A DISCOURSE OF THE LAST JUDGEMENT OR Short Notes upon MAT. XXV from Ver. 31. to the end of the CHAPTER Concerning the Judgement to Come and our Preparation to stand before The Great Judge of Quick and Dead Which are of sweetest Comfort to the Elect Sheep and of most dreadful Amazement and Terrour to Reprobate Goats And do Concern All to think Seriously upon that they may look the Judge in the Face with Comfort in the Great Day of His APPEARING By SAMUEL WHITING Pastor of the Church of Christ at Lynne in N.E. Eccles 12.14 For God shall bring every work into judgement with every secret thing whether it be good or whether it be evil 2 Cor. 5.10 For we must all appear before the Judgement seat of Christ that every one may receive the things done in his body according to that he hath done whether it be good or bad Acts 24.25 And as he reasoned of Righteousness Temperance and Judgement to come Felix trembled CAMBRIDGE Printed by S. G. and M. J. 1664. TO THE CHRISTIAN READER THE Judgement to come as it is most Formidable and Dreadfull to the Wicked so it is most Sweet and Comfortable to those that are truely godly being the Day of their Redemption Luke 21.28 The Time of Refreshing Acts 3.19 and The time of Restitution ver 21. when all shall be Restored which God hath spoken of and when among other things all our Losses shall be fâ—lly Restored the loss of the Image of God by the Fall for 1 Co. 15.49 As we have born the image of the Earthly so we shall bear the image of the Heavenly Our lost Comforts also shall be Restored for we shall have everlasting Consolation 2 Thess 2.16 Our lost Fellowship with the Father Son and Spirit some small and little beginnings whereof we have here shall be Restored 1 John 3.2 Râ—vâ—lat 22.4 John 14.3 1 Theâ—â— 4.17 Now had the main Subject of the following Discourse a better Head and Heart to deal in and about it it might be very advantageous to draw men seriously to Repent according to that in Acts 17.30 31. and to quicken them up to watch and pray alwayes that they may be counted worthy to escape those things that are coming upon the woâ—ld and to stand before the Son of Mâ—n Luke 21.36 But what I have I offer to thy candid View and to thy serious Thoughts concerning this great Subject of The Last Judgement Some Hints there are and but Hints which may make a gracious heart chearfully to desire after that Day and elevate and sublimate his Spirit Heaven-ward Some other things indeed are terrible but to none but those that love their Sins and will not be perswaded to Confess them and forsake them To such I would speak as Dâ—â—el to Nebuchaanezzaâ— Dan. 4.27 Let my counsel be acceptable to you and break off your sins by Righteousness Become new men let all old things pâ—ss away and all things become new Let Jesus Christ be yours Get a sure Portion and Interest in him and if he that is to be your Judge be your Saviour this great Day and the great Transactions then will not be dreadful to you But if you will resolve upon it to keep your Sins and adventure the Losâ— of Soul and Body to all Eternity for your Lusts sake if the Worm that dâ—â—s not and the Fire that is not quenched will not startle and awaken you if you can grapple with Everlasting Burnings and will be trying Mastery with the Omnipotent One if you provoke the Lord to anger and think to be stronger then he and will be Fighters against God and let Heaven and all the joyes and City-priviledges of it go for a thing of noâ—ght Then I have no more to say but this to you My Soul shall weep in secret places for you and this Little Book with what you have heard and known from other of the Lords Worthies shall Witness against you at the Last Day My hearts desire is knowing the Terrour of the Lord to perswade men and if this small Script may but by the Blessing of God be Effectual to fit any of my dear Countrey-men to look upon Jesus Christ with Comfort at that Day and that they and I may among the rest of the Sheep be set at his Right Hand and hear that blessed Sentence of Absolution pronounced upon us I have enough Then he that is in the Bosome of the Father will put us in his Bosome and reveal all his Bosome-Secrets and Bosome-Counsels and Bosome-Consolations and Bosome-Love and open all the Treasures that are with him to enrich us to all Eternity Then we shall fully Comprehend the Breadth and Length and Depth and Height and know the Love of Christ that passeth knowledge which the best of us do but in part comprehend and know here For when that which is perfect is come then that which is imperfect shall be done away Good Reader I have given thee a short account about the Publishing of these poor Labours of mine beseeching the Lord that his mighty Spirit may go along with them that good may be done by them and Souls won to him and that he may be glorified when he comes to be admired in his Saints and in them that Believe at that Day I have done after I have said one thing more If thou and I be made more Spiritual and Heavenly in our Looks and Longings and Breathings after Immortality by this Discourse and be any way better fitted to meet the Lord at that Day if our Desires be more quickened after the sweet Views of his Blessed Face whom we yet never saw but by an Eye of Faith if after a few tossings with Tempest in the Sea of this World we arrive at those fair Havens of Eternal Rest in a state of Glory to sing everlasting Hallelujahs and Praises to the God of our Mercy To Him that sitteth upon the Throne and to the Lamb for ever and ever Then we shall never repent neither thou that hast perused nor I that have Published these unpolished Lines but shall rejoyce that they have been brought to see the light Thine in the Lord Jesus Samuel Whiting TO THE READER IT was Paul's excellency that He looked not at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seen The unseen things of the world to come are the only great things compared with which all that is in this world is but a trifle But such is the natural dulness of sinfull men and so much do we hang upon present sense that all sorts of means prove too little to realize to us these future unseen things and to get our Hearts â—ffected with them What Christ said to them may be said 〈◊〉 us 〈◊〉 Hereafter shall ye see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of Power and coming in the clouds of Heaven But because we do not see Him now because we do not now hear the last Trumpet sound nor feel
love to them Joh. 3.16 them to him Heb. 2.13 therefore no wonder if the Son be so willing to welcome and receive his Fathers gift 3. The Fathers pleasure is to give them the Kingdome Luke 12.32 and if the Father so honour them the Son will honour them with a blessed welcome into his sweet presence 4. The Father hath called them to the fellowship of his Son 1 Cor. 1.9 and therefore no wonder if the Son admit such into his fellowship at that day 5. The Father hath delight in the sight of the Lord Jesus and his children together Heb. 2.13 and therefore no wonder if he be so willing to bid them come to him 6. The Fathers will is that none of them should be lost John 6.39 and if so the Son cannot but gather them together to himself 2. From Christ himself 1. He hath promised that where he is they shall be also John 14.3 2. He hath prepared a place for them ibid. that they may be together 3. He prayed for this when he was on earth John 17.24 4. He loves them Deut. 33.3 Psal 146.8 Gal. 2 20. and they that love are never well but when they are together 5. He takes pleasure in his people Cant. 2.14 Psal 149.4 and if here much more at that day when all their rags are off when in their Robes 6. He shews himself and his Children as a pleasant sight for the Father to behold Heb. 2.13 and therefore cannot but at that day give them admittance into sweetest fellowship with him and say Come to them 3. From the Elect Saints themselves 1. They are Members of his Body of his Flesh and of his Bones Eph. 5.30 2. They are his Brethren so the Text and brotherly Communion he thinks is meet Brethren love to be together 3. They have had fellowship with him on earth 1 John 1.3 and are styled his fellows Psal 45.7 and will not he bid his fellows welcome at that day 4. They have been troubled for nothing more then his absence Lam. 1.16 5. They have desred his presence when they have wanted it Psal 42.1 2. 63.1 2. 84.1 2. Jerem. 14.8 9. 6. They have longed earnestly for the full fruition of him Cant. 8. ult Rev. 22.20 and have looked for him Phil. 3.20 Vse 1. for Information 1. We see the great love of the Lord Jesus that not onely causeth us to come to him here in a state of Grace but admits us and invites us to come to him in a state of Glory What love is there like to this love Eph 3.18 19. 2. We see the truth of that in John 6.37 Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out 3. We see what earnest denres we should have to have communion and fellowship with him here for he will admit us at that day into full communion and fellowship with him Job 22.21 1 John 13.4 We see that the enjoyment of fellowship with Christ at that day is the top of Glory and the Heaven of Heaven it self Christ said all and enough when he said Luke 23.43 To day shalt thou be with me and the Apotle in Philip. 1.23 1 Thess 4.17 18. 5. We see how earnestly we should sign and breather in our desires after that day to hear thaâ— joyful word Coâ—e Well may the Spirit and the Bride say Come Rev. 22.17 well may each faithful Soul say Come to him who will at that day say Come to them Rev. 22.20 6. We see how ready we should be to come at his call to come to him in a way of believing John 6.35 to come to him in a way of Repentance Isa 21.12 to come to him in a way of Obedience Rev. 3.20 Well may we come to him all these wayes who will speak that blessed word Coâ—e to us at that day 7. We see that we need not disdain to come after him and take up his Cross for this sweet word Come will be comfort enough after all our sufferings with him and for him 8. We see how joyfully we should call one upon another to come and assemble together into his House and Courts Isa 2.2 3. Mâ—cah 4.1 2. Zech. 8.20 21 22. We may well come to meet him there that will at that day meet with us and say Come to us 9. We see what great encouragement we have to invite him to come to partake in our Services and Duties as Cant 4. ult This blessed Come of his at the last day should put us upon inviting him to come to what we provide for him his own precious fruits 10. We see that the very meanest and poorest and such as are most despicable in their own and others eyes shall be then owned and accepted of him and entertained into sweetest fellowship with him for he shall say Come to them at that day Vse 2. for Exhertation 1. To come before his presence with singing Psal 100.2 And let this Come put life and cheerfulness into all our Services in publick that are to be performed to him 2. To come together in our more private Services as they did of old Mal 3.16 3. To come often before him in secret Duties Matâ—h 6. â— 6 16. Let this Come make us come and perform secret duties 4. To own him and his Cause and Saints that will then own us 15. To admire the Lords mercy to us that he should give us any hope of hearing such a joyful word who have deserved to be for ever abdicated from his presence 6. To love his appearing well may we do so â— Tim. 1.8 7. To give all diligence to make our calling and elect on sure 2 Pet. 1 10. for Elect ones shall never fall 8. To have no fellowship with the workers of iniquity for they are no meet company for those that Christ will say Come unto at that dâ—y 9 To bewail our long delayes in coming to him He hath said Turn ye turn ye c. Ezek. 33.11 and. When shall it once be Jerem. 13.27 but we have and him stay long 10. To pray earnestly that we may be in that number Luke 21.36 to stand before the Son of man Vse 3. for Consolation 1. Against the separation that others make from us If Christ will own us and say Come it 's no matter 2. Against mens separating us from their company Luke 6.22 3. Against Christs seeming derelictions here they may be the better born if at that day he say Come to us 4. Against Satans whisperings and false charges Positive Comforts 1. That we are happy if all go if Christ sâ—y Come to us at that day 2. That if we never come to any thing in this world it 's no matter if he say Come at that day 3. That they are blessed that have a portion in him for he will then say Come Ver. 34. Come ye blessed of my Father c. Doct. XI is this That the Elect Saints are the Fathers Blessed ones anâ— shall be pronounced such by the Lord
Jesus at the last and great day For opening of which let me shew 1. Wherein they are the Fathers Blessed ones 2. How they come to be his blessed ones 3. Why pronounced so 4. The Uses For the first Wherein hey are his blessed ones Answ 1. He Bleâ—â—â—th theâ— wiâ—h all Spiritual Blessings in Heavenly places in Christ Jesus Ephes 1.3 â— He Blesseth them with the Blessing of Peace Psal 29. ult peace External Psal 147.13 14 Peace Internal Rom 5.1 Peace Eternal Isai 57.2 3. He Bleseth theâ— with his Favour Psal 5.12 4. He blesseth them with deliverance from their Enemies Psal 3.8 Deut. 28.7 5. He Blesseth them with success in their callings Psal 1.3 6. He Blesseth them with fruitfulness in the season of it ibid it 's a season to have the Soule afflicted in a Fast they shall in that season bring forth that fruit it 's a season to rejoice in a feast day they shall bring forth that fruit in that season it 's a season to consider in the day of adversity Eccles 7.14 a season to pray in an afflicted condition Jam 5.13 it 's a season to sing Psalmâ— in an estate of Mirth and to be Joyful in prosperity they shall bring forth these fruits in their seasons 7. He Blesseth them in their Families in their yoak fellowes in their Children in their servants and sojourners Deut. 28.4 8. He Blesseth them with the great Blessing of Evernal Life 9. He Blesseth them in their outward Estate Deut. 28.4 5 8 11. 10 He blesseth them in all places where they come Deut. 28 3. 11. He blesseth them in all estates that they are brought into prosperity is blessed to them as to David and Solomon and divers others Abraham and Lot with many more Adversity is blessed to them as to Job and Heman and sundry more see Rom. 8.28 no wind blows but brings them in profit South-wind North-wind make their Spices flow Cant. 4.16 12. He blesseth them of what rank and state soever they be of and in all their relations high and low rich and poor Noble and Ignoble Pâ—rents are related to Children and Children to Parents he blesseth both Gen. 17.7 Psal 15.13 14 15. Husbands to Wives and Wives to Husbands he blesseth both how many blessed couples do we meet with in Scripture Ministers to People and People to Ministers how many blessed societies have there been and are at this day 13. He blesseth them in their Spirits and Souls by being with their Spirits by speaking in them for it is the Spirit of their Father that speaks in them Mat. 10.20 by increasing his graces in them Psal 92.12.13 14. Rev 2.19 14. He blesseth them with his presence in his Ordinances Psal 84.4 Quest 2. How come they to be his blessed ones Answ 1. He hath chosen them Ephes 1.3 4. 2. He hath Adopted them Ephes 1.5 3. He hath effectually called them Rom 8.30 1 Pet. 3.9 4. He hath justified and pardoned them and therefore blessed them Psal 32.1 2. 5. He hath sent his Son to bless them Acts 3.26 6. Me hath given his Spirit to them Ephes 1.14 20 22. 7. He hath prepared a kingdom for them so the text 8. He hath made us meet for this estate Col. 1.12 Quest 3. Why shall they be pronounced such at that day Answ 1. For the glory of the Father Son and Spirit fâ—r these are glorified by this 2. For the honour of the elect for it will be their great honour to have this noble style put upon them at that day Vse 1. For Information 1. We see of what precious esteem the Saint should be to us for they are the Fathers bleded ones their names should be precious their soules precious their lives precious their deaths precious every way precious they should be for the Father highly priaeth them in making them his blessed ones 2. We see that we can never be thankfull enough to the blessed Father never bless him enough who thus blesseth us Coloss 1.12 Ephes 1.3 4. Neh. 9.5 3. We see that it is no matter though men curse us as long as we are the Fathers blessed ones Psal 109.28 David was never the worse for Shimess curâ—ing 2 Sam. 16. being one that was blessed of the Father 4. We see what reason Governours have to bless those under them 1 King 8.55 Numb 6 23-27 Kuth 2.4 Gen. 28.1 3 4. 5. We see how denrable that day should be to uâ— wherein we shall be pronounced the bleâ—sed of the Father that will be a blessed dâ—y indeed Cant. 8. ult Apoc. 22.20 6. We see what great reason we have to bless the Lords people for they are the Fathers blessed ones we should bless them with our prayers bless them with our salutations bless them with our hearty desires for them every way bless them for the Father hath begun to us and led us the way in making them his blessed ones Rom. 12.14 1 Pet. 3.9 7. We see where is the original and rise of all our blessedness and whence it comes to us it is from the blessed Father he is the fountaine of it we should never have been blessed had it not been for this blessed Spring Acts 3.26 Iohn 3.16 8. We see that the Lords Saints shall be blessed for the Father hath blessed them if Isaac said Gen 27.33 much more is it true here 9. We see the vanity of those that hold that the Heathens were saved and are now blessed ones how can this be when they neither knew the Father nor the Son by whom they must bee blessed 10. We see what reason we have to bless those that curse us for â—e are called to inherit a blessing and are the Lords blessed ones Mat. 5.44 1 Pet. 3.9 11. We see how unlike they are to the blessed Father that curse those that he hath blessed see Psal 109.17 18 19. and we see the trueth of that Gen. 12.3 12. We see that all those afflictions that we meet with here should be nothing to us for in the midst of all we are the Fathers blessed ones Vse 2. For Terrour 1. To those that curse them Numb 23.8 2. To those that pray not for them nor bless them but do all the despite they can against them 2 Sam. 16. Mat. 5.44 3. To those that despise the Fathers blessing 4. To those that hate them for this blessing as Gen. 27.41 Vse 3. For Exhortation 1. To bless him that blesseth us Ephes 1.3 2. To delight in blessing them thâ—t are his blessed ones Psal 109.17 3. To honour the Lord Jesus that will honour us at that day and stile us his Fathers blessed ones Iohn 5.22 23. 4. To shew that we are the Fathers blessed ones by being a blessing in all places where we come Gen. 12.2 5. To bless our families 2 Sam. 6.20 6. To believe our selves and stirre up others in temptation to believe that they are the blessed of the Lord Psal 115.15 7. To detest the very thought of cursing him
home upon them at that day Vse 1. for Information 1. We see a reason why unmerciful men are so unwilling to die and to think of the Day of Judgement they know that that sin of Unmercifulness will be charged home upon them at that day 2. We see a reason why they have no peace in their Consciences Isa 57.20 21. How can they when it shall go so ill with them at that day 3. We see how loathsome that sin should be to us and how fearful we should be to fall into it 4. We see what severity they must look for that take away meat from the hungry and drink from the thirsty 5. We see that unmerciful men shall not want Witnesses to â—ome in against them rather then so the hungry Bellies and thirsty Throats of the Saints shall bring in Evidence against them as Jam. 5.1 3. 6. We see what desperate adventures wicked men will make for the saving of a little meat and drink 7. We see that unmercifulness though it be not known to men yet it is to the Lord and he will one day reckon for it 8. We see the truth of that in Prov. 11.17 The merciful man doth good to his own soul but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh 9. We see how exceedingly the Lord abhors a covetous unmerciful spirit Psal 10.3 10. We see how tenderly careful the Lord is of the Bodies and lives of his Saints that will charge it so home to them at that day that have not fed them 11. We see how terrible he will be to those that have been unmerciful to their Souls Ezek. 34. 12. We see a reason why Satan puts men upon it to be unmerciful he knows they shall pay dear for it Vse 2. for Terrour 1. To all those that give no meat to the hungry nor drink to the thirsty 2. To those that violently snatch it from them 3. To those that give not the food of their Souls to them 4. To those that hunt them and persecute them when they seek meat to relieve their Souls 5. To those that kill them John 16.1 2. Vse 3 for Exhortation 1. To fear to be of an unmerciful spirit to hungry and thirsty ones 2. To reprove it in others where we see it as we have any opportunity 3. To be often thinking of the Judgement to come especially when any such objects as hungry and thirsty ones are before us 4. To bless the Lord if he have kept us from this sin which will be charged so home another day 5. To detest their way that kill and murther the Saints 6. To mourn for them that are cruel to the Saints Souls Jerem. 23.1 2. 7. To tremble when the Lord threatens a Famine of Bread for our Souls Amos 8.11 12 13. 8. To be merciful Luke 6.36 and love mercy Micah 6.8 9. To break the Bread of Life to hungry ones 2 Tim. 4.1 2. John 21.15 16 17. 10. To justifie the Lord in taking vengeance upon cruel Rome Rev. 16.5 6. Vse 4. for Conselation 1. Against all the Cruelty of unmerciful ones see Psal 58.10 11. 2. Against all Romes Cruelty Rev. 18.24 it will be required one day 3. Against the Saints hungry bellies here they need not be too much troubled for they that have been unmerciful to them shall be charged with it at the last day Ver. 43. I was a stranger and ye took me not in The Second Branch of the XXXVI Doct. is this That unmercifulness to the Saints when Strangers in not gâ—veing lodging and entertainment to them shall be charged deeply upon the Wicked at the day of Judgement Reas 1. From the nature of this sin of non Entertainment 2. From the Saints that are in this condition 3. The Uses From the nature of this sin 1. It is want of Humanity such men do un-Man themselves forget that they are men now to be without Humanity so far to degenerate as to loss the nature of man must needs be deeply charged upon men at that day 2. It is want of natural affection which is an Heathenish sin Rom. 1.31 and that is very unbeseeming Christianity 3. It is a manifest breach of Rule 1 Pet. 4.9 Heb. 13.2 and how then should it be otherwise but that it should be charged home upon those that are guilty of it 4. It is that that they would be unwilling should be done to them and to do that to others that men would be loth should be done to themselves is to despise the Law and the Prophets and the Law of Christ himself Mat. 7.12 Jam. 2.8 5. It is great cruelty and argues much hard-heartedness Judg. 19.18 19. and will not the Lord be severe to such and reckon sore with cruel ones 6. It comes cross to the practise of holy men Abraham Lot that good old man Judg. 19.20 21. Lydia Act. 16.15 Job chap. 31 32. and many others 7. It is worse then Barbarism Act. 28.2 7 10. 8. It is that that is very provoking to the spirits of good men Luke 9.51 52 53 54. and though they were too hot which Christ rebukes them for yet the sin was great and very provoking although the sweet disposition of Christ would not then punish it 9. It is a confluence of many sins and the very sink that they come from and run into Pride Covetousness Carelesness Senslesness of others conditions Barrenness Uncharitableness Unbeleif and these the Lord abhors 10. It is the highest degree of ingratitude to Christ for his bounty in outward things bestowed upon them 2. From the Saints in this condition 1. They are very precious in the sight of the Lord Heb. 11.38 and not to entertain such must needs be that that will be deeply charged upon men at that day 2. They are in great danger of loss of health and life in such a condition and therefore not to be received then must needs provoke the Lord to lay his charge heavy upon such as have been this way guitty at that day 3. They are such as Christ has received to be of his houshold Ephes 2.19 and made of the houshold of Faith Gal. 6.10 and not to receive such to these mens houses must needs be very provoking 4. They are such as Christ will receive to himselfe into mansions of glâ—ry John 14.2 3. 5. They are such as bring God the Father and Christ Jesus the Son and the holy Spirit with them 1 John 1.3 and not to entertain such is to shut out these blessed guests and who can be innocent that doth this Christ will surely charge it home and home upon them at that day 6. They have the Holy Angels their guardians with them Psal 34.7 Heb. 1.11 and not to entertain such company cannot be taken well at that day 7. They are heirs of the World and all things are theirs in Christ 1 Cor. 3.21 22 23. and therefore to deny them a little entertainment will be heavily charged at that day 8. They are the very
1 Pet. 1.17 2 Thess 1.6 7 8 9. Rom 2.6 7 8 9. Vse 1 for Information 1. We see in what sense the Day of Judgement is called The great Day Jude ver 6. It must needs be so when Christ shall sit upon such a glorious Throne about such great things as Life and Death are having such Attendance upon him by such great Priâ—ces and Courtiers as the blessed Angels are 2. We see how desireable a day it should be to Believers that are Members of Christ for then they shall see their Head exalted their King upon his glorious Throne see for illustration Isa 33.17 3. We see how despicable all worldly glory should be to believing Saints while they â—ix their eyes upon this glorious Throne of Christ Take Solomons glory or that of the greatest Princes on Earth and it is not so much as a shadow of this Glory see Esth 1.4 We see that Afflictions are nothing while wee look aâ— this Glory Rom 8.18 2 Cor. 4.17 5. We see what a rare sight it is to see Christ upon the Throne and therefore what diligence we should use that we may have a sight of it with comfort What striving and crowding is there to see an Earthly King upon his Throne Oh what striving should there then be to see this rare sight and to have the comfort of it 6. We see the love of the Lord Jesus in willing and desiring this of his Father for us Joh. 17.24 that we may partake of it 7. We see what a glorious Throne he will have in the highest Heavens if such a Throne be erected in the Clouds for him Apoc. 3.21 8. We see what diligence we should use in the service of Christ for he is a King upon the Throne 9. We see how terrible the day of Judgement will be to Devils and damned ones for they â—hall see the judge upon his Throne 10. We see that Tribunals on Earth are an image of this 11. We see what need there is oâ— that 2 Pet. 3.14 12. We see how good it is to stand for Christ now Vse 2. for Terrour 1. To all dissembling Hypocrites Câ—rist upon his Throne will discâ—vâ—r them 2. To those that have been profâ—ne all their lives how will they be able to stand before this glorious Throne 3. To those that have been fearful to stick to Christ Oh that Throne will daunt them Apoc. 21.8 Vse 3. for Humiliation 1. To those that have too few Meditations on Christ upoâ— his Throne 2. To those that are taken with any erroneous Opinion Christ when he sits upon his Throne will shew what price he sets upon his Truth Mark 8 ult 3. To those that faint in the day of trouble Apoc. 2 10. Vse 4. for Exhortation 1. To get a sure portion in him and then we shall rejoyce to see him on his Throne 1 Joh. 2.28 2. To despise all worldly pomp and glory what 's that to this 3. To fear to come before him in our sins and in our rags for he will not own us in such a state upon his Throne 4. To long after that day wherein we shall see this glorious sight 5. To suffer with him and for him cheerfully for when he sits upon his glorious Throne he will reward us to the full 6. To beg grace and mercy at the Throne of Grace that his glorious Throne may not dismay us Heb. 4. ult 7. To set up a Throne in our Hearts to judge and condemn our selves and then 1 Cor. 11.31 32. 8. To confess Christ here Apoc. 3.5 Mat. 10.32 9. To follow Christ here Mat. 19.28 10. To be of a Royal Kingly spirit and to minde the great things that are above for we have a glorious One that will one day sit c. Coloss 3.1 2. Vse 5 for Consolation 1. Against the Afflictions that we sâ—ffer for Christ 1 Pet. 4.12.13 2. Against the shame and dishonour in particular that we suffer for him Act. 5 4â— 3. Against want of great friends which is a kind of glory 4 Against Wealth and Riches which is worldly glory Gen. 31.1 Ver. 32. And before him shall be gathered all Nations Doct. IV from the Preparation to the Judgement is this That all Nations shall be gathered before the Lord Jesuâ— at the Day of Judgement Rom. 14.10 2 Cor. 5.10 Apoc. 20.12 13. 2 Thess 2.1 For opening of which let me shew 1. Who shall gather them 2. By what means they shall be gathered 3. 〈◊〉 what manner 4. Why they shall be all gathered before him 5. The Uses For the first Who shall gather them Answ The Angels shall be imployed about them in gathering them together Mat. 13.19 24.31 For the second By what means shall they be gathered Answ 1. By the Power of Christ Joh. 5.28 29. 2. By his Sovereignty all Nations being his Subjects which Sovereignty will then be shewed forth and none shall resist for then he will shew himself a King Mat. 25.34 3. By his Commission that he gives out Mat. 24.31 4. By the signal Token of their Summoning before him Ibid. a great sound of a Trumpet 5. By his own descent from heaven with a shout 1 Thess 4.16 6. By the will of Christ Joh. 6.40 Q. 3. In what manner shall they be gathered Answ 1. Orderly the dead in Christ shall rise first 1 Thess 4.16 2. Conspicuously Apoc. 1.7 3. Dreadfully to the wicked 2 Cor. 5.10 11. Apoc 1.7 Mat. 24.30 4. Comfortably to the godly 1 Thess 4.17 18. Luke 21.27 28. 5. Necessarily there 's no avoiding it 2 Cor. 5.10 Rom. 14.10 6. Suddenly and unexpectedly 1 Thess 5.1 2. Luke 21.35 7. Speedily Joh. 5.28 29. as soon as ever the Voice is heard they shall come forth so 1 Cor. 15.51 52. 8. Particularly every person one and another man woman and childe 2 Cor. 5.10 9. Severally of all sorts ranks and conditions High and Low Rich and Poor Noble and Ignoble Kings and Subjects Masters and Servants Ministers and People Parents and Children 10. Certainly Gods Word and Oath is to it Rom. 14.10 11. Q. 4. Why shall they be all gathered together before him Answ 1. That every one may receive the due reward of their works 2 Cor. 5.10 Rom. 2.6 7 8 9 10 11. 2. That every one may give an account of himself to God Rom. 14.12 3. That every secret thing whether good or evil may be brought to light Eccles 12.14 The secret good that the Saints have done that they may have praise for it 1 Cor. 4.5 and the secret evils that the wicked have done the secret Plottings Conspiracies Combinations in a way of wickedness the secret Murthers Adulteries Thefts false Witness the secret Atheistical Profane Blasphemous Abominable Thoughts and Wayes and Workings this way and that which could never be discovered which the vultures eye could never see that all these secrets may be made manifest to their shame and everlasting reproach dishonour and contempt therefore all Nations shall be gathered
cursed into everlasting fire c. Doct. XXIX is this That the Punishment that the wicked shall be cast into shall be of a fiery Nature the Fire of Hell shall be their portion allotted to them Rev. 21.8 Mat. 3.12 Mark 9 43-48 For opening of which let me shew 1. In what respects their Punishment may be said to be Fire 2. Why they shall be so punished 3. The Uses For the first 1. Fire is a dreadful thing Deut. 5.5 as we see in a Scale-fire it puts dread and terrour into us so this Punishment is a dreadful punishment and therefore it s said Heb. 10.31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God see also Luke 12.5 2. Fire is of a storching and burning nature so the Punishment of the wicked in Hell is of a scorching and burning nature Rev. 21.8 3. Fire is of a painful nature if a man put his finger but a little into the fire it will pain him exceedingly much more is this punishment painful If the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever Rev. 14.11 then sure they have no rest but are grievously pained in this fire 4. Fire is of a tormenting nature so is this Fire Luke 16.23 24. 5. Fire is of a destroying nature so is this punishment Heb. 10.39 2 Thess 1.9 Matth. 10.28 6. Fire will make mentry for the extremity of the tortureof it so this punishment If Isa 65.14 they cry and howl here Oh what will they do in Hell there they will cry and howl weep and wail and gnash their teeth Mat. 25.30 7. Fire is of an insatiable nature Prov 30.15 16. so Hell fire it is insatiable Isa 5.14 8. Fire will devour the migatiest Dan. 3.22 so this Fire Isa 30.33 9. Fire will destroy multitudes 2 Kings 1.10 12. so this Fire Isa 5.14 10. Fire spares none that are cast into it except God miraculously suspend the act of it as Dan. 3.27 so this Fire spares none neither man woman nor childe all the wicked shall be burnt up in it Mat. 3.12 Malac. 4.1 11. Fire has sticks bundled up for it so this Pire Mat. 13.30 12. Fire is intolerable much more this Fire Q. 2. Why shall they be thus punished Ans 1. From the Lord. 2. From them From the Lord. 1. His Displeasure kindles it Isa 30.33 2. He hath ordained it of old 3. He hath made it deep and large 4. He hath made the Pile thereof of fire and much wood ibid. 5. He hath threatned this punishment 6. He hath inflicted it upon many as the old World and Sodom c. 7. He is a consuming fire Deut. 4.24 2. From them 1. They have had many fiery lusts that they have provoked him with they have burned with anger desire of revenge with uncleanness with envy and maliâ—e which have kindled this fire Rom. 1.27 Hos 7.4 Jude v. 7. 2. They have kindled coals of Contention among their Neighbours Prov. 26.21 Jam. 3.5 6. 3. They have made strange adventures into fiery company Prov. 6.27 28. 4. They have been inordinate in the use of inflaming creatures Isa 5.11 14. Hos 7.5 6. 5. They have kindled a fire of their own and compassed themselves about with sparks Isa 50.11 6. They have quenched the Spirit against that in 1 Thess 5.19 7. They have fired Churches and Common-wealths Vse 1. for Information 1. We see what great cause we have to take heed of provoking the Lord and kindling his anger against us though but a little Deut. 32.22 Psa 2.12 2. We see that there 's no dallying with sin of what nature and kinde soever except we would dally with fire and make nothing of it to run into it and Oh what folly and madness were it to run into the mouth of a devouring fire yet so do they that daily with sin and make a mock of it Prov. 14.9 3 VVe see how fearful we should be to go in company with evil men for fear of being bundled with them and cast into the fire of Hell with them Isa 5.14 4. We see what a fearful thing it is to fall into his hands Luke 12.5 Heb. 10.31 5. We see what friends they be to us that disswade us from bad company and bad courses they would save us from falling into the fire 6. We see what terrours we should use to reclaim some sinners by Jude ver 23. 7. We see the misery of those whose punishment this must be That was misery enough that is recorded Mark 9.22 Oh but what is this then 8. We see the mischief that is in sin that which is said of that one Job 31.12 is true of all 9. We see the woful state of those that laugh now they will not laugh in Hell fire Isa 5.14 Luke 6 25. 10. We see what a mercy of God it is to be saved from this sore punishment 11. We see what love we owe to Christ who delivereth us from wrath to come 1 Thess 1.10 12. We see what cause we have to beware of those sins that bring this punishment Revel 21.8 Vse 2. for Terrour 1. To all unbelievers 2 Thess 1.7 8. Mark 16.16 2. To all impenitent persons Luke 13.3 5. 3. To those that give up themselves to fiery lusts they shall have fire for fire 4. To those that rush into sin without fear Jer. 8.6 this fire will affright them Vse 3. for Humâ—â—tation 1. To the Lords Saints that come too near this devouring fire by the sins they fall into How near came Lot Samson David Solomon Peter 2. To those that do not pity others that are every moment ready to fall into this fire we would pity such as had the Falling-sickness and fall into the fire c. how much more should we pity these Vse 4. for Exhortation 1. To forsake our most pleasing and profitable sins to cut off right hands and pluck out right eyes Mat. 5.29 30. Mark 9.43 c. 2. To tremble to think of this punishment and to fear to provoke him that hath power to cast into Hell Luke 12.5 3. To save as many as we can out of this devouring fire 4. To venture very farre to pluck men as brands out of the fire what adventures will men make to pluck any thing of worth out of the fire 5. To quench all our fiery lusts by Repentance and Faith in the Blood of Christ 6. To be troubled to see so many wilfully run into it 7. To fly from it Mat. 3.7 men haste out of the fire 8. To admire the love of the Father that so loved the world as to give his onely begotten Son that whosoever believeth on him might not perish in this fire John 3.16 9. To be thankful that any of us escape it for we are all children of wrath and heirs of Hell by nature as well as others Ephes 2.3 10. To be farre from envying at evil men they buy their pleasures dear Luke 16.25 Vse 5. for Consolation 1. Against
Uses For the first He will shew himselfe a King 1. In being invested with glory as a King Ver. 31. 2. In the attendance of his Courtiers 3. In sitting as a King upon his glorious Throne Ibid. 4. In Congregating all his Subjects and Enemies before him Ver. 33. 5. In disposing them in their severall places Ver. 33 6. In giving Sentence upon both Ver. 34 41 c. 7. In rewarding his Subjects and punishing his Enemies Ver 46. For the second Why he will then shew himselfe a King Ans 1. From his Father 2. From himselfe 3. From his Servants both Subjects and Enemies 1. From his Father 1. He hath highly exalted him after his deep abasement Phil. 2.7 8 9 10. 2. The Father is hereby glorified Ver. 11. 3. The Father Judgeth none but hath Committed all Judgement to the Son Joh. 5.22 4. The Father hath given him Authority to execute Judgment Joh. 5.27 5. The Father loveth the Son and 〈◊〉 given all things into his hand Joh. 3.33 even all power in heaven and earth Mat. 28.18 6. The Father delighteth to honour the Son and aims at his Honour in Committing all Judgment to him Jeh 5.22.23 Phil. 2.9 10. 2. From Christ himselfe 1. He ha's fulfilled his Priestly and Propheticall Office and neither of them he will exercize at that day but his Kingly Office and therefore will shew himselfe a King then 2. He is the designed King by the Father Psal 2.6 3. He is appointed to Judg the world Act. 17.31 4. He hath foretold his Kingly honour at that day Mat. 26.64 Apoc. 22.12 2 Cor 5.10 5. He is Christ as well as Jesus and therefore annointed to the Office of a King as well as Priest and Prophet Mat. 1.16 6. He is already Crowned Heb. 2.9 3. From his Servants and that either Subjects or Enemies From his Subjects 1. To comfort them 1 Thes 4.17 18. 2. To give them rest 2 Thes 6.7 8. 3 To reward them Apoc. 22.12 4. To exalt them to be assessours with him 1 Cor. 6.2 3. 5. To own them as the blessed of the Father Mat. 25.34 6. To possess them of the great inheritance of a Kingdome Ibid. From his Enemies 1. To terrifie them 2 Cor. 5.10 11. 2. To bring every thing to light 1 Cor. 4.5 3. To set their Sins in order before them Psal 50.21 4. To convince of all that they have done and spoken against him Jude ver 14 15. 5. To turn them out of his presence with disdain verse 41. 6. To punish them for their wickedness with endless easeless remediless torments Mark 9.44 Vse 1. for Information 1. We see how exceeding terrible the day of Judgement will be to Hypocrites and Reprobates for the majesty of such a King will daunt them his Looks will daunt them his Words will daunt them and dismay them his Attendance will daunt them it will be a dreadful day to them 2 Cor 5.10 11. 2. We see how comfortable it will be to the Saints to see their King and to hear the words of his mouth and that their Saviour is to be their Judge Surely the children of Sion will rejoyce in their King at that day Psal 149.2 3. We see what need we all had to hearken to him as our Prophet now Mat. 17.5 and to get him to be our Priest to make reconciliation and to intercede for us for then he will shew himself a King to judge us 4. We see what cause we have to serve him awfully diligently sincerely and faithfully for he will come as a King at that day to be our Judge Psal 2.11 Josh 24.14 5. We see the misery of those that reject Christ and receive not his words they reject him that â—ust be then King and Judge and those words of his that they have not received shall judge them at the last day John 12.48 6. We see what need we had to live according to his Laws and to beware we break not his Commandments for he will shew himself a King to avenge himself of all those that transgress against him Eccles 12 13 14. 7. We see how able he is to reward all his servants for he is and will shew himself a King at that day His reward is with him Apoc. 22.12 8. We see what a glorious One we serve for we have a King to our Master that will shew 〈◊〉 self a King at that day we need not be ashamed of his service 9. We see that all his words at that dâ—y will be with power whether in his Sentence of Absolution or Condemnation see Eccles 8.4 10. We see how ready and â—â—eedy we should be in doing any thing that is his will to be done so do the servants of Princes and Kings Ezra 7.21 Vse 2 for Terrour 1. To all those that have been rebellious against him openly and continued in their rebellion how will they look this King in the face 2. To those that have been secretly treacher us and false to him this King will discover them at that day Vse 3. for Exhortation 1. To kiss this King Psa 2.12 as Saâ—uel did Saul 1 Sam. 10.1 2. To prepare to meet him Amos 4.12 as Abigail did David 1 Sam. 25. 3. To do him â—omage and be subject to him if we must be subject to the higher powers here Rom 13.1 Tit. 3.1 much more should we be subject to him 4. To rejoyce in him Psal 149.2 5. To love pureness of heart if an earthly King will be a friend for this Prov 22.11 â—ow much more will this King 6. To thout forth his praises people give loud acclamations to their King 7. To honour all his Children for they are the children of a King if we most Honour aâ— men 1 Pet. 2.17 then much more the children of this glorious King 8. To present him with the first and best of what we have Mal 1.14 to present him with the fervice of out first and best dayes Eccles 12.1 Vse 4. for Consolation 1. Against the enemies of Christ and his people in that day he will destroy them all 2. Against the rebellions of our natures and of our heart at that day there shall be no risings thereof any more 3. Against the hard Laws of Tyrants and their hard usage Positive Comforts 1 That we shall ever enjoy peace in his Kingdome 2. That we shall be alwayes in the presence of our King 3. That he will be as willing as able to reward his fervants 4. That he will rule us and bless us and be a defence to us 5. That we shall be pleased with what he does see 2 Sam 3 36. Doct. X. is this That the Lord Jesus will at the last day welcome an his Elect ones and 〈◊〉 them come to him to enjoy his sweet prejence Reasons 1. From his Father 2. From Himself 3. From his Saints From his Father 1. He hath blessed them So the text But of that more hereafter 2. He hath given his Son out of