A Golden Chain

The last point, is Christs answer to them again in these words: Verily, I say unto you, in as much as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. This sentence being repeated again, doth teach us the lesson which we learned before, that when we are to show compassion to any man, especially if he be a member of Gods Church, we must not consider his outward estate or his baseness, in that he wants food or raiment, but behold Christ in him, not respecting him as a man, but as a member of Christ. This it is, that must move us to con passion, and cause us to make a supply of his wants more then any respect in the world beside. And surely when Christ in his members comes to our doors and complains that he is hungry and sick, and naked, if our bowels yearn not towards him, there is not so much as a spark of the love of God in us.

The last point, is Christs answer to them againe in these words: Verily, I say vnto you, in as much as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. This sentence being repeated againe, doth teach vs the lesson which we learned before, that when we are to shew compassion to any man, especially if he be a mēber of Gods Church, we must not consider his outward estate or his basenes, in that he wāts food or raiment, but behold Christ in him, not respecting him as a man, but as a member of Christ. This it is, that must mooue vs to cō passion, and cause vs to make a supplie of his wants more then any respect in the world beside. And surely when Christ in his members comes to our dores and complaines that he is hungrie and sicke, and naked, if our bowels yearne not towards him, there is not so much as a sparke of the loue of God in vs.

The seventh point in the proceeding of the last judgement is, the retribution or reward in these words: and they shall go into everlasting pain, and the righteous into life eternal. How do the wicked enter into hell and the godly into heaven? Answ. By the powerful and commanding voice of Christ, which ⟨p. 434⟩is of that force, that neither the greatest rebel that ever was among men, nor all the devils in hell, shall be able to withstand it. And seeing that after the day of judgement we must remain for ever either in heaven or in hell, we are to look about us and to take heed unto our hearts. Indeed if the time were but a thousand or two thousand years, then with more reason men might take liberty to themselves: but seeing it is without end we must be most careful through the whole course of our lives so to live and behave our selves, that when the day of judgement shall come, we may avoid that fearful sentence of everlasting woe and condemnation, which shall be pronounced against the wicked. And whereas all wicked men shall go to hell at Christs commandment, it teacheth us, willingly to obey the voice of Christ in the ministry of the word. For if we rebel against his voice in this world, when in the day of judgement sentence shall be pronounced against us, we shall hear an other voice, at the giving whereof, we must obey whether we will or no, and thereupon go to everlasting pain, whither we would not. Let us therefore in time deny our selves for our sins past, and only rely upon Christ Jesus for the free remission of them all; and for the time to come, lead a new reformed life.