The works of George Swinnock, M.A

3. Their persons shall be then publicly acquitted; They shall be cleared by public proclamation, before God, Angels, and Men. Hence it's said, Their sins shall be blotted out, when the time of refreshment shall come from the presence of the Lord. The sentence of Absolution passed in their conscience by the Spirit at this day is sweet, and puts more joy into their hearts, then if all the Crowns, and Sceptres of this world, had befallen them; but O how comfortable will it be to be declared just by the Judge himself, before the whole world, at that solemn and imperial day! They may then ring that challenge, Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect? Rom. 8. 33. And none will accept it, or take up the Gantlet. Who? Shall God, whose Children and Chosen they are? ⟨p. 774⟩No; It is God that justifieth. Shall the Judge? No; It is his undertaken-work to present them to the Father without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing. He hath washed them in his own blood, and made them as white as innocent Adam or Angels; He was judged for them, and will not pass judgement against them; He cannot condemn them, but he must condemn himself, for they are his members, his body, his brethren, bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh. Shall the Law? No, They have fully answered all its demands, superabundantly satisfied it through their surety, both in perfect obedience to all its precepts, and undergoing its punishment: What the Law saith, either in regard of commanding complete subjection, or cursing for the omission of it: it saith to them that are under the Law; but they are not under the Law, but under Grace. Shall Conscience? No; Next to God and Christ its their best friend: as Christ pleads for them to his father, so Conscience pleads for them to themselves. This is their rejoicing, the testimony of good Consciences, that in simplicity and godly sincerity they had their conversations in this world, 2 Cor. 1. 12. Shall Satan? No; The accuser of the brethren will be then cast down, and his place will be found no more in Heaven: then, then, those blessed promises will be performed, The seed of the Woman shall break the Serpents head: and the God of peace shall tread Satan under your feet.

3. Their persons shall be then publiquely acquitted; They shall be cleared by publique proclamation, before God, Angels, and Men. Hence it's said, Their sins shall be blotted out, when the time of refreshment shall come from the presence of the Lord. The sentence of Absolution passed in their conscience by the Spirit at this day is sweet, and puts more joy into their hearts, then if all the Crowns, and Scepters of this world, had befallen them; but O how comfortable will it be to be declared just by the Judge himself, before the whole world, at that solemn and imperial day! They may then ring that challenge, Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect?