A Golden Chain

but the very drift of the parable is to show, that they which are called first, have no cause to brag or insult over others which as yet are uncalled, considering they may be made equal or be preferred before them.

but the very drift of the parable is to shew, that they which are called first, haue no cause to bragge or insult ouer others which as yet are vncalled, considering they may be made equall or be preferred before them.

Thus much of life it self: now follows the continuance thereof, which the Scriptures have noted in calling it eternal or everlasting. And to this end Paul saith, that Christ hath abolished death, and brought not only life, but also immortality to light by the Gospel. ¹And this very circumstance serves greatly to commend the happiness of the godly: in that, after they have made an entrance into it, they shall never see term of time or end. Suppose the whole world were a sea, and that every thousand years expired, a bird must carry away, or drink up one only drop of it: in process of time it will come to pass that this sea though very huge, shall be dried up: but yet many thousand millions of years must be passed before this can be done. Now if a man should enjoy happiness in heaven only for the space of time in which the sea is in drying up, he would think his case most happy and blessed: but behold the Elect shall enjoy the kingdom of heaven not only for that time, but when it is ended, they shall enjoy it as long again: and when all is done, they shall be as far from the ending of this their joy, as they were at the beginning.

Thus much of life it selfe: now followes the continuance thereof, which the Scriptures haue noted in calling it eternall or euerlasting. And to this end Paul saith, that Christ hath abolished death, and brought not onely life, but also immortalitie to light by the Gospell. ¹