The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Hence some have conjectured that it will not be a short time, nor the judgement soon passed over. It is called a day, but not in relation to our natural, or artificial days, for Christ judging as man in his humane nature, by his divine power, will probably employ a far greater time in searching into, and publicly revealing every mans condition and conversation.¹ Though I am not of their opinions, who say, it will be precisely a thousand years• because its said, A thousand years are in thy sight but as one day; Yet I judge it to be taken indefinitely, and as Austin saith, That the day of judgement shall begin is certain; but when it shall end is uncertain. I find two Divines, eminent both for grace and learning in their generations, speaking; One saith, I humbly conceive that the day of judgement shall not be passed over in an instant, but shall be of long continuance; for if Christ should judge only as God, he could dispatch it in a moment, but he judging as man, it must be after the manner of men, that the creature may understand, admire, and approve what is done. The other saith, It must take up some large quantity of time, to manifest all the secret sins of men, and therefore it ⟨p. 771⟩may be made evident, both from Scripture and reason, that the day of Christs kingly office, in judging the world, shall last happily longer then the day of Christs private administration, now in governing the world.

Hence some have conjectured that it will not be a short time, nor the judgement soon passed over. It is called a day, but not in relation to our natural, or artificial days, for Christ judging as man in his humane nature, by his divine power, will probably employ a far greater time in searching into, and publiquely revealing every mans condition and conversation.¹ Though I am not of their opinions, who say, it will be precisely a thousand years• because its said, A thousand years are in thy sight but as one day; Yet I judge it to be taken indefinitely, and as A•stin saith, That the day of judgement shall begin is certain; but when it shall end is uncertain. I find two Divines, eminent both for grace and learning in their generations, speaking; One saith, I humbly conceive that the day of judgement shall not be passed over in an instant, but shall be of long continuance; sor if Christ should judge onely as God, he could dispatch it in a moment, but he judging as man, it must be after the manner of men, that the creature may understand, admire, and approve what is done. The other saith, It must take up some large quantity of time, to manifest all the secret sins of men, and therefore it