3. Our Life on Earth is under the constant strict observation of our Lord Christ. He waits when to turn the Key, and shut it up. Through' the whole of that time, which, by deferring, he measures out to us, we are under his Eye as in a state of probation. He takes continual notice how we acquit our selves. For his turning the Key, at last, is a judicial act; therefore supposes diligent observation, and proceeds, upon it. He that hath this Key, is also said in the next Chapter, verse 18. to have Eyes like a flame of fire; with these he observes ⟨p. 36⟩what he hath against one or another, ver. 20. And, with most indulgent patience gives a space of Repentance, ver. 21. and notes it down, if any then repent not, as we there also find. Did secure Sinners consider this, how he beholds them with a flame in his Eye, and the Key in his hand, would they dare still to trifle? If they did apprehend how he, in this posture, stands over them, in all their vain dalliances, idle impertinences, bold adventures, insolent attempts against his Laws, and Government, presumptuous affronts of his high Authority; Yea or but in their drowsy slumbrings, their lingering delays, their neglects of offered Grace. Did they consider what notice he takes how they demean themselves under every Sermon they hear, in every Prayer wherein ⟨p. 37⟩they are to join with others, or which perhaps, for customs sake, they put up alone by themselves. How thei• hearts are moved, or unmoved by every repe•ted Call that is given them to turn to God, & get their Peace made by application of their Redeemer's reconciling Blood. In what Agonies would they be! what pangs of trembling would they feel within themselves, lest the Key should turn, before their great work be done!
3. Our Life on Earth is under the constant strict observation of our Lord Christ. He waits when to turn the Key, and shut it up. Thro' the whole of that time, which, by deferring, he measures out to us, we are under his Eye as in a state of probation. He takes continual notice how we acquit our selves. For his turning the Key, at last, is a judicial act; therefore supposes diligent observation, and proceeds, upon it. He that hath this Key, is also said in the next Chapter, verse 18. to have Eyes like a flame of fire; with these he observes ⟨p. 36⟩what he hath against one or another, ver. 20. And, with most indulgent patience gives a space of Repentance, ver. 21. and notes it down, if any then repent not, as we there also find. Did secure Sinners consider this, how he beholds them with a flame in his Eye, and the Key in his hand, would they dare still to trifle? If they did apprehend how he, in this posture, stands over them, in all their vain dalliances, idle impertinencies, bold adventures, insolent attempts against his Laws, and Gover•ment, presumptuous affronts of his high Authority; Yea or but in their drowsie slumbrings, their lingering delays, their neglects of offered Grace. Did they consider what notice he takes how they demean themselves under every Sermon they hear, in every Prayer wherein ⟨p. 37⟩they are to joyn with others, or which perhaps, for customs sake, they put up alone by themselves. How thei• hearts are mov'd, or unmov'd by every repe•ted Call that is given them to turn to God, & get their Peace made by application of their Redeemer's reconciling Blood. In what Agonies would they be! what pangs of trembling would they feel within themselves, lest the Key should turn, before their great work be done!
