The saints everlasting rest

Do you not know that the saints shall judge the world? Nay, Know you not that we shall judge angels? Surely, were i• not the word of Christ that speaks it, this advancement would seem incredible, yet even Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of this; saying, Behold the LORD cometh with ten thousand of his saints, to execute judgment upon all, and convince all that are ungodly among them, of their ungodly deeds, which they have ungodly committed; and of all their hard speeches, which ungodly sinners have spoke against him. Jude 14, &c. Thus shall the saints be honoured, and the righteous have dominion in the morning. O that the careless world were but wise to consider this, and that they would remember their latter end! That they would be now of the same mind, as they will be when they shall see the heavens pass away with a great noise, and the elements melt with fervent heat; the earth also, and the works that are therein be burnt up! When all shall be on fire about their ears, and all earthly glory consumed. For the heavens, and the earth which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment, and perdition of ungodly men. Seeing then all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness: looking for, and hasting to the coming of the day of GOD: wherein the heavens being on fire, shall be dissolved, and the elements melt with fervent heat.

The fourth antecedent to the saints advancement is, their solemn coronation, and receiving into the kingdom. For as Christ, their head, is anointed both king and priest: so under him are his people made unto GOD both kings and priests: To reign, and to offer praises for-ever, Rev. v. 10. The crown of righteousness, which was laid up for them, shall by the LORD, the righteous judge, be given them at that day, 2 Tim. iv. 8. They have been faithful to the death, and therefore shall receive the crown of life: and according to the improvement of their talents here, so shall their rule and dignity be enlarged. So that they are not dignified with empty titles, but real dominions. For Christ will take them and set them down with himself, in his own throne; and will give them power over the nations, even as he received of his Father. And will give them the morning star. The LORD himself will give them possession with these applauding expressions: Well done, good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy LORD. And with this solemn and blessed proclamation shall he enthrone them; Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Every word is full of life and joy. [Come] This is the holding forth of the golden sceptre; to warrant our approach unto this glory. Come now as near as you will: fear not the Bethshemites judgment: for the enmity is utterly taken away. This is not such a Come as we were wont to hear, Come take up your cross, and follow me: though that was sweet, yet this is much more. [Ye blessed] Blessed indeed, when that mouth shall so pronounce us. For though the world hath accounted us accursed, yet certainly those that he blesseth are blessed: and those whom he curseth only, are cursed: and his blessing shall not be revoked. But he hath blessed us, and we shall be blessed. [Of my Father] Blessed in the Father's love, as well as the