertain frequent and ſerious thoughts and meditations Leſſ. 1. Entertaine frequent and ſerious thoughts concerning the day of Judgement. foreign. Chryſoſt. Boſil.concerning the day of Judgment: It was a ſaying of Hierome, that learned Father, Whatſoever I am a doing, whether eating, drinking, reading, or writing, me-thinks I hear the ſhril ſound of the Archangels Trumpet, ſummoning all fleſh to appear, and crying aloud, Surgite, mortui, & venite ad judicium. Chryſoſtome profeſt, that whatever others doe think of it, for my ſelfe, it makes me often tremble when I conſider of it; wherefore upon this very Text he ſaith, that its a dreadful Judgment, and a Tribunal to be trembled at. When thou art tempted to ſin, be it Pride, Paſſion, Uncleanneſs, Covetouſneſs, Oppreſſion, Diſſimulation, &c. O! conſider ſeriouſly there will be a day of Judgment, wherein thou ſhalt be called to an account for all by thoughts, words, and deeds. It's excellent counſell which Baſil gives, Cum ſenſeris te ad aliquod peccatum provocari, ad mentem revoca formidabile illud judicium, & hoc quaſi fraeno & paedagogo utere (i. e.) when thou art tempted to ſin, call to mind the dreadfull day of Judgement, and this will be as a bridle to curb ſinne, and as a School-maſter to inſtruct us in our duty. Let this be a Monitor, a Frontlet before thine eyes, a perpetual vade mecum. In all places and companies conſider there will be a day of an account, a day of Judgement will come. O that this conſideration were more frequent in our thoughts! Through the grace of God it would be a ſpecial preſervative againſt ſin.
2. Let the conſideration of the day of Judgement engage you to Leſſ. 2. Labour to be holy.holyneſs of life and converſation. That's the practicall uſe which the Apoſtle commends to our practiſe, 2 Pet. 3. 11, 12. OnelyOnly holy perſons ſhall be able to ſtand in judgement. This conſideration moved the Saints to have their converſation in Heaven, Phil. 3. 20.
3. This conſideration ſhould read us a Lecture of Patience. Amidſt Leſſ. 3. Learn Patience.all ſufferings, perſecutions, loſſes, croſſes, hardſhips, evill entreaties, amidſt all perils at home, abroad, and among falſe brethren: Let us conſider that a day will come which will make amends for all ſufferings: Be patient (ſaith the Apoſtle) for the comming of the Lord draweth nigh, Jam. 5. 8. Let us therefore bee patient under croſſes; yet a little while and the day of the Revelation of Chriſt will come, when the righteous ſhall be delivered out of trouble, and the wicked ſhall come in their ſtead. Learne hence by patience to poſſeſſe your ſouls.
4. Hence let us be put upon continual watchfulneſs. The time Leſſ. 4. Learn watchfulneſsof Chriſts coming is (like a theif) in the night. We know not the time, to the intent we ſhould alwaies keep ſtrict ſentinel, alwaies ſtand upon our watch, and be in procinctu, like the wiſe Virgins, with our Lamps trimmed, and oyle in our Lamps: Watchfulneſs is commended at all times, Mark 13. 33, 34, 35, 36. Shake off all ſecurity and drowſineſs. If the Watchmen ſleep, the City will ſoon be ſurprized.
Invadunt urbem ſomno vino que ſepultam.
Let our Saviours caution ring aloud in our eares, Luk. 21. 34. Take Leſſ. 5. Learn to fear God.heed to your ſelves, leſt at any time your hearts be overcharged, &c.
5. Hence learn to fear God, Rev. 14. 7. Ungodly men (though Preachers amplifie theſe things) looke upon them, but as ſo many Scare-crows: But that which they now fear not, ſhall make them tremble, and wiſh that ſome Rock would ſo much favour them, as to fall on them, and hide them from the wrath of a ſin revenging God. O Chriſtian! fear God, and walk in his fear all the day long; tremble at the conſideration of this day, and let it be thy foreign, to work out thy ſalvation with fear and trembling.Phil. 2. 12. Leſſ. 6. Learn compaſſion and charity.
6. And laſtly, hence learn compaſſion and exerciſe of Charity towards the poor Members of Chriſt. Not a cup of cold water but ſhall be rewarded in that day. The viſiting the ſick, the cloathing of the naked, the releeving of the diſtreſſed ſhall be all remembred in that day; Chriſt brings them all to remembrance, Mat. 25. Let us then caſt our bread upon the waters, and after many dayes we ſhall finde it, Eccl. 11. 1. The Apoſtle prayeth for Oneſiphorus, his benefactor, that he might find mercy in that day, 2 Tim. 1. 18. What day was that, but the day of Judgement and recompenſe? Then God will remember all the Saints good deeds, but all their bad deeds ſhall be blotted out of the Book of Remembrance, or brought in only like a cancell'd bond for the further manifeſtation of the riches of Gods mercy.
And now heres onelyonly one Vſe more of the Doctrine, which ſhall Uſe 3. For Conſolation.be for conſolation unto the godly. In theſe reſpects the conſideration of the day of Judgement adminiſters unto them abundance of conſolation; I ſhall name a few particulars, and ſo conclude this Doctrine.
1. From the nature of the day, the Saints reap comfort; for that 1 Comfort from the nature of the day.day is a day of Redemption, a day of reſtitution, a day of deliverance. Wherefore in expectation of this day, they lift up their heads, Luke 21. 28. This is the day of the appearance of Chriſt, and this is the foundation of the Saints comfort, Col. 3. 4.
2. Heres comfort in reſpect of the Judge, and that is Jeſus Chriſt, who is their Head, their Husband, their Elder Brother, their 2 Comfort in reſpect of the Judge.Advocate, their Interceſſour. He is their Judge who is their Saviour, and he will pronounce the ſentence of Abſolution. Chriſt is their Judge, who hath loved them and waſhed them in his blood: Rev. 1. 5. Chriſt is their Judge who is their peace and reconciler, Eph. 2. 14.
3. Heres comfort in reſpect of the ſentence which Chriſt ſhall pronounce; Come ye bleſſed of my Father, inherit the Kingdome prepared 3 Here… comfort in reſpect of the ſentence.for you before the foundation of the world.
4. And laſtly, their happyneſſe ſhall be to all eternity, Pſal. 16. 11. 4 This comfort ſhall be to all eternity.And of this preſence the godly ſhall be partakers. They ſhall ſee the bleſſed viſion, enjoy an uninterrupted communion with the holy Trinity. Ile cloſe up the firſt Doctrine with leaving you to meditate upon 1 Theſ. 4. 16, 17, 18. And ſo much for the firſt Doctrine.
I proceed to the ſecond Doctrine, That at the day of Judgement the ſecrets of all mens hearts ſhall be judged. Though men digge never Doct. 2 ſo deep, yet ſhall they never bee able to hide any thing from God, God will bring every work to judgement, Eccleſ. 12. 14.
The reaſons of the Doctrine may be drawn,
1. From the Omniſcience of God, Pſal. 44. 21. Hee knew the ſecret whoredomes of Aholah, and Aholibah, all the chambers Reaſ. 1. From Gods Omniſcience.of imagery, and all their wickedneſſes done in the darke, Ezek. 8. 12. Darkneſs and light are both alike to him, Pſal. 139. 12. All things are naked unto him with whom we have to deale, Heb. 4. 13. God knoweth all things, 1 Joh. 3. 20. So that words ſecretly whiſpered, actions ſecretly done; nay more, thoughts, purpoſes, intentions, before ever they are thought, purpoſed, and intended, are fully known to God: Thou haſt ſet (ſaith the Pſalmiſt) our iniquities before thee; our ſecret ſinnes in the light of thy countenance, Pſal. 90. 8.
A ſecond Reaſon ſhall be drawn from the Juſtice of God, which is to render to every one according to the fruit of their doings. And Reaſ. 2. Drawn from Gods Juſtice.this is the end of our appearance before Chriſts Judgement ſeat, 2 Cor. 15. 10. It's impoſſible but that the Judge of all the world ſhould doe right; ſecret Murders, ſecret Adulteries, ſecret Thefts, ſecret Abominations, ſecret Couſenage, ſecret malicious Heartburnings, Murtherous intentions, ſecret Back-bitings, Detractings, Calumniatings, all theſe ſhall be made manifeſt at the day of Judgment. Now Juſtice requireth, that as the ſinner ſoweth ſo hee ſhould reap, that as he hath ſowen ſeeds of wickedneſs, ſo he ſhould reap the fruits of deſtruction.
3. The ſecrets of men ſhall be judged for the vindicating, acquitting Reaſ. 3. For the acquitting of the godly.and clearing of the godly. What ſe…ret wickedneſſes are unjuſtly and falſly layd to their charge? What calumnies, forgeries are invented to blaſt the name and reputation of thoſe that feare God? The Primitive Chriſtians in their night meetings were ſlandered, and ſuch horrible aſperſions caſt upon them, as the Father of Lyes could invent: What horrible ſlanders have been caſt on Luther, Calvin, and other eminent Pillars of the Church? How are the Prayers, Faſts, ſtrict walkings of Gods children traduced, reproached, and ſcandalized? How do the men of the world reproach the Saints for hypocriſie, falſe-heartedneſs? but at the day of Judgment the innocency of the Saints will be cleared. What hard meaſure doe the godly meet withall from the wicked of the world? They are buffeted, tormented, ſlain, all the day long. All they ſay, think, and do, are miſconſtrued and reproached. But at the grand day of Accompt God will clear where men have reproached; God will juſtifie where men have condemned; ſo that ſecret Prayers, Faſts, Watches, ſecret communion with God, will appear, and be openly known and made manifeſt to the honour of the Godly, and to the ſhame and infamy of their malicious enemies.
4. The ſecrets of mens hearts ſhall be judged for the further Reaſ. 4. For the further condemnation of the wicked.condemation of the wicked. All their cunning conveyances, ſecret pollutions, all the impure abhominations of their hearts ſhall bee layd open in the ſight of men and Angels. We read Pſal. 50. 21. I will reprove and ſet them in order before thine eyes. God will at that day ſet all a mans ſecret villanies, and cloſſet abhominations in order before him. And this will adde further to the condemnation of the wicked, that their moſt ſecret wickedneſſes ſhall be diſcloſed to their eternal confuſion and horrour. Theſe things being premiſed, I ſhall inferre three Uſes; for Ter…our unto the wicked, Comfort unto the godly, and Counſel to both.
1. For terrour unto the wicked. Is it ſo, that at that day the ſecrets Ʋſe 1. For terror unto the wicked.of all hearts ſhall be made manifeſt and judged; then in vain doe hypocrites digge deep, and ſeeke to hide their counſell from the Lord, as if they thought themſelves ſecure, and undiſcovered. Though no eye of man can ſee them, yet the eye of God, which is tenne thouſand times brighter than the Sunne, will deſcry and diſcover all. Then will all varniſhes, painted gloſſes, vain pretences, and out-ſide profeſſions be diſcovered, and all ſuch who plead for them appear in their colours. In vain doe Adulterers wait for the Twi-light, as Job ſpeaks, c. 24. 15. Though the doors be bolted, and though it bee dark night, yet the All-ſeeing eye of God findes out all. What ſhall wee ſay of ſecret cheating Tradeſmen, who thinke themſelves ſecure, becauſe man cannot find them out? Yet let them know that all their myſteries of couſenage in their Trade, all their ſecret, fraudulent dealings ſhall be diſcovered at the day of Judgement. When men profeſſe one thing, and practiſe another, pretending friendſhip with their mouthes, but meditating ruine and deſtruction in their hearts: When men make but Religion a ſtalking-horſe, for getting a prey, and as a cloak to cover wicked projects. When men have no regard to the All-ſeeing eye of God, ſo they can but eſcape the eye of men, what ſhall we ſay of them, but put them in mind of the words of the Wiſe man, Eccl. 11. 9. But know thou, that for all theſe things God wil bring thee to judgement. Then every vain thought, every idle word, every laſcivious glance, all mental reſervations, all hypocriticall colluſions, all time-ſerving complyances, ſelf-intereſts, ends, and aims, ſhall be all called to account, and laid open in the ſight of men and Angels.
2. Heres matter of comfort to the godly. At that day, their ſecret deſires, breathings, longings, and pantings after God ſhall be Ʋſe 2. For comfort to the godly.diſcovered. The broken prayers, fighs, cries, inward compunctions of heart ſhall be all made manifeſt. The imputations, ſcandals, ignominies caſt upon the Saints ſhall then be wiped away. Many that have been condemned by men, ſhall be at that great day pronounced innocent. Holy Martyrs that laid down their lives for Chriſt, againſt whom the wicked of the world pronounced a ſentence of condemnation, ſhall at that day have a ſentence of abſolution pronounced by Jeſus Chriſt, and bee acquitted before that impartial Tribunal. It's a ground of great comfort to Gods children that God knows their hearts, how vehemently their deſires are towards him, as Pſalme 42. 1. Iſaiah 26. 9. Though the Saints cannot ofttimes expreſſe how their hearts ſtand affected, and are not able fully to diſcover themſelves, and open their condition to man, yet God knoweth their inward groanings, their ſecret breathings, vehement deſires after Chriſt: Now all theſe are regarded by God; for there is not a tear, nor a deſire, nor a ſigh, which are not taken notice of by the great God of Heaven and Earth. The ſecret, cloſſet devotions, faſtings, prayings, meditations, which the world knows not of, nor underſtand the value of ſuch divine ſervices, all theſe ſhall be made known at the day of Judgement. Thou ſeeſt one chearfull, thou knoweſt not why: It's neither corne, nor wine, nor oyle, nor any thing of the world that revives his ſpirit. It's onelyonly the light of Gods countenance, Pſal. 4. 6. that's the cauſe, hidden to thee, but a childe of God knows it. Thou ſeeſt another ſad and troubled, though he may have riches and honours in abundance, yet there is a ſecret damp upon his ſpirit, a ſecret cauſe of grief. It may be God hides his face from him; it may be thou art the cauſe of his grief; he ſeeth and heareth God diſhonoured by thee, and this is matter of mourning and ſadneſs to his ſpirit.
Let then Gods children amidſt all ſorrows, comfort themſelves with the conſideration of a day of refreſhing, a day of reſtitution, a day of redemption and conſolation, which will one day be at the great and general Aſſize of the juſt Judge of Heaven and Earth.
Thirdly Here's matter of counſel, both to the ungodly & godly: Ʋſe, 3. For counſel to the ungodly.1. To the ungodly: Will there be ſuch a day then. 1. …e counſelled to break off your ſins by repentance. Be ſenſible of the evil of your doings. 2. Kiſſe the Son; haſt and delay not to make your peace with Jeſus Chriſt, for he is our prayſe, Eph. 2. 14. 3. Make choice of other paths, enter into the way of holyneſs, Iſa. 35. 8. 2 Pet. 3. 14. Then to the godly, Here lyeth your duty, 1. To have your thoughts, meditations and deſires fixed on that day. Be longing for the ſight of Chriſt coming in the clouds; and pray, come Lord Jeſus, come quickly. 2. Comfort your ſelves with the aſſurance of Gods love to you, ſo was Paul comforted. 2 Tim. 4. 7, 8. 3. Let your converſation be in heaven, Phil. 3. 20, 21. 4. Bee not afraid of death, for to the Saints death is a conquered enemy, the ſting is taken away; the Serpents teeth are knockt out. What need they be afraid of death, who ſhall be acquitted before the Judges. And their Judge is their Advocate, their friend; their Redeemer Jeſus Chriſt, which brings in the laſt Doctrine. Doct. 3
That at the day of judgement Jeſus Chriſt ſhall be the Judge.
In handling of this Doctrine I ſhall give clear proof from Scripture and Reaſon; then anſwe… ſeveral Que…ies and Objections; and conclude with particular Application.
1. For Scripture proof. That Chriſt ſhall be judge is plain from 1 The Doctrine proved by Scripture.ſeveral Scriptures, viz. Joh. 5. 22, 27. Act. 10. 42. Act. 17. 31. Mat. 28. 18. John. 5. 21. Chriſt for this purpoſe roſe again, that he might be Lord over quick and dead, Rom. 14. 9, 10. and part of his dominion is the laſt judgement.
The Reaſons why Chriſt ſhall be Judge, are drawn: 1 From equity Reaſ. 1. From equity and retaliation.& retaliation. Chriſt ſhall judge thoſe that judged him. Chriſt ſhall judge Pontius Pilate, the High Prieſt, the Jewes &c. And this will be for the confuſion of Chriſts enemies, that though Chriſt was reproached, buffered; crowned with thornes, and crucified, ſet at nought by the wicked of the world, yet now he ſhall be in triumph and be the judge of quick and dead, Joh. 19. 37. They ſhall looke upon him whom they have pierced.Reaſ. 2. For the comfort of the godly. Reaſ. 3. For the terror of the wicked.
2. Chriſt ſhall be Judge for the comfort of the godly, Heb. 2. 11. Eph. 5. 30. Chriſt is their head, redeemer, elder-brother, interceſſour; Chriſt hath promiſed everlaſting life. Joh. 3. 36. Joh. 5. 24.
3. For the terrour of the wicked, Rev. 1. 7. But in the next place, here are many queſtions to be reſolved.
Q. 1. Is the Father excluded from judgement? I anſwer. Neither the Father nor the Holy Ghoſt are excluded. The Father is ſaid to judge by the Son, Act. 17. 31. Now judgement is peculiarly by a kind of appropriation aſcribed to the Son, Joh. 5. 22. Pater occultus, Filius manifestus (as Auſtine obſerves) foreign, to the whole Trinity: foreign, to the Son this judgement appertains.
…ut 2. It will be asked, How ſhall Chriſt appear at that day?
Anſ. …e ſhall 1. Appear viſibly. This judgement the Father hath committed to Chriſt, God and man. …nd Chriſ… ſhall not onelyonly judge according to his divine nature, but alſo according to his humane nature. So that Chriſt ſhall be ſeen viſſibly and locally. Act. 1. 11. Mat. 24. 30. 2. Chriſt ſhall come gloriouſly, and this will be cleared in ſour Particulars, 1. Hee ſhall come in the glory of his Father, Mat. 10. 27. 2. With an innumerable company of Angels, Mat. 25. 31. 3. With the ſound of the trumpet, 1 Theſ. 4. 16. 4 With Power. Mat. 24. 30.
3. Chriſt ſhall come ſuddenly, as a theef, Mat. 24. 4…. As a ſnare, Luk. 21. 34. Unexſpectedly, Luk. 12. 46. 1 Theſ. 5. 2, 3.
A 3. Queſtion is, whom Chriſt ſhall judge?
Anſ. The Scripture is evident; Men and Angels. 1 For Men, univerſally, all Men, Rom. 14. 10. 2 Cor. 5. 10. both quick …nd dead, Act. 10. 42. 1 Pet. 4. 5. 2 Tim. 4. 1. 2. For Angels, Jude v. 6. Rev. 20. 10.
A 4. Queſtion is, What will be the manner of Chriſts judging?
To anſwer this Queſtion, we are to conſider the preparation to this judgement, the Proceeding of this Judge, and the …ule of judging.
1. For preparation. That will appear in theſe particulars, 1 1 Conſider the preparations to the day of judgement.There will be a tranſmutation of heaven and earth, Rev. 21. 4, 5. 2 Pet. 3. 10. 2. Chriſt will appear in a throne of glory, Mat. 19. 28. 3. There will be a ſummoning of all ſorts of men; quick and dead ſhall be ſummoned to appear before the judgement ſeat of Chriſt. Joh. 5. 28, 29. 1 Theſ. 4. 16, 17. 4 There will be a ſeparation and diviſion, a placing of the ſheep on the right hand, and the goats on the left hand, Mat. 25. 32, 33.2 Conſider the proceedings of the judge.
2. Let us conſider the proceedings of the Judge. Wherein we are to note 1 The books ſhall be laid open, Rev. 20. 12. The devil ſhall accuſe, Angels ſhall be witneſſes. And no need of their accuſation, or witneſs; for each mans conſcience, ſhall be accuſer, and witneſs, and judge. Every book of conſcience ſhall be opened, and there ſhall be either excuſeing or accuſeing, and Dan. 7. 10. There's a book of Gods remembrance mentioned, Mal. 3. 16. And there is a book of a mans owne conſcience, which ſhall be opened at that great day. This is the book for rectifying whereof all other Ideoſcribuntur omnes Labri, ut unus emendetur conſcientiae. Bern.books were written. Now there lyeth no appeal from theſe books, no poſſibility of falſifying Gods book, and the book of Conſcience. And if any one ſhould plead not done, not guilty, conſcience, as good as a thouſand witneſſes, would proteſt againſt it.
2. In Chriſts proceeding we are to conſider of a different ſentence, one of abſolution, the other of condemnation; 1 For the ſentence of abſolution, Mat. 25. 34. Come, there is a gracious invitation, ye bleſſed, there is a comfortable appellation, of my Father, there is a glorious adoption, inherit, there is their title and donation, the Kingdome, there is the royalty of it, prepared, there is the predeſtination, for you, there is the propriety of the Saints, from the foundation of the World, there is the antiquity, the antient tenure, before the creation of Adam; 2 There is a ſentence of condemnation, Mat. 25. 14 Depart, there's a barre of excluſion; a dreadful diſmiſſion; from mee, there is the puniſhment of loſſe, the heavieſt of puniſhments. Qui te non habet (Domine Deus,) totum perdidit, ſaith Bernard. Ye curſed, there's their brand of infamy; Into Bernard.everlaſting fire, there's poena Jenſus, exquiſite unſpeakable torments, there's fire to burn, and torment, and eternal fire, no mitigation of pain unto all eternity; prepared for the devil and his Angels, there's their wicked company. And juſt it is that Aſſociates in ſin ſhould be Aſſociates in ſuffering. 3 There followeth the execution of theſe ſentences, Mat. 25. 46. Joh. 14. 3. 1 Theſ. 4. 17. Thus you have heard the proceedings of the Judge.
In the third place we are to conſider the rule whereby all ſhall 3 The Rule of Judging.be judged. The ſentence ſhall be given according to Law and Goſpel both, Joh. 5. 45. Joh. 12. 48. Rom. 2. 16. The godly ſhall be principally acquitted according to the Goſpel, Joh. 3. 18. And this their acquittance ſhall be approved on by the Law, Mat. 5. 17. Gal. 3. 13. The condemnation of unbeleevers ſhall be chiefly according to the Law, Deut. 27. 26. Gal. 3. 10. And be confirmed by the Goſpel, Joh. 3. 19. Abſolution ſhall be pronounced of ſingular grace, for Chriſts merits. And the ſentence of condemnation ſhall be pronounced out of gods ſevere juſtice, and the ſinners own deſerts.
I proceed to a fifth Queſtion. What ſigns and forerunners of this day of judgement are ſet down in Scripture?
Anſ. 1. The publiſhing and receiving of the Goſpel throughout the world, Mat. 24. 4. 2 The Apoſt…ſy of ſome Profeſſors, 1 Tim. 4. 1. 3 The revealing of Antichriſt, 2 Theſ. 2. 3, 4, 8. 4 Common corruption in manners joyned with ſecurity, as in the dayes of Noah and Lot, Mat. 24. 12, 37. 2 Tim. 3. 1. 1 Theſ. 5. 3. 5 Warres and troubles both in the World and Church, Mat. 24. 6, 9. 6 Falſe Chriſts attended with falſe Prophets, and armed with falſe miracles, Mat. 24. 24. 7 The calling of the Jewes unto the faith of the Goſpel, Rom. 11. 25. Whether their call ſhall be ordinary or extraordinary we cannot determine. 8 Signes in Heaven and Earth, and all Elements, as the trembling of the Earth, the roaring of the Sea, the darkening of the Sun and Moon, Mat. 24. 20. L…k. 21. 25. Yea the firing of the whole frame of Heaven and Earth, 2 Pet. 3. 7, 10, 12. 9 The appearance of the ſon of man, (i. e.) Chriſt, God-man, whereby his comeing ſhall then be clearly apprehended of all men, Mat. 24. 30.
I proceed to the 6 Queſtion, Why God deſers the day of judgement, and prolongs the time?
Anſ. 1. There are theſe reaſons 1 For the exerciſe of the faith, hope, patience, and prayers of the children of God. They muſt believe, wait and ſtay Gods leaſure. Though the viſion be dark and ſeem to ſtay, yet they muſt wait for it, Hab. 2. 3.
2. God defers this day to give ſpace of repentance, and leave all impenitent rebellious ſinners without excuſe, Rom. 2. 4. Rom. 9. 22. 2 Pet. 3. 8, 9. But for the elects ſake he is ſaid to ſhorten them, Mat. 24. 22. That they may neither be broken by grief, and ſorrow, v. 21. nor ſeduced by Impoſtures, v. 24.
3. That all the elect may be gathered together into the Church. Joh. 10. 16. Rev. 6. 10, 11.
The 7 Queſtion is, whether it be within the power of a mans underſtanding to tell the determinate time when this day ſhall come?
I anſwer, No, Mar. 13. 32. This day wee read, ſhall be in the end of the world, Mat. 24. 3. But of that houre, day, monethmonth, year, no man knoweth. Jewiſh Rabbins, Aſtrologers, &c. are abominable, who are ſo ſaucy and preſumptuouſly inquiſitive into the ſecrets locked up in Gods cabinet. There are ſpecial reaſons why the particular time is hid from us, and God will not let us know when this day of judgement ſhall be.
1. Reaſon is for the exerciſe of our graces, Mat. 6. 10. Jam. Reaſ. 1 5. 7. Rev. 22. 17, 20. Another reaſon is to bridle our curioſity, Act. 1. 6, 7. A 3 reaſon is, to keep us in our duty, Mat. 24. 42. Luke. 21. 34, 35. A 4 reaſon is that the wicked may take heed, and by no means defer their repentance upon hope of a longer time. Becauſe they know not the houre thereof, they muſt be provided alwaies, Mat. 24. 43. Mat. 25. 13. Luk. 19. 13.
The 8 Queſtion is, Whether we muſt deſire this day?
I anſwer, We may, 1 Becauſe this is a Character of diſcrimination to difference good from bad. At the day of judgement there will be a ſeparation between good and bad, Luk. 21. 26, 27, 28. Rom. 14. 10, 15, 16, 17. 2 We have the command of Chriſt, Mat. 6. 10. Rev. 22. 17. 3 We have the example of the Saints, Rom. 7. 24. Phil. 1. 23. 4 Becauſe this is the day of redemption & deliverance of the Saints. Luk. 21. 28.
In the next place we muſt anſwer ſeverall objections; amongſt Object. 1 others theſe are the principal. 1 It's ſaid that Chriſt ſhall not be the Judge, becauſe he ſaid he came not to judge the world, Joh. 12. 47.
For anſwer, We are to diſtinguiſh of a twofold coming, a firſt Anſ. and a ſecond coming, Chriſt ſpeakes there of his firſt, and not his ſecond comeing: in the firſt he was judged of others, in the next he ſhall judge others, according to that of Auſtin, Sedebit judex, qui ſtetit ſub judice, & damnabit veros reos, qui factus eſt falſus reus. He that ſtood at the barre to be judged of others, ſhall there ſit on the bench and judge others. He that was cauſeleſly found guilty here, ſhall finde others juſtly guilty there.
But 2. It's objected, that the Apoſtles ſhall judge the twelve Object. 2 Tribes of Iſrael, Mat. 19. 28. How then is Chriſt the onelyonly judge of the world.
Anſwer, The Saints ſhall be Chriſts Aſſiſtants, by way of ſuffrage Anſ. and approbation, they ſhall aſſent unto Chriſts judgement, but the abſolute power of judging and pronouncing ſentence, the father hath committed unto the ſon.
A 3 objection is that the beleever ſhall not come into condemnation, Obj. 3 Sol. Joh. 5. 24. how ſay we then that all ſhall appear before Chriſts judgement ſeat?
For anſwer, we are to diſtinguiſh of a twofold judgement, of abſolution and condemnation. A beleever ſhall not come into the judgement of condemnation, but only of abſolution. Obj. 4 Sol. 1
But a 4. objection will hence ariſe, He that beleeveth not is judged already, Joh. 3. 18.
Anſwer, Wicked men and devils are already judged, 1 By 2. 3. 4.Gods decree, Jude, 4. 6. Mat. 25. 41. 2 By the revealed word, Joh. 12. 48. 3 By their own conſciences, Matt. 8. 29. 4 By the beginning of their puniſhment here on earth, Rev. 12. 9, 10. But at the day of judgement they ſhall have a compleat judgement, and receive the full meaſure of their ſufferings, the ſentence ſhall be pronounced, and it ſhall never be recalled, no repeale, no reverſing of that ſentence.
In ſtead of urgeing more objections, I ſhall betake my ſelfe to a threefold application, viz. For Comfort to the godly, Terror to the wicked, Exhortation to all.Uſe, 1. For Comfort.
1. For Comfort. Here's abundance of conſolation to the Saints of God, that Chriſt is Judge. He that is our elder brother, Heb. 2. 11. A man as we are, Phil. 2. 8. Sin only excepted, our advocate 1 Joh. 2. 1. It's Bernard's obſervation, Vult per hominem homines judicari. Hence we may ſecurely expect the comeing of our Judge, in ſo much as our Advocate is gone before us, and is already retained on our ſide. Quia Advocatum praemiſimus, ſecuri judicem venturum ſperemus. v. Joh. 14. 23. Chriſt is the life of the Saints, Col. 3. 4. Chriſt is the end of our hope, whom the Saints look for: His appearance the ground of the Saints hope and ſtrong conſolation. So that the day of judgement, will be a day of refreſhment, deliverance, reſtitution, redemption, the moſt comfortable day, that ever the eyes of the Saints beheld.Uſe, 2. For Terror.
2. Here's Terror unto the wicked. They are enemies unto Chriſt, and they that have peirced him, ſhall ſee him, Rev. 1. 7. But they ſhall ſee him no otherwiſe then a malefactor the Judge, to their terror and condemnation.Ʋſe, 3. For Exhortation.
3. This may ſerve for exhortation to prepare for the comeing of Chriſt. In order whereunto, theſe ſpeciall exhortations I preſſe home unto us all, 1 Kiſſe the Son, Pſa. 2. 12. Make your peace with Chriſt ſpeedily, we are commanded to agree with our adverſary quickly. 2 This ſhould ſtir us up to ſobriety and watchfulneſs, 1 Pet. 4. 7. Prayer, ſobriety and watchfulneſs are joyned together, 1 Theſ. 5. 6. 1 Pet. 5. 8. 3 This ſhould excite us to repentance, Act. 17. 30, 31. 4 This ſhould excite us unto holineſs, Joh. 3. 36,2 Pet. 3. 11. 5 This ſhould ſtrengthen our faith in the promiſes. Beleevers ſhall not come into condemnation, He that beleeveth ſhall not come into condemnation, But I am a beleever therefore I ſhall not come into condemnation. 6 And laſtly, This ſhould make us long for the coming of Chriſt, Tit. 2. 13. Rev. 22. 20. Chriſts appearance is the Saints day of rejoycing, That day we ſhould beleeve, hope for, & deſire with all earneſtneſs. This conſideration that Chriſt ſhall be the Judge is matter of ſingular conſolation unto the Saints. Chriſt is the Saints Redeemer, hee Adopts them, he's their Interceſſor and their Judge, and will plead for them, and pronounce a ſentence of Abſolution at the day of judgement.