CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

3. To be from Eternity is the property of God, God only is eternal, and therefore no finite limited thing can thus be without a beginning; The world is finite in its number, it's but one world, whereas God might create more worlds as well as one; It's finite in nature, It's finite in its parts, It's finite in its use, and it's finite in duration; Hence all the Nations of the world comparatively to God are laid to be but as a drop, and as a little light dust, Isa. 40 15. Seeing therefore the world is not infinite, but is every way limited, it cannot be eternal; and this is the reason why we Christians should lift our hearts above the world, which had a beginning unto God, who is God from everlasting to everlasting.

4. The world was not without beginning, but made in time, because it's corruptible; It's subject to a dissolution, Now what is without a beginning is without an end; If it had a beginning it's subject to an end, though God indeed may perpetuate it, as we see he doth Angels and Men; Now that the world is subject to destruction some have proved it from this, because there is a decay in nature; They say the very Sun and heavens have not that power and influence they had formerly, but I find learned men utterly disavowing such a Position, and they maintain that nature is still the same, and is as constant and powerful in operation as ever. Therefore from the Scripture we see clearly the corruptibility of it, Rom. 8. The whole Creation is said to be subject unto vanity and corruption, so that it groaneth for a freedom, and 2 Pet. 3. We have there a large description of the Funerals of the whole world, The heavens shall pass away with a noise, and the Elements with a burning heat, &c. Indeed the learned do dispute whether the world in all the choice parts of it shall suffer an utter abolition, or only a perfective alteration; But whatsoever it be, a wonderful change shall be made of it, and therefore the Apostle from this amazing dissolution, inferreth, Seeing these things shall be, what manner of persons ought we to be; [Greek or Hebrew] not [Greek or Hebrew], even to admiration; So that the consideration of the worlds beginning, and so by consequence its end is not a cold bitten Subject, You may not sit, and run, or sleep, or wander in your hearts, but excellent practical Uses may be made thereof, and so we proceed to them, As