1. This point of judgement after death discovereth the gross error of those1 who imagine that death is an utter destruction of body and soul. The Heathen discerned that the soul was immortal by the spiritual substance thereof; and by the properties and effects of it: we have further evidence hereof by the light of Gods word.
The Resurrection of the body seemed to them a strange Doctrine, and when it was preached to them, they mocked; for it is indeed an Article of faith, which cannot be demonstrated by reason; but is believed, because it is expressly revealed in the word. See more here of Chap. 6. v. 2. §. 20.
⟨p. 407⟩2. This cannot be but a matter of great terror to obstinate and impenitent sin•s.2 To such may be applied this caveat, know thou, that for all these things, God will […] thee into judgement. Eccles. 11. 9. To aggravate this terror, Christ Jesus whom pious persons while here they live, and whom they reject, yea, and persecute in his Members shall be their Judge. This Judge said to the impious Priests and others, who crucified him, yea; shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and […] in the Clouds of Heaven, Namely, to judge them. Mark 14. 62. Yea, one end of his coming is to execute judgement upon all that are ungodly, &c. Jud. v. 15. 2 Thes. 1. 8. Hence is it that such are called upon to weep and howl for the mysteries that •all come upon them, Jam. 5. 1. No marvel that Felix trembled when he heard […] preach of judgement to come, Act. 24. 25. And that Judas hanged himself, […]. 27. 5. And that they who beheld the lamb sitting as a judge, said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, Rev. 6. 16. If any thing be of force to make men wish Balaam's wish, That they may […] death of the righteous, and their last end be like theirs, (Numb. 23. 10.) this is […]. O that it might be of force to move them to live the life of the righteous.
3. This on the other side ministereth much matter of comfort, to such as believe3 in Christ, and make conscience of well ordering the whole course of their life. Here […] this world they have many discomforts and discouragements. For,
1. They are subject to the same outward condition as others are, Eccles. 9. 2.
2. They are in this world as sheep among wolves, Matth. 10. 16.
3. Their integrity is either not seen, or not regarded:
1. This point of judgement after death discovereth the grosse errour of those1 who imagine that death is an utter destruction of body and soul. The Heathen discerned that the soul was immortal by the spiritual substance thereof; and by the properties and effects of it: we have further evidence hereof by the light of Gods word.
The Resurrection of the body seemed to them a strange Doctrine, and when it was preached to them, they mocked; for it is indeed an Article of faith, which cannot be demonstrated by reason; but is believed, because it is expresly revealed in the word. See more here of Chap. 6. v. 2. §. 20.
⟨p. 407⟩2. This cannot be but a matter of great terror to obstinate and impenitent sin•s.2 To such may be applied this caveat, know thou, that for all these things, God will 〈…〉 thee into judgement. Eccles. 11. 9. To aggravate this terror, Christ Jesus whom •pious persons while here they live, and whom they reject, yea, and persecute in his Members shall be their Judge. This Judge said to the impious Priests and others, who crucified him, yea; shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and 〈…〉 in the Clouds of Heaven, Namely, to judge them. Mark 14. 62. Yea, one end of his comming is to execute judgement upon all that are ungodly, &c. Iud. v. 15. 2 Thes. 1. 8. Hence is it that such are called upon to weep and howle for the mysteries that •all come upon them, Iam. 5. 1. No marvel that Felix trembled when he heard 〈…〉 preach of judgement to come, Act. 24. 25. And that Iudas hanged himself, 〈…〉. 27. 5. And that they who beheld the lamb sitting as a judge, said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne,
- 1Nor body nor soul are utterly destroyed by death.
- 2The day of judgement terrible to wicked.
- 3The day of judgement comfortable to believers:
