The four last things viz. death, judgment, heaven, hell, practically considered and applied in…

Indeed if we consider the holiest Men as they are Sinners, their Afflictions are so far from blemishing the Justice of God, that they are the signs of his Mercy: for all is a Favour on this side Hell to those that deserve it. David, an excellent Saint, acknowledgeth the righteousness of God's Judgments with respect to himself. But when the Saints suffer for a righteous Cause; and, as the Psalmist expresses it,¹ for thy sake are we killed all the day long, and are counted as Sheep for the slaughter; there is not a visible correspondency between the Providence of ⟨p. 224⟩God in his governing the World, and the unchangeable Rules of Justice, that those who do evil should suffer evil, and those who do well should be happy. As the Apostle speaks to the persecuted Christians,² It is a righteous thing with God to recompense Tribulation to them that trouble you, and to you who are troubled rest with us. Now there is a day coming, when the Persecutors shall be punished, and the Saints be rewarded for all their Sufferings, and the distribution of Recompenses shall be in the presence of the World, for the glory of Divine Justice. For the distinction that is made between Men at Death is private and particular, and not sufficient for the honour of God's Government. But at the last Day all Men that have lived in several successions of Ages shall appear, and Justice have a solemn Process and Triumph before Angels and Men. As some excellent Piece that is to be exposed to public view, is covered with a Traverse, to prevent the disturbance in the Working, and the discovery of the Work till brought to such perfection as will surprise with wonder those that see it: So God is ⟨p. 225⟩pleased to cover his Proceedings for a time, but in the last Day there will be such a Revelation of the righteous Judgment of God, ³that those who now doubt, or complain of his Justice, shall admire and adore it.

Indeed if we consider the holiest Men as they are Sinners, their Afflictions are so far from blemishing the Justice of God, that they are the signs of his Mercy: for all is a Favour on this side Hell to those that deserve it. David, an excellent Saint, acknowledgeth the righteousness of God's Judgments with respect to himself. But when the Saints suffer for a righteous Cause; and, as the Psalmist expresses it,