The Scripture directory for church-officers and people, or, A practical commentary upon the whole…

Secondly, To instance no more, Thou believest a Day of Judgment appointed, when all men must appear to give an account of what they have done in this world, when Christ shall come as a Judge in flaming fire, to take vengeance upon all that obey not the Gospel. Those Lamps that the foolish Virgins had, as well as the wise, are that outward profession of Christs coming, and an outward preparation to meet him. Now to believe such a day coming, of so impartial a Judge, in such a terrible manner, might it not take off every man from his dearest sins? The Apostle speaking (2 Pet. 3.11.) of this expectation, and how the whole world shall be then on fire, he crieth out, What manner of persons ought we to be? For Heathens and Atheists that believe not this Day, it's no marvel, if they eat and drink and take no care; but how is it, that thou a Believer of these things, art not in Prayer often, in fasting and humiliation in reference hereunto?

Secondly, To instance no more, Thou believest a Day of Judgment appointed, when all men must appear to give an account of what they have done in this world, when Christ shall come as a Judge in flaming fire, to take vengeance upon all that obey not the Gospel. Those Lamps that the foolish Virgins had, as well as the wise, are that outward profession of Christs coming, and an outward preparation to meet him. Now to believe such a day coming, of so impartiall a Judge, in such a terrible manner, might it not take off every man from his dearest sinnes? The Apostle speaking (2 Pet. 3.11.) of this expectation, and how the whole world shall be then on fire, he cryeth out, What manner of persons ought we to be? For Heathens and Atheists that believe not this Day, it's no marvell, if they eat and drink and take no care; but how is it, that thou a Believer of these things, art not in Prayer often, in fasting and humiliation in reference hereunto?

Use of Instruction. The reason of the deluge of all errors and profaneness, is for want of good logic: They do not infer good conclusions from good Premises. For to be a Church, to be Christians; to be Believers of such sure and certain things, do not those infer to all, What manner of persons should we be in all godliness and holiness of Conversation? Do you not know these things? Are not these things acknowledged by all? How then can wickedness and sin be found in any mans life? Oh, men be either desperate Atheists or, mad fools! Atheists, if we believe not these things; fools, if we believe, yet our lives not answerable thereunto. What wilt thou plead at the day of Judgment? What will thy own conscience say for thee? Wilt thou not become immediately