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
be Condemnation is that that is to be their portion and that has all misery in it 2. We see that they that are of an unmercifull spirit though they be often cursed by men Prov. 11.26 yet there 's no need of it for they are to be Cursed and Condemned for it in the last and great day 3. We see what little cause the Saints have to envy them for what they have and what they do Psal 73.3 to 11.18 19 20. 4. we see a reason why unmercifull men are afraid of the day of Judgment they may well bee afraid of it for then they must have the sentence of Condemnation passed upon them Act. 24.25 5. We see if neglect of Mercy be so Damnable oh what will become of those that exercise greatest cruelty to the Saints by oppression Isai 3.15 these will be Condemned with a witness 6. We see what a vain thing it is for such men to be admired and extolled of flatterers what will this do them good when they shall be Condemned at that day 7. We see they are miserable men that have much of the World and doe little good with it for they will lose their Soules by this meanes Job 27.8 Mat. 16.26 8. We see that unmercifull men are more cruel to themselves then to those that they neglect to shew Mercy to for they procure their own Condemnation by it 9. We see that God payes them in their own Coin and gives them suitable punishment to their sin Rev. 16.5 6 7. 10. We see how hatefull to God it is to be of an unmercifull spirit Vse 2. for Terrour 1. To all that neglect to shew Mercy they shall have Judgement without Mercy 2. To those that are cruel by defrauding oppressing if they that give not to the poor shall be condemned what shall become of those that pluck from them and are as the Pharisees Mat. 23.25 Vse 3 for Exhortation To take heed of unmercifulness it is a Condemning sin Motives 1. It is an Heathenish sin Rom. 1.31 2. It is a Devilish sin 1 Joh. 3.10 3. It is a sin that casts reproach upon God Prov. 14.31 4. It is a sin that robs a man of his comfort Phil. 2.1 5. It is a sin that argues a graceless heart Psal 112.4 6. It is a sin that argues a fearless heart Psal 36.1 3. 7. It is a sin that will bring desolation Isai 47.6 9. 8. It is a sin that brings mischief upon a mans selfe Prov. 11.17 Meanes 1. Takeheed of a Worldly Spirit 2. Take heed of a sensuall Spirit Luk 16.19 21. 3. Take heed of an impletable Spirit Rom. 1.31 4. Take heed of an Hypocriticall Spirit Jam. 2. 5. Take heed of Idleness Ezek. 16.49 6. Take heed of Pride ibid. 7 Take heed of a Selfe loving Spirit 2 Tim. 3.2 3. 8. Take heed of a sensless and inconsiderate Spirit Psal 41.1 9. Take heed of a jolly Merry Voluptuous Intemperate Spirit Amos 6.5 6. 10. Take heed of an harsh churlish Spirit 1 Sam. 25.3 Vse 4. for Examination whether we be not unmerciful it concernes us to look to it because it is a condemning sin Quest How shall we know Answ 1. If we be secure and think not of Adversity Isa 47.6 7. 2. If we be given to Pleasures Ver. 8. 3. If we flatter our selves in our present condition Ibid. 4. If we look at our selves as the only goodly ones Ibid. 5. If we dream of outward felicity with perpetuity Ibid. 6. If we lay not to heart the end of unmercifulness Ver. 6 7. Ver. 42 43. For I was an hungred and ye gave me no meat c. Doct. XXXVI is this That Vnmercifulness to Christs Members when hungry and athirst when Strangers Naked Sick and in Prison shall be deeply charged upon wicked men at the last and great day I shall handle the several Branches asunder as I did before and first begin with Vnmercifulness to hungry and thirsty ones Reasons why this shall be so deeply charged upon them at that day 1. From the Nature of Hunger and Thirst 2. From the Saints whom they are unmerciful to in their hunger and thirst First From the Nature of Hunger and Thirst 1. Hunger and Thirst both are intolerable evils if come to the extremity of them they are of a killing nature Jeremiah was like to die with hunger Jer. 38 9. and Samson with thirst Judg. 15.18 and to be unmerciful to those that are in this case is murther in an high degree and therefore may well be charged home upon such at that day as are guilty of it 2. Hunger and thirst bring a long and lingring death along with them Lam. 4.9 and the longer and more lingring the death is the more painful and sore it is it is to die many deaths and therefore it is that Famine is not called an Arrow as the Pestilence is that kills quickly Psal 91.5 but it is called Arrows and Evil Arrows Ezek. 5.16 as if there were many deaths in it Now to inflict many deaths upon the Members of Christ and to let them die wounded with so many arrows that 's great unmercifulness indeed and therefore such may well have that sin charged home upon them at that day 3. Hunger and thirst in the extremity of them will make men and women unnatural to those they love most yea sometimes to themselves Deut. 28 53-57 2 Kings 6.28 29. Lam. 2.20 4.10 Ezek 5.10 Now to refuse to give meat to them that are hungry and drink to the thirsty is to put them upon unnatural courses if God were not more merciful to them and this sin must needs be charged upon them at that day 4. Hunger and thirst make men look pale and ghastly and so as to move men to pity Now to be unmerciful to such whose countenances bespeak pity and compassion that must needs be a sin that Christ will charge home at that day 5. Hunger and Thirst exhaust the very spirits as 1 Sam. 30.11 12. Now to refuse to give to those meat and drink who are almost expiring and breathing out their last is great cruelty 6. Hunger and thirst are warlike weapoâ—s Ezek. 5 16 weapons of Destruction Now if men may keep off such things from their Brethren and will not it is great unmercifulness and therefore will be heavily charged upon them at that day 2. From the Saints themselves 1. They would bless them with their Prayers if relieved 2 Tim. 1.16 2. They would procure the Lord to be their debtor Prov. 19.17 if succoured 3. They would bring a blessing upon their Posterity and Families 2 Tim. 1.16 17 18. 4. They would procure mercy for them at that day ibid. 5. They would receive them into everlasting habitations Luk. 16.9 6. They would bring in more to them in outwards then they take from them Prov. 11.24 25. 7. They would feast them with Spiritual dainties Now to be unmerciful to such in not giving them meat and drink must needs be charged
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
a state 1 A royall spirit 1 Pet. 2.9 2. An humble Spirit Luk. 18.14 3. A believing spirit Ephes 2.8 4 An holy Spirit Heb. 12.14 1 John 3.3 9. To rejoice to think of meeting with such an old friend 10. To walk worthy of the Lord 1 Thes 2.11 12. Vse 4. for Consolation 1. Against being brought to nothing here Saints have nothing in comparison prepared for them in this world 2. Against troubles of yesterday that have come to us 3. Against our poor services we have it not for them Positive Comforts 1. That it is sure to them being of old prepared 2. That it is most freely given to them because prepared before they were 3. That it is a great inheritance 4. That it comes to us from greatest love Ver. 35 36. For I was an hungred c. Doct. XV. is this That none of the sins of the godly that they have committed and repented of shall be spoken of at the day of Judgement but that which they have done well here shall be spoken of and mentioned in that day All that is said to be then spoken of is concerning their good works but not a word of their sins For opening the first Branch let me shew 1. How it does appear that none of their sins shall be then spoken of 2. Why their sins shall not be then mentioned 3. The Uses And then we will afterward speak of the second Branch For the first It does appear that none of their sins that they have committed and repented of shall be at that day spoken of 1. In that they are washed from their sins in Christs blood Rev 1.5 1 Cor. 6.11 Joel 3.21 Psal 51.7 and being thus washed from them to what purpose should they then be spoken of 2. In that their sins are blotted out their Debts cancelled Isa 43.25 44.22 Psal 51.1 and Creditors do not reckon for such sums which are blotted out and do not so much as mention or speak of them 3. In that they are all covered Psal 32.1 85.2 Neh. 4.5 and if they be covered then sure they shall not be discovered or spoken of at that day 4. In that they are forgotten and not remembred Isa 43.25 Psal 25.7 79.8 Jer. 31.34 Heb. 8.12 10.17 And if so how should they then be spoken of 5. In that upon search they shall not be found Jer. 50.20 and things that cannot be found are not mentioned nor spoken of among men a so here 6. In that the Lord passeth them by makes them as if they had never been committed Mic. 7.18 and if he pass them by surely they shall never be spoken of at that day 7. In that all their sins shall be cast into the depths of the Sea Micah 7.19 and therefore shall never come up more Things cast into the bottom of the Sea never come up more so here 8. In that the Righteousness of Christ is imputed to them Rom. 4.6 7 8. Jer. 23.6 1 Cor. 1.30 2 Cor. 5.21 Cant. 4.7 Now if his Righteousness be imputed to us then our sins surely shall not be spoken of at that day 9. In that they are born and taken away by Christ and laid upon him John 1.29 1 Pet. 2.24 Isa 53.6 and if he has taken them away and born them then sure they shall not be mentioned against us at that day 10. In that thâ— body of sin is destroyed in us by virtue of our fellowship with Christ in his death Rom. 6.6 7. and our sins being killed and destroyed how should they be then spoken of or mentioned against us Q. 2. Why shall not their sins be then spoken of or mentioned Ans 1. From the Lord Jesus 2. From his Saints 3. From their Enemies 4. From the Day it self From the Lord Jesus 1. He hath promised John 5.24 that they shall not come into Condemnation and if so to what end shall their sins be mentioned at that day 2. He hath delivered them from the wrath to come 1 Thess 1.10 and that being so there 's no need that their sins should be mentioned 3 He saves to the utmost Hebr. 7.25 and therefore from sin and all the shame of it which the mention of their sin might bring upon them Other men shall rise to shame Dan 12 2. but not they 4. He hides their sins here 1 Kings 15. â— Heb. 11.11 31. Jam. 5.11 and if so much more will he do it at that day 5. He then comes to be glorified in his Saints and to be admired in all them that believe 2 Thess 1.10 but the mention of their sins would obscure that glory and therefore they shall not be at that day spoken of 6. He then will fully acquit them and absolve them as I said before and therefore will not then mention any of them 7. He will then present them faultless Jude ver 24. 2. From the Saints 1. They have blamed and shamed themselves for them here Ezra 9 6. Dan. 9.7 8. Jer. 3.25 and therefore he will not shame them at that day 2. They have not hid them here but discovered them and acknowledged them Psal 51.3 Jer. 14.7 Psal 32.9 and therefore no wonder if he hide them at that day 3. They have been burthened with them here Psal 38.4 Heb 12.1 and therefore â—he will not burthen them with the mention of them 4. They have loathed and abhorred themselves for them here Ezek. 36.31 Job 42.6 And will he then speak of them to make them an abhorring to Men and Angels he will not surely do it 5. They have fasted mourned and wept for them prayed against them withstood the motions that have been made to the commission of them bewailed them bitterly Judges 2.4 5 1 Sam. 7.6 Gal. 5.17 Rom. 7.23 24. and can we think that he will then speak of them or mention them to their dishonour 6. They have desired earnestly to be rid of them and have counted that day happy wherein they have ceased to sin and that has been the chiefest cause why they have desired to die that they might sin no more Phil. 1.23 2 Cor. 5.4 6 8. And can it be thought then that their sins shall be mentioned at that day that they desired so to be freed from it cannot be imagined 3. From their Enemies 1. They shall not have any occasion to reproach them or Religion 2. Nor to accuse them 3. Nor to traduce the Judge 4. Nor to cast Hypocrisie in their faces to shame them 5. Nor to grieve them for they shall not have any such thing befâ—ll them at that day Jude ver 25. 6. Nor to rejoyce at the mention of them 7. Nor to think better of themselves by reason of them 4. From the Day it self 1. It is the day of the manifestation of the righteous judgement of God and being so how should their sins be then spoken of for it would not be just to shame the innocent as they be in Christ 2. It is the day of
our Meat when hungry and upon our Drink when thirsty for Christ sets an high price upon it 6. We see with what thankfulness hungry and thirsty ones should receive what is given them for Christ makes great reckoning of what is so given 7. We see what great incouragement we have to be of a bountifull spirit to hungry and thirsty ones for it is not so much done to them as to Christ himselfe 8. We see what a lovely thing it is to relieve those in want for Christ himselfe is fed in them 9. We see that how secretly soever any reliefe is given to the Saints Christ takes special notice of it 10. We see what tender love is in the Lord Jesus that will take so small a thing so â—indly at our hands 11. We see his wonderful humility herein 12. We see that we should not indure to see the Saints want Vse 2. For Reproofe 1. To those that with-hold more then is meet Prov 11.24 Christ Jesus will count himselfe little beholden to them 2. To those that spend what they have upon their lusts and will part with nothing to Christ in his Saints 3. To those that by fraud keep back that which is in justice due to others James 5.4 Vse 3. For Exhortation 1. To come off bountifully to hungry and thirsty ones in their needs Christ will take it â—indly at our hands 2. To bless the Lord Jesus that be will take what we so do in such good part for our goodness extendeth not to him Psal 16.2 3. To accept with due acknowledgement what he does in the least of his mercies Gen. 32.10 4. To love him that takes so kindly what is done to us whom should we love like him Prov. 23.26 1 Cor. 16.22 5. To follow Christ in taking kindnesses done to hungry and thirsty ones as done to our selves Philem ver 12 â—7 6. To be glad of an opportunity for the relief of the Saints Gal. 6.10 7. To devise wayes of liberality Isa 32.8 8. To do what we do out of love to Christ for else it profits nothing 1 Cor. 13.3 9. To bewail our former hard-heartedness Luke 19.8.10 To love mercy Micah 6.8 Vse 4. for Consolation 1. That surely the least of these kindnesses shall not be forgotten but all remembred and rewarded by him 2. That the Saints shall surely remember his kindnesses and the multitudes of them and one day give him the glory of them We are now come to the second Branch of the XVIII Doctrine which is this That Christ takes it very kindly when his Saints that are strangers are kindly entertained into our houses For opening of which let me shew 1. How it does appear that he takes their entertainment so kindly 2. Why he takes it so kindly 3. The Uses For the first It does appear that He takes their entertainment very kindly 1. In that be gives it in charge that we should do it 1 Pet 4.9 Heb. 13.2 and he cannot but take it kindly when we observe his charge 2. In that he commendeth those that are kinde this way 3 John 5 8. 3. In that he makes account that such are fellow helpers to the truth ver 8. and this the Lord cannot but take kindly 4. In that he does reward all such kinde entertainments as we see he did to the widow of Sarepta 1 Kings 17. and the Shunamite 2 Kings 4. 5. In that he stirs up the hearts of his Servants to wish for their health and outward prosperity 3 John 2. 6. In that he gives such to thrive and prosper in their Souls ibid. 7. In that he vouchsafes them the love of his precious Saints yea the love of all them that know the truth 3 John 1. 8. In that he gives them such blessings as they could not well expect 2 Kings 4.14 15 16. 9. In that he has sometimes restored their children from death to life 1 Kings 17. 2 Kings â— 10. In that he has honoured them so as that they have entertained Angels Heb. 13.2 11. In that the whole Family is blessed by it Luke 19.9 Heb. 11.31 with Josh 6.23 Q. 2. Why does be take so kindly the entertainment that his people finde Ans 1. From himself 1. He loves and preserves strangers Psal 146.9 2. He sometimes was a stranger himself and therefore cannot but take it kindly what is done in way of entertainment of them 3. He hates and â—bhors the covetous that do it not Psal 10.3 and therefore cannot but take it kindly when we do entertain them 4. He knows what comfort his Saints have when entertained Judg. 19.21 22. 5. He takes pleasure in their prosperity Psal 35.27 6. He knows that the want of entertainment has cost many a man his life 2. From the Saints 1. They give him entertainment into their hearts Ephes 3 17. 2. They are the delight of his eyes Cant. 2.14 3. They are the very ravishment of his heart Cant. 4.9 4. They are his Fathers blessed ones so the Text. 5. They want entertainment very much are sometimes in great distress for want of it Judg. 19.18 19. 6. They praise him wheâ— they have it 3. From the nature of Entertainment 1. It is a fruit of their Faith Heb 11.31 So in the Widow of Sarepta and the Shunamite 2. It flows from Love and therefore we must not forget to do it Heb. 13.1 2. 3. It is a fruit of obedience to the Commandment 1 Pet. 4.9 4. It is a fruit of Bounty and see Isa 32.8 5. It may be the preservation of life 6. It refresheth them in their weariness Vse 1. for Information 1. VVe see what great delight the Lord Jesus hath in his Saints and People in that he takes so kindly a little entertainment given to them Psal 143.4 2. VVe see how kindly he will take it when we entertain him into our hearts Rev. 3.20 3. VVe see what entertainment himself will give such in his house here and in his Kingdome hereafter that takes it so kindly when they are entertained into our houses surely he will honourably entertain them Isa 25.6 John 14.2 3. 4. VVe see how much more kindly he will take it when we give that that may refresh and save the lives of their Souls 5. VVe see that the Lord takes special notice of small kindnesses shewed to his people in that a little entertainment is so kindly taken 6. VVe see how kindly we should take it when the Lord bows the hearts of his people to be courteous in entertaining of us for Christ takes it kindly at their hands 7. VVe see that Hospitality is that that Christ loveth and delighteth in how then should we love it Titus 1 8. 8. We see that we can never love the Lord Jesus enough that takes it so kindly when we are kindly entertained 1 Cor. 16.22 9. We see a reason of the charge he gives us 1 Pet. 4.9 Heb. 13.2 10. VVe see thaâ— tâ—ey are not of the spirit of Christ Jesus that are
pillars and upholders of the places where they are Joh 22.30 to keep off Judgment and to procure mercy Gen. 19.22 Psal 106.23 30. Vse 1. for Information 1. We see with what great Indignation the Lord takes it at the hands of such men when they are so hard-hearted to strangers 2. We see how nearly it concernes us to look to it that we be not of such a Spirit 3. We see how unworthy such men be to have any Saint to come amongst them 4. We see how unmeet it is to receive such hard-hearted ones into favour or familiarity with us 5. We see how dreadful the day of Judgement will be to such men 6. We see how distastful it should be to us to see any such discourtesie used to the Saints when strangers for it is so distastful to Christ that he will one day charge it home upon them 7. We see that for a nights lodging and a little entertainment spared upon strangers wicked men are willing to abide the severity of the great Judges condemnation 8. We see that cruel men are cruel to themselves they may kill the bodies of strangers but by this they cast away themselves for ever 9. We see how deeply sensible the Lord is of the unkindness done to his Members 10. We see what Judgement waits for them that oppress strangers that misuse them that kill them pillage them c. if they that entertain them not shall be so severely judged where will these appear 11. We see that they will have a bad lodging themselves that do not lodge strangers they must lodge with Devils 12. VVe see what Coveteousness brings men to Vse 2. for Terrour 1. To all cruel ones to strangers in denying them entertainment see Jam. 2.13 2. To all those that grudge to do any Courtesie for them are hardly drawn to it 3. To all that deal worse with them oppress them pluck from them revile them do what evil they can against them Vse 3. for Exhortation 1. To Strangers to take patiently what they meet with in that condition for the Lord Jesus sees it and will one day require it 2. To be chearful in want of lodging and entertainment for it was not only his own case Luk. 9 51 52 53. but he will remember how they have been used and charge it sadly upon the wicked at the great day 3. To think of the entertainment that Christ gives them here in his house at his Table and of that he will give them in Glory and let that suffice 2. To us all 1. To abhorr this Spirit in our selves and others 2. To be thankful if the Lord give us open hearts and open doors to receive such 3. To fear and tremble at the least grudging in our spirits to receive such 4. To stand at our doors to observe weary and way faring ones and desire them to come in as Abraham did 5. To be of Lydia's spirit Acts 16.15 6. To make account that it is not only the Ministers duty to be given to Hospitality Tit. 1.8 but ours 1 Pet. 4.9 yea the poorest are not exempted 1 Kings 17.10 11 12. 7. To pity their case that are hard-hearted they are the worst Enemies to themselves Ver. 43. Naked and ye clothed me not The Third Branch of the XXXVI Doctrine is this That unmercifulness in not clothing Christs naked Members shall be deeply charged upon the Wicked at the last and great Day Reasons 1. From the Nature of this sin 2. From the Saints who are in this Condition 3. The Uses First From the Nature of this Sin 1. It is that that exposeth them to perishing Job 31.19 and thereby such are guilty of Murther and therefore it is no wonder if Christ will so deeply charge it upon wicked men at the last day 2. If it should not rise so high as Murther yet it exposeth them to suffer much by reason of cold which sometimes is so extream that it cannot be born Psal 147.17 and the extremity of cold causeth many sicknesses some of which are as painful and bitter as death it self see Job 24.7 2 Cor. 11.27 3. If neither of these should come yet it exposeth the Saints to uncomeliness for to be naked and destitute of clothing is very uncomely and the Lord would have us go comely looks at it as a sin in those that cause others to go naked Job 24.10 4. It is that that godly men reprove in those that they think are guilty of it Job 22.6 It 's true Eliphaz missed the mark when he charged Job with this but yet it holds out that he thought he was guilty and chargeth it home upon him Much more will Christ charge it deeply upon them that he knows to be guilty at that day 5. It is Inhumanity and God would have us as in other cases to shew our selves men Isa 46.8 6. It is contrary to the Rule of the Gospel Luke 3.11 7. It comes cross to the practice of the Saints 2 Chron. 28.15 Job 31.19 Acts 10.39 8. It breaks the Law of Love Rom. 13.10 9. It spoils the most Spiritual of all our Duties Isa 58.3 4 6 7. 10. It is an Abomination to the Lord Ezek. 18.13 and therefore no wonder if he charge it so home upon the wicked at that day 2. From the Saints 1. They are the Fathers Blessed ones so the Text. 2. They are Heirs of the Kingdome 3. They are such as Christ admits into his blessed Fellowship and sayes Come unto 4. They are his Purchased ones Acts 20.28 5. They are they that the Lord has given Himself his Christ and his Spirit unto Gen. 15.1 John 3.16 2 Cor. 1.22 6. They are his Excellent ones Psal 16.2 3. yea more excellent then others Prov. 12.26 7. They are the Delight of his Eyes and Heart Cam. 2.14 Psal 149.4 8. They are tenderly cared for by him Zech. 2.8 Isa 40.12 9. They are the very Glory of Christ 2 Cor. 8.23 10. They are Rich in their Poverty Rov 2.9 11. They are clothed with the best Robe and Garments Isa 61.10 12. They shall be clothed upon with Immortality â— Cor. 5.4 Now not to clothe these must needs be charged deeply upon wicked men at that day Vse 1. for Information 1. We see the sad case of those that having that by them that would help to Clothe the Naked which they make no use of yet do nothing that way Christ will reckon with them for it at that day 2. We see a reâ—son of the Judgement of God upon the very Garments of Cruel men Jam. 5.1.2 3. We see how unworthy they be of the Name of Christians that will not Clothe their own Families If wicked men shall be judged that Clothe not other naked Saints what shall become of them that will not Clothe their own 1 Tim. 5.8 4. We see what wretched men they be that are so farre from Clothing Christs naked ones that if they will have any Clothes from them they shall pay twice
they think seriously of it for it will be charged home upon them at the last and great day 9. We see what need we had to look after those that are sick of sin and to tender convinced sinners as Christ does Mat. 9.12 13. 10. We see that if the non visitation of sick ones will be so deeply charged upon men at that day then surely cruelty to sick ones in other kinds much more Vse 2. for Terrour 1. To all careless ones that mind themselves only so themselves be in health care not how it goes with others are of Gallio â—s spirit Acts 18.17 2. To those that rejoyce at others Calamities Prov 24.17 3. To those that Kill and Murther them without pity as of late in Piemont If they that visit not sick Saints shall be judged where shall such appear Vse 3. for Exhortation 1. To tremble at any neglect herein it will cost men dear at that day 2. To repent of any such unmercifulnes in former times 3. To charge this neglect upon those that are guilty of it 4. To hope the best of those that make Conscience of visiting sick ones though they have their infirmities other wayes 5. To bless the Lord that he has made us in any measure tender this way and thereby given us hope that no such evil shall be charged upon us 6. To be thankful that others have been tender over us in our sickness and thereby have declared their love not only to us but to Christ himselfe 7. To stirre up our sâ—lves to the practice of the duty of visiting the sick And that we may be helped therein 1 Labour to get a soft heart Ezek 36.26 2 Remember that we may be sick our selves 3 Think much of the day of Judgement 4 Remember that Christ counts himselfe sick in his Members 5 Get a bountiful Spirit 6 Love the Saints 7 Fear the Almighty Job 6.14 8 Remember the good that may be done by the Prayer of Faith for the sick Jam. 5.15 Ver. 43. Sick and in Prison and ye visited me not We are now come to the last Branch or the XXXVI Doctrine and that is this That unmercifulness to Christs imprisoned ones shall be deeply charged upon the Wicked at the last and great Day Reasons 1. From the nature of this sin 2. From the Saints in this condition First From the Nature of this sin of not visiting Christs Prisoners 1. It is an high contempt of Christ himselfe for he sayes he is in Prison when they are and will not such a sin be charged home at that day 2. It is great hard-heartedness and cruelty For no men in the world need more pitâ—y then sometimes Prisoners do they endure great trials Heb. 11.36 Rev. 2.10 and this is a great plague Exod. 9 14. to be hard-hearted 3. It is inhumanity and such a sin whereby men put off humanity must needs be charged deeply upon them at that day 4. It is worse then Barbarism for even Barbarians have been kind to some of the Lords Prisoners as to Paul when he was a Prisoner Acts. â—8 2 10. 5. It is worse then Heathenism for some Heathens have been kinde to the Lords Prisoners as we see in Iosephs Keâ—per Gen. 39.21 so Acts 28.2 16 31. 6 It is that by which men resemble the very Devil for he casts the Saints into Prison Rev. 2 1â— and would have them there to have no mercy 7. It is altogether inconsistent with the love of God 1 Joh. 3.17 8. It is a Trangression of that Commandment that we have from God that He who loveth God love his Brother also 1 Ioh. 4.21 9. It is that that is detestable to God Angels and all good men for all these visit these Prisoners Gen. 39.21 Act. 12.6 7 8. 10. It is that that a man will loath himself for it ever he repent Acts 16.33 2. From the Saints in that condition 1. They are in a lonesome condition and therefore stand in need of visiting 2. They are under manifold temptations and others visits would help them in such a condition 3. They are sorrowful we read of the sighs of Prisoners Psal 79.11 and others visits would help to alleviate those lighs 4. They are dying men Psal 79.11 and not to visit dying men must needs be charged upon those that are guilty of it 5. They are meanly provided for in the Prison 1 Kin. 22.26 27. and not to visit them to minister something more comfortable for them for their Diet is sad and will be reckoned for 6. They have mean Lodging many times a little straw or it may be a Pair of Stocks Acts 16.24 7. They are sometimes pined and have no meat at all Jer 38.9 8. They are starved with cold as Mr. Latimer 9. They are tortured sometimes Heb. 11.35 10. They continue long in this condition Vse 1. for Information 1. We see that the Lords Prisoners are very dear to him in that he will charge unmercifull ones so deeply at that day for not visiting them in this their afflicted condition 2. We see that he will surely charge it home upon them that have without cause put them into Prison and have dealt cruelly with them there by Pining Starving Torturing of them 3. We see that surely the death of such Prisoners is very precious in his sight If the death of every Saint be precious Psal 116.15 then much more precious is the death of these Saints that are Sufferers for him 2 Tim. 4.6 16. He will charge the wicked's not visiting them upon them and therefore when they shed their Blood it shall be costly to them He will have a price for that Blood 4. We see that the Saints way be content to be put in Prison and to suffer the Cruelty that sometimes they there meet with for Christ takes notice of it and will deeply charge it upon unmerciful ones 5. We see that the closest Prisons cannot exclude Christ nor shut out his love from his Prisoners Rom. 8.38 39. 6. We see that if there be so much iniquity in a non visit of Christs Prisoners that it shall be so charged Oh what is there in the Slaughter of so many as have been slain for Jesus sake in all Ages 7. We see that the worst state of the People of the Lord even a Prison-condition is better then the best of hard hearted wicked men for these last must be accountable for their Neglects of poor Prisoners 8. We see that omissions of small kindnesses to men in misery though we think not of them as any great matter yet will be made so nothing of at that day 9. We see how dear such must pay for it that have been and are of the Romish Religion Rev. 18.24 10. We see that Prisoners for Jesus sake though not visited by some men yet have many a sweet visit from him for he will make up their defect Vse 2. for Terrour 1. To those that visit not 2. To those that vint them to
Rom. 3.19 and the Sentence pronounced upon guilty ones is put in execution They have deserved this punishment Rom. 6.23 and therefore must be sure to have it 2. They cannot be then pardoned the date is out they must have their Pardon here that get Pardon 3. They have no liberty to plead for themselves granted to them Mat. 7.22 23. Luke 13.26 having nothing justly to say why they should not be Condemned and the Sentence executed 4. They have some of them looked for it Heb. 10.26 27. 5. They are all Condemned already by the Law Gal. 3.10 by the Gospel John 3.18 19. in their own Consciences 1 John 3.20 Tit. 3.11 6. They are Ordained of old to Condemnation Jude ver 4. appointed to Wrath 1 Thess 5.9 and therefore Wrath must be executed upon them Rom. 9.22 7. They have passed rash Judgement against the Saints in thâ—i Censures as Mat. 11.18 19. Jam. 3.1 8. They have some of them put their unjust Sentences against the Saints in execution and what wonder then if Christs Sentence against them be put in execution Vse 1. for Information 1. We see what a dreadful thing it is to be undâ—r the Sentence of Condemnation for it shall surely be put in execution there 's no way to escape 1 Thes 5.2 all Pleas will be vain all Excuses vain none of them will take at that day 2. We see how sure Christs words will be that he will pronounce upon the wicked at the great day they must be accomplished and put in execution These shall go away into everlasting punishment 3. We see that the Threatnings of Condemnation that the Ministers of the Gâ—â—spel denounce shall be all made good and fulfilled for they shall be judged by those words John 12.48 and that Judgement must be put in execution 4 We see the mischief that sin brings upon men it does not onely cause them to be Sentenced but to have the Sentence put in execution against them Oh how should we then abhorre that which is evil Rom 12.9 5. We see that as God fulfils with his hand what he speaks with his mouth in a promissory way 1 Kings 8 24. So he does the like in a Condemning way 6. We see that wicked men are out of all hope in the day of Judgement when the Sentence is once passed for it shall be put in execution 7. We see what a pitiful thing it is to come too late in a way of suing for Grace and Mercy for there 's no place then left to finde any favour 8. We see what a dreadful thing it is to sin against the Lord for he is able to do all that he pronounceth against evil men and will surely do it and therefore great cause there is to fear him Luk. 12.5 9. We see how vile and abominable they be that scoff at Christs coming 2 Pet 3.3 4. 10. We see how detestable they be that in a Blasphemous way wish God to damn them they shall be sure to be Damned when the Sentence is passed to have it executed Vse 2. for Terrour 1. To all impenitent wicked persons they cannot escape the damnation of Hell for how should they when Christs Sentence must be put in execution against them 2. To them that think to excuse themselves at the last day â— there 's no place left for any excuse then for These shall go away into everlasting punishment 3. To those that deferre their Repentance and think their time is before them Death may come suddenly and as Death leaves men so shall Judgement find them Prov. 27.1 Heb. 9.27 Vse 3. for Eubertation 1. To be speedy and serious in a way of Repentance not to deferre it nor to be Idle and Negligent in a business of so great importance for if the Sentence be once passed there 's no calling of it in again Ezek. 33.11 2. To tremble to sin against Christ that will put his Sentence of Condemnation in Execution Prov. 8.36 3. To come out of wicked mens company and forsake their wayes lest we be wrapt up in the Sentence of Condemnation with them and in the execution of it Prov. 13.20 9.18 4. To hear the voiceof Christ now in the Gospel who calls us to Repentance and Faith and Fruits of new Obedience for if we will not we must be Sentenced and that Sentence must be put into execution there 's no avoiding it Hebr. 12.25 2.1 2 3. 5. To mourn that any of us have made such desperate adventures in refusing to return for so long a time Christ bewails this and therefore we may well do it Mat. 23.37 Luk. 19 41-44 see also Jer. 13.27 6. To be thankful if any of us escape the Sentence and the execution of it for there 's Millions of men that shall not escape it 7. To wicked men that continue such to look for no favour at that day for they shall be sure to find none for These shall go away c. 8. To Judges to see to the execution of their righteous Sentences for Christ will to his 9. To us all to plead hard now while the day of Grace lasts and to make improvement of the precious seasons of Grace for if we stay till the Sentence be passed there 's no good to be done 2 Cor. 6.2 Heb. 3.7 10. To pitty those that go on in their sins for if they live and die in them they leave themselves without all hope Luk. 19.41 42. Jer. 9.1 11. To strive to enter in at the strait gate for many shall seek to enter in when it is too late and shall not be able because the Sentence must be put into execution Luke 13.24 25 26. Mat. 25.11 12. 12. To take heed of sleeping in security and dreaming of peace and safety 1 Thes 5.2 for after the Sentence there 's no hope but it will be put in execution 13. To Watch and Pray alwayes that we may be counted worthy to escape all those things that shall come to pass at the end of the World and to stand before the Son of Man Luk. 21.36 it much concerns us seeing the Sentence once passed must be put in execution 14. To fear to fall into the hands of the Lord that will surely put his Sentence into execution Heb. 10.31 Ver. 46. But the Righteous into Life Eternal The Second Branch of the last Note is this That Christs righteous Sentence in rewarding the Righte us shall be put in execution for the Righteous shall go into life Eternal Reasons 1. From the Lord that gives the Sentence 2. From the Sentence it self 3. From the Saints themselves From the Lord Jesus .. 1. He has purchased Eternal life for them Eph. 1.14 2. He gives it to them John 10.27 28. 3. He has willed and Prayed for it John 17.24 4. He has Ordained them to it Act. 13.48 5. He has given them a pledge of it in their peace and joy here Rom. 5.1 2. 1 Pet. 1.8 6. He has shewed them the way