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

This separation of the wicked from God will be, (1.) an involuntary separation. Now they depart from him, they will not come to him, though they are called, entreated, and obtested to ⟨p. 325⟩come: but then they shall be driven away from him, when they would gladly abide with him. Although the question, What is thy beloved more than another beloved? is frequent now amongst the despisers of the gospel, there will be no such question among all the damned crew; for then they will see that man's happiness is only to be found in the enjoyment of God, and that the loss of him is a loss that can never be balanced. (2) It will also be a total and utter separation. Albeit the wicked are in this life separated from God, yet there is a kind of intercourse betwixt them: he gives them many good gifts, and they give him, at least, some good words: so that the peace is not altogether hopeless. But then there shall be a total separation, the damned being cast into utter darkness, where there will not be the least gleam of light or favour from the Lord; the which will put an end unto all their fair words to him. Lastly, It shall be a final separation: they will part with him, never more to meet, being shut up under everlasting horror and despair. The match betwixt Jesus Christ and unbelievers, which has so often been carried forward, and put back again, shall then be broken up for ever: and never shall one message of favour or good-will go betwixt the parties any more.

This separation of the wicked from God will be, (1.) an involuntary separation. Now they depart from him, they will not come to him, though they are called, intreated, and obtested to ⟨p. 325⟩come: but then they shall be driven away from him, when they would gladly abide with him. Although the question, What is thy beloved more than another beloved? is frequent now amongst the despisers of the gospel, there will be no such question among all the damned crew; for then they will see that man's happiness is only to be found in the enjoyment of God, and that the loss of him is a loss that can never be balanced. (2) It will also be a total and utter separation. Albeit the wicked are in this life separated from God, yet there is a kind of intercourse betwixt them: he gives them many good gifts, and they give him, at least, some good words: so that the peace is not altogether hopeless. But then there shall be a total separation, the damned being cast into utter darkness, where there will not be the least gleam of light or favour from the Lord; the which will put an end unto all their fair words to him. Lastly, It shall be a final separation: they will part with him, never more to meet, being shut up under everlasting horror and despair. The match betwixt Jesus Christ and unbelievers, which has so often been carried forward, and put back again, shall then be broken up for ever: and never shall one message of favour or good-will go betwixt the parties any more.