Human nature in its fourfold state ... In several practical discourses

On these accounts it is, that this trial is held out in the scripture under the notion of opening of books; and men are said to be judged out of those things written in the books, Rev. xx 12. The Judge of the world, who infallibly knoweth all things, hath no need of books to be laid before him, to prevent mistake in any point of law or fact: but the expression points at his proceeding, as most nice, accurate, just, and well grounded, in every step of it. Now, there are four books that shall be opened in that day.

First, The book of God's remembrance or omniscience, Mal. iii. 19. This is an exact record of every man's state, thoughts, words, and deeds, good or evil: it is, as it were, a day-book, in which the Lord puts down all that passeth in mens hearts, lips, and lives, and it is a-filling up every day that one lives. In it are recorded mens sins and good works, secret and open, with all their circumstances. Here are registered all their privileges, mercies temporal and spiritual, some-time laid to their hand; the checks, admonitions, and rebukes, given by teachers, neighbours, afflictions, and mens own consciences; every thing in its due order. This book will serve only as a libel in respect of the ungodly; but it will be for another use in respect of godly, namely, for a memorial of their good. The opening of it is the Judge's bringing to light what is written in it; the reading as it were, of the libel and memorial, respectively, in their hearing.

First, The book of God's remembrance or omniscience, Mal. iii. 19. This is an exact record of every man's state, thoughts, words, and deeds, good or evil: it is, as it were, a day-book, in which the Lord puts down all that passeth in mens hearts, lips, and lives, and it is a-filling up every day that one lives. In it are recorded mens sins and good works, secret and open, with all their circumstances. Here are registred all their privileges, mercies temporal and spiritual, some-time laid to their hand; the checks, admonitions, and rebukes, given by teachers, neighbours, afflictions, and mens own consciences; every thing in its due order. This book will serve only as a libel in respect of the ungodly; but it will be for another use in respect of godly, namely, for a memorial of their good. The opening of it is the Judge's bringing to light what is written in it; the reading as it were, of the libel and memorial, respectively, in their hearing.