Two discourses I. of the punishment of sin in hell, demonstrating the wrath 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. ^*And as to this or the like use, is this Guard of Angels, and of flaming Fire mentioned, to be understood to serve: Both these referring evidently unto that his Appearing. [Who shall be revealed from] Heaven with his mighty Angels in flaming Fire, but not spoken of, as the Causes of the Destruction it self that follows.

1. *And in such an equipage the Psalmist and the Prophets set forth Gods coming to judg, in particular judgments as