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

USE I. Of comfort to all the saints. Here is abundance of consolation to all who are in the state of grace. Whatever be your afflictions in the world, this day will make up all your losses. "Though you have lain among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold," Psal. lxviii. 13. Though the world reproach, judge and condemn you; the Judge will, at that day, absolve you, and bring forth your righteousness as the light. The world's fools will then appear to have been the only wise men who were in it. Though the cross be heavy, you may well bear it in expectation of the crown of righteousness, which the righteous Judge will then give you. If the world do despise you, and treat you with the utmost contempt, regard it not: the day cometh wherein you shall sit with Christ in his throne. Be not discouraged, by reason of manifold temptations; but resist the devil, in confidence of a full and complete victory; for you shall judge the tempter at last. Tho' you have had wrestling now with the body of sin and death; yet ye shall get all your enemies under your feet, at length, and be presented faultless before the presence of his glory. Let not the terror of that day dispirit you, when you think upon it: let these who have slighted the ⟨p. 289⟩Judge, and continue enemies to him, and to the way of holiness, d•o•p and hang down their heads, when they think of his coming: but lift ye up your heads, with joy, for the last day will be your best day. The Judge is your Head and Husband, your Redeemer, and your Advocate. Ye must appear before the judgment ••at, but ye shall not come into condemnation, John v. 24. His coming will not be against you, but for you. He came in the flesh, to remove the lawful impediments of the spiritual marriage, by his death, he came in the gospel to you, to espouse you to himself: he will come, at the last day, to solemnize the marriage, and take the bride home to his Father's house. Even so come, Lord Jesus.

USE I. Of comfort to all the saints. Here is abundance of consolation to all who are in the state of grace. Whatever be your afflictions in the world, this day will make up all your losses. "Though you have lain among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold,"