Two discourses I. of the punishment of sin in hell, demonstrating the wrath of…

Who are also said to look for, in their trembling Consciences, this fiery Indignation: even as of these Hypocrites Isaiah also speaks, as being the expectants of Hell. And again, our Apostle Chap. 12. 31. Our God is a consuming Fire. So as upon several accounts it is, that God himself and his Wrath is, more eminently, that Fire in Hell the Scriptures, sometimes, speak of.

If it be objected out of my Text, Is it not said, He cometh in flaming Fire with ¹his Mighty Angels? Will he not then use corporeal Fire, as also the might of his Angels, and both as Instruments of his Execution, and their Destruction; and to that very end mentioneth the might of his Angels?

1. 12 Thess. 1. 8, 9.

I answer, 1. This Fire here is not mentioned, as that which is the Cause of their everlasting Destruction: but as that which is a concomitant of Christ's Appearing; and also a fore-runner or Harbinger ⟨p. 53⟩to that Judgment, he comes to pronounce Sentence of, whereof the Destruction that follows is the final Execution. Judges use for terror, and for a Demonstration of their Authority, Work, and Office they are employed in, to have visible Instruments of Death carried afore them, as Ensigns of their Power: A company of Halberds or the like for their Guard to go before, and environ them round; which yet are not to be the immediate Instruments of the Execution of Malefactors it self, but accompany their Persons at the Examination and Sentence.