Sermons preached

4. Here is a Collation or Comparison of Opposites; the Pains of Hell, with the Trouble of Mortification. First or last we must endure Troubles and Difficulties. Now it is much more eligible to take Pains in the mortifying of Sin, than to bear Eternal Pains in the punishment of it. This is that which is expressed in the Text, For every one shall be salted with Fire, and every Sacrifice shall be salted with Salt. In the Words,

4. Here is a Collation or Comparison of Opposites; the Pains of Hell, with the Trouble of Mortification. First or last we must endure Troubles and Difficulties. Now it is much more eligible to take Pains in the mortifying of Sin, than to bear Eternal Pains in the punishment of it. This is that which is exprest in the Text, For every one shall be salted with Fire, and every Sacrifice shall be salted with Salt. In the Words,

1. Observe a double Salting, either with Fire, or with Salt; the one referring to one sort of People, and the other to the other. They agree in the common Nature: for Salt is of a fiery Nature, and apt to consume; but they differ in the matter to be consumed. Salt consumes the superfluous Moisture, which is apt to cause putrefaction; but the Fire consumes the Substance it self. So that to be salted with Fire, is to be given up to everlasting Destruction. Fire consumeth ⟨p. 83⟩all things; and God is called a Consuming Fire to the wicked, Heb. 12. 29.

2. Here is also an Allusion to Sacrifices; for every Man that lives in the World must be a Sacrifice to God. The Wicked are a Sacrifice to God's Justice; but the Godly are a Sacrifice dedicated and offered to him, that they may be capable of his Mercy. The first are a Sacrifice against their Wills; but the Godly are a free-will-Offering, a Sacrifice not taken, but offered. Now the Law of all Sacrifices was, that they were to be salted with Salt,