Sermons on Several Subjects, Sermon 6
SERMON VI. The Diſſolution of the World, a Motive to univerſal Holineſs.
II PET. III. II.
Seeing then that all theſe Things ſhall be diſſolved, what manner of Perſons ought ye to be, in all holy Converſation and Godlineſs?
THE doctrine of a future Judgment, tho' agreable to the principles of reaſon, and confirm'd by the teſtimony of Jeſus, the faithful and true witneſs; has nevertheleſs been oppoſed and blaſphem'd, in all ages, by men abandon'd to their luſts, and given over to a reprobate and impenitent mind. Such there aroſe in the chriſtian Church, even in the firſt and pureſt days of the Goſpel. In oppoſition to whom, St. Peter aſſerts the doctrine of Chriſt's coming to judge the world, and removes the objections that were made againſt it. The Ground of their infidelity was the uninterrupted proſperity, that the world enjoyed, notwithſtanding its approaching ruin had been ſo frequently foretold. Where (ſay they) is the promiſe of his coming? for ſince the Fathers fell aſleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. In anſwer to this, the Apoſtle ſharply reproves them for their wilful Ignorance; and ſhows them that the world had already undergone ſuch remarkable Changes, as might juſtly. ſerve to ſtrengthen our belief in thoſe that were yet to come. He tells them, that the delay of Chriſt's coming did not in the leaſt impeach the truth and faithfulneſs of God, but was an aſtoniſhing evidence of his Goodneſs and forbearance. God is not ſlack concerning his promiſe, as ſome men count ſlackneſs; but is long-ſuffering to us-ward, not willing that any ſhould periſh, but that all ſhould come to repentance. Then he goes on to confirm our faith in this important Article of Religion, and in the words of our text, directs us a ſuitable Improvement of this ſolemn and affecting Subject.
Seeing then, that all theſe things ſhall be diſſolved, what manner of perſons ought ye to be, in all holy Converſation and Godlineſs?
The words contain theſe two Propoſitions, which (by divine aſſiſtance) ſhall be diſtinctly diſcourſed upon.
Firſt, At the ſecond coming of Chriſt, this world ſhall be diſſolved.
Secondly, The Conſideratation of this awful truth is a powerful motive to univerſal Purity and Godlineſs.
PROP. 1. At the ſecond coming of Chriſt this world ſhall be diſſolved.
Tho' the world at preſent makes a beautiful and goodly appearance; and the face of nature ſeems to wear no marks of a declining age, nor to diſcover any melancholy ſymptoms of its approaching ruin: yet all things certainly are haſtning to their final period; when this earth ſhall be deſtroyed by fire, and all its magnificent Glories expire in flame and ſmoke.
This has been the univerſal expectation of the wiſeſt among the beathen world, of all ſects and opinions, in all ages and nations. Their ancient Philoſophers taught this doctrine in their publick Schools; their celebrated Poets made it the frequent theme of their harmonious ſongs; and ſcarce any notion has more generally prevailed in the world. But we are not left to collect this important truth from the dark hints of Antiquity, and the doubtful conjectures of the ancient ſages: We have a ſure word of prophecy to build our faith upon, even the infallible predictions of the word of God; where the general conflagration of the world is frequently foretold, and deſcribed in the moſt ſublime and affecting language.
Under the Old Teſtament-diſpenſation we have clear intimations of this ſolemn truth.— Moſes, the firſt of the inſpir'd writers pathetically deſcribes it in his ſacred ſong: Deut. 32.22. A Fire is kindled in mine anger, and ſhall burn to the loweſt bell, and ſhall conſume the earth with her increaſe; and ſet on fire the foundations of the mountains.— David, the ſweet Pſalmiſt of Iſrael, propheſies of this great event, Pſal. 50.3. Our God ſhall come, and ſhall not keep ſilence: a fire ſhall devour before him, and it ſhall be very tempeſtuous round about him. So Pſal. 102.25, 26. Of old thou haſt laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy bands. They ſhall periſh, but thou ſhalt endure: yea, all of them ſhall wax old like a Garment, as a Veſture ſhalt thou change them, and they ſhall be changed, but thou art the ſame, and thy years ſhall have no end.
The prophet Iſaiah declares the ſame doctrine. Chap. 51.6. Lift up your Eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath, for the heavens ſhall vaniſh away like ſmoke, and the earth ſhall wax old like a Garment, and they that dwell therein ſhall die in like manner; but my ſalvation ſhall be for ever, and my rightecuſneſs ſhall not be aboliſhed. — And Daniel had a diſtinct view of this amazing ſcene in his prophetic Viſions.— And I beheld (ſays he) till the thrones were caſt down, and the Ancient of days did ſit, whoſe Garment was white as Snow, and the hair of his bead like pure wool: His throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery ſtream iſſued and came forth from before him: Thouſand Thouſands miniſtred unto him, ond ten thouſand times ten thouſand ſtood before him. Dan. 7.9, 10.— And Malachi, the laſt of the old teſtament prophets, in the Concluſion of his prophecy denounces this awful threatning (Chap. 4. I.) Behold, the day cometh, that ſhall burn as an oven; and all the proud, and all that do wickedly, ſhall be as ſtubble; and the day that cometh, ſhall burn them, ſaith the Lord of hoſts, that it ſhall neither leave them root nor branch.
But this great truth is more clearly revealed in the New Teſtament. The Apoſtle Paul expreſly aſſures us, (2 Theſ. 1.7, 8.) that the Lord Jeſus Chriſt ſhall be revealed from heaven in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and obey not the Goſpel of Chriſt. The Apoſtle Peter tells us, in our Context, that the Heavens and Earth which are now, are kept in Store, reſerved unto fire, againſt the day of judgment, and perdition of ungodly men: And that the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens ſhall paſs away with a great noiſe; and the elements ſhall melt with fervent heat; the earth alſo, and the works that are therein, ſhall be burnt up. Thus we find, that Moſes and the Prophets, Chriſt and his Apoſtles, foretell the future deſtruction of the world: not by dark and figurative repreſentations, but by plain and poſitive teſtimonies.
Nor is there any thing in the preſent ſtate and conſtitution of the earth, that militates againſt this doctrine, and renders the belief of it abſurd and irrational. On the contrary, the corruptible materials of which this admirable frame is compos'd, the jarring elements contain'd in its capacious boſom, expoſe it to continual changes and convulſions. It has already paſt through mighty alterations, which have defac'd its Glory, and deſtroy'd multitudes of its inhabitants.
Soon after this beautiful fabrick was raiſed out of darkneſs and confuſion, and the almighty Creator had pronounced of every thing which he had made. That it was very good; the whole earth was brought under a Curſe for the iniquity of man, and from a fruitful Paradiſe was turned into a deſolate wilderneſs, from the ſeat of innocence and joy it became the abode of guilt and ſorrow.
When all fleſh had corrupted their ways, and the wickedneſs of man was great upon the Earth, God ſhower'd down a miraculous deluge of waters, and ſwept away the whole world of ſinners together.
When the Inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah had filled up the meaſure of their ſins, and attain'd to the moſt daring height of Impiety and Lewdneſs, they were ſuddenly deſtroy'd by fire and brimſtone, and their flouriſhing cities were turn'd into heaps of deſolation and ruin.
And in all ages of the world there have been terrible examples of the divine ſeverity. Whole Countries and Kingdoms have been laid waſte, by fire and ſword, — by famine and peſtilence, — by thunder and lightning, — by ſtorms and earthquakes. Theſe things are awful warnings to a guilty world, and ſtanding evidences of God's juſt diſpleaſure againſt the workers of Iniquity. The Judgments that he has executed from time to time, loudly declare the Greatneſs of his power, and the terrors of his wrath; and may abundantly convince us, that the threatnings of his word are not deſign'd barely to amuſe and terrify us, but will be exactly fulfilled in their appointed time.
And why ſhould it be thought incredible, that God who made the world at firſt, as a monument of his Power and Goodneſs, ſhould deſtroy it at laſt, to adorn the triumphs of his Juſtice and Holineſs? What can be more reaſonable than to ſuppoſe, that this Earth, which was deſign'd for the habitation of man, will be diſſolv'd when its Inhabitants are remov'd off the ſtage, and ſettled in their everlaſting abodes?
By what means this aſtoniſhing change will be brought about, is utterly uncertain: but this we know, that there are innumerable fires impriſoned in the bowels of the earth, which frequently break forth with aſtoniſhing fury, and have produc'd ſurprizing alterations in the ſurface of this Globe; the Air alſo that ſurrounds us, is a continual magazine of thunder and lightning, and fiery Meteors; all which afford abundant proviſion for an univerſal Conflagration.
We may therefore ſuppoſe, that at the time appointed in the decrees of heaven, when the end for which this magnificent theatre was erected, ſhall be accompliſh'd, and the ſins of men cry aloud for divine juſtice, the great Lord of the Univerſe will iſſue out his ſovereign Orders: at which the mighty ſtores of fire that have hitherto been pent up in the heart of the earth, ſhall be broke open, flame out, and rage with irreſiſtible force and fury: all the combuſtible materials that are contain'd in theſe inferior heavens, ſhall be ſet on fire, and deſcend in hidious cataracts upon the diſſolving world. The beautiful order, that has hitherto ſubſiſted in the works of nature, will then ceaſe, and the whole ſublunary world be involv'd in tumult and diſorder: The foundations of the earth will be put out of courſe, and all the admired ſtructures of nature and art ſhall periſh together.
But it is not my deſign to attempt a deſcription of this great and terrible day of the Lord; it is beyond the capacity of man, to conceive, and the power of language to expreſs the horrors of this amazing Scene. I paſs therefore to the other thing propoſed, viz.
PROP. II. That the conſideration of this important truth is a powerful motive to univerſal Purity and Godlineſs. Which will appear, if we conſider the following particulars:
It gives us an awful repreſentation of the Greatneſs and Power of God.
It ſhews the malignant and deſtructive nature of Sin.
It depreciates the enjoyments of this preſent World.
It evidences the neceſſity of ſecuring a more valuable and abiding inheritance.
It heightens the terror and ſolemnity of a future judgment. And
It affords a bright diſcovery of the love of Chriſt in ſaving his people from the ruins of a diſſolving world.
Of theſe in their order.
I. It gives us an awful repreſentation of the Greatneſs and Power of God.
Theſe attributes were wonderfully diſcover'd, when he firſt laid the foundations of the earth, ſtretched the heavens over us as a Curtain, and ſettled the courſe of nature with ſuch ſurprizing regularity and exactneſs; that its various parts mutually ſupport and aſſiſt each other, and all conſpire to miniſter to the convenience and happineſs of its numerous Inhabitants. But they will ſtill be more aſtoniſhingly diſplay'd, when the heavens ſhall paſs away with a great noiſe, the elements ſhall melt with fervent heat, and all the Glory of this goodly ſyſtem ſhall be made a prey to devouring flames, for to puniſh the contempt of his authority, and manifeſt the fierceneſs of his anger againſt a ſinful world.
How irreſiſtible is the Power of that God, who made all things by the authority of a Command, and can deſtroy them in a moment by a frown of his countenance?—How terrible is his Majeſty, at whoſe rebuke the Earth ſhakes and trembles, and the foundations of the hills are removed out of their place?— Who can ſtand before Him, when once he is angry? Who can ſupport the terrors of his almighty diſpleaſure? Is not the thought of theſe things ſufficient to ſurprize the boldeſt ſinners, to appale their Countenances, and make their knees ſtrike one againſt another, when they are giving a looſe to their mirth and jollity, and waſting their days in intemperance and debauchery? What infinite madneſs, and worſe than brutal ſtupidity, are they guilty of, who affront and provoke the great Lord and Governor of the world, upon whom they intirely depend, who can deſtroy them with the breath of his mouth, and make them the flaming monuments of his righteous indignation? What more neceſſary for us, than to bow before the Lord our maker, and humble our ſelves for our innumerable provocations againſt him? How ſeaſonable is that advice (22 Job. 21.) Acquaint now thy ſelf with him, and be at peace: thereby good ſhall come unto thee.— How much does it concern us, to ſerve the Lord with reverence and godly fear; ſeeing our God is a conſuming fire? who tho' he now ſeems to take no notice of the ſins of men, and bears with innumerable indignities, yet he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteouſneſs, and fearfully deſtroy his implacable Enemies.
II. The diſſolution of the world affords a convincing evidence of the malignant and deſtructive nature of Sin.
That Sin is an infinite evil, odious to the bleſſed God, and attended with the moſt dangerous conſequences, is abundantly evident from the declarations of God's word, and is ſtill further verified by the inflictions of his wrath upon obſtinate and impenitent tranſgreſſors.— How clearly did the purity of his nature, and the ſeverity of his Juſtice, ſhine forth in the terrible puniſhment inflicted upon the fallen Angels? who for one ſin were dethron'd from their exalted ſeats in Heaven, were caſt down to the gloomy manſions of hell, and are reſerv'd in chains of darkneſs to the judgment of the great day.— How awful does the divine diſpleaſure appear in the curſe pronounc'd upon our firſt Parents, for their primitive apoſtacy; by which the Glory of the creation was ſtain'd, the harmony of nature diſturb'd, and Man (the Lord of all) was brought under a peremptory ſentence of death and miſery? — And who can recount the various and diſtreſſing Afflictions, that are ſince become the ſad inheritance of the ſinful children of men? — This may aſſure us, that God is angry with the Wicked, and that he will not ſuffer the wilful contempt of his authority to paſs unpuniſh'd.
But how illuſtriouſly will this truth be revealed by the fire of the laſt day; when this lower world ſhall be conſum'd by the heat of the divine diſpleaſure, and all its adored treaſures ſhall be ſacrificed to the jealous reſentments of an offended God? For it is ſin, that enkindles the fire of God's wrath, and provokes him to deſtroy the works of his hands. How juſtly then are they branded with the character of Fools, who make a mock of ſin, who hug this deteſtable evil in their boſoms; which has already been attended with ſuch deſtructive effects, and which will at laſt ſet on fire this frame of nature, and ſink a guilty world into the loweſt hell, where the ſmoke of their torments will aſcend for ever and ever? What Conſideration can more powerfully engage us to deny all ungodlineſs and worldly luſts? How much does it concern us, to have no fellowſhip with theſe unfruitful works of darkneſs, but to flee from the tents of the wicked, leſt we be defiled with their ſins, and partake of their plagues?
III. The Conſideration of the approaching Ruin of this World, greatly depreciates all earthly Enjoyments, and ſhows the madneſs of placing our affections upon ſuch uncertain treaſures.
The world is a ſtrong and prevailing temptation, which wonderfully captivates the hearts of men, and is the unhappy inſtrument of innumerable pollutions. Many are ſo enchanted with wealth and riches, ſo fond of the pomp and glitter of worldly greatneſs, ſo charm'd with the gay amuſements and pleaſures of Life, that they think of nothing but ſetting up their tabernacles here; and entirely neglect their great and immortal intereſt: but ſurely, if we conſider the tranſitory nature of theſe enjoyments, it is enough to damp the force of worldly temptations, and put us out of conceit with ſuch periſhing vanities. Why ſhould we put our truſt, and place our happineſs, in things that are of ſo ſhort and momentany a duration; which in a few years at furtheſt, will vaniſh out of our ſight, and take their leave of us for ever? Our daily experience ſhows us, that all theſe beloved advantages are continually upon the wing, and frequently fly from our embraces: but beſides the common caſualties and adverſities of life, to which all things here below are expoſed, the world it ſelf, with all its grandeur and magnificence, with all its riches and pleaſures, is haſtning to its final period. The time is ſwiftly approaching, when the earth, and the works that are therein ſhall be burnt up. Then all thoſe tempting objects, which now you ſo paſſionately dote upon, and for which you ſacrifice all Hope of the favour of God, and an heaven of immortal joys, ſhall be turn'd into darkneſs and flame. All the great empires, which have been rais'd by ambition or cruelty, and made ſuch a mighty noiſe in the earth, ſhall ſink at once into ruin and confuſion. All thoſe flouriſhing cities, which have been the pride and glory of their inhabitants, ſhall be laid waſte and deſolate. All the proud monuments of human vanity, which have been rear'd with ſuch infinite toil and expence, ſhall be levelled with the duſt, and the place thereof ſhall know them no more. What an undeniable evidence does this afford us of the little value of all earthly poſſeſſions? How ſhould it abate our affections to ſuch vaniſhing trifles, and give check to our immoderate purſuit of the world? This is the argument made uſe of by St. Paul, and carries with it the greateſt force and efficacy (1 Cor. 7. 29, — 31.) But this I ſay, Brethren, the time is ſhort; it remaineth, that they that rejoice, be as tho' they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as tho' they poſſeſſed not; and they that uſe this world, as not abuſing it: for the faſhion of this world paſſeth away.
I proceed to ſay,
IV. This alſo ſhows us the neceſſity of ſecuring a more valuable and abiding Inheritance.
Since the world is ſuch a tranſient ſcene, and its moſt agreable entertainments are like a morning-cloud, and as the early dew, which will quickly paſs away; it is a Matter of no conſiderable conſequence, whether our circumſtances be proſperous, or afflicting, whether we are carried through the ſtage of Life with an eaſy and pleaſant gale, or drove to our long home by ſtorm and diſtreſs. Our only concern is, to attend the duty of our ſtation, and fulfil the taſk aſſign'd us by heaven; that at laſt we may ſafely arrive at the peaceful harbour of happineſs and everlaſting reſt. We are here in a pilgrimage-ſtate, and are bound for the regions of immortality; nothing therefore deſerves our anxiety and care, but that which will ſurvive our funeral, and paſs over with us into a future world. And, bleſſed be God, an heavenly and eternal inheritance is offered to our choice, and earneſtly recommended to our acceptance: This is the nobleſt object of our ambition, and ſhould engage the ſtrength and vigour of all our powers.
Now by the Tenour of the Divine Promiſe, as well as the Nature of Things, this can be obtain'd only by thoſe that cleanſe themſelves from all filthineſs of fleſh and ſpirit, and perfect holineſs in the fear of God; who eſcape the pollutions of the world, and are renewed after the image of the inviſible God. What manner of perſons then ought we to be, in all holy converſation and Godlineſs; that ſo when all things here below ſhall fail us, we may be admitted into a city that has everlaſting foundations, whoſe make and builder is God; and obtain a crown of incorruptible and unfading Glory!
V. The deſtruction of the world by fire will heighten the terror and ſolemnity of a future judgment: and ſo the Conſideration of it is a powerful motive to univerſal purity and holineſs.
The wiſe author of our beings hath implanted a principle of fear in the hearts of men, to keep them from ſecurity and preſumption, to quicken them in their flight from impending dangers. Now what can be more ſuited to raiſe this paſſion in the ſoul, than the conſideration of that awful time, when we muſt all appear before the judgment-ſeat of Chriſt, and have an irreverſible ſentence paſs'd upon us, according to the nature and quality of our actions? But how aſtoniſhingly will the terrors of that day be increaſed by the final deſtruction of this lower world? What confuſion and diſtreſs will ſeize the ſinner, when the heavens from above ſhall rain down fire and brimſtone, and the earth upon which he dwells, ſhall become one mighty Volcano, and diſcharge whole rivers of flaming ſulphur?
Will it not terrify the hardieſt mortals, to ſee nature ſtruggling in the agonies of death, and themſelves encompaſs'd on all ſides with the flames of a diſſolving world: The Sun turn'd into darkneſs, and the Moon into blood, and whole cities and countries ſinking down in a moment into the fiery abyſs below! How will they ſupport theſe viſions of horror and amazement, or whither will they fly for ſafety and defence? If they aſcend to the top of the loftieſt mountains, there they will be expoſed to the hot thunderbolts of divine fury: If they deſcend into the gloomy caverns of the earth, there they will be ſwallowed up in an Ocean of liquid fire. In ſhort, wherever they go, the vengeance of an incenſed God will purſue them, and make them the monuments of his almighty diſpleaſure.
And now what more powerful argument can be uſed with ſinful mortals to awaken them out of their impenitence and ſecurity? If infinite juſtice cannot affright them from their ſins; if the proſpect of a diſſolving world leave no abiding impreſſions upon them; they appear to be loſt, beyond all poſſibility of recovery: and it is to be fear'd, they belong to the number of thoſe hardned wretches, who are reſolv'd to ſtorm hell, and take the kingdom of darkneſs by violence.
VI. This alſo has a prevailing influence upon the people of God, as it gives them a bright diſcovery of the love of Chriſt, who will ſave them from the terrors of this amazing day.
Tho' this will be a day of tribulation and anguiſh to impenitent ſinners, yet it will be a time of joy and refreſhment to the Saints. For the Lord knoweth how to deliver the Godly, and reſerve the unjuſt to the day of judgment to be puniſhed *2 Pet. 2.9.St. Paul aſſures us, that the righteous ſhall be ſeparated from the wicked, and reſcued from the calamity, in which all things elſe ſhall be involv'd. For the Lord himſelf ſhall deſcend from heaven with a ſhout, with the voice of the Archangel and 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 †1 Theſ. 4.16, 17.What an endearing expreſſion is this of the love of God our Saviour? What obligations are we under, to beſtow upon him our beſt and deareſt affection? In fine, what mighty encouragement does it afford us now to diſentangle our affections from this enſnaring world, to be fruitful in every good work, to have our converſation in heaven; that ſo we may be accounted worthy to eſcape all thoſe things, which ſhall then come to paſs, and may be able to ſtand with confidence before the Son of Man at his appearing.
The APPLICATION of my diſcourſe remains: which I ſhall diſpatch in a ſerious and earneſt Exhortation to ſeveral ſorts of perſons.
I. Let thoſe that are in Youth, be perſwaded by theſe powerful motives that have been ſet before them, to all holy Converſation and Godlineſs. — You are exceeding apt to baniſh all ſerious Thoughts out of your minds, and to imagine that it will be time enough hereafter, to attend to religious Concerns, when you have taken a ſurfeit of the Gaieties and Pleaſures of Life. Youth is naturally unthinking; and ſtrongly inclin'd to ſenſual enjoyments. Their conſtitutions are ordinarily firm and robuſt; not broken with fatigue, impair'd by ſickneſs, or worn out with age. Their pulſe beats high, their blood circulates briſkly through their veins, and all the powers of nature are in their higheſt ſprightlineſs and vigour: Their appetites are eager, their paſſions are head-ſtrong, and ſo apt to hurry them into all manner of riot and exceſs, contrary to the ſacred rules of virtue and ſobriety. They eſteem Religion too dark and melancholy an entertainment for the flouriſhing bloom of life, and fit for none but thoſe whoſe temper is ſoured with loſſes and diſappointments in the world, and whoſe ſtrength is waſted with ſickneſs or age. Hence they give an unbounded looſe to their vicious inclinations, and wallow in the groſſeſt ſenſualities.
But make a pauſe, I beſeech you, in the midſt of your mad career, and conſider what will be the conſeguence of your actions; Know it, that for theſe things God will bring you into judgment, and call you to a ſtrict account ſo: your youthful follies. You may now drink wine in bowls, and ſing away your cares, ſpend your days in mirth, and your years in vanity and pleaſure; but theſe are dying comforts, ſhortliv'd enjoyments, which will ſoon end in diſappointment and ſorrow. The ſprightlineſs of Youth, the ſtrength of your conſtitutions, is no Protection againſt the ſudden arreſts of Death, and the inevitable ſummons of your almighty Judge. How many of your companions have been cut off in the flower of their days, and diſpatch'd into an eternal world, without any warning? And have you any ſecurity, that this ſhall not be your caſe? On the contrary, have you not the greateſt reaſon to fear, that whilſt you are revelling in your intemperate pleaſures, and madly purſuing your guilty deſigns, while you are flattering your ſelves with the proſpect of long life and proſperity, and dream of nothing but peace and ſafety, the fatal Period will come upon you in a moment, and overwhelm you with ſwift and unavoidable ruin? Knowing then the terrors of the Lord, we perſwade you, to break off your Sins by unfeigned Repentance, and get reconciled to God, and prepar'd to die.— O fly to the great Saviour of the world, who alone can ſecure you from the flames of vindictive Juſtice: Cry to him moſt importunately for the powerful influences of his Spirit, to cleanſe your polluted Souls; that you may be found of your Judge in peace, without ſpot and blameleſs.—But I paſs,
II. To apply this Exhortation to thoſe that are in the Evening of Life, and have hitherto neglected to prepare for the approaching diſſolution of all things.
With what confidence will you, under your heavy Loads of Guilt and Defilement, be able to hold up your heads at the bar of Chriſt? Can you hope to appear with Safety before his Judgment-Seat, who have hitherto ſpent your time in the neglect of his Authority, in diſobedience to his Goſpel, and profane contempt of his ineſtimable Blood? Alaſs, your days decline apace, your Sun is almoſt ſet, and the Night haſtens upon you, wherein no man can work. O then ſeize the flying moments, and trifle no longer with your eternal Concerns; humble your ſelves in the duſt for your aggravated Iniquities, and turn from all your Tranſgreſſions. Fly for Refuge to Chriſt, and give glory to the Lord your God, before your feet ſtumble upon the dark mountains, and before the terrors of a future judgment ſurprize you. O how will you eſcape, if you neglect ſo great Salvation!
III. Let what we have heard put the Children of God upon diligent endeavours to grow in Grace, and in the Knowledge of Chriſt, to increaſe in univerſal holineſs, that they may be better prepar'd for the awful Events they are expecting, and which will ſurely come to paſs.
To quicken our Zeal and Activity in the Chriſtian Life, let us frequently be looking forward to that important day, when our deſcending LORD ſhall make the clouds his chariot, and ſhall ride upon the wings of the wind; when the Heavens ſhall bow before him, and the rocks ſhall melt at his preſence, and a fire ſhall go before him to burn up his enemies on every ſide.—Conſider how vaſt will be the joy of thoſe holy Souls, who ſhall be ſaved from the ruins of a burning world, and be admitted into the new heavens and the new earth, wherein dwells righteouſneſs. And let the proſpect of this happy ſtate engage us to unfainting induſtry in the ſervice of God our Saviour, to a conſtant ſeparation from the defiling corruptions of the world, and unto a Care to have our Converſation in Heaven: then we may be aſſured, that the day of Chriſt's ſolemn appearance will be the day of our complete and eternal Redemption. While ungodly Sinners ſhall tremble at the Preſence of their righteous Judge, and at the ſight of a diſſolving world, we that have ſerv'd God, and waited for his Son from Heaven, ſhall be able, amidſt this Scene of darkneſs and horror, to hold up our heads with Joy, and not be aſhamed before Him at his coming.— We ſhall ſhout unto God with the voice of Gladneſs, and join in that triumphant Song of Moſes and the LAMB: Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God almighty; juſt and true are thy ways, thou King of Saints!
AMEN. FINIS.
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End of the text · Ebenezer Pemberton, Sermons on Several Subjects (1738)