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
65.13 Q. 2. Why is he so sensible of their want of Clothing Ans 1. From himself 2. From them From himself 1. He knows that we need them Mat. 6.32 2. He loves them and therefore cannot but be sensible of their wants this way Deut. 10.18 3. He is the Master of the house Mark 13.35 and the Master of the family is sensible of the families wants herein 4. He would have us to be sensible of our Brethrens wants Luke 3.11 5. He does moth-eat their garments that have not been sensible of the wants of his poor ones this way Jam. 5.2 6. He clothes the Lillies and therefore cannot but be sensible of our want in this kinde Matth. 6.28 29 30. 7. He clothes them with better garments Isa 61.10 2. From them 1. They are members of his Body of his Flesh and of his Bones Ephes 5.30 2. They are his Purchase Acts 20.28 3. They are honourable and excellent ones Psal 16.3 4. They are of his houshold Ephes 2. 5. They are Heirs of a Kingdome Jam. 2.5 6. They are such as he delighted in from Eternity Prov. 8.30 31. 7. They pray for these things Prov. 30 7 8. Mat. 6.11 Vse 1. for Information 1. We see how full of bowels the Lord Jesus is to his poor ones that counts himself naked in their Nakedness and is so sensible of their want of Clothing Surely his Companions in Heaven are great towards them 2. We see that surely he is sensible of our want of Spiritual Clothing and therefore gives it to us Jer. 23.6 1 Cor. 1.30 3. We see the marvellous humility of Christ that stoops so low as to have regard to our Clothing and to sympathize with us when we want it 4. We see what little reason we have to be over-careful about it for Christ is very sensible of our need of it Mat. 6. 5. We see that when any are stirred up to help us with any Clothing in our needs we are to take it as a token from Christ who is sensible of our want of Clothing 6. We see that when we are in Nakedness as some of the Lords Saints have been 1 Cor. 4.11 2 Cor. 11.27 we may be the more chearful under such a condition for Christ is very sensible of it 7. We see that when we put on any new garments we are to look at them as fruits of Christs sensibleness of our want of them 8. We see that want of Clothing may befall sometimes the dear Saints of Christ for else how should Christ so sympathize with them 9. We see what a blessed prerogative it is to be among the number of Christs Brethren and Members for when naked he is very sensible of it 10. We see that they that are cruel to the Saints and deal hardly with them in point of Clothing doe not care if Christ himself be naked Vse 2. for Humiliation 1. To those that are too little sensible of the Saints want of Clothing they have but little of the compassion of Christ in them 2. To those that let their Children go naked when they might be clothed Christ looks at himself as neglected Vse 3. for Exhortation 1. To be of a merciful disposition to poor ones and clothe the naked Job 31.19 20. 2. To sympathize with those that want better Clothing Christs Righteousness to cover their Spiritual Nakedness 3. To abhorre their cruelty that take away the poor's garments from them 4. To be thankful to Christ for our Clothing for it is out of his compassion to us that we have our Clothes to cover and warm us 5. To believe that we shâ—all not want Clothing for Christ is sensible of our nakedness 6. To be clothed with Humility 1 Pet. 5.5 for we cannot get Clothing except Christ pity us 7. To be content with what covering we have as being a pledge of Christs sympathizing with and sensibleness of our want of it 1 Tim. 68. 8. To pray for those that are kinde to us this way 2 Tim. 1.16 17 18. Vse 4. for Consolation 1. That we shall not want such Clothing as the Lord sees good for us Psal 84.11 2. That we have a blessed one that suffers with us in our want of Clothing 3. That surely none of his shall be found spiritually naked at the great day for he that is sensible of our bodily nakedness will much more cover the nakedness of our Souls and provide Clothing for them We come now to speak of the fourth Brench of the XVII Doctrine That the Lord Jesus is very sensible of the Sicknesses of his Saints and people I was sick c. For opening of which let me shew 1. How it does appear that he is so sensible of their Sickness 2. Why. 3. The Uses For the first It does appear that He is sensible of their Sickness 1. In that when he was upon earth he was very ready to heal all manner of Diseases of his people and he has the same merciful Spirit now that he had then Mat. 8.16 2. In that he directs his people to the use of such means whereby they come to get healing by his blessing as Physical Herbs and Drugs and other Medicinal things prepared by the skill of the Physician Matth. 9.12 which though it be spoken in a Spiritual way yet is it taken from Physicians of the body 3. In that he is pleased sometimes to heal when the Physicians skill can do no good Mark 5 25-29 4. In that he stirs up his people to pray for their healing and grants their desires therein and this we have great experience of Psal 65.2 5. In that he commands that the Elders of the Church should be sent for in such a case with promise that their Brayer of Faith shall save the sick Jam. 5.14 15. 6. In that he is sometimes very speedy in working their cure Mark 5.29 John 4 50-53 7. In that he has respect to their own Cries and curâ—s them Psal 107 17-20 Job 33 19-26 Isa 38.2 3 4 5. 8. In that he puts forth his power for their cure when there is little hope of cute ibid. 9. In that if the Sickness be any thing sharp he rebukes it Luke 4.39 10. In that he comes to them and visits them with his gracious presence and the Comforts of his Spirit to bear up their hearts in it 11. In that he sends his Servants to them to comfort them with assurance of recovery Isa 38.4 5. 12. In that sometimes he gives them a sign of their recovery Isa 38 7 8. Q. 2. Why is he so sensible of their Sickness Ans 1. From himself 2. From them From himself 1. From the fulfilling of that Prophecy Isa 53.4 with Mat. 8.16 17. 2. He knows what sicknesses are though himself was never sick 3. He knows our frame Psal 103.13 14. 4. He is very pitiful Jam. 5.11 5. He does not afflict willin ly Lam. 3.33 6. He has promised to have compassion Lam 3 31 32. 2. From them 1. They need
me it 's no matter 2. Against our own thoughts of the littleness of what we have done if Christ own it all will be well 3. Against our defects in that we have not done it to so many Christ sayes If it be done to one it is done to me 4. Against our fears because not done to Ministers or others of great esteem Christ sayes If it be done to the least of these my Brethren it is done to me Ver 41. Then shaâ—â— be say also unto them on the left hand Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels Doct. XXVI is this That wicked men and Reprobates shall be cast out of Christs Presence and be bid to Depart from him at the last day Matth. 7.23 Luke 13.27 2 Thess 1.9 Reasons 1. They have said to tâ—e Lord Depart from 〈◊〉 Job 21.14 15. and therefâ—r◠〈◊〉 say to them 〈…〉 me what wonder is it See Mal. 3.14 2. They are worâ—â—â—â—â—f iniquity Mat. 7.23 Luke 13.27 and what â—ould 〈…〉 in his prefence they are nâ— for nothing but to be câ—â—t out 3. They are Cursed so the â—ext And what should tâ—â—y do in the presence of that Blessed One 4. They have departed from his Oâ—dinances Mal. 3.7 and what then câ—n they exâ—ect but that â—e should bâ—d them depart from him at that day 5. They have been 〈◊〉 to hiâ— in his Members and Brethren so the Text and hâ—ve troubled them 2 Thess 16 9. 6. They â—ave had no fellowiâ—â— with 〈◊〉 in any of his holy Institutions here they have been at his House at his Word at his 〈◊〉 at private Meetings it may be have drawn near with their lips and eats and outward man but their hearts have been fâ—rre from him Isa 29.13 Jer. 12.2 and how can they expect any other but that he should put them â—arre from him at that day 7. They have turned their backs of him and of 〈◊〉 wayâ—s Jer. 2.27 32 33. and if â—e turn them ouâ— of his â—â—eâ—ence at that day what woâ—der is it 8. They 〈◊〉 been rebellious to hâ—m and never well but â—â—en tâ—â—y were conspirâ—â—g and plotting soâ—e 〈…〉 him and sindying soâ—e deâ—ign or otâ—er agaiâ—st Hâ—â— his Crown aâ—d 〈◊〉 gâ—ity and harching one rebellion or other â—gainst him Isa 30 9. Jer 4.17 5.23 Ezeâ— 2.7 Deut. 9 7. and â—f this King â—urn such Râ—bels out or his 〈◊〉 it is â—o other then â—â—ey might eâ—pâ—â—t 9. The would not â—â—ve â—im to rule over them Luke 19 27. and therefore â—f this King turn them out of â—is Prâ—â—ence what wonder is it 〈◊〉 Tâ—ey have departed from is people Jâ—â—e ver 19. and have sâ—parated them from their company Luke 6 22. and 〈…〉 it any marvel that be bids them deâ—art at that day 1â— Tâ—ey have some of theâ— departed from the Prâ—fâ— on â—f Relâ—gion that they have mâ—de gone backward Zeph. 1.6 Heb. 10.38 39. and what can such â—â—â—k for but to â—ear hiâ— say Deâ—art â—rom â—e 12. They have 〈◊〉 of them 〈…〉 ande to â—rooked wayes subtile wayes Sâ—rpentinâ— wayâ—s curious wayes wayes that they cannot â—et on of Pâ—al 125.5 and if he turn them going what woâ—der is it 13. They have turned away their 〈◊〉 from their Brethren and hid themselves from their own 〈◊〉 contrary â—o Iâ—a 58.7 sent Widows away empty Jâ—â— 22.9 〈◊〉 Tâ—â—y have gone away from so much as a form of godliness have been openly â—aâ—e and scandalous soâ—e â—f them Isa 3 â— 15. They have departed from the truth of Christ 2 â—et 2.2 16. They have abhorred his holy dayes wherein if â—ver Communion is to be had with him Vse 1. for Information 1. We see how righteous the Lord Jesus is to the Reprobates and wicked men and how equal his wayes are they would none of him and he will none of them at that day they bid him Depart and he does the like to them 2. We see that evil men though they brave it and flourish it here yet will be in an evil case at that day for this departing from Christ has all evil in it Isa 3.11 But of that more hereafter 3. We see that the Lord Jesus regards them not nor any thing they do now in the best of their performances for if he did he would not say Depart from me at the last day Isa 1 10-15 Hos 5.6 4. We see that the Presence of the Lord Jesus is of greatest worth the Heaven of Heaven it self for it is the first and chief thing that wicked men are deprived of Luke 23.43 Phil. 1.23 5. We see how loathsome and detestable wicked men are to Christ in that he will not have them in his presence We use to say of those things we abhor that we would have them gone out of our presence and so those persons we loath Get you out of my company Oh how does Christ then abhorre all such to whom he will say Depart from me at that day Prov. 15.8 9 26. 6. We see what need we had to beware that we be not of that number 7. We see how dangerous it is to be of their company for they must all be turned out of Christs Presence Prov. 13.20 8. We see what great cause we have to make sure of our Union and Communion with Christ here 2 Pet 1.10 1 John 1.5 that we be not for ever cast out of his presence at that dâ—y 9. We see what great difference the Lord will put between his Elect and Reprobates the one sort shall be for ever with him the other for ever abdicated from his presence 10. We see what difference we should make between them for Christ will 11. We see what great dishonour he will put upon these at that day it 's a great dishonour and disgrace to be turned out of a Kings Presence Esth 7.8 2 Sam 14.24 Oh! but what is it to be turned out of Christs Presence 12. We see how severe Christ will be to the wiâ—ked Vse 2. for Terrour 1. To all openly profane ones that have despised his Ordinances wherein they should have had Communion with Christ here they shall be turned out of his Presence for ever 2 Thess 1.9 2. To all secret and close Hypocrites they are to have the like portion allotted to them Maâ— â— 23 Vse 3. for Exâ—â—rtâ—â—ion 1. To evill men 2. To the Saints To Evil men 1. To repent that if it be possiâ—le they may not have this disgrace put upon them 2. 〈…〉 sure portion in Christ and get admittance into his feâ—â—â—wship here Prov. 1.22 23. 3. To cast off their evâ—â—â—ompany 4. To tremble to think of this day while in their sins 5. To love the fellowship of Gods people 6. To weep for the misery that is to come upon them Jam. 5.1 2. 2. To the Saints 1. To beware of company with evil men as ever we would escape this evil 2. To be content to suffer any disgrace rather then to have this 3. To
Cor. 11. Mal. 3.16 5. To Watch and Pray alwayes Luke 21.36 6. To take all opportunities here of getting into his Presence Prov. 8.34 35. 7. To save as many as we can from this misery 8. To open to Christ at his calls and knocks Cant. 5.2 Rev. 3.20 9. To evil men to break off their sins now Dan. 4.27 10. To be persâ—aded 2 Car. 5.11 to love Christs fellowship Vse 4. for Consolation 1. Against wicked mâ—ensâ—louts and jeers at us for our fellowship with Christ here 2. Against the losses we are at it may cost us much many wayes our close walking with him but they that look at the damned's misery and the escape that they make out of it may well bear all this Ver. 41. Depart from me ye cursed c. Doct. XXVIII is this That wicked men are cursed and Christ will pronounce them cursed at the last day For opening of which let me shew 1. Wherein they are cursed 2. Whence it is that they are so cursed 3. The Uses For the first Wherein are they cursed Ans Both here and hereafter 1. Herâ— 1. They are cursed in their Souls and Spirits the curse of God is upon them Deut. 28.28 34 65. Marâ— 11.14 2. They are cursed in their Names Prov. 10.7 Isa 65 15. 3. They are cursed in their Posterity Deut. 28.18 4. They are cursed in their outward Estate Deut. 28.17 18. Job 20.21 22. 5. They are cursed in all places where they come Deut. 28.16 6. They are cursed in their Bodies Deut. 28.21 22 27 35 59 60 61. 7. They are cursed in their Yoke-fellows Deut. 28.30 8. They are cursâ—d in their Callings nothing prospers there Psa 1.3 4. they sometimes take pains and get nothing or if they get any thing God casts it away Prov. 10.3 Eccles 5.14 9. They are cursed in their Habitation Acts 1.20 2. Hereafter 1. They are cursed with the Curse of Separation from the Saints Mat. 25.33 2. They are cursed with the Curse of Abdication from Christs Presence so the Text. 3. They are cursed with the Curse of Condemnation to unspeakable Punishment It is Fire and a Lake of Fire and Brimstone Rev. â—1 8 that they are sent into 4. They are cursed with the Curse of the fellowship of the Cursed Spirits of darkness 5. They are cursed with the Curse of the Continuance of this Punishment it is Everlasting Mark 9.44 46 48. 6. They are cursed with the Remedilesness of the Punishment Luke 16.24 26. 7. They are cursed with the Curse of Sorrow and Vexation Luke 13.28 8. They are cursed with the Curse of Helplesâ—â—â—â— in their condition Luke 16.24 25. Q. 2. Whence are they thus cursed Ans 1. From the Decree of Reprobation Jude ver 4. 1 Thess 5.9 Rom. 9.22 2 Pet. 2.14 2. From the Glory of Gods Justice Prov. 16.4 3. From the Rigour of the Law Gal. 3.10 4. From their Disobedience to the Gospel John 3.18 2 Thess 7.8 9. 5. From their Unfruitfulness and Barrenness under the frequent showers that they partake of Heb. 6.7 8. 6. From their Robbery of God Mal. 3.8 9. 7. From their Deceiving him in their Services in bringing him the worst when they should bring him the best Mal. 1.14 8. From their Unmercifulness to Christs afflicted ones so the Text Psal 109.16 9 From their love of Cursing Psal 109.17 18 19. Vse 1. for Information 1. We see what little reason we have to envy wicked men for any thing they have in this world for in the midst of all their enjoyments if they live and die such they are cursed men Psal 37.1 2. Prov. 24.19 20. 2. We see how dreadful their case will be at the last day when Christ that came to bless his people Acts 3.26 shall pronounce them Cursed 3. We see how loathsome their fellowship should be for they are cursed and shall be cursed by Christ at that day Except therefore we would be cursed with them we must abstain from their company Prov. 1 10-18 13.20 4. We see what need we had to make sure that we are the Lords Elect ones 2 Pet. 1.10 for all they that are not such are cursed and shall be such at the last day 5. We see what height and depth of dishonour the Lord will bring wicked men unto in that he will pronounce them Cursed at that day It will be dishonour to set them at his left hand and to cast them out of his Presence but to call them Cursed addes to their dishonour 6. We see the mischief of sin the Curse is the woful fruit of it Rom 6.21 23. 7. We see what great cause we have to fly from sin as ever we desire to avoid the Curse 8. We see the great love of the Lord Jesus that would himself become a Curse for us to save us from Death and Wrath and Curse and Condemnation Galat. 3.13 1 Thess 1.10 9. We see that we need not be much troubled at what we suffer for Christ as long as we live for the afflictions that we undergo here are nothing to that Curse that wicked men are cursed with to all eternity 2 Cor. 4.17 10. We see the misery of those that love Cursing Psal 109.17 18. Vse 2. for Terrour 1. To those that are unmerciful to Christs afflicted ones they shall be termed Cursed at that day 2. To all Disobedient ones to the Gospel 2 Thess 1.8 9. 3. To all Impenitent sinners Rom. 2.4 5. 4. To all Barren ones under the heavenly droppings of the Word Heb. 6.7 8. Vse 3. for Exhortation 1. To be afraid of the Curse of Christ at that day and provide against it And to that end 1 Get a sure Portion in Christ Acts 3.26 2 Be of a merciful Spirit so the Text. 3 Look well to our faith Gal. 39. 4 Be without guile Psal 32.2 2. To beware of medling with any accursed thing lest we become accursed by it 3. To beware of Friendship with such 4. To bless the Lord Jesus that hath Redeemed us from the Curse by being made a Curse for us Gal. 3.13 5. To wait for him from Heaven 1 Thess 1.10 6. To pity evil men for in the midst of all they partake of they are cursed Luke 16.25 7. To finde out all Acbans in our Church and Family-Societies Josh 7. 8. To devote such to Excommunication and the Curse as Christ would have cast out from us 1 Cor. 5. 9. To beware of Cursing for it argues a cursed estate Eccles 10.20 Rom. 1.2.14 Psal 109.17 10. To have the wicked in no account they are cursed Psal 15.4 Vse 4. for Consolation 1. Against the meanness of the Saints condition it will be worse with wicked men for they are cursed 2. Against the wickeds tyranny over them they would not change states with them 3. Against their wants and the wickeds amuence and abundance 4. Against the praises that are given to wicked men they are cursed with these Luke 6.26 Ver. 41. Depart from me ye
which they shall speak no more This is plain here in the Text. Reasons 1. From Himself 2. From the Wicked 3. From the Sentence passed From Himself 1. From his Wisdome and Knowledge Col. 2.3 Jude 25. they are not able to grapple with him he will easily Non-plus and silence them that they shall not have a word to speak after him 2. From his Majesty and Glory his words will daunt them and confound the mâ— Look as the words of Kings have power going a long with them Eccles 8.4 so his words much more 3. From the Rightness and Integrity of his words Prov. 8.6 7 8. and right words are of great force How forcible are â—right words when men speak them Iob 6.25 much more his right words which he will speak at that day 4. From his Throne of Judgement that he sits upon Prov. 20.8 A King sitting on the Throne of Iudgement scattereth away all evil with his eyes so doth this King much more 5. From that in Prov. 16 10. A Divine Sentence saith Solomon is in the lips of the King his mouth transgresseth not in judgement And if so then surely this Kings mouth transgresseth not in Judgement and such a mouth speaking to them must needs stop all their mouthes 6. From the End of his Coming to Judgement which is a thorow Conviction of all ungodly men Iude ver 14 15. 7. From his power in his Ordinances Matth. 22.11 12. 2. From the Wicked 1. From the feebleness of their pleas weak Arguments and pleas are easily overturned and such will be theirs at that day So the Text. 2. From their Consciences which will be their Accusers and Witnesses against them and Condemn them for if their Consciences do all this sometimes here much more at that day 1 Iohn 3.20 Rom. 2.15 16. 3. From the guilt that is upon them for guilt will stop any mans mouth A guilty Malefactor has nothing to say for himself so here Rom. 3 19. 4. From the Terrour and fear that then will be upon them 2 Cor. 5.10 11. now fear will stop any mans mouth 5. From the shame that will then be upon them Dan. 12.2 and that will stop their mouthes 6. From the contempt that will be then upon them ibid. and when a mans person is contemned here he will have little list to speak 3. From the Sentence passed 1. It is Righteous Acts 17.31 2. It is Irrevocable and cannot be reversed much more Irreversible then that of the Persian Kings Esth 8.8 3. It is that that cannot be found fault with Rev. 22.12 4. It is fair and open before all that the Equity of it may be discerned so the Text. 5. It is unanswerable Iob 9.3 and backed with strong Reason Vse 1. for Information 1. VVe see how miserably wicked men will be foiled and worsted in all that they thought would stand them in stead at the great day Alas they shall not have a word to speak for themselves after the Lord has spoken to them as Job says Job 29.22 After my words they spake not again So much more will it be at that day 2. VVe see what great Confusion of face will be upon the wicked at that day in that they shall be Non plus'd and not be able to speak for themselves Men are confounded in their own spirits when in a Dispute they are baffled and mated and laid upon their backs and so Non plus'd that they have not a word to say Oh then what shame will this be 3. VVe see that the greatest among wicked men shall not be able to lift up their faces at that day as Job sayes of himself sitting in Judgement Iob 29.9 10. so much more will it be when Christ sits in Judgement 4. We see how vain a thing it is to devise Arguments to dispute against Christ at that day for he will be sure to have the last word and put to silence all that oppose him Isai 45.9 5. We see the bottomless depth of the Wisdom and Knowledge that is in Christ Jesus that will be able to foil the whole World at that day 6. We see what need we all had to take words to our selves in a way of Confession and Humiliation and Repentance Hoâ— 14.2 forotherwise we shall want words to speak for our selves at the great dâ—y 7. We see what an amazing day the day of Judgement will be to Reprobates in that their moutâ—es will then be stopped 8. We see how dreadful their condition will be that have opened their mouthes against Heaven and the God of Heaven for if others shall have their mouthes stopped that have only omitted some Duties and have not been so vile in Commissions Oh how will their mouthes be stopped that have opened them in Blasphemy and all manner of wickedness against the Lord 9. We see the greatness of the guilt of wicked men and â—ow it will stare them in the face at that day 10. We see that they that have been so forward to Argue with God and to reply against his Righteous Dispensations Rom 9.20 shall then have nothing to say again him or for themselves Vse 2. for Terrour 1 To all bâ—â—d faced talkers against God and his Wayes and Saints 2. Against all the vain Pleas and Arguments that men think will bear them out in their Wickedness 3. Against the despisers of Christ and his Grace now Vse 3. for Exhortation 1. To open 1 Our hearts to receive him here that our mouthes may not be stopped at that day Psal 24.7 9. 2 To open our hands to his Members 3 To open our houses to them 4 To open the Prison doors and look in to them 5 To open our wardrobes to his naked ones 6 To open our bowels to his sick ones 7 To open our mouthes for the Dumb Prov. 31.8 8 To open Heaven doors by our Prayers 2. To beware of speaking a word against Christ here 3. To let Christs word take place here 4. To repent of our too bold speeches against him Iob 42 3-6 5. To speak all we can against our sins here 6. To beware of having a thought that our Words and pleas shall be heard then if we be wicked â— To instâ—â—y the Lord in all he sayes and does to us here Lam 1.18 for we shall do it then 8. To take heed of wickedness for it will stop their mouthes that are given to it at that Day Ver. 45. Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these c. Doct. XL. is this That Christ will in the Day of Judgement assure all such as have not shewn mercy to his Members in their Necessities that they have neglected and disregarded Him For opening of which let me shew 1. How it does appear that they have Neglected him in not shewing mercy to them 2. Why he accounts it so and will assure them that so it is 3. The Uses For the first It does appear from hence 1. In that they are one with
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
ruled neither by the Lawes of God nor men but break through all the fâ—nces that God and men have set them Hence they are called children of Belial 1 Sam 2.12 and children of the wicked one Mat 13.38 and of the Devil Iohn 8.44 and 1 Iohn 3.10 2. Goats are harmfull creatures and make great spoyl wâ—ere they come if they get into an orchard they will do much mischief and so in other places barking and pilling spoiling and killing all sorts of trees So are wicked men and reprobates harmefull creatures Prov 4.16 17. Psal 55.15 36.1 2 3 4.3 Goats will do a great deale of harme in a little time in one half hour they will do more harm sometimes then they are worth when they come into some places So it is with these men Prov. 1.16 Rom 3.15 Habak 1.8 4. Goats especially the great hee goats thrust with side and shoulder and push the weaker cattell with their hornes Ezek 34.21 He compares Tyrannical men to such creatures and indeed great men like the hee goats thrust with side and shoulder and push with their hornes against weaker ones oppress and vexe them Isai 3.14 15 Micah 2.1 2. 7.3 4. 5. Goats are wanton and libidinous So are these men 2 Pet 2.14 18. Iude verse 8. Ier 5.7 8 Hos 7.6 7. 6. Goats are climbing creatures sometimes will get up to the tops of houses and tops of rocks and mountaines So are these of a climbing aspiring nature of ambitious spirits Esther 3.1 2. 6.6 7 8 9. 2 Sam 15.4 Acts 12.21 22 23 2 Sam. 17.23 Acts 8.9 18 19 3 Iohn 9. 7. Goats are wandering creatures straying from one mountain to an other So these men Psal 95.10 Ezek 44.10 Rom 3 12. Ier 2 5. 8. Goats are unsavory and cast a stinking sent where they come So do these men they are unsavory in their communication unsavoury in their conversation 〈◊〉 1 Cor 15.32 33. Ephes 4.19 Iudges 19.22 there are some that are so unsavoury Isai 3.9 that they defile all the places where they come and cause Religion to stinke and the name of God to be evill spoken of Rom 2.24 1 Sam 2.17 9. Goats are more usefull when they are dead then when alive So evil men when dead make some the better for them then some that fear God are bettered in their estates by them Eccl. 2. ult then the poor sometimes have something by them for Provverbs 28.8 10. Goats will fight one with another so evill men will quarrell one with another Drunkards at their cups unclean persons will sight for their Mistresses proud persons will contend one with another for preheminence priority and for the wall and who should sit highest at feasts and in synagogues and the contention sometimes is so hot that it comes to loss of bloud 11. Goats commonly goe together and care not to be with the sheep So evill men care for no other company but such as are like themselves drunkards goe together Isai 5.12 13. Adulterers goe by troopes Jer. 5.7 Gen. 19.4 robbers goe by companies Hos 7.1 gamesters throng together 12. Goats commonly have one among them that is the chief that leades the rest so among evil men and at their several companyes there is commonly one leading man that the rest follow in a way of wickedness Antichrist is the leader of all his party 〈◊〉 Korah was the leader of all his rebellious company Numb 16.1 Demetrius the Silver-smith was the leader in that Tumult at Ephesus Acts 19. Alexander the Copper-smith was the leader in that opposition against Paul 2 Tim. 4.14 Vse 1. for Information 1. We see what dishonour evil men do put upon themselves by their sins in that they are compared to Goats which have so many evil properties as have been spoken of 2. We see the truth of that in 1 Sâ—m 2.30 God himself styles them Goats they have put dishonour upon him and he will put dishonour upon them But of that more in the next Note 3. We see that men make themselves bruitish by their sins Sin does un-man those that are given to it 4. We see how loathsome and unsavoury evil men are in the nostrils of God in that he compares them to stinking Goats Hence God is said to abborre them Psal 10.4 and their services Isa 1.11 12 13 14. Hence their thoughts are said to be an abomination to him Prov. 15.26 and their sacrifices ver 8. and their way ver 9. 5. We see how earthly-minded such men be and how sensual for they follow the lusts of the flesh and the lusts of the eyes and the pride of life they have no serious thoughts of God or of Heaven but all for the satisfying of their sensual appetites and unclean desires and ambitious projects and the like They are Goats 1 Joh. 2.16 6. We see that they that are of a Goat-like spirit will be in a sad condition in the day of Judgement it is a black Brand of a Reprobate 7. We see what great difference the Lord puts between men and men as much as is between Sheep and Goats 8. We see that among evil men they are the worst that are leaders in a way of wickedness The leader causeth all the unruliness that is in the rest of the Goats 9. We see what a sad judgement it is to do much mischief in a little time against our selves or others it is a sign of a Reprobate and a Goat 10. We see that Reprobates may be known by others it is easie to know a Goat a man of such a spirit so continuing we may say is a Reprobate 11. We see that the more mischievous any be in the places where they live the more they discover themselves to be reprobate Goats for Goats are mischievous creatures 12. We see that it is a dreadful sign of Reprobation to be of an haughty and aspiring nature to climb high and to seek great things in the world Prov. 16.18 18.12 and may be a curb to all proud spirits that would fain be counted above the rest of their brethren that spirit will undo any man whoever he is Vse 2. for Terrour 1. To all wanton lascivious libidinous and unclean persons if God give them not Repentance they are in a state of Reprobation 1 Cor. 6.9 10. Eph. 5.5 2. To all those that thrust with side and shoulder and push with their horns those that are feebler then themselves that abuse their power to crush and afflict the poor and such as have no power to withstand them it is a dreadful sign of Reprobation 1 Thess 4.6 Zeph. 3.19 3. To all those that are unsavoury in their communication in their conversation that cast a stinking scent in all places where they come these are branded by the holy Ghost for Reprobates they are like stinking Goats 4. To all those that are unruly ones that will not be fenced in with any Pale of Gods Law or Mans but will break all bounds that are set
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
sure 2 Pet. 1.10 11. 4. To let all go rather theâ— lose this Kingdome Lusts Honours Pleasures Wealth Life Heb. 11.35 5 To enjoy all here weanedly Psal 131.1 2. 1 Cor. 7 -9 30 6. To bless God for this great dignity 1 Pet. 1.3 4 7. To strive for it 1 Cor. 9.25 what strife is there for earthly Kingdomes many battels are fought for them 8 To have Grâ—ce whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear Heb. 12.28 9. To be Conquerours Rev. 3.21 10. To beware we go not with the multitude for it is the little Flock that have the Kingdome Luke 12 3â— 11. To continue patiently in well doing Rom. 2.7 12. To be rich in Faith Jam. 2.5 Vse 4. for consolation 1. Against Poverty in the world Jam. 2.5 〈◊〉 Against Persecutions from the world 2 Tim. 2.12 3. Against Satans wiles and snares he may disturb them in their peace but cannot take their Kingdome from them 4. Against mens low esteem of them and unworthy dealings with them they are esteemed and used as Peasants but they shall be Princes Positive Comforts 1. That all their enemies shall fall 2. That they shall ever enjoy peace 3. That they shall be made truly great 4. That they shall never be moved out of their estate Ver. 34. Inherit the Kingdome c. Doct. XIII That the Kingdome that the Saints shall enjoy in Heaven is estatea upon them as an Inheritance So 1 Pet. 1.3 4 Heb 9.15 Acts 20.32 26.18 Eph. 1.11 14 Coloss 1.12 3.24 For opening of which let me shew 1. In what respects it may be said to be an Inheritance 2. What manner of Inheritance it is 3. Why they have it by Inheritance 4. The Uses For the first It may be said to be an Inheritance 1. In regard of the puâ—chase of it Eph. 1.14 Christ hath purchased it for us Inheritances are so netimes purchased so this 2. In regard of the gift of it Inheritances are made over by gift so this Acts 20.32 Coloss 3.24 3. In regard of the new birth that we are partakers of 1 Pet. 1.3 4. Inheritances are often by birth so this not by our first birth for that damns us but by the second 4. In regard of the honour and dignity of it Inheritances are honourable things that are estated upon men much more this no honour like to this 5. In regard of the nonalienation of it Inheritances are not alienated to strangers so this Inheritance is not alienated to others but is the propriety of the Saints Acts 20.32 26.18 6. In regard of the right of it to the first born Inheritances are the right of the first born so this Inheritance Heb. 12.23 7. In regard of the Conveyance of it an Inheritance is conveyed by the death of a father or friend so is this Inheritance conveyed to us by the death of Christ Heb. 9.15 16. 8. In regard of the reservation of it 1 Pet. 1.4 Inheritances are reserved for the right heirs so this Q. 2. What manner of Inheritance is it Ans 1. It is incorruptible 1 Pet. 1.4 2. It is undefiled ibid. 3. It fâ—des not away ibid. Heb. 9.15 4. It is a goodly Inheritance Psal 16.6 5. It is a large Inheritance Heâ— 11.14 16. John 14.2 6. It is a costly Inheritance Heb. 9.15 16. 7. It is a glorious Inheritance Eph. 1 18. 8. It is a bountiful Inheritance Col 3.24 9. It is a joyful Inheritance Mat. 25.21 23. Q. 3. Why have they it by Inheritance Ans 1. They are joynt heirs with Christ Rom 8.17 2. It is prepared for them so the Text. 3. They are called to it 1 Pet 3.9 5.10 4. They have the promise of it Heb 9.15 5. They have the earnest of it Eph 1.14 6. They have the hope of it Col 1.5 7. They have a taste of it in the peace and joy that they have here in their souls Rom 5.1 2. 1 Pet. 1.8 8. The Lord Jesus their Head hath taken possession of it for them Heb 6.20 9. The writings are drawn the Seals put to the Witnesses are for the confirmation of it Heb 6.17 18. Eph 1.13 1 John 5.7 8 11. 10. They long for the day when they shall come to be possessed of it as other heirs do Cant 8. ult Rev 22.20 Vse 1. for Information 1. We see what a firm state the Saints shall enjoy in Heaven for its an inheritance for what is held by inheritance is most firm and sure and stable hold they shall never be removed from their blessed Tenure in Heaven 2. We see what a peaceable possession we shall there enjoy Inheritances of all other Tenures are enjoyed most peaceably they are most unquestionable tenures and therefore most peaceably possessed so this we shall never be disturbed when we come in Heaven 3. We see what desires we should have after the possession of that estate young heirs in minority long to be at a fullâ—ge that they may possess their inheritances so should we that we may possess ours 4. We see in what esteem the Saints should be with us for they are great heirs and shall have a great inheritance another day Great heirs on earth are esteemed highly how much more should these Psal 16.3 5. We see what speedy endeavours we should use to get this inheritance other inheritances are too hastily gotten Pro. 20.21 but we cannot be too speedy in making sure of this inheritance 2 Pet. 1.10 11. 6. We see what a rich and glorious estate the Lord hath called his Saints unto in Heaven it is an inheritance Eph 1.17 18. 7. We see a reason of the great Attendance that the Saints have Heb 1.14 Psal 34.7 91.11 8. We see how weanedly we should enjoy what we have here for our inheritance is not yet come Heb 11.9 9. We see why husbands should instruct their wives 1 Pet 3.7 10. We see what little reason men have to be much taken with the greatness of any earthly inheritance 11. We see a reason of that joy in Heaven Luke 15.7 10. Vse 2. for Terrour 1. To those that sell away the hope of this inheritance for trifles as Eâ—an did his birthright 2. To those that desperately out themselves of this inheritance by their gross sins 1 Cor 6.9 10. Eph 5.5 Gal 5.19 20 21. Vse 3. for Exhortation 1. To bear afflictions in our minority patiently for our inheritance will shortly come to us young heirs indure hardship in their minority so must we Gal 4.1 Heb 12.1 2. 2. To long to be at our full age to be poâ—sened of our inheritance so do other heirs and so should we 3. To make sure of this inheritance And for that end 1 Look to our Adoption Rom. 8.15 16 17. 2 Look to our Sanctification Acts 20 3â— 26.18 3 Look to our Justification Tit 3 7. 4 Look to our interest in the Covenant Galat 3.18 5 Look to our Patience Heb 6.12 15. 6 Look we
becomes us to be little in our own eyes 1 Pet. 5.5 7. We see that our kindnesses done to Christ in his Members are very few for they are easily all forgotten 8. We see that forgetfulness of what we have done for Christ in his Members argues a truly gracious heart 9. We see that good works though they be forgotten of us lose not their nature for Christ before owns them 10. We see that Elect Saints will carry Humility to Heaven 11. We see that they are not for Works of Supererogation 12. We see that surely they do not hold that they are saved by their Works for they are as though forgotten and out of minde Ephes 2.8.9 Vse 2. for Humiliation 1. To those that now think too much and speak too much of their works they shall be all forgotten at that day 2. To those that are so sparing in their beneficence it must needs be forgotten it is so little Vse 3. for Exhortation 1. To this holy forgetfulness now of what we do this way Means hereof 1 Remember we our sins more and we shall be less proud in remembring what we have done Ezek 36.31 2 Look upon our failings in the Grounds Manner and End of our works and we shall see more spots then beauty in them 3 Look upon what Christ has done for us and all our doings will not come into minde 4 Look upon his Greatness and all our doings will be nothing to us but be forgotten 5 Compare the Reward and the Work together As he said of sufferings Rom. 8.18 2 Cor. 4.17 so here our works appear as nothing when set before the exceeding greatness of the Reward 6 Remember his manifold mercies 7 Remember what we did of old against him 8 Remember that all we can do is Debt and Duty 2. To be humble when we shew most mercy 3. To love Humility in others that are merciful 4. To abhorre that Popish Conceit of Merit 5. To detest all thoughts of Works of Supererogation 6. To love Christs appearing 2 Tim. 4 8. Vse 4. for Consolation 1. Against wicked mens charging us with neglect of Bounty and Mercy they do no more then we shall one day do against our selves 2. Against some pangs of vain-glory which we mourn for we shall be troubled with none of them at that day Ver. 37 38 39. Then shall the Righteous answer him c. Doct. XXII is this That the Elect Saints at the last day will wonder and admire that their Works that they have made so little reckoning of should be so owned and accepted by the Lord Jesus For so Interpreters make account that this question is made of them by way of wonder and admiration Reasons 1. From the Lord himself 2. From the Saints 3. From their Works From the Lord. 1. He needs not us nor any of our services and therefore we may then well wonder that he does so accept them Acts 17.24 25. 2. He is above all our services that which is spoken of one is true of all the rest Nehem. 9.5 and being so above them we may well wonder that he will accept of them 3. He was happy from all Eternity when there was neither Man nor Angel to serve him Prov. 8 30 31. and therefore they may well admire at this 4. He fills all in all Ephes 1.23 Joh. 1.16 and is it not then a wonder that he should own and accept any thing done by us 5. He gives us that whereof we have been bountiful 1 Chron. 29.14 16. 6. He puts it into our hearts to be merciful it is his own work and therefore that he reckons of it as ours and accepts it as coming from us we may well wonder at it 2. From the Saints 1. They are unsatisfied in what they do 2. They sin in their best actions Isa 64.6 3. They take no notice of them themselves Mat 6.3 and therefore may woll wonder that he should take notice of them and accept them 4. They see that they too often have wanted bands and hearts to give and therefore cannot but wonder that he should so accept of them 5. They miss their opportunities of Beneficence too often Gal 6.10 when they come off to works of Mercy with delay and difficulty 6. They want ability sometimes to shew mercy are poor and have little to give 7. They give very little Luke 21.1 2 3 4. 8. They do it not with such in larged hearts as the Lord calls for Isa 58 1â— 3. From their Works of Mercy 1. They are nothing to what we might have done according to our ability 1 Tim. 6.18 2. They are nothing in comparison of the mercy be has 〈◊〉 to us 3. They are of no reckoning compared with the Reward 4. They are nothing to what others would have done if they had our opportunities 2 Cor. 8.1 â— 5. They are nothing to what we should have done 6. They are nothing to the mulâ—icude of our sins Vse 1. for Information â— We see what cause we have to wonder at the Lords acceptance of what we do here for him for at that day we shall wonder at his owning and accepting of the smallest kindnesses shewed to his Members 2. We see that holy admications here at the prace of Christ towards us is the beginning of those blessed admirings that we shall have at that day 3. We see that we shall furely be filled with admiration at the riches of his grace in pardening of our sins and reconciling us to himself for if we shall wonder at this here mentioned in the Text much more at that if at the less much more at the greater Mich 7.18 4. We see how admirable the joyes of beaven will be we shall be ravished in our spirits in the sense of them If this here mentioned be so admirable what will they be 5. We see that great will be the humility of the Elect Saints at that day for this holy admiration is a fruit of it 6. We see that the more humble we be in our holy admirings at the Lords mercies the more we come up to that perfection that is in another world 7. We see that the Saints make account that their best works are worthless things and deserve not to be accepted Psal 143.2 8. We see how damnable their condition is that trust to the merit of their works for Salvation Tit. 3.4 5 6 7. 2 Tim. 1.9 â— We see how free Godâ— grace is in accepting us and our services Rom. 4 1 2. 10. We see that there are many wonders in the grace of God in accepting what we do for him Vse 2. for Humiliation 1. That we have so few of these holy admirings here 2. That we are apt to have too high thoughts of our works Alas it is a wonder of Gods grace that they should ever be accepted Vse 3. for Exhortation 1. To begin our wondring here for we shall wonder at that day 2. To abhor the thought of being justified or saved by
of 〈◊〉 Christ assures us upon his faithful Word that they are done to him He does not onely say it but addes a strong Asseveration to it in the word Verily and therefore we may be assured of it Reasons 1. They are the friends of Christ Luke 12.4 John 15.13 14. and men use to say when any are kinde to their friends 〈◊〉 they take it as if it had been done unto themselves much more will Christ say so who loves his freinds ten thousand times better then men do theirs 2. They are the Brethren of Christ John 20.17 Heb. 2.11 12. and Brethren will interpret the kindnesses done to their Brethren as done to themselves much more Christ who has more brotherly affection then all the loving brethren in the world put all together 3. They are the fellows of Christ Psal 45.7 1 John 1.3 and Companions are so dear one to another that they will account that what is done to their Companions is done to them much more Christ who is above all the Companions in the world for love 4. They are the Members of Christ Ephes 5.30 Coloss 1.18 his very flesh and how can he do any other but reckon of that that 's done to them as done to himself 5. They are the Spouse of Christ and what loving Husband is there that takes not that that is done to his Spouse as done to himself how much more Christ Cant. 5.1 6. They are the Children of Christ Heb. 2.13 and do not other Fathers take the kindnesses that are done to their Children as done to themselves how much more Christ 7. They are the Subjects of Christ and he their King Rev. 15.3 and Kings are concerned themselves in the welfare of their Subjects much more this blessed King 8. They are the very apple of his own eye Zeâ—h 2.8 and therefore he must needs be much concerned in the tender care that is had of them 9. They are his peculiar People Tit. 2.14 Psal 135.4 Mal. 3.17 and how can he then do any other then take himself as much concerned in what is dâ—ne to them 10. They are they that he has given his life for John 10 1â— and therefore are most dear to him Q. But why may we be so assured of the truth of this Ans 1. He is the faithful and true Witness Rev 1.5 3.14 2. He speaks truth in all he sayes and nates lying Prov. 8.7 8. 3. He useth a strong Asseveration to give assurance of what he sayes in that word Amen or Verily So it is 4. He has said that Heaven and Earth shall pass away but not a jot or tittle of his word shaâ— fail Mat. 24.35 5. He commands that we should speak truth one to another and not lie Zech. 8.16 Col 3.9 6. He loves truth and righteousness Psal 45.7 Vse 1. for Inforâ—ation 1. We see what a loving friend we have of the Lord Jesus he is all love and sweetness to his people that takes himself so much concernâ—d in the kindnesses and works of mercy done for them What love is to be compared to his 1 John 4.8 2. We see what great encouragement merciful ones have to come off with works of mercy for Christ will say Inasmuch as â—e have done it to the least of these my Brethren ye have done it unto me 3. We see that works of mercy and beneficence and what we minister to Christs Brethren are not lost for Christ owns them Eccles 11.1 4. That doubtless works of mercy shall finde a liberal Reward for Christ takes himself as deeply concerned in them and he will never take any thing of us though his own but will give us much more in lieu of it Gal. 6.9 2 Cor 9.6 5. We see what our duty is to Christ to take the unkindnesses that are done to Christ as done to our sâ—lves and to look at our selves as deeply concerned in them 6. We see that Christ and his Elect ones are one so he makes account that sayes Inasmuch c. Oh what an honour and dâ—gnity is this 1 Cor. 6.17 7. We see that we can never come off with love enough to him who is so full of love to us all the heart and minde and understanding and strength of our love is too little for him Mark 12.30 8. We see how nearly we should take our selves to be concerned in the matters that concern his Honour and Glory and the advancement of his Kingdome we should think we can never do enough for him in these 9. We see how willing Christ is to strengthen our Faith in the words of truth that he speaks and that we shall have no doubting of the certainty of them in that he addes his Amen or Verily to what he sayes 10. We see that they that are unmerciful to the poor and afflicted Saints of Christ give him the Lie in what he here sayes and do not believe his words that are strongly assertâ—d by him 1 John 5.10 11. We see how marvellous humble the Lâ—rd Jesus is in his state of Glory that counts that that is done to the least of his â—rethren as done to himself 12. We sâ—e that works of beneficence rightly done reach very fâ—r not so much to the Saints on earth as to Christ himself who is in Heaven 13. We see that we have no cause to repent of what is so done Vse 2. for Humiliation 1. To those that are hardly drawn to works of mercy these forget that Christ is concerned in them 2. To those that turn away the poor from their doors they turn away Christ from them 3. To those that have done far less then they might have done Vse 3. for Exhortation 1. To come off liberally to hungry thirsty strangers naked sick and imprisoned ones it 's done to Christ Isa 32.8 Acts 10.2 â— Cor. 8.1 2. Luke 19.8 2. To give glory to Christ Jesus that thus owns what â—e do 3. To own him and his Cause in hardest times Luke 14.26 33. 4. To be afraid of omitting any opportunity of mercy offered lest we should reject Christ himself Gal. 6.10 5. To take pains in our beneficence these ways all our pains are little being for Christ Jesus we should go about doing good travel for it as Phil 2 25-30 6. To run great haâ—ards that we may shew mercy Rom. 16.3 4. Phil. 2.30 it 's for Christ 7. To bewail that we have done no more being for Christ 8. To rejoyce that we have done any thing this way 9. To rejoyce in our suffering for our mercy to the Saints 10. To love mercy Micah 6.8 it is for Christ 11. To be unwearied in works of mercy Gal. 6.9 it is for Christ 12. To work with our hands that we may give Ephes 4.28 13. To give of our own Isa 61.8 Luke 19.8 14. To do what we do secretly it is for the Lord Mat. 6.1 2 3 Vse 4. for Consclation 1. Against mens hard thoughts of us if Christ say Ye have done it to
John 8.44 and doing his works they must have his reward to be with him in the place of Tâ—rment 3. They have had fellowship with Devils here they ave loved to be in places where Devils haunt in Taverns Ale-houses Harlots houses Isa 5.11 Jer. 5.7 with such Company as Devils delight to be with and what wonder then if Devils be their Companions in Hell fire 4. They have some of them Covenanted with the Devil given their Souls to the Devil entred into League and Familiarity with the Devil Consulted with the Devil as Baliam and Saul and many others have done and what caâ—such look for but to be for ever with Devils 5. They have been Devils incarnate John 6.70 and whose company should such Devils have but Devils Rev. 16.14 6. They give heed to Doctrines of Devils 1 Tim. 4.1 and if they will have Devils to be their Teachers where should the Scholâ—rs be but with their Teachers 7. They have Satan entring into them and taking possession of them Luk. 22.3 and he will be with those that he possesseth and they shall be with him 8. They do some of them worship Devils Rev. 9.20 and they and their Worshippers must be together 9. They act some of them by the Devils power 2 Thess 2.9 10. They are taken Captive by the Devil at his will and pleasure 2 Tim. 2.26 and be will carry all such Captive to Hell with him if they Repent not 11. They are blinded and hardned by the Devil 2 Cor. 4.3 4. 12. They walk after the Devil Ephes 2.2 and how should it be otherwise then but that they should be Companions in Hell together 13 They some of them have offered their Children to the Devil in a cruel manner 14. They have been the Devils drudges 2 Pet. 2.14 15. They have believed the Devil the Father of Lies rather then the God of trath Gen. 3 1-6 16. They have destroyed themselves as the Devils have done Vse 1. for Information 1. We see the woful estate of all wicked men that must have such Companions as Devils are to all eternity It is a kinde of Hell to be but a little while in company with some kinde of men Oh! but what an Hell will it be to be for ever in company with Devils When one Evil Spirit does but haunt an house Oh! how weary are men to continue there What an intolerable burthen then will it be to be for ever with many Legions of Devils and to be out of all hope of being delivered from them 2. We see the extremity of the wrath of God that the wicked undergo in Hell See Psal 78.49 3. VVe see what dreadful frights they in Hell must needs be affrighted with that are to have so many Devils amongst them to all eternity The sight of a Spirit yea the conceit of the fight of a Spirit has daunted a company of good men John 6.19 Mat. 14.26 Oh what fears and frights must they needs be surpriated with that are in company with such a multitude of wicked Spirits for ever 4. VVe see what weeping and gnashing of teeth there will be in Hell for who can do any other that are to be with such company for ever Mat. 25.30 5. VVe see how righteous the Lord is in his Dispensation to evil men they would needs do the Devils works and be of his fellowship here and therefore shall be together in Hell to all eternity Ezek. 18.25 6. VVe see what a miserable exchange they make that forsake the fellowship of God and his Saints and Angels to be for ever in company with Devils No folly like this 7. VVe see how dreadful the company of evil men should be now for it is a fore-runner of worse company Isa 5.14 8. VVe see what a mercy it is to be delivered from such Companions Col. 1.12 13. 9. VVe see what need we all had to hold up fellowship with Christ here 1 John 1.3 that we may escape the fellowship of Devils 10. VVe see how exceedingly the Lord abhorres wickedness that he yokes the committers of it with Devils 11. VVe see what need we all have to repent Luke 13.3 5. 12. VVe see what â—nd Antichrist and the Turk and all Christs eneâ—â—er must come unto Rev. 20.9 10. Vse 2. for Torrour 1. To all that have been Companions in evil they must go to worse company 2. To all Scoâ—â—es at the Saints Meetings they shall have the fellowship of scoffing Spirits another day 3. To all Hypocrites who have not cared for fellowship with God and his Saints here they shall be linked with Devils in fellowship to all eternity Vse 3. for Exhortation 1. To forsake the Devil and all his works and wayes as 1 Lying John 8.44 2 Mutther ibid. 1 John 3.12 3 False Doctrines 1 Tim. 4.1 4 Deceit Rev. 12.9 5 Pride 1 Tim. 3.6 6 Envy Gen. 3.1.2 Job 1.9 10 11. 7 Malice 1 Chron. 21.1 8 False Accusation and Slander Rev 12.10 Gen. 3.1 2 3 4. Joh 1.11 2.5 9 Hypocrisie 2 Cor. 11.13 14. Acts 16.16.17 10 Uncleanness Mat. 12.43 Luke 4.33 2. To walk with God Gen. 5.22 24. 3. To rejoyce in Christ Jesus who saves us from the power and fellowship of Devils Heb. 2.14.15 2 Tim. 1.10 4. To wait for him from Heaven 1 Thess 1.10 5. To love the Saints followship Heb. 13.1 6. To beware we mistake not in one estate 2 Pet. 1.10 7. To work out our Salvation with fear and trembling Phil. 2.12 8. To abhorre Witchcraft 1 Sam. 28.9 9 To bate Idolatry and all Devil worship for so Idolatry is Rev. 9.20 10. To resist the Devil John 4.7 1 Pet. 5.8 9 Vse 4. for Consolation 1. Iâ— solitary Conditions here Psa 102.6 7 its better then to be in company with Devils 2. Against the reproaches of wicked companions 1 Pet. 4.4 3 Apainst the Temptations of the Devil if we resist him and escape his fellowship happy are we 4. Against his Accusations Rev. 12.10 If we be not yoked with him it will be well Ver. 42. For I was an hungred and ye gave me no meat I was thirsty and ye gave me no drink Ver. 43. I was a stranger and ye to kâ—me not in naked and yâ— clothed me not sick and in prison and ye visited me not Doct XXXIII is this That there shall be nothing spoken of that has been good that evil men have done but what evil hath been found in them that shall be mentioned against them in the Day of Judgement They have done sinne things that have been good for the matter as it may be they have Prayed Fasted given Alms and done sundry other things that have bin materially good but nothing shall be spoken then of what they have so done to mention shall be made of any of them but onely of their â—ns We will first speak of the First Branch and give Reasons of iâ— and then make Use and after speak of the Second Branch Reasons 1. Because though they have