SermonsofWarningandJudgment

byJonathanEdwards

TableofContents

TheFinalJudgment-Acts17:31-Becausehehathappointedaday,inthewhichhewilljudgetheworldinrighteousnessbythatmanwhomhehathordained.

SinnersintheHandsofanAngryGod-Deuteronomy32:35-Their footshallslideinduetime.

The Vain Self Flatteries of the Sinner - Psalm 36:2 - For he flatterethhimselfinhisowneyes,untilhisiniquitybefoundtobehateful.

The Future Punishment of the Wicked Unavoidable and Intolerable -Ezekiel22:14-Canthineheartendure,orcanthinehandsbestrong inthedaysthatIshalldealwiththee?ItheLordsavespokenit,andwilldoit.

TheJusticeofGodintheDamnationofSinners-Romans3:19- ...Thateverymouthmaybestopped..

WickedMenUseful inTheirDestructionOnly -Ezekiel 15:2-4 - Sonofman,Whatisthevinetreemorethananytree?Orthanabranchwhichisamong the trees of the forest? Shall wood be taken thereof to do anywork?Orwillmentakeapinofittohanganyvesselthereon?Behold,itiscastintothefireforfuel;Thefiredevourethboththeendsofit,andthemidstofitisburnt:Isitmeetforanywork?

TheEndoftheWickedContemplatedbytheRighteous-Revelation18:20-Rejoice over her thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; forGodhathavengedyouonher.

WickedMenofthePastareStillinHell-1Peter3:19,20-Bywhichalsohewentandpreachedtothespiritsinprison,etc....

The Portion of theWicked - Romans 2:8, 9 - But unto them that arecontentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness,indignationandwrath,tribulationandanguish,uponeverysoulofmanthatdoethevil,oftheJewfirst,andalsooftheGentile.

WhentheWickedShallHaveFilledUptheMeasureofTheirSin,WrathWillComeUponThemtotheUttermost-1Thessalonians2:16-Tofilluptheirsinsalway;forthewrathiscomeuponthemtotheuttermost.

Wicked Med Inconsistent With Themselves - Matthew 11:16-19. - ButwhereuntoshallIlikenthisgeneration?Itislikeuntochildrensittinginthemarkets, and calling unto their fellows, and saying,We have pipedunto you, and ye havenot danced;wehavemournedunto you, and yehavenotlamented...

SinnersinZionTenderlyWarned-Isaiah33:14-ThesinnersinZionareafraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shalldwellwiththedevouringfire?whoamongusshalldwellwitheverlastingburnings?

TheEternity ofHellsTorments -Matthew25:46 - These shall go awayintoeverlastingpunishment.

SinnersDelay Concerns the Soul - Acts 24:25 - And as he reasoned ofrighteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, andanswered,Gothywayfor this time;whenIhaveaconvenientseason,Iwillcallforthee.

NaturalMeninaDreadfulCondition-Acts16:29,30-Thenhecalledforalight,andsprangin,andcametrembling,andfelldownbeforePaulandSilas,andbroughtthemout,andsaid,SirswhatmustIdotobesaved?

TheFinalJudgment

Or

TheWorldJudgedRighteouslybyJesusChrist

Acts17:31Becausehehathappointedaday,inthewhichhewilljudgetheworldin

righteousnessbythatmanwhomhehathordained.

INTRODUCTION

GodhathappointedadayinwhichhewilljudgetheworldinrighteousnessbyJesusChrist.

THESEwordsareapartof thespeechwhichPaulmade inMars’hill,aplaceofconcourseofthejudgesandlearnedmenofAthens.Athenswastheprincipal city of that part ofGreecewhichwas formerly a commonwealth by itself, and was themost noted place in the whole world forlearning,philosophy,andhumanwisdom,Anditcontinuedsoformanyages,tillatlengththeRomanshavingconqueredGreece,itsrenownfromthat timebegantodiminish.AndRomehavingborrowed learningof it,began to rival it in science, and in thepolite and civil arts.However, itwas still very famous in the days ofChrist and the apostles, andwas aplaceofconcourseforwiseandlearnedmen.

Therefore, when Paul came thither, and began to preach concerningJesusChrist,amanwhohadlatelybeencrucifiedatJerusalem(asinActs17:18),thephilosophersthrongedabouthim,tohearwhathehadtosay.Thestrangenessofhisdoctrineexcitedtheircuriosity,fortheyspenttheirtimeinendeavoringtofindoutnewthings,andvaluedthemselvesgreatly

upon their being the authors ofnewdiscoveries, aswe are informed inActs 17:21. They despised his doctrine in their hearts, and esteemed itveryridiculous,callingtheapostleababbler.ForthepreachingofChristcrucifiedwastotheGreeksfoolishness,1Cor.1:23,yettheEpicureanandStoic philosophers, two different sects, had a mind to hear what thebabblerhadtosay.

UponthisPaulrisesupinthemidstofthem,andmakesaspeech.Andashe speaks to philosophers and men of learning, he speaks quitedifferentlyfromhiscommonmodeofaddress.Thereisevidently, inhisdiscourse,agreaterdepthofthought,morephilosophicalreasoning,andamoreelevatedstyle,thanaretobefoundinhisordinarydiscoursestocommonmen.Hisspeechissuchaswaslikelytodrawtheattentionandgaintheassentofphilosophers.Heshowshimselftobenobabbler,butaman who could offer such reason, as they, however they valuedthemselves upon their wisdom, were not able to gainsay. His practicehereisagreeabletowhathesaithofhimself,1Cor.9:22,“thathebecameallthingstoallmen,thathemightbyallmeanssavesome.”Henotonlytotheweakbecameasweak,thathemightgaintheweak,buttothewisehebecameaswise,thathemightgainthewise.

Inthefirstplace,hereasonswiththemconcerningtheirworshipofidols.HedeclarestothemthetrueGod,andpointsouthowunreasonableitistosuppose,thathedelightsinsuchsuperstitiousworship.Hebeginswiththis,becausetheyweremostlikelytohearkentoit,asbeingsoevidentlyagreeable to the natural light of human reason, and also agreeable towhatsomeoftheirownpoetsandphilosophershadsaid(Acts17:28).Hebegins not immediately to tell them about Jesus Christ, his dying forsinners, and his resurrection from the dead. But first draws theirattentionwiththattowhichtheyweremorelikelytohearken.Andthen,havingthus introducedhimself, he proceeds to speak concerning JesusChrist.

He tells them, the times of this ignorance concerning the true God, inwhichtheyhadhithertobeen,Godwinkedat.Hesufferedtheworldtolieinheathenishdarkness.Butnowtheappointedtimewascome,whenheexpectedmen should everywhere repent, “because he had appointed aday, in thewhichhewill judge theworld in righteousnessby thatman

whom he hath ordained.” As an enforcement to the duty of turning toGodfromtheirignorance,superstition,andidolatry,theapostlebringsinthis, thatGodhadappointedsuchadayof judgment.AndasaproofofthishebringstheresurrectionChristfromthedead.

Concerningthewordsofthetext,wemayobserve,

That inthemtheapostlespeaksof thegeneral judgment:Hewill judgetheWORLD.—The timewhen this shall be, on the appointedday:Hehath appointed a day. — How the world is to be judged: Inrighteousness.—Themanbywhomitistobejudged:ChristJesuswhomGodraisedfromthedead.

DOCTRINE

ThereisadaycominginwhichtherewillbeageneralrighteousjudgmentofthewholeworldbyJesusChrist.

In speaking upon this subject, I shall show, That God is the SupremeJudgeof theworld.That there is a time coming,whenGodwill, in themostpublicandsolemnmanner,judgethewholeworld.ThatthepersonbywhomhewilljudgeitisJesusChrist.Thatthetransactionsofthatdaywill be greatly interesting and truly awful. That all shall be done inrighteousness.Andfinally,Ishalltakenoticeofthosethingswhichshallbeimmediatelyconsequentuponthejudgment.

SECTIONI

Godisthesupremejudgeoftheworld.

I.Godissobyright.Heisbyrightthesupremeandabsoluteruleranddisposerofallthings,bothinthenaturalandmoralworld.Therationalunderstandingpartofthecreationisindeedsubjecttoadifferentsortofgovernment from that to which irrational creatures are subject. Godgoverns the sun, moon, and stars. He governs even the motes of dustwhichflyintheair.Notahairofourheadsfallethtothegroundwithoutour heavenly Father. God also governs the brute creatures. By his

providence, he orders, according to his own decrees, all eventsconcerning those creatures. And rational creatures are subject to thesamesortofgovernment.Alltheiractions,*1*andalleventsrelatingtothem, being ordered by superior providence, according to absolutedecrees so that no event that relates to them ever happenswithout thedisposal of God, according to his own decrees. The rule of thisgovernmentisGod’swisedecree,andnothingelse.

Butrationalcreatures,becausetheyareintelligentandvoluntaryagents,are the subjects of another kind of government. They are so only withrespecttothoseoftheiractions,inwhichtheyarecausesbycounsel,orwithrespect to theirvoluntaryactions.ThegovernmentofwhichInowspeak is calledmoral government, and consists in two things, in givinglaws,andinjudging.

God is, with respect to this sort of government, by right the sovereignruleroftheworld.Heispossessedofthisrightbyreasonofhis infinitegreatnessandexcellency,bywhichhemerits,andisperfectlyandsolelyfit for, the office of supreme ruler. He that is so excellent as to beinfinitelyworthyofthehighestrespectofthecreature,hastherebyarightto that respect. He deserves it by a merit of condignity, so that it isinjusticetodenyittohim.Andhethatisperfectlywiseandtrue,andisonlysoregarded,hasarightineverythingtoberegarded,andtohavehisdeterminationsattendedtoandobeyed.

Godhasalsoaright to thecharacterofsupremeruler,byreasonof theabsolutedependenceofeverycreatureonhim.Allcreatures,andrationalcreatures no less than other, are wholly derived from him, and everymomentarewhollydependentuponhimforbeing, and for all good, sothattheyareproperlyhispossession.Andas,byvirtueof this,hehasaright to give his creatures whatever rules of conduct he pleases, orwhateverrulesareagreeabletohisownwisdom.SothemindandwillofthecreatureoughttobeentirelyconformedtothenatureandwilloftheCreator,andtotheruleshegives,thatareexpressiveofit.

For thesamereason,hehasa right to judge their actionsandconduct,and to fulfill the sanction of his law. He who has an absolute andindependent right to give laws, has evermore the same right to judge

those towhom the laws are given. It is absolutely necessary that thereshouldbeajudgeofreasonablecreatures.Andsanctions,orrewardsandpunishments, annexed to rulesof conductarenecessary to thebeingoflaws.Apersonmayinstructanotherwithoutsanctions,butnotgivelaws.However, these sanctions themselves are vain, are as good as none,withoutajudgetodeterminetheexecutionofthem.AsGodhasarighttobejudge,sohashearighttobethesupremejudge.Andnonehasarighttoreversehis judgments, toreceiveappeals fromhim,or tosaytohim,Whyjudgestthouthus?

II.Godis,infactthesupremejudgeoftheworld.Hehaspowersufficienttovindicatehisownright.Ashehasarightwhichcannotbedisputed,sohe has power which cannot be controlled. He is possessed ofomnipotence,wherewith tomaintainhisdominionover theworld.Andhedoesmaintainhisdominioninthemoralaswellasthenaturalworld.MenmayrefusesubjectiontoGodasalawgiver.Theymayshakeofftheyokeofhislawsbyrebellion.Yettheycannotwithdrawthemselvesfromhisjudgment.AlthoughtheywillnothaveGodfortheirlawgiver,yettheyshallhavehimfortheirjudge.ThestrongestofcreaturescandonothingtocontrolGod,ortoavoidhimwhileactinginhisjudicialcapacity.Heisabletobring them tohis judgment-seat, and isalsoable toexecute thesentencewhichheshallpronounce.

TherewasonceanotableattemptmadebyoppositionofpowerentirelytoshakeofftheyokeofthemoralgovernmentofGod,bothaslawgiver,andas judge.Thisattemptwasmadeby theangels, themostmightyofcreatures.But theymiserably failed in it.Godnotwithstandingactedastheirjudgeincastingthoseproudspiritsoutofheaven,andbindingtheminchainsofdarknessuntoa further judgment,anda further execution.“Godiswiseinheartandmightyinstrength;whohathhardenedhimselfagainsthim,andhathprospered?”Job9:4.WhereintheenemiesofGoddealproudly,heisabovethem.Heeverhasactedasjudgeinbestowingwhat rewards, and inflicting what punishments, he pleased on thechildrenofmen.Andsohedoesstill.He isdaily fulfilling thepromisesandthreateningsof the law, indisposingof the soulsof the childrenofmen,andsobeevermorewillact.

Godactsasjudgetowardsthechildrenofmenmoreespecially,

First, in man’s particular judgment at death. Then the sentence isexecuted,andtherewardbestowedinpart;whichisnotdonewithoutajudgment.Thesoul,whenitdeparts fromthebody,appearsbeforeGodto be disposed of by him, according to his law. But by this appearingbeforeGod,tobejudgedatdeath,weneedunderstandnomorethanthis,that thesoul ismade immediatelysensibleof thepresenceofGod,Godmanifestinghimself immediatelytothesoul,withthegloryandmajestyofajudge,thatthesinsofthewickedandtherighteousnessofthesaintsarebroughtbyGodtotheviewoftheirconsciences,sothattheyknowthereasonofthesentencegiven,andtheirconsciencesaremadetotestifytothe justiceof it.And that thus thewill ofGod for the fulfillment of thelaw, in their reward or punishment, is made known to them andexecuted.Thisisundoubtedlydoneateveryman’sdeath.

Second, in thegreatandgeneral judgment,whenallmenshall togetherappearbeforethe judgment-seat tobe judged,andwhich judgmentwillbe much more solemn, and the sanctions of the law will to a furtherdegreebefulfilled.—Butthisbringsmetoanotherbranchofthesubject.

SECTIONII

ThatthereisatimecomingwhenGodwill,inthemostpublicandsolemnmanner,judgethewholeworldofmankind.

Thedoctrineofageneraljudgmentisnotsufficientlydiscoverablebythelightofnature. Indeedsomeof theheathenshadsomeobscurenotionsconcerningafuturejudgment.Butthelightofnature,ormereunassistedreason, was not sufficient to instruct the world of fallen men in thisdoctrine.Itisoneofthepeculiardoctrinesofrevelation,adoctrineofthegospel of Jesus Christ. There were indeed some hints of it in the OldTestament, as inPsa.96:13, “TheLord cometh to judge theworldwithrighteousness,andhispeoplewithhis truth.”AndEcc. 12:14, “ForGodwillbringeverywork into judgment,witheverysecret thing,whether itbegood,orwhetheritbeevil.”Andinsomeothersuchlikepassages.Butthis doctrine is with abundantly the greatest clearness revealed in the

NewTestament. There we have it frequently and particularly declaredanddescribedwithitscircumstances.

However,althoughitbeadoctrineofrevelation,andbebroughttolightby the gospel, the brightest andmost glorious revelation that God hasgiven to the world; yet it is a doctrine which is entirely agreeable toreason,andofwhichreasongivesgreatconfirmation.Thattherewillbeatimebeforethedissolutionoftheworld,whentheinhabitantsofitshallstandbeforeGodandgiveanaccountoftheirconduct;andthatGodwillinapublicmanner,byageneralandjustjudgment,setallthingstorightsrespectingtheirmoralbehavior,isadoctrineentirelyagreeabletoreason.Which I shall nowendeavor tomake appear. But Iwould premise thatwhatwewouldinquireintoisnotwhetherallmankindshallbejudgedbyGod.For that is a thing that the lightofnature clearly teaches, andwehavealreadyspokensomethingof it.Butwhetheritberationaltothinkthattherewillbeapublicjudgmentofallmankindtogether.ThisIthinkwillappearveryrationalfromthefollowingconsiderations.

I.SuchajudgmentwillbeamoregloriousdisplayofGod’smajestyanddominion.Itwillbemoregloriousbecause itwillbemoreopen,public,andsolemn.—AlthoughGodnowactuallyexercisesthemostsovereigndominionovertheearth,althoughhereignsanddoesallthingsaccordingto his own will, ordering all events as seemeth to himself good, andalthoughheisactuallyjudgeintheearth,continuallydisposingofmen’ssouls according to their works; yet he rules after a more hidden andsecretmanner,insomuchthatitiscommonamongtheproudsonsofmento refuse acknowledging his dominion. Wicked men question the veryexistenceofaGod,whotakethcareoftheworld,whoordereththeaffairsofit,andjudgethinit.Andthereforetheycastoffthefearofhim.ManyofthekingsandgreatmenoftheearthdonotsuitablyacknowledgetheGodwhoisabovethem,butseemto lookuponthemselvesassupreme,and therefore tyrannize over mankind, as if they were in no wiseaccountable for their conduct. There have been, and now are, manyatheistical persons, who acknowledge not God’s moral dominion overmankind. And therefore they throw off the yoke of his laws andgovernment. And how great a part of the world is there now, and hastherealwaysbeen,thathasnotacknowledgedthatthegovernmentofthe

worldbelongsto theGodof Israel,or to theGodofChristians,buthaspaid homage to other imaginary deities, as though they were theirsovereignlordsandsupremejudges.Overhowgreatapartoftheworldhas Satan usurped the dominion, and set up himself for God, inoppositiontothetrueGod!

Now,howagreeabletoreasonisit,thatGod,inthewindingupofthings,whenthepresentstateofmankindshallcometoaconclusion,shouldinthe most open and public manner, manifest his dominion over theinhabitants of the earth, by bringing them all, high and low, rich andpoor,kingsandsubjects,togetherbeforehimtobejudgedwithrespecttoall that theyeverdid in theworld!Thatheshould thusopenlydiscoverhis dominion in this world, where his authority has been so muchquestioned,denied,andproudlyopposed!ThathoweverGodbenotnowvisiblypresentuponearth,disposingandjudginginthatvisiblemannerthatearthlykingsdo.Yetattheconclusionoftheworldheshouldmakehisdominionvisibletoall,andwithrespecttoallmankind,sothateveryeyeshallseehim,andeventheywhohavedeniedhimshallfind,thatGodissupremeLordofthem,andofthewholeworld!

II. The end of judgment will be more fully answered by a public andgeneral, than only by a particular and private, judgment. The end forwhich there is any judgment at all is to display and glorify therighteousness of God; which end ismore fully accomplished by callingmen to an account, bringing their actions to the trial, and determiningtheir state according to them, the whole world, both angels and men,beingpresenttobehold,thanifthesamethingsshouldbedoneinamoreprivate way. At the day of judgment there will be the most gloriousdisplayofthejusticeofGodthateverwasmade.ThenGodwillappeartobe entirely righteous towards everyone. The justice of all his moralgovernmentwill on that day be at once discovered. Then all objectionswill be removed. The conscience of every man shall be satisfied. Theblasphemiesoftheungodlywillbeforeverputtosilence,andargumentwillbegivenforthesaintsandangelstopraiseGodforever:Rev.19:1,2,“Andafter these thingsIheardagreatvoiceofmuchpeople inheaven,saying, Alleluia; salvation, and glory, and honour, and power be to theLordourGod:fortrueandrighteousarehisjudgments.”

III.Itisveryagreeabletoreason,thattheirregularitieswhicharesoopenandmanifest intheworld,should,whentheworldcomes toanend,bepubliclyrectifiedbythesupremegovernor.TheinfinitelywiseGod,whomadethisworldtobeahabitationformen,andplacedmankindtodwellhere, and has appointedman his end andwork,must take care of theorderandgoodgovernmentfortheworld,whichhehasthusmade.Heisnotregardlesshowthingsproceedhereonearth.Itwouldbeareproachtohiswisdom,andto theperfectrectitudeofhisnature, tosupposeso.Thisworldisaworldforconfusion.Ithasbeenfilledwithirregularityandconfusion ever since the fall. And the irregularities of it are not onlyprivate,relatingtotheactionsofparticularpersons,butstates,kingdoms,nations, churches, cities, andall societiesofmen in all ages,havebeenfullofpublicirregularities.Theaffairsoftheworld,sofarastheyareinthe hands of men, are carried on in the most irregular and confusedmanner.

Thoughjusticesometimestakesplace,yethowoftendoinjustice,cruelty,andoppressionprevail!Howoftenaretherighteouscondemned,andthewickedacquittedandrewarded!Howcommonis it forthevirtuousandpious to be depressed, and the wicked to be advanced! How manythousandsofthebestmenhavesufferedintolerablecruelties,merelyfortheirvirtueandpiety,andinthisworldhavehadnohelp,norefugetoflyto!Theworldisverymuchruledbythepride,covetousness,andpassionsof men. Solomon takes much notice of such like irregularities in thepresentstate(inhisbookofEcclesiastes),herebyheshowsthevanityoftheworld.

Now,howreasonableisittosuppose,thatGod,whenheshallcomeandput an end to the present state of mankind, will in an open, publicmanner, thewholeworldbeingpresent, rectifyall thesedisorders!Andthathewillbringallthingstoatrialbyageneraljudgment,inorderthatthose who have been oppressed may be delivered; that the righteouscausemay be pleaded and vindicated, andwickedness,which has beenapproved, honored, and rewarded, may receive its due disgrace andpunishment; that the proceedings of kings and earthly judges may beinquiredintobyhim,whoseeyesareasaflameoffire;andthatthepublicactionsofmenmaybepubliclyexaminedandrecompensedaccordingto

theirdesert!Howagreeable is it todivinewisdomthus toorder things,andhowworthyofthesupremegovernoroftheworld!

IV.Byapublicandgeneral judgment,Godmore fullyaccomplishes thereward he designs for the godly, and punishment he designs for thewicked.Onepartof the rewardwhichGod intends forhis saints, is thehonorwhichheintendstobestowuponthem.Hewillhonortheminthemostpublicandopenmanner,beforetheangels,beforeallmankind,andbeforethemthathatedthem.Anditismostsuitablethatitshouldbeso.It is suitable that those holy, humble souls, that have been hated bywickedmen, have been cruelly treated and put to shame by them, andwhohavebeenhaughtily domineeredover, shouldbe openly acquitted,commended,andcrowned,beforealltheworld.

Soonepartofthepunishmentoftheungodlywillbetheopenshameanddisgrace which they shall suffer. Althoughmany of them have proudlylifted up their heads in this world, have had a very high thought ofthemselves,andhaveobtainedoutwardhonoramongmen;yetGodwillput them to open shame, by showing all their wickedness and moralfilthinessbefore thewholeassemblyof angels andmen,bymanifestinghisabhorrenceofthem,inplacingthemuponhislefthand,amongdevilsandfoul spirits,andby turning themaway into themost loathsome,aswellasmostdreadful, pit ofhell, todwell there forever.—Which endsmaybemuchmorefullyaccomplishedinageneral, thaninaparticularjudgment.

SECTIONIII

TheworldwillbejudgedbyJesusChrist.

ThepersonbywhomGodwilljudgetheworldisJesusChrist,God-man.ThesecondpersonintheTrinity,thatsamepersonofwhomwereadinourBibles,whowasbornoftheVirginMary,livedinGalileeandJudea,and was at last crucified without the gates of Jerusalem, will come tojudgetheworldbothinhisdivineandhumannature,inthesamehumanbody that was crucified, and rose again, and ascended up into heaven.

Acts1:11,“ThissameJesusthat is takenupfromyou intoheaven,shallcomeinlikemanner,asyehaveseenhimgointoheaven.”Itwillbehishuman nature which will then be seen by the bodily eyes of men.However,hisdivinenature,whichisunitedtothehuman,willthenalsobepresent.AnditwillbebythewisdomofthatdivinenaturethatChristwillseeandjudge.

Here naturally arises an inquiry,Why is Christ appointed to judge theworld rather than theFatheror theHolyGhost?We cannotpretend toknow all the reasons of the divine dispensations.God is not obliged togive us an account of them. But so much may we learn by divinerevelation,as todiscovermarvelouswisdominwhathedeterminesandorderswithrespecttothismatter.Welearn,

I.ThatGodseethfit,thathewhoisinthehumannature,shouldbethejudgeofthosewhoareofthehumannature.John5:27,“Andhathgivenhimauthority toexecute judgmentalso,becausehe is theSonofman.”Seeing there is one of the persons of the Trinity united to the humannature,Godchooses,inallhistransactionswithmankind,totransactbyhim.Hedidsoofold, inhisdiscoveriesofhimself to thepatriarchs, ingiving the law, in leading the childrenof Israel through thewilderness,and in the manifestations he made of himself in the tabernacle andtemple.When,althoughChristwasnotactuallyincarnate,yethewassoindesign,itwasordainedandagreedinthecovenantofredemption,thathe should become incarnate. And since the incarnation of Christ, Godgovernsboth the churchand theworldbyChrist.Sohewill alsoat theendjudge theworldbyhim.AllmenshallbejudgedbyGod,andyetatthesametimebyoneinvestedwiththeirownnature.

Godseethfit,thatthosewhohavebodies,asallmankindwillhaveatthedayofjudgment,shouldseetheir judgewiththeirbodilyeyes,andhearhimwiththeirbodilyears.IfoneoftheotherpersonsoftheTrinityhadbeen appointed to be judge, theremust have been some extraordinaryoutward appearance made on purpose to be a token of the divinepresence,as itwasofold,beforeChristwas incarnate.Butnowthere isno necessity of that. Now one of the persons of the Trinity is actuallyincarnate, so that God by himmay appear to bodily eyes without anymiraculousvisionaryappearance.

II.Christhasthishonorofbeingthe judgeof theworldgivenhim,asasuitable reward for his sufferings. This is a part of Christ’s exaltation.The exaltationofChrist is givenhim in reward for his humiliation andsufferings.Thiswasstipulatedinthecovenantofredemption.Andweareexpresslytold,itwasgivenhiminrewardforhissufferings,Phil.2:8-12,“Andbeingfoundinfashionasaman,hehumbledhimself,andbecameobedient unto death, even the death of the cross.Wherefore God alsohath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above everyname: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things inheaven,and things inearth,and thingsunder theearth;and thateverytongueshouldconfess,thatJesusChristisLord,tothegloryofGodtheFather.”

God seeth meet, that he who appeared in such a low estate amongstmankind, without form or comeliness, having his divine glory veiled,should appear amongstmen a second time, in his own propermajestyandglory,withoutaveil.Totheendthatthosewhosawhimhereatthefirst, as a poor, frailman, not havingwhere to lay his head, subject tomuchhardshipandaffliction,mayseehimthesecondtimeinpowerandgreat glory, investedwith the glory and dignity of the absolute Lord ofheavenandearth.Andthathewhooncetabernacledwithmen,andwasdespisedandrejectedofthem,mayhavethehonorofarraigningallmenbeforehis throne, and judging themwith respect to their eternal state!John5:21-24.

Godseethmeetthathewhowasoncearraignedbeforethejudgment-seatofmen,andwas theremost vilely treated,beingmocked, spittedupon,and condemned, andwhowasat last crucified, shouldbe rewarded, byhavingthoseverypersonsbroughttohistribunal,thattheymayseehiminglory,andbeconfounded.Andthathemayhavethedisposalofthemfor all eternity.AsChrist said to thehighpriestwhile arraigned beforehim,Mat. 26:64, “Hereafter ye shall see the Son ofman sitting on therighthandofpower,andcominginthecloudsofheaven.”

III.ItisneedfulthatChristshouldbethejudgeoftheworld,inorderthathemayfinishtheworkofredemption.ItisthewillofGod,thathewhoisthe redeemer of the world should be a complete redeemer; and that

thereforeheshouldhavethewholeworkofredemptionleftinhishands.Now,theredemptionoffallenmanconsistsnotmerelyintheimpetrationof redemption, by obeying the divine law, and making atonement forsinners, or in preparing theway for their salvation, but it consists in agreat measure, and is actually fulfilled, in converting sinners to theknowledgeandloveofthetruth,incarryingthemoninthewayofgraceandtrueholinessthroughlife,andinfinallyraisingtheirbodiestolife,inglorifying them, in pronouncing the blessed sentence upon them, incrowningthemwithhonorandgloryinthesightofmenandangels,andin completing and perfecting their reward. Now, it is necessary thatChrist should do this, in order to his finishing the work which he hasbegun.Raisingthesaintsfromthedead,judgingthem,andfulfillingthesentence is part of their salvation. And therefore it was necessary thatChrist should be appointed judge of the world, in order that hemightfinish his work (John 6:39, 40, chap. 5:25-31). The redemption of thebodiesofthesaintsispartoftheworkofredemption;theresurrectiontolifeiscalledaredemptionoftheirbodies(Rom.8:23).

ItisthewillofGod,thatChristhimselfshouldhavethefulfillingofthatforwhichhedied,andforwhichhesufferedsomuch.Now,theendforwhichhesufferedanddiedwasthecompletesalvationofhispeople.Andthisshallbeobtainedat the last judgment,andnotbefore.Therefore itwas necessary that Christ be appointed judge, in order that he himselfmightfullyaccomplishtheendforwhichhehadbothsufferedanddied.WhenChristhad finishedhisappointedsufferings,Goddid, as itwere,putthepurchasedinheritanceintohishands,tobekeptforbelievers,andbebestoweduponthematthedayofjudgment.

IV.Itwasproperthathewhoisappointedkingofthechurchshouldruletillheshouldhaveputallhisenemiesunderhisfeet.Inordertowhich,hemustbethejudgeofhisenemies,aswellasofhispeople.OneoftheofficesofChrist,asredeemer,isthatofaking.Heisappointedkingofthechurch and head over all things to the church. And in order that hiskingdombecomplete,anddesignofhisreignbeaccomplished,hemustconquerallhisenemies,andthenhewilldeliverupthekingdomtotheFather. 1 Cor. 15:24, 25, “Then cometh the end, when he shall havedeliveredupthekingdomtoGod,eventheFather;whenheshallhaveput

downallrule,andallauthorityandpower.Forhemustreigntillhehathputallenemiesunderhisfeet.”Now,whenChristshallhavebroughthisenemies, who had denied, opposed, and rebelled against him, to hisjudgment-seat,andshallhavepassedandexecutedsentenceuponthem,thiswillbeafinalandcompletevictoryoverthem,avictorywhichshallputanendtothewar.Anditisproperthathewhoatpresentreignsandis carrying on thewar against those who are of the opposite kingdom,shouldhavethehonorofobtainingthevictory,andfinishingthewar.

V.ItisfortheabundantcomfortofthesaintsthatChristisappointedtobetheirjudge.Thecovenantofgrace,withall itscircumstances,andallthoseeventstowhichithasrelation,iseverywaysocontrivedofGod,astogivestrongconsolationtobelievers:forGoddesignedthegospelforagloriousmanifestationofhisgracetothem.Andthereforeeverythinginitissoordered,astomanifestthemostgraceandmercy.

Now, it is for the abundant consolation of the saints, that their ownRedeemer is appointed to be their judge. That the same person whospilledhisblood for themhas thedeterminationof their state leftwithhim,sothattheyneednotdoubtbutthattheyshallhavewhathewasatsomuchcosttoprocure.

Whatmatterofjoytothemwillitbeatthelastday,toliftuptheireyes,andbeholdthepersoninwhomtheyhavetrustedforsalvation,towhomtheyhavefledforrefuge,uponwhomtheyhavebuiltastheirfoundationfor eternity, and whose voice they have often heard, inviting them tohimselfforprotectionandsafety,comingtojudgethem.

VI.ThatChrist isappointed tobe the judgeof theworldwillbe for themoreabundantconvictionoftheungodly. Itwillbefortheirconvictionthattheyarejudgedandcondemnedbythatverypersonwhomtheyhaverejected, bywhom theymight have been saved, who shed his blood togive them an opportunity to be saved, who was wont to offer hisrighteousness to them, when they were in their state of trial, and whomanyatimecalledandinvitedthemtocometohim,thattheymightbesaved.How justlywill theybe condemnedbyhimwhose salvation theyhave rejected, whose blood they have despised, whosemany calls theyhaverefused,andwhomtheyhavepiercedbytheirsins!

How much will it be for their conviction, when they shall hear thesentence of condemnation pronounced, to reflectwith themselves, howoftenhas this sameperson,whonowpasses sentenceof condemnationuponme,calledme,inhisword,andbyhismessengers,toacceptofhim,andtogivemyselftohim!Howoftenhasheknockedat thedoorofmyheart!andhad itnotbeenformyownfollyandobstinacy,howmightIhavehadhimformySavior,whoisnowmyincensedJudge!

SECTIONIV

Christ’scoming,theresurrection,thejudgmentprepared,thebooksopened,thesentencepronouncedandexecuted.

I. CHRIST Jesus will, in a most magnificent manner, descend fromheaven with all the holy angels. The man Christ Jesus is now in theheavenofheavens,or,astheapostleexpressesit,faraboveallheavens,Eph. 4:10.And there he has been ever since his ascension, being thereenthronedinglory,inthemidstofmillionsofangelsandblessedspirits.Butwhen the timeappointed for thedayof judgment shall have come,noticeofitwillbegiveninthosehappyregions,andChristwilldescendto the earth, attendedwith all those heavenly hosts, in amost solemn,awful,andgloriousmanner.Christwillcomewithdivinemajesty,hewillcome in the glory of the Father,Mat. 16:27, “For the Son ofman shallcomeinthegloryofhisFather,withhisangels..”

We can now conceive but little of the holy and awful magnificence inwhichChristwillappear,asheshallcomeinthecloudsofheaven,orofthegloryofhisretinue.Howmeananddespicable,incomparisonwithit,isthemostsplendidappearancethatearthlyprincescanmake!Agloriousvisible lightwill shine roundabouthim, and the earth,with all nature,willtrembleathispresence.Howvastandinnumerablewillthathostbewhichwill appearwithhim!Heavenwillbe for the timedesertedof itsinhabitants.

Wemayargue thegloryofChrist’s appearance, fromhis appearanceatother times.Whenheappeared in transfiguration,his facedid shineas

the sun, andhis raimentwaswhite as the light.The apostlePeter longafterspokeofthisappearanceinmagnificentterms,2Pet.1:16,17,“Wewereeye-witnessesofhismajesty; forhe received fromGod theFatherhonourandglory,whentherecamesuchavoicetohimfromtheexcellentglory.”AndhisappearancetoSt.Paulathisconversion,andtoSt.John,asrelatedinRev.1:13etc.wereverygrandandmagnificent.Butwemayconclude,thathisappearanceatthedayofjudgmentwillbevastlymoresothaneitherofthese,astheoccasionwillbesomuchgreater.Wehavegoodreasontothink,thatournature,inthepresentfrailstate,couldnotbeartheappearanceofthemajestyinwhichhewillthenbeseen.

Wemayarguethegloryofhisappearance,fromtheappearancesofsomeoftheangelstomen,asoftheangelthatappearedatChrist’ssepulcher,after his resurrection, Mat. 28:3, “His countenance was like lightning,and his raiment white as snow.” The angels will doubtless all of themmakeasgloriousanappearanceattheofjudgment,aseveranyofthemhavemadeonformeroccasions.Howglorious,then,willbetheretinueofChrist,made up of somany thousands of such angels! And how muchmore glorious will Christ, the judge himself, appear, than those hisattendants! Doubtless their God will appear immensely more gloriousthanthey.

Christwillthusdescendintoourair,tosuchadistancefromthesurfaceoftheearth,thateveryone,whenallshallbegatheredtogether,shallseehim,Rev. 1:7, “Behold, he comethwith clouds, and every eye shall seehim.”

Christwillmake this appearance suddenly, and to the great surprise oftheinhabitantsoftheearth.Itisthereforecomparedtoacryatmidnight,bywhichmenarewakenedinagreatsurprise.

II. At the sound of the last trumpet, the dead shall rise, and the livingshallbechanged.AssoonasChrist isdescended, the last trumpetshallsound,asanotificationtoallmankindtoappear.Atwhichmightysoundshallthedeadbeimmediatelyraised,andthelivingchanged.1Cor.15:52,“Forthetrumpetshallsound,andthedeadshallberaisedincorruptible,andweshallbechanged.”Mat.24:31,“Andheshallsendhisangelswitha great sound of a trumpet.” 1 Thes. 4:16, “For the Lord himself shall

descend fromheavenwithashout,with thevoiceof thearchangel,andwiththetrumpofGod.”Therewillbesomegreatandremarkablesignalgiven for the rising of the dead, which it seems will be some mightysound,causedbytheangelsofGod,whoshallattendonChrist.

Upon this all the dead shall rise from their graves. All, both small andgreat,whoshallhaveliveduponearthsincethefoundationoftheworld,those who died before the flood, and those who were drowned in theflood,all thathavediedsincethattime,andthatshalldietotheendoftheworld.Therewillbeagreatmovinguponthefaceoftheearth,andinthewater,inbringingbonetohisbone,inopeninggraves,andbringingtogetherallthescatteredparticlesofdeadbodies.Theearthshallgiveupthedeadthatareinit,andtheseashallgiveupthedeadthatareinit.

However the parts of the bodies of many are divided and scattered;howevermany have been burnt, and their bodies have been turned toashesandsmoke,anddriventothefourwinds;howevermanyhavebeeneaten of wild beasts, of the fowls of heaven, and the fishes of the sea;howevermanyhaveconsumedawayuponthefaceoftheearth,andgreatpartoftheirbodieshaveascendedinexhalations;yettheall-wiseandall-powerfulGodcanimmediatelybringeveryparttohispartagain.

Ofthisvastmultitudesomeshallrisetolife,andotherstocondemnation.John5:28,29,“All thatare in thegraves shallhearhisvoice,andshallcomeforth, theythathavedonegood,unto theresurrectionof life;andtheythathavedoneevil,untotheresurrectionofdamnation.”

Whenthebodiesareprepared,thedepartedsoulsshallagainenter intotheirbodies,andbere-unitedtothem,nevermoretobeseparated.Thesouls of the wicked shall be brought up out of hell, though not out ofmisery,andshall veryunwillinglyenter into theirbodies,whichwillbebuteternalprisonstothem.Rev.20:13,“Anddeathandhelldeliveredupthedeadthatwere inthem.”Theyshall lift theireyes fullof theutmostamazementandhorrortoseetheirawfulJudge.Andperhapsthebodieswithwhich they shall be raisedwill bemost filthy and loathsome, thusproperlycorrespondingtotheinward,moralturpitudeoftheirsouls.

ThesoulsoftherighteousshalldescendfromheaventogetherwithChrist

andhis angels: 1 Thes. 4:14, “Them alsowhich sleep in JesuswillGodbringwith him.” They also shall be re-united to their bodies, that theymaybeglorifiedwith them.Theyshall receive theirbodiespreparedbyGod tobemansionsofpleasure toall eternity.They shall be everywayfitted for the uses, the exercises, and delights of perfectly holy andglorifiedsouls.Theyshallbeclothedwithasuperlativebeauty,similartothatofChrist’sgloriousbody.Phil.3:21,“Whoshallchangeourvilebody,that itmaybefashionedlikeuntohisgloriousbody.”Theirbodiesshallrise incorruptible, no more liable to pain or disease, and with anextraordinary vigor and vivacity, like that of those spirits that are as aflame of fire. 1 Cor. 15:43, 44, “It is sown in dishonour, it is raised inglory: it is sown inweakness, it is raised inpower: it is sownanaturalbody,itisraisedaspiritualbody.”Withwhatjoywillthesoulsandbodiesofthesaintsmeet,andwithwhatjoywilltheylifttheirheadsoutoftheirgravestobeholdtheglorioussightoftheappearingofChrist!Anditwillbeaglorioussighttoseethosesaintsarisingoutoftheirgraves,puttingofftheircorruption,andputtingonincorruptionandglory.

At thesametime, those that shall thenbealiveupon theearthshallbechanged.Theirbodiesshallpassthroughagreatchange,inamoment,inthe twinkling of an eye. 1 Cor. 15:51, 52, “Behold, I show you a greatmystery;Weshallnotallsleep,butweshallallbechanged,inamoment,in the twinklingof aneye, at the last trump.”Thebodiesof thewickedthen living will be changed into such hideous things, as shall beanswerabletotheloathsomesoulsthatdwell inthem,andsuchasshallbe prepared to receive and administer eternal torments withoutdissolution. But the bodies of the righteous shall be changed into thesamegloriousandimmortalforminwhichthosethatshallberaisedwillappear.

III. They shall all be brought to appear before Christ, the godly beingplacedontherighthand,thewickedontheleft;Mat.25:31,32,33.Thewicked, however unwilling, however full of fear and horror, shall bebrought or driven before the judgment-seat. However they may try tohide themselves, and for this purpose creep into dens caves of themountains,andcrytothemountainstofallonthem,andhidethemfromthe face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the

Lamb.Yetthereshallnotoneescape.Tothejudgetheymustcome,andstandonthelefthandwithdevils.Onthecontrary,therighteouswillbejoyfullyconductedtoJesusChrist,probablybytheangels.Theirjoywill,asitwere,givethemwingstocarrythemthither.Theywillwithecstasiesand raptures of delight meet their friend and Savior, come into hispresence,andstandathisrighthand.

Besidestheonestandingontherighthandandtheotherontheleft,thereseems tobe thisdifferencebetween them thatwhen thedead inChristshallberaised,theywillallbecaughtupintotheair,whereChristshallbe,andshallbethereathisrighthandduringthejudgment,nevermoretoset their feetonthisearth.Whereasthewickedshallbe leftstandingontheearth,theretoabidethejudgment.1Thes.4:16,17,“ThedeadinChristshallrisefirst;thenwewhicharealiveandremain,shallbecaughtuptogetherwiththeminthecloudstomeet theLord in theair:andsoshallweeverbewiththeLord.”

Andwhata vast congregationwill therebeofall themen,women,andchildrenthatshallhaveliveduponearthfromthebeginningtotheendoftheworld!Rev.20:12,“AndIsawthedead,smallandgreat,standbeforeGod.”

IV.Thenextthingwillbethatthebooksshallbeopened.Rev.20:12,“Isaw the dead, great and small, stand before God; and the books wereopened.” Which books seem to be these two, the book of God’sremembrance,andthebookofScripture.Theformeras theevidenceoftheirdeedswhicharetobejudged,thelatterastheruleofjudgment.Theworksbothoftherighteousandofthewickedwillbebroughtforththatthey may be judged according to them, and those works will be triedaccordingtotheappointedandwrittenrule.

First,theworksofbothrighteousandwickedwillberehearsed.Thebookof God’s remembrance will be first opened. The various works of thechildrenofmenare,asitwere,writtenbyGodinabookofremembrance.Mal. 3:16, “A book of remembrance was written before him.”Howeverreadyungodlymenmaybetomakelightoftheirownsins,andtoforgetthem;yetGodneverforgetsanyofthem.NeitherdoesGodforgetanyofthegoodworksof thesaints.If theygivebutacupofcoldwaterwitha

spiritofcharity,Godremembersit.

The evilworks of thewicked shall then be brought forth to light. Theymustthenhearofalltheirprofaneness,theirimpenitence,theirobstinateunbelief, their abuseofordinances, and variousother sins.The variousaggravationsof theirsinswillalsobebrought toview,ashow thismansinnedafter such and suchwarnings, that after the receipt of such andsuch mercies; one after being so and so favored with outward light,anotherafterhavingbeenthesubjectofinwardconviction,excitedbytheimmediateagencyofGod.Concerningthesesins, theyshallbecalledtoaccount to seewhat answer they canmake for themselves.Mat. 12:36,“ButIsayuntoyou,thateveryidlewordthatmenshallspeak,theyshallgiveaccountthereofinthedayofjudgment.”Rom14:12,“SotheneveryoneofusshallgiveaccountofhimselftoGod.”

The goodworks of the saintswill alsobebrought forth as evidencesoftheirsincerity,andoftheir interest intherighteousnessofChrist.Astotheirevilworks,theywillnotbebroughtforthagainstthemonthatday.Fortheguiltofthemwillnotlieuponthem,theybeingclothedwiththerighteousnessofJesusChrist.TheJudgehimselfwillhavetakentheguiltoftheirsinsuponhim.ThereforetheirsinswillnotstandagainsttheminthebookofGod’sremembrance.Theaccountofthemwillappeartohavebeencanceledbefore that time.Theaccount thatwillbefoundinGod’sbookwillnotbeofdebt,butofcredit.Godcancelstheirdebts,andsetsdown their good works, and is pleased, as it were, to make himself adebtorforthem,byhisowngraciousact.

Bothgoodandbadwillbe judgedaccording to theirworks.Rev.20:12,“Andthedeadwerejudgedoutofthosethingsthatwerefoundwritteninthebooks,accordingtotheirworks.”Andverse13,“Andtheywerejudgedeverymanaccording to theirworks.”Thoughtherighteousare justifiedby faith, and not by theirworks, yet they shall be judgedaccording totheirworks.thenworksshallbebroughtforthastheevidenceoftheiroftheirfaith.Theirfaithonthatgreatdayshallbetriedbyitsfruits.Iftheworksofanymanshallhavebeenbad,ifhislifeshallappeartohavebeenunchristian, thatwill condemnhim,without any further inquiry.But ifhisworks,whentheyshallbeexamined,provegoodandoftherightsort,heshallsurelybejustified.Theywillbedeclaredasasureevidenceofhis

having believed in Jesus Christ, and of his being clothed with hisrighteousness.

Butbyworkswearetounderstandallvoluntaryexercisesofthefacultiesofthesoul.Asforinstance,thewordsandconversationofmen,aswellaswhat isdonewith theirhands.Mat. 12:37, “By thywords thou shalt bejustified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Nor are we tounderstandonlyoutwardacts,orthethoughtsoutwardlyexpressed,butalso the thoughts themselves, andall the inwardworkingsof theheart.Manjudgethaccordingtotheoutwardappearance,butGodjudgeththeheart.Rev.2:23, “Iamhe that searcheth theheartand the reins,and Iwill give unto every one of you according to his works.” Nor will onlypositivesinsbebroughtintojudgment,butalsoomissionsofduty,asismanifestbyMat.25:42,etc. “For Iwasanhungred,andyegavemenomeat;Iwasthirsty,andyegavemenodrink,”etc.

Onthatdaysecretandhiddenwickednesswillbebroughttolight.Alltheuncleanness, injustice, and violence, of whichmen have been guilty insecret,shallbemanifestbothtoangelsandmen.Thenitwillbemadetoappear, how this and that man have indulged themselves in wickedimaginations, in lascivious, covetous,malicious, or impiousdesires andwishes.AndhowothershaveharboredintheirheartsenmityagainstGodand his law; also impenitency and unbelief, notwithstanding all themeansusedwith them,andmotivessetbefore them, to induce them torepent,return,andlive.

Thegoodworksofthesaintsalso,whichweredoneinsecret,shallthenbemadepublic,andeventhepiousandbenevolentaffectionsanddesignsof theirhearts, so that the realandsecret charactersofbothsaintsandsinnersshallthenbemostclearlyandpubliclydisplayed.

Second,thebookofScripturewillbeopened,andtheworksofmenwillbetriedbythattouchstone.TheirworkswillbecomparedwiththeWordofGod.ThatwhichGodgavemenfortheruleoftheiractionwhileinthislife, shall then be made the rule of their judgment. God has told usbeforehand, what will be the rule of judgment. We are told in theScripturesuponwhat termswe shallbe justified, anduponwhat termsweshallbecondemned.ThatwhichGodhasgivenustobeourruleinour

lives,hewillmakehisownruleinjudgment.

Theruleofjudgmentwillbetwofold.Theprimaryruleofjudgmentwillbethelaw.Thelaweverhasstood,andeverwillstandinforce,asaruleofjudgment,forthosetowhomthelawwasgiven.Mat.5:18,“ForverilyIsayuntoyou,Tillheavenandearthpass,onejotoronetittleshallinnowisepassfromthelaw,tillallbefulfilled.”Thelawwillsofarbemadetheruleofjudgment,thatnotonepersonatthatdayshallbyanymeansbejustified or condemned, in a way inconsistent with that which isestablishedbythelaw.Astothewicked,thelawwillbesofartheruleofjudgment respecting them, that the sentence denounced against themwillbethesentenceofthelaw.Therighteouswillbesofarjudgedbythelaw,thatalthoughtheirsentencewillnotbethesentenceofthelaw,yetitwillbynomeansbesuchasentenceasshallbeinconsistentwiththelaw,but suchas itallows.For itwillbeby the righteousnessof the lawthattheyshallbejustified.

It will be inquired concerning everyone, both righteous and wicked,whetherthelawstandsagainsthim,orwhetherhehasafulfillmentofthelawtoshow.Astotherighteous,theywillhavefulfillmenttoshow.Theywillhaveittoplead,thatthejudgehimselfhasfulfilledthelawforthem.Thathehasbothsatisfiedfortheirsins,andfulfilledtherighteousnessofthe law for them. Rom. 10:4, “Christ is the end of the law for therighteousnesstoeveryonethatbelieveth.”Butastothewicked,whenitshallbefound,bythebookofGod’sremembrance,thattheyhavebrokenthe law, and have no fulfillment of it to plead, the sentence of the lawshallbepronounceduponthem.

Asecondaryruleofjudgmentwillbethegospel,orthecovenantofgrace,whereinitissaid,“Hethatbelievethshallbesaved,andhethatbelievethnotshallbedamned:”Rom.2:16,“InthedaywhenGodshall judgethesecretsofmenbyJesusChristaccordingtomygospel.”Bythegospel,ofcovenant of grace, eternal blessedness will be adjudged to believers.Whenitshallbefoundthatthe lawhindersnot,andthatthecurseandcondemnationofthelawstandsnotagainstthem,therewardofeternallifeshallbegiventhem,accordingtothegloriousgospelofJesusChrist.

V.Thesentencewillbepronounced.Christwillsaytothewickedonthe

lefthand,“Depart,yecursed,intoeverlastingfire,preparedforthedeviland his angels.” How dreadful will these words of the judge be to thepoor,miserable,despairingwretchesonthelefthand!Howamazingwilleverysyllableof thembe!Howwill theypierce themto thesoul!Thesewords show the greatest wrath and abhorrence. Christ will bid themdepart. He will send them away from his presence, will remove themforever far out ofhis sight, into an everlasting separation fromGod, asbeing most loathsome, and unfit to dwell in his presence, and enjoycommunionwithhim.

Christ will call them cursed. Depart, ye cursed, to whom everlastingwrath and ruin belong, who are by your own wickedness prepared fornothing else, but to be firebrands of hell, who are the fit objects andvesselsof thevengeanceandfuryof theAlmighty.Intofire.Hewillnotsendthemawaymerelyintoaloathsomeprison,thereceptacleofthefilthandrubbishoftheuniverse.Butintoafurnaceoffire.Thatmustbetheirdwelling-place,theretheymustbetormentedwiththemostrackingpainandanguish.Itiseverlastingfire.Thereiseternityinthesentence,whichinfinitelyaggravatesthedoom,andwillmakeeverywordofitimmenselymoredreadful,sinking,andamazingtothesoulsthatreceiveit.Preparedforthedevilandhisangels.Thissetsforththegreatnessandintensenessofthetorments,astheprecedingpartofthesentencedoestheduration.Itshowsthedreadfulnessofthatfiretowhichtheyshallbecondemned,that it is the same that isprepared for thedevils, those foul spirits andgreat enemies of God. Their condition will be the same as that of thedevils, in many respects; particularly as they must burn in the fireforever.

Thissentencewilldoubtlessbepronouncedinsuchanawfulmannerasshallbeaterriblemanifestationof thewrathof the judge.Therewillbedivine,holy,andalmightywrathmanifestedinthecountenanceandvoiceof the judge.Andweknownotwhat othermanifestations of angerwillaccompany the sentence.Perhaps itwillbeaccompaniedwith thundersandlightnings,farmoredreadfulthanwereonmountSinaiatthegivingofthelaw.Correspondenttotheseexhibitionsofdivinewrath,willbetheappearancesof terrorandmosthorribleamazement in the condemned.How will all their faces look pale! How will death sit upon their

countenances, when those words shall be heard! What dolorous cries,shrieks, and groans! What trembling, and wringing of hands, andgnashingofteeth,willtherethenbe!

Butwiththemostbenignaspect,inthemostendearingmanner,andwiththesweetestexpressionsoflove,willChristinvitehissaintsonhisrighthand to glory; saying, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit thekingdompreparedforyoufromthefoundationoftheworld.”Hewillnotbidthemtogofromhim,buttocomewithhim;togowherehegoes;todwellwherehedwells;toenjoyhim,andtopartakewithhim.Hewillcallthem blessed, blessed of his Father, blessed by him whose blessing isinfinitely themost desirable, namely, GOD. Inherit the kingdom. Theyare not only invited to go with Christ, and to dwell with him, but toinheritakingdomwithhim,tositdownwithhimonhisthrone,andtoreceive the honor and happiness of a heavenly kingdom. “Prepared foryoufrom the foundation of theworld.” This denotes the sovereign andeternal loveofGod,as thesourceof theirblessedness.Heputs theminmind,thatGodwaspleased tosethis loveuponthem, longbefore theyhad a being, even from eternity. That therefore God made heaven onpurposeforthem,andfitteditfortheirdelightandhappiness.

VI. Immediately after this, the sentence will be executed, as we areinformed,Mat.25:46,“Theseshallgoawayintoeverlastingpunishment;buttherighteousintolifeeternal.”Whenthewordsofthesentenceshallhaveonceproceededout of themouth of the judge, then that vast andinnumerablethrongofungodlymenshallgoaway,shallbedrivenaway,shallbenecessitated togoawaywithdevils,andshallwithdismalcriesand shrieks be cast into the great furnace of fire prepared for thepunishmentofdevils,theperpetualthundersandlightningsofthewrathofGodfollowingthem.Intothisfurnacetheymustinbothsoulandbodyenter, never more to come out. Here they must spend eternal ages inwrestlingwith themost excruciating torments, and in cryingout in themidst of the most dreadful flames, and under the most insupportablewrath.

On the other hand, the righteous shall ascend to heaven with theirglorified bodies, in company with Christ, his angels, and all that hostwhich descended with him. They shall ascend in the most joyful and

triumphantmanner, and shall enter with Christ into that glorious andblessed world, which had for the time been empty of its creatureinhabitants. Christ having given his church that perfect beauty, andcrowneditwiththatglory,honor,andhappiness,whichwerestipulatedinthecovenantofredemptionbeforetheworldwas,andwhichhediedtoprocureforthem;andhavingmadeitatrulygloriouschurch,everywaycomplete,willpresent it before theFather,without spot, orwrinkle, oranysuch thing.Thusshall thesaintsbe instated ineverlastingglory, todwell there with Christ, who shall feed them, and lead them to livingfountainsofwater,tothefullenjoymentofGod,andtoaneternityofthemostholy,glorious,andjoyfulemployments.

SECTIONV

Allwillbedoneinrighteousness.

CHRISTwillgivetoeverymanhisdue,accordingtomostrighteousrule.Thosewho shallbe condemned,will bemost justly condemned,will becondemnedtothatpunishmentwhichtheyshallmostjustlydeserve,andthejusticeofGodincondemningthemwillbemademostevident.NowthejusticeofGodinpunishingwickedmen,andespeciallyinthedegreeoftheirpunishment,isoftenblasphemouslycalledinquestion.Butitwillbemadeclearandapparent toall.Theirownconscienceswill tell themthatthesentenceisjust,andallcavilswillbeputtosilence.

So those that shallbe justified, shallbemost justlyadjudged to eternallife.Although theyalsowere great sinners, anddeserved eternaldeath;yetitwillnotbeagainstjusticeorthelaw,tojustifythem,theywillbeinChrist.Buttheacquittingof themwillbebutgivingtherewardmeritedby Christ’s righteousness, Rom. 3:26, “That God may be just, and thejustifierofhimthatbelievethinJesus.”

Christwilljudgetheworldinrighteousness,particularlyashewillgivetoeveryoneadueproportioneitherofrewardorpunishment,accordingtothe various characters of those who shall be judged. The punishmentsshallbedulyproportionedtothenumberandaggravationsofthesinsof

thewicked.Andtherewardsoftherighteousshallbedulyproportionedtothenumberoftheirholyactsandaffections,andalsotothedegreeofvirtueimpliedinthem.—Iwouldobservefurther,

I. That Christ cannot fail of being just in judging throughmistake.Hecannottakesometobesincereandgodly,whoarenotso,norotherstobehypocrites,whoarereallysincere.Hiseyesareasaflameoffire,andhesearcheththeheartsandtrieththereinsof thechildrenofmen.Hecannever err in determining what is justice in particular cases, as humanjudgesoftendo.Nor canhebeblindedbyprejudices,ashuman judgesarevery liable tobe.Deu. 10:17, “He regardethnotpersons,nor takethreward.”It is impossibleheshouldbedeceivedbytheexcuse,andfalsecolors,andpleasofthewicked,ashumanjudgesverycommonlyare.Itisequallyimpossiblethatheshoulderr,inassigningtoeveryonehisproperproportionofrewardorpunishment,accordingtohiswickednessorgoodworks.Hisknowledgebeinginfinite,willeffectuallyguardhimagainstallthese,andothersucherrors.

II. He cannot fail of judging righteously through an unrighteousdisposition.Forheisinfinitelyjustandholyinhisnature.Deu.32:4,“Heis the rock,hiswork isperfect; for allhisways are judgment: aGodoftruth,andwithoutiniquity,justandrightishe.”Itisnotpossiblethataninfinitelypowerful,self-sufficientbeingshouldbeunderanytemptationtoinjustice.Norisitpossiblethataninfinitelywisebeing,whoknowethall things, should not choose justice. For he who perfectly knows allthingsperfectlyknowshowmuchmoreamiablejusticeisthaninjustice.Andthereforemustchooseit.

SECTIONVI

Thosethingswhichwillimmediatelyfollowthedayofjudgment.

I.AFTERthesentenceshallhavebeenpronounced,andthesaintsshallhaveascendedwithChristintoglory,thisworldwillbedissolvedbyfire.Theconflagrationwillimmediatelysucceedthe judgment.Whenanendshallhavebeenputtothepresentstateofmankind,thisworld,whichwas

the place of their habitation during that state, will be destroyed, therebeing no further use for it. This earth which had been the stage uponwhich so many scenes had been acted, upon which there had been somanygreatandfamouskingdomsandlargecities,wheretherehadbeensomanywars,somuchtradeandbusinesscarriedonforsomanyages,shall thenbedestroyed.These continents, these islands, these seasandrivers,thesesmountainsandvalleys,shallbeseennomoreatall.Allshallbedestroyedbydevouringflames.ThisweareplainlytaughtintheWordofGod.2Pet.3:7,“Buttheheavensandtheearthwhicharenow,bythesame word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day ofjudgment,andperditionofungodlymen.”Verse10,“Butthedayof theLordwillcomeasathiefinthenight;inthewhichtheheavensshallpassawaywith a greatnoise, and the elements shallmeltwith ferventheat,the earth also and theworks that are therein shall beburntup.” 2Pet.3:12, “Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God,wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elementsshallmeltwithferventheat.”

II.Boththemiseryofthewickedandthehappinessofthesaintswillbeincreasedbeyondwhat shall bebefore the judgment.Themiseryof thewickedwillbeincreased,astheywillbetormentednotonlyintheirsouls,but also in their bodies, which will be prepared both to receive andadminister torment to their souls.Therewill doubtless thenbe the likeconnection between soul and body, as there is now. And therefore thepainsandtormentsoftheonewillaffecttheother.Andwhymaywenotsuppose that their torments will be increased as well as those of thedevils?Concerning themwe are informed (Jam. 2:19) that they believethere is oneGod, and tremble in thebelief; expectingnodoubt thathewillinflictuponthem,induetimemoreseveretormentsthaneventhosewhich they now suffer. We are also informed that they are bound “inchainsofdarkness,tobereserveduntojudgment;anduntothejudgmentof the great day,” (2Pet. 2:4, and Jude 6)which implies that their fullpunishment is not yet executed upon them, but that they are nowreservedasprisonersinhell,toreceivetheirjustrecompenseonthedayofjudgment.HenceitwasthattheythoughtChristwascometotormentthembeforethetime.Mat.8:29.Thusthepunishmentneitherofwickedmennordevilswillbecompletebeforethefinaljudgment.

Nomorewill thehappiness of the saints be complete before that time.Therefore we are in the New Testament so often encouraged withpromisesoftheresurrectionofthedead,andofthedaywhenChristshallcomethesecondtime.ThesethingsarespokenofasthegreatobjectsoftheexpectationandhopeofChristians.AstateofseparationofsoulandbodyistomenanunnaturalstateThereforewhenthebodiesofthesaintsshall be raised from the dead, and their souls shall be again united tothem, as their state will bemore natural, so doubtless it will be morehappy.Theirbodieswillbegloriousbodies,andpreparedtoadministeras much to their happiness, as the bodies of the wicked will be toadministertotheirmisery.

Wemaywithgoodreasonsupposetheaccessionofhappinesstothesoulsof the saints will be great, since the occasion is represented as themarriage of the church, and theLamb.Rev. 19:7, “Themarriage of theLambiscome,andhiswifehathmadeherselfready.”Theirjoywillthenbe increasedbecause theywillhavenewargumentsof joy.ThebodyofChristwillthenbeperfect,thechurchwillbecomplete.Allthepartsofitwillhavecomeintoexistence,whichwillnotbethecasebeforetheendoftheworld.Nopartsofitwillbeundersinofaffliction.Allthemembersofitwillbeinaperfectstate.Andtheyshallallbetogetherbythemselves,nonebeingmixedwithungodlymen.Thenthechurchwillbeasabrideadornedforherhusband,andthereforeshewillexceedinglyrejoice.

Then also theMediator will have fully accomplished his work. He willthenhavedestroyed,andwilltriumphover,allhisenemies.ThenChristwill have fully obtained his reward, and fully accomplished the designwhichwasinhisheartfromalleternity.ForthesereasonsChristhimselfwillgreatlyrejoicewithhim.ThenGodwillhaveobtainedtheendofallthegreatworkswhichhehasbeendoingfromthebeginningoftheworld.All the designs of God will be unfolded in their events. Then hismarvelous contrivance in his hidden, intricate, and inexplicable workswill appear, the ends being obtained. Then the works of God beingperfected,thedivineglorywillmoreabundantlyappear.Thesethingswillcauseagreataccessionofhappinesstothesaints,whoshallbeholdthem.ThenGodwillhavefullyglorifiedhimself,hisSon,andhiselect.Thenhewillseethatallisverygood,andwillentirelyrejoiceinhisownworks.At

thesametimethesaintsalso,viewingtheworksofGodbroughtthustoperfection,willrejoiceintheview,andreceivefromitalargeaccessionofhappiness.

ThenGodwillmakemoreabundantmanifestationsofhis glory, andofthegloryofhisSon.ThenhewillmoreplentifullypourouthisSpirit,andmakeanswerableadditionstothegloryofthesaints,andbymeansofallthesewillso increasethehappinessof thesaints,asshallbesuitable tothecommencementoftheultimateandmostperfectstateofthings,andtosucha joyfuloccasion, thecompletionofall things. In thisgloryandhappinesswillthesaintsremainforeverandever.

SECTIONVII

Theusestowhichthisdoctrineisapplicable.

I. THE first use proper to be made of this doctrine is of instruction.Hence many of the mysteries of Divine Providence may be unfolded.There aremany things in the dealings of God towards the children ofmen,whichappearverymysterious, ifweviewthemwithouthavinganeyetothislastjudgment,whichyet,ifweconsiderthisjudgment,havenodifficultyinthem.As,

First, thatGodsuffers thewicked to liveandprosper in theworld.Theinfinitely holy and wise Creator and Governor of the world mustnecessarily hate wickedness. Yet we see many wicked men spreadingthemselvesasagreenbay-tree.They livewith impunity; thingsseemtogowellwiththem,andtheworldsmilesuponthem.Manywhohavenotbeenfittolive,whohaveheldGodandreligioninthegreatestcontempt,whohavebeenopenenemiestoallthatisgood,whobytheirwickednesshave been the pests ofmankind.Many cruel tyrants,whose barbaritieshavebeensuchaswouldevenfillonewithhorrortohearorreadofthem;yethavelivedingreatwealthandoutwardglory,havereignedovergreatandmightykingdomsandempires,andhavebeenhonoredasa sortofearthlygods.

Now, it is verymysterious, that theholyand righteousGovernorof theworld,whoseeyebeholdsallthechildrenofmen,shouldsufferitsotobe,unlesswelookforwardtothedayof judgment.Andthenthemysteryisunraveled.ForalthoughGodforthepresentkeepssilence,andseemstolet them alone; yet then he will give suitable manifestations of hisdispleasure against their wickedness. They shall then receive condignpunishment.ThesaintsundertheOldTestamentweremuchstumbledatthesedispensationsofProvidence,asyoumayseeinJob21,andPsa.73,and Jer. 12. The difficulty to themwas so great, because then a futurestate andadayof judgmentwerenot revealedwith that clearnesswithwhichtheyarenow.

Second, God sometimes suffers some of the best ofmen to be in greataffliction, poverty, and persecution. The wicked rule, while they aresubject. The wicked are the head, and they are the tail. The wickeddomineer,while theyserve, and are oppressed, yea are trampledundertheir feet,asthemireof thestreets.These thingsareverycommon,yetthey seem to imply great confusion. When the wicked are exalted topower and authority, and the godly are oppressed by them, things arequiteoutof joint.Pro.25:26, “Arighteousman fallingdownbefore thewicked, isasatroubledfountain,andacorruptspring.”Sometimesonewickedmanmakesmanyhundreds,yea thousands,ofprecious saintsasacrifice tohis lust and cruelty, or tohis enmity against virtue and thetruth,andputsthemtodeathfornootherreasonbutthatforwhichtheyareespeciallytobeesteemedandcommended.

Now, if we look no further than the present state, these things appearstrangeandunaccountable.Butweoughtnottoconfineourviewswithinsuchnarrowlimits.WhenGodshallhaveputanendtothepresentstate,thesethingsshallallbebroughttorights.ThoughGodsuffersthingstobe so for the present, yet they shall not proceed in this course always.Comparativelyspeaking,thepresentstateofthingsisbutforamoment.Whenall shall be settled and fixedby adivine judgment, the righteousshall be exalted, honored, and rewarded, and the wicked shall bedepressed and put under their feet. However the wicked now prevailagainst therighteous,yet therighteousshallat lasthave theascendant,shall come off conquerors, and shall see the just vengeance of God

executeduponthosewhonowhateandpersecutethem.

Third, it is another mystery of providence, that God suffers so muchpublic injustice to take place in the world. There are not only privatewrongs, which in this state pass unsettled, but many public wrongs,wrongsdonebymenactinginapubliccharacter,andwrongswhichaffectnations,kingdoms,andotherpublicbodiesofmen.Manysufferbymenin public offices, fromwhom there is no refuge, from whose decisionsthereisnoappeal.Nowitseemsamysterythatthesethingsaretolerated,whenhethatisrightfullytheSupremeJudgeandGovernoroftheworldis perfectly just. But at the final judgment all these wrongs shall beadjusted,aswellasthoseofamoreprivatenature.

II.Ourseconduseofthissubjectshallbetoapplyittotheawakeningofsinners.YouthathavenotthefearofGodbeforeyoureyes,thatarenotafraid to sin against him, consider seriously what you have heardconcerningthedayofjudgment.Althoughthesethingsbenowfutureandunseen,yettheyarerealandcertain.Ifyounowbelefttoyourselves, ifGod keep silence, and judgment be not speedily executed, it is notbecauseGodisregardlesshowyoulive,andhowyoubehaveyourselves.NowindeedGodisinvisibletoyou,andhiswrathisinvisible.Butatthedayofjudgment,youyourselvesshallseehimwithyourbodilyeyes.Youshallnotthenbeabletokeepoutofhissight,ortoavoidseeinghim.Rev.1:7,“Beholdhecomethwithclouds;andeveryeyeshallseehim,andtheyalsowhichpiercedhim:andallkindredsoftheearthshallwailbecauseofhim.”Youshallseehimcominginthecloudsofheaven.Yourearsshallhear the last trumpet, that dreadful sound, the voice of the archangel.Youreyesshallseeyourjudgesittingonthethrone,theyshallseethosemanifestationsofwrathwhichtherewillbeinhiscountenance.Yourearsshallhearhimpronouncethesentence.

Seriouslyconsider, ifyoulive inthewaysofsin,andappearat thatdaywiththeguiltofituponyou,howyouwillbeabletoendurethesightorthehearingofthesethings,andwhetherhorrorandamazementwillnotbelikelytoseizeyou,whenyoushallseethejudgedescending,andhearthetrumpofGod.Whataccountwillyoubeabletogive,whenitshallbeinquiredofyou,whyyouledsuchasinful,wickedlife?Whatwillyoubeabletosayforyourselves,whenitshallbeasked,whyyouneglectedsuch

andsuchparticularduties,asthedutyofsecretprayer,forinstance?Orwhyyouhavehabituallypracticedsuchandsuchparticularsinsorlusts?Althoughyoubesocarelessofyourconductandmanneroflife,makesolightofsin,andproceedinitsofreely,withlittleornodreadorremorse;yetyoumustgiveanaccountofeverysinthatyoucommit,ofeveryidleword that you speak, and of every sinful thought of your hearts. Everytimeyoudeviate from the rulesof justice,of temperance,orof charity;everytimeyouindulgeanylust,whethersecretlyoropenly,youmustgiveanaccountofit.Itwillneverbeforgotten,itstandswritteninthatbookwhichwillbeopenedonthatday.

Considertheruleyouwillbejudgedby.Itistheperfectruleofthedivinelaw, which is exceeding strict, and exceeding broad. And how will youeverbeabletoanswerthedemandsofthislaw?—Consideralso,

First, that the judge will be your supreme judge. You will have noopportunity to appeal from his decision. This is often the case in thisworld.Whenwearedissatisfiedwith thedecisionsof a judge,weoftenmayappealtoahigher,amoreknowing,oramorejustjudicatory.ButnosuchappealcanbemadefromourDivineJudge.Nosuchindulgencewillbeallowed.Orifitwereallowed,thereisnosuperiorjudgetowhomtheappealshouldbemade.Byhisdecision,therefore,youmustabide.

Second, the judge will be omnipotent. Were he a mere man, likeyourselves,howeverhemightjudgeanddetermine,youmightresist,andby thehelpofothers, ifnotbyyourownstrength,preventorelude theexecutionofthejudgment.Butthejudgebeingomnipotent,thisisutterlyimpossible.Invainisallresistance,eitherbyyourselves,orbywhateverhelpyoucanobtain.“Thoughhandjoininhand,thewickedshallnotbeunpunished,”Pro.11:21.Aswellmightyou“set thebriersandthorns inbattleagainstGod,”Isa.27:4.

Third,thejudgewillbeinexorable.Humanjudgesmaybeprevailedupontoreversetheirsentence,oratleasttoremitsomethingofitsseverity.Butinvainwill beall your entreaties, all your cries and tears to this effect,withthegreatJudgeoftheworld.Nowindeedheinclineshisear,andisreadytoheartheprayers,cries,andentreatiesofallmankind.Butthenthe day of grace will be past, and the door of mercy be shut. Then

althoughyespreadforthyourhands,yetthejudgewillhidehiseyesfromyou.Yea,thoughyemakemanyprayers,hewillnothear.Isa.1:15.Thenthe judgewilldeal in fury.Hiseye shallnot spare,neitherwillhehavepity.Andthoughyecryinhisearswithaloudvoice,yetwillhenothearyou.Eze.8:18.Andyouwill findnoplaceofrepentance inGod,thoughyouseekitcarefullywithtears.

Fourth,thejudgeatthatdaywillnotmixmercywithjustice.Thetimeformercytobeshowntosinnerswillthenbepast.ChristwillthenappearinanothercharacterthanthatofthemercifulSavior.Havinglaidasidetheinvitingattributesofgraceandmercy,hewillclothehimselfwithjusticeandvengeance.Hewillnotonly,ingeneral,exactofsinnersthedemandsof the law,buthewill exact thewhole,without anyabatement.Hewillexact the very uttermost farthing,Mat. 5:26. Then Christ will come tofulfillthatinRev.14:10,“ThesameshalldrinkofthewineofthewrathofGod, which is poured out without mixture, into the cup of hisindignation.”Thepunishmentthreatenedtoungodlymeniswithoutanypity.SeeEze.5:11,“Neithershallmineeyespare;neitherwillIhaveanypity.”Herealljudgmentshaveamixtureofmercy.ButthewrathofGodwillbepouredoutuponthewickedwithoutmixture,andvengeancewillhaveitsfullweight.

III.Ishallapplymyself,thirdly,toseveraldifferentcharactersofmen.

First,tothosewholiveinsecretwickedness.Letsuchconsiderthatforallthese things God will bring them into judgment. Secrecy is yourtemptation. Promising yourselves this, you practice many things, youindulgemanylusts,underthecovertofdarkness,andinsecretcorners,whichyouwouldbeashamedtodointhelightofthesun,andbeforetheworld. But this temptation is entirely groundless. All your secretabominations are even now perfectly known to God, and will alsohereafter be made known both to angels and men. Luke 12:2, 3, “Forthereisnothingcovered,thatshallnotberevealed;neitherhid,thatshallnotbeknown.Thereforewhatsoeveryehavespokenindarkness,shallbeheard in the light: and thatwhich yehave spoken in the ear in closets,shallbeproclaimeduponthehouse-tops.”

Beforehumanjudgesarebroughtonlythosethingswhichareknown.But

before this judgeshallbebrought themost “hidden thingsofdarkness,and even the counsels of the heart,” 1 Cor. 4:5. All your secretuncleanness, all your secret fraud and injustice, all your lasciviousdesires, wishes, and designs, all your inward covetousness, which isidolatry, all your malicious, envious, and revengeful thoughts andpurposes,whetherbroughtforthintopracticeornot,shallthenbemademanifest, and you shall be judged according to them. Of these things,however secret, there will be need of no other evidence than thetestimonyofGodandofyourownconsciences.

Second, to such as are not just andupright in their dealingswith theirfellow-men.Consider,thatallyourdealingswithmenmustbetried,mustbebroughtforthintojudgment,andtherecomparedwiththerulesoftheWordofGod.AllyouractionsmustbejudgedaccordingtothosethingswhicharefoundwritteninthebookoftheWordofGod.Ifyourwaysofdealingwithmenshallnotagreewiththoserulesofrighteousness, theywill be condemned.Now, theWordofGoddirects us to practice entirejustice.“Thatwhichisaltogetherjustshaltthoufollow,”Deu.16:20,andtodotoothersaswewouldtheywoulddotous.Buthowmanyarethere,whose dealings with their fellow-men, if strictly tried by these rules,wouldnotstandthetest!

Godhas,inhisword,forbiddenalldeceitandfraudinourdealingsonewith another, Lev. 11:13. He has forbidden us to oppress one another,Lev. 25:14. But how frequent are practices contrary to those rules, andwhich will not bear to be tried by them! How common are fraud andtrickishnessintrade!Howwillmenendeavortoleadonthosewithwhomtheytradeinthedark,thatsotheymaymaketheiradvantage!Yea,lyingin trading is too common a thing among us. How common are suchthingsasthatmentioned,Pro.20:14,“Itisnought,itisnought,saiththebuyer;butwhenheisgonehisway,thenheboasteth.”

Manymenwilltaketheadvantageofanother’signorancetoadvancetheirown gain, to his wrong. Yea, they seem not to scruple such practices.Besidedownright lying,menhavemanywaysofblindinganddeceivingoneanotherintrade,whicharebynomeansrightinthesightofGod,andwillappeartobeveryunjust,whentheyshallbetriedbytheruleofGod’sWordatthedayofjudgment.Andhowcommonathingisoppressionor

extortion,intakinganyadvantagethatmencanbyanymeansobtain, togettheutmostpossibleoftheirneighborforwhattheyhavetodisposeof,andtheirneighborneeds!

Letsuchconsider,thatthereisaGodinheaven,whobeholdsthem,andseeshowtheyconductthemselvesintheirdailytrafficwithoneanother,andthathewilltrytheirworksanotherday.Justiceshallassuredlytakeplaceatlast.TherighteousGovernoroftheworldwillnotsufferinjusticewithoutcontrol.Hewillcontrolandrectifyitbyreturningtheinjuryupontheheadoftheinjurer.Mat.7:2,“Withwhatmeasureyemete,itshallbemeasuredtoyouagain.”

Third, to those who plead for the lawfulness of practices generallycondemned by God’s people. You who do this, consider that yourpracticesmustbetriedatthedayof judgment.Consider,whetherornotheyare likely tobeapprovedby themostholy Judge at that day.Pro.5:21,“ThewaysofmanarebeforetheeyesoftheLord;andheponderethallhisgoings.”However,byyourcarnalreasonings,youmaydeceiveyourown hearts, yet you will not be able to deceive the judge, he will nothearkentoyourexcuses,butwilltryyourwaysbytherule.Hewillknowwhethertheybestraightorcrooked.

When you plead for these and those liberties which you take, let it beconsidered,whethertheybelikelytobeallowedofbythejudgeatthelastgreatday.Willtheybeartobetriedbyhiseyes,whicharepurerthantobeholdevil,andcannotlookoniniquity?

Fourth, to those who are wont to excuse their wickedness. Will theexcuses which you make for yourselves be accepted at the day ofjudgment? If you excuse yourselves to your own consciences, by sayingthat you were under such and such temptations which you could notwithstand,thatcorruptnatureprevailed,andyoucouldnotovercomeit,that it would have been so and so to your damage if you had doneotherwise, that if you had done such a duty, you would have broughtyourselves into difficulty, would have incurred the displeasure of suchandsuchfriends,orwouldhavebeendespisedandlaughedat.Orifyousay,youdidnomorethanitwasthecommoncustomtodo,nomorethanmany godly men have done, no more than certain persons of good

reputationnowpractice,thatifyouhaddoneotherwise,youwouldhavebeensingular.Ifthesebeyourexcusesforthesinswhichyoucommit,orfor the duties which you neglect, let me ask you, will they appearsufficientwhentheyshallbeexaminedatthedayofjudgment?

Fifth, to those who live in impenitence and unbelief. There are somepersons who live in no open vice, and perhaps conscientiously avoidsecret immorality, who yet live in impenitence and unbelief. They areindeedcalledupontorepentandbelievethegospel,toforsaketheirevilways and thoughts, and to return to God, that he may have mercy onthem;tocomeuntoChrist,laboring,andheavy-ladenwithsin,thattheymayobtainrestofhim;andareassured,thatiftheybelieve,theyshallbesaved; and that if they believe not, they shall be damned; and all themost powerfulmotives are set before them, to induce them to complywith these exhortations, especially thosedrawn from the eternalworld.Yettheypersistinsin,theyremainimpenitentandunhumbled.TheywillnotcomeuntoChristthattheymayhavelife.

Nowsuchmenshallbebroughtintojudgmentfortheirconduct,aswellasmore gross sinners. Nor will they be anymore able to stand in thejudgmentthantheother.Theyresistthemostpowerfulmeansofgrace,gooninsinagainsttheclearlightofthegospel,refusetohearkentothekindest calls and invitations, reject themost amiable Savior, the judgehimself,anddespisethefreeoffersofeternallife,glory,andfelicity.AndhowwilltheybeabletoanswerforthesethingsatthetribunalofChrist?

IV.Iftherebeadayofjudgmentappointed,thenletallbeverystrictintryingtheirownsincerity.Godonthatdaywilldiscoverthesecretsofallhearts. The judgment of that day will be like the fire, which burns upwhatsoever isnot truegold.Wood,hay, stubble, anddross, shall be allconsumed by the scorching fire of that day. The judge will be like arefiner’s fire, and fuller’s soap, which will cleanse away all filthiness,howeveritmaybecoloredover.Mal.3:2,“Whomayabidethedayofhiscoming?andwhoshallstandwhenheappeareth?forheislikearefiner’sfire,andlikefuller’ssoap.”AndMal.4:1,“Forbeholdthedaycomeththatshall burn as anoven, and all theproud, yea, and all that dowickedly,shallbestubble,and theday thatcomethshallburn themup, saith theLordofhosts.”

There aremultitudes ofmen that wear the guise of saints, appear likesaints, and their state, both in their own eyes and in the eyes of theirneighbors,isgood.Theyhavesheep’sclothing.Butnodisguisecanhidethemfromtheeyesofthejudgeoftheworld.Hiseyesareasaflameoffire.Theysearchtheheartsandtrythereinsofthechildrenofmen.Hewillseewhethertheybesoundatheart.Hewillseefromwhatprinciplestheyhaveacted.Afairshowwillinnodegreedeceivehim,asitdoesmenin thepresent state. Itwill signifynothing to say, “Lord,wehaveeatenanddrunkinthypresence;andinthynamehavewecastoutdevils,andinthynamehavedonemanywonderfulworks.”Itwillsignifynothingtopretendtoagreatdealofcomfortandjoy,andtotheexperienceofgreatreligiousaffections,andtoyourhavingdonemanythingsinreligionandmorality,unlessyouhavesomegreaterevidencesofsincerity.

Wherefore let everyone take heed that he be not deceived concerninghimself.Andthathedependnotonthatwhichwillnotbearexaminationat the day of judgment. Be not contented with this, that you have thejudgment of men, the judgment of godlymen, or that of ministers, inyour favor. Consider that they are not to be your judges at last. TakeoccasionfrequentlytocompareyourheartswiththeWordofGod.Thatisthe rule by which you are to be finally tried and judged. And tryyourselvesbyyourworks,bywhichalsoyoumustbetriedatlast.InquirewhetheryouleadholyChristianlives,whetheryouperformuniversalandunconditionalobedience toallGod’s commands,andwhetheryoudo itfromatrulygraciousrespecttoGod.

AlsofrequentlybegofGod,thejudge,thathewouldsearchyou,tryyounow,anddiscoveryoutoyourselves,thatyoumayseeifyoubeinsincerein religion. And that he would lead you in the way everlasting. Beg ofGod, that ifyoubenotuponagood foundation,hewouldunsettleyou,andfixyouuponthesurefoundation.Theexampleofthepsalmistinthisisworthyofimitation.Psa.26:1,2,“Judgeme,OLord,examineme,andproveme;trymyreinsandmineheart.”AndPsa.139:23,24,“Searchme,OGod, andknowmyheart: tryme, andknowmy thoughts.And see iftherebeanywickedwayinme,andleadmeinthewayeverlasting.”Godwillsearchushereafter,anddiscoverwhatweare,bothtoourselvesandto all theworld. Let us pray that hewould searchus, anddiscover our

heartstousnow.Wehaveneedofdivinehelpinthismatter;fortheheartisdeceitfulaboveallthings.

V. If God has appointed a day to judge the world, let us judge andcondemn ourselves for our sins. This we must do, if we would not bejudged and condemned for them on that day. If we would escapecondemnation,wemustseethatwejustlymaybecondemned.Wemustbesosensibleofourvilenessandguilt,astoseethatwedeserveallthatcondemnationandpunishmentwhicharethreatened.AndthatweareinthehandsofGod,whoisthesovereigndisposerofus,andwilldowithusas seemeth to himself good. Let us therefore often reflect on our sins,confess them before God, condemn and abhor ourselves, be trulyhumbled,andrepentindustandashes.

VI.Ifthesethingsbeso, letusbynomeansbeforwardtojudgeothers.Someare forward to judgeothers, to judge theirheartsboth ingeneralanduponparticularoccasions,todetermineastotheprinciples,motives,andendsoftheiractions.ButthisistoassumetheprovinceofGod,andtosetupourselvesas lordsand judges.Rom.14:4, “Whoart thou, thatthou judgest anotherman’s servant?” Jam. 4:11, “Speak not evil one ofanother,brethren.He that speakethevilofhisbrother,and judgethhisbrother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law.” To be thusdisposed to judgeandact censoriously towardsothers, is theway tobejudgedandcondemnedourselves.Mat.7:1,2,“Judgenot,thatyebenotjudged.Forwithwhat judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: andwithwhatmeasureyemete,itshallbemeasuredtoyouagain.”

VII.Thisdoctrineaffordsmatterofgreat consolation to thegodly.Thisdayofjudgment,whichissoterribletoungodlymen,affordsnogroundofterrortoyou,butabundantgroundofjoyandsatisfaction.Forthoughyounowmeetwithmoreafflictionandtroublethanmostwickedmen,yeton that day you shall be delivered from all afflictions, and from alltrouble. Ifyoubeunjustly treatedbywickedmen,andabusedbythem,what a comfort is it to the injured, that theymay appeal to God, whojudgethrighteously.Thepsalmistusedoftentocomforthimselfwiththis.

UpontheseaccountsthesaintshavereasontolovetheappearingofJesusChrist. 2 Tim. 4:8, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of

righteousness,whichtheLord,therighteousjudge,shallgivemeatthatday:andnottomeonly,buttoallthosethatlovehisappearing.”Thisistothesaintsablessedhope.Tit.2:13,“Lookingforthatblessedhope,andthe glorious appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ.Thisdaymaywellbetheobjectoftheireagerdesire,andwhentheyhearofChrist’scomingtojudgment,theymaywellsay,“Evensocome,LordJesus,”Rev.22:20. Itwillbe themostgloriousday thatever the saintssaw.Itwillbesobothtothosewhoshalldie,andwhosesoulsshallgotoheaven,andtothosewhoshallthenbefoundaliveonearth.Itwillbethewedding-day of the church. Surely then in the consideration of theapproachofthisday,thereisgroundofgreatconsolationtothesaints.

SINNERSINTHEHANDSOFANANGRYGOD

-Theirfootshallslideinduetime-Deut.32:35

In this verse is threatened the vengeance of God on the wickedunbelieving Israelites, who were God's visible people, and who livedunderthemeansofgrace;butwho,notwithstandingallGod'swonderfulworks towards them, remained (as ver. 28.) void of counsel, having nounderstandinginthem.Underallthecultivationsofheaven,theybroughtforthbitterandpoisonous fruit;as inthetwoversesnextprecedingthetext.The expression Ihave chosen formy text,Their foot shall slide induetime,seemstoimplythefollowingdoings,relatingtothepunishmentanddestructiontowhichthesewickedIsraeliteswereexposed.

1. That theywere always exposed todestruction; as one that stands orwalks inslipperyplaces is alwaysexposed to fall.This is implied in themanner of their destruction coming upon them, being represented bytheirfootsliding.Thesameisexpressed,Psalm73:18."Surelythoudidstsettheminslipperyplaces;thoucastedstthemdownintodestruction."

2. It implies, that they were always exposed to sudden unexpecteddestruction.Ashethatwalksinslipperyplacesiseverymomentliabletofall, he cannot foresee one moment whether he shall stand or fall thenext;andwhenhedoes fall,he fallsatoncewithoutwarning:Which isalsoexpressedinPsalm73:18,19."Surelythoudidstsettheminslipperyplaces;thoucastedstthemdownintodestruction:Howaretheybroughtintodesolationasinamoment!"

3. Another thing implied is, that they are liable to fall of themselves,withoutbeingthrowndownbythehandofanother;ashethatstandsorwalksonslipperygroundneedsnothingbuthisownweighttothrowhimdown.

4.Thatthereasonwhytheyarenotfallenalready,anddonotfallnow,is

onlythatGod'sappointedtimeisnotcome.Foritissaid,thatwhenthatduetime,orappointedtimecomes,theirfootshallslide.Thentheyshallbelefttofall,astheyareinclinedbytheirownweight.Godwillnotholdthemupintheseslipperyplacesanylonger,butwillletthemgo;andthenatthatveryinstant,theyshallfall intodestruction;ashethatstandsonsuch slippery declining ground, on the edge of a pit, he cannot standalone,whenheisletgoheimmediatelyfallsandislost.

The observation from the words that I would now insist upon is this."Thereisnothingthatkeepswickedmenatanyonemomentoutofhell,butthemerepleasureofGod."BythemerepleasureofGod,Imeanhissovereign pleasure, his arbitrary will, restrained by no obligation,hinderedbynomanner of difficulty, anymore than if nothing else butGod'smerewillhadintheleastdegree,orinanyrespectwhatsoever,anyhandinthepreservationofwickedmenonemoment.Thetruthofthisobservationmayappearbythefollowingconsiderations.

1.Thereisnowantofpower inGodtocastwickedmenintohellatanymoment.Men'shandscannotbestrongwhenGodrisesup.Thestrongesthavenopowertoresisthim,norcananydeliveroutofhishands.-Heisnotonlyabletocastwickedmenintohell,buthecanmosteasilydo it.Sometimes an earthly prince meets with a great deal of difficulty tosubdue a rebel,whohas foundmeans to fortify himself, and hasmadehimselfstrongbythenumbersofhisfollowers.ButitisnotsowithGod.There isnofortressthat isanydefense fromthepowerofGod.Thoughhand join in hand, and vastmultitudes of God's enemies combine andassociate themselves, theyareeasilybroken inpieces.Theyareasgreatheaps of light chaff before the whirlwind; or large quantities of drystubblebeforedevouringflames.Wefinditeasytotreadonandcrushawormthatweseecrawlingontheearth;soitiseasyforustocutorsingeaslenderthreadthatanythinghangsby:thuseasyisitforGod,whenhepleases, to cast his enemies down tohell.What arewe, thatwe shouldthinktostandbeforehim,atwhoserebuketheearthtrembles,andbeforewhomtherocksarethrowndown?

2.Theydeservetobecastintohell;sothatdivinejusticeneverstandsinthe way, it makes no objection against God's using his power at anymomenttodestroythem.Yea,onthecontrary,justicecallsaloudforan

infinite punishment of their sins. Divine justice says of the tree thatbrings forth suchgrapesofSodom, "Cut itdown,whycumbereth it theground?" Luke xiii. 7. The sword of divine justice is every momentbrandishedover theirheads,and it isnothingbut thehandofarbitrarymercy,andGod'smerewill,thatholdsitback.

3.Theyare alreadyunder a sentenceofcondemnation tohell.Theydonotonlyjustlydeservetobecastdownthither,butthesentenceofthelawofGod, that eternal and immutable rule of righteousness thatGod hasfixed between him andmankind, is gone out against them, and standsagainstthem;sothattheyareboundoveralreadytohell.Johniii.18."Hethatbelievethnotiscondemnedalready."Sothateveryunconvertedmanproperlybelongstohell;thatishisplace;fromthenceheis,Johnviii.23."Yearefrombeneath."Andthitherbeisbound;itistheplacethatjustice,andGod'sword,andthesentenceofhisunchangeablelawassigntohim.

4.Theyarenow theobjectsof that very sameanger andwrathofGod,thatisexpressedinthetormentsofhell.Andthereasonwhytheydonotgodowntohellateachmoment,isnotbecauseGod,inwhosepowertheyare, is not then very angry with them; as he is with many miserablecreaturesnowtormentedinhell,whotherefeelandbearthefiercenessofhiswrath.Yea,God isagreatdealmoreangrywithgreatnumbers thatare now on earth: yea, doubtless, with many that are now in thiscongregation,who itmaybeareat ease, thanhe iswithmanyof thosewhoarenowintheflamesofhell.SothatitisnotbecauseGodisunmindfuloftheirwickedness,anddoesnotresentit,thathedoesnotletloosehishandandcutthemoff.Godisnotaltogethersuchanoneasthemselves,thoughtheymayimaginehimtobeso.ThewrathofGodburnsagainstthem,theirdamnationdoesnotslumber; thepit isprepared, the fire ismade ready, the furnace is nowhot, ready to receive them; the flames do now rage and glow. Theglitteringswordiswhet,andheldoverthem,andthepithathopeneditsmouthunderthem.

5.Thedevilstandsreadytofalluponthem,andseizethemashisown,atwhatmoment God shall permit him. They belong to him; he has theirsoulsinhispossession,andunderhisdominion.Thescripturerepresentsthemashisgoods,Luke 11:12.Thedevilswatch them; they are everby

themattheirrighthand;theystandwaitingforthem,likegreedyhungrylionsthatseetheirprey,andexpecttohaveit,butareforthepresentkeptback.IfGodshouldwithdrawhishand,bywhichtheyarerestrained,theywouldinonemomentflyupontheirpoorsouls.Theoldserpentisgapingfor them;hellopens itsmouthwide toreceive them;and ifGodshouldpermitit,theywouldbehastilyswallowedupandlost.

6.Thereareinthesoulsofwickedmenthosehellishprinciplesreigning,thatwouldpresentlykindleandflameoutintohellfire,ifitwerenotforGod's restraints. There is laid in the very nature of carnal men, afoundationforthetormentsofhell.Therearethosecorruptprinciples,inreigningpowerinthem,andinfullpossessionofthem,thatareseedsofhell fire. These principles are active and powerful, exceeding violent intheirnature,andifitwerenotfortherestraininghandofGoduponthem,theywouldsoonbreakout,theywouldflameoutafterthesamemannerasthesamecorruptions, thesameenmitydoes intheheartsofdamnedsouls,andwouldbegetthesametormentsastheydointhem.Thesoulsof thewickedare in scripturecompared to the troubledsea, Isa.57:20.Forthepresent,Godrestrainstheirwickednessbyhismightypower,ashedoestheragingwavesofthetroubledsea,saying,"Hithertoshaltthoucome,butnofurther;"butifGodshouldwithdrawthatrestrainingpower,itwouldsooncarryallbeforeit.Sinistheruinandmiseryofthesoul;itisdestructive in its nature; and if God should leave it without restraint,therewouldneednothingelsetomakethesoulperfectlymiserable.Thecorruptionoftheheartofmanisimmoderateandboundlessinitsfury;andwhilewickedmenlivehere,itislikefirepentupbyGod'srestraints,whereasifitwereletloose,itwouldsetonfirethecourseofnature;andas the heart is now a sink of sin, so if sinwas not restrained, itwouldimmediately turn the soul into a fiery oven, or a furnace of fire andbrimstone.

7. It is no security to wicked men for one moment, that there are novisiblemeansofdeathathand.Itisnosecuritytoanaturalman,thatheis now in health, and that he does not see which way he should nowimmediately go out of the world by any accident, and that there is novisible danger in any respect in his circumstances. The manifold andcontinualexperienceof theworld inallages, shows this isnoevidence,

thatamanisnotontheverybrinkofeternity,andthatthenextstepwillnotbeintoanotherworld.Theunseen,unthought-ofwaysandmeansofpersons going suddenly out of the world are innumerable andinconceivable. Unconverted men walk over the pit of hell on a rottencovering,andthereareinnumerableplacesinthiscoveringsoweakthattheywillnotbeartheirweight,andtheseplacesarenotseen.Thearrowsofdeathflyunseenatnoon-day;thesharpestsightcannotdiscernthem.Godhassomanydifferentunsearchablewaysof takingwickedmenoutof theworld and sending them tohell, that there isnothing tomake itappear,thatGodhadneedtobeattheexpenseofamiracle,orgooutoftheordinarycourseofhisprovidence,todestroyanywickedman,atanymoment.Allthemeansthatthereareofsinnersgoingoutof theworld,are so inGod's hands, and so universally and absolutely subject to hispoweranddetermination, that itdoesnotdependat all the lesson themerewillofGod,whethersinnersshallatanymomentgotohell,thanifmeanswerenevermadeuseof,oratallconcernedinthecase.

8.Naturalmen's prudence and care to preserve their own lives, or thecareofotherstopreservethem,donotsecurethemamoment.Tothis,divineprovidenceanduniversalexperiencedoalsobeartestimony.Thereisthisclearevidencethatmen'sownwisdomisnosecuritytothemfromdeath; that if itwere otherwisewe should see somedifference betweenthewise and politicmen of theworld, and others,with regard to theirliablenesstoearlyandunexpecteddeath:buthowisitinfact?Eccles.ii.16."Howdieththewiseman?evenasthefool."

9.Allwickedmen'spainsandcontrivancewhichtheyusetoescapehell,whiletheycontinue to rejectChrist, andso remainwickedmen,donotsecurethemfromhellonemoment.Almosteverynaturalmanthathearsofhell, flattershimself thatheshallescape it;hedependsuponhimselfforhisownsecurity;heflattershimselfinwhathehasdone,inwhatheisnowdoing, orwhathe intends todo.Everyone laysoutmatters inhisown mind how he shall avoid damnation, and flatters himself that hecontriveswell forhimself, and thathis schemeswill not fail. Theyhearindeedthattherearebutfewsaved,andthatthegreaterpartofmenthathavediedheretoforearegonetohell;buteachoneimaginesthathelaysoutmattersbetterforhisownescapethanothershavedone.Hedoesnot

intendtocometothatplaceof torment;hesayswithinhimself, thatheintendstotakeeffectualcare,andtoordermatterssoforhimselfasnottofail.

Butthefoolishchildrenofmenmiserablydeludethemselvesintheirownschemes,andinconfidenceintheirownstrengthandwisdom;theytrusttonothingbutashadow.Thegreaterpartof thosewhoheretoforehavelivedunderthesamemeansofgrace,andarenowdead,areundoubtedlygonetohell;anditwasnotbecausetheywerenotaswiseasthosewhoarenowalive:itwasnotbecausetheydidnotlayoutmattersaswellforthemselvestosecuretheirownescape.Ifwecouldspeakwiththem,andinquire of them, one by one, whether they expected, when alive, andwhentheyusedtohearabouthellevertobethesubjectsofthatmisery:wedoubtless,shouldhearoneandanotherreply,"No,Ineverintendedtocome here: I had laid out matters otherwise in my mind; I thought Ishouldcontrivewellformyself:Ithoughtmyschemegood.Iintendedtotakeeffectualcare;butitcameuponmeunexpected;Ididnotlookforitatthattime,andinthatmanner;itcameasathief:Deathoutwittedme:God's wrath was too quick for me. Oh, my cursed foolishness! I wasflatteringmyself,andpleasingmyselfwithvaindreamsofwhatIwoulddo hereafter; and when I was saying, Peace and safety, then suddenlydestructioncameuponme.

10.Godhaslaidhimselfundernoobligation,byanypromisetokeepanynaturalmanoutofhellonemoment.Godcertainlyhasmadenopromiseseitherof eternal life,orof anydeliveranceorpreservation frometernaldeath,butwhatarecontainedinthecovenantofgrace,thepromisesthatare given in Christ, in whom all the promises are yea and amen. Butsurelytheyhavenointerestinthepromisesofthecovenantofgracewhoare not the children of the covenant, who do not believe in any of thepromises,andhavenointerestintheMediatorofthecovenant.

So that, whatever some have imagined and pretended about promisesmade to natural men's earnest seeking and knocking, it is plain andmanifest, thatwhateverpainsanaturalman takes in religion,whateverprayershemakes, tillhebelieves inChrist,God isundernomanner ofobligationtokeephimamomentfrometernaldestruction.

Sothat,thusitisthatnaturalmenareheldinthehandofGod,overthepitofhell;theyhavedeservedthefierypit,andarealreadysentencedtoit;andGodisdreadfullyprovoked,hisangerisasgreattowardsthemastothosethatareactuallysufferingtheexecutionsofthefiercenessofhiswrathinhell,andtheyhavedonenothingintheleasttoappeaseorabatethatanger,neitherisGodintheleastboundbyanypromisetoholdthemuponemoment;thedeviliswaitingforthem,hellisgapingforthem,theflamesgatherandflashaboutthem,andwouldfainlayholdonthem,andswallow them up; the fire pent up in their own hearts is struggling tobreakout:andtheyhavenointerestinanyMediator,therearenomeanswithin reach that can be any security to them. In short, they have norefuge,nothingtotakeholdof,allthatpreservesthemeverymomentisthemerearbitrarywill, anduncovenanted,unobliged forbearanceofanincensedGod.

APPLICATION

Theuseofthisawfulsubjectmaybeforawakeningunconvertedpersonsinthiscongregation.Thisthatyouhaveheardisthecaseofeveryoneofyou that are out of Christ.-That world of misery, that lake of burningbrimstone,isextendedabroadunderyou.Thereisthedreadfulpitoftheglowing flames of the wrath of God; there is hell's wide gapingmouthopen;andyouhavenothingtostandupon,noranythingtotakeholdof,thereisnothingbetweenyouandhellbuttheair;itisonlythepowerandmerepleasureofGodthatholdsyouup.

Youprobablyarenot sensibleof this;you findyouarekeptoutofhell,butdonotseethehandofGodinit;butlookatotherthings,asthegoodstate of your bodily constitution, your care of your own life, and themeans you use for your own preservation. But indeed these things arenothing; ifGodshouldwithdrawhisband, theywouldavailnomore tokeep you from falling, than the thin air to hold up a person that issuspendedinit.

Your wickedness makes you as it were heavy as lead, and to tenddownwards with great weight and pressure towards hell; and if Godshould letyougo,youwould immediately sinkandswiftlydescendandplungeintothebottomlessgulf,andyourhealthyconstitution,andyour

owncareandprudence,andbestcontrivance,andallyourrighteousness,wouldhave nomore influence to uphold you and keep you out of hell,thanaspider'swebwouldhavetostopafallingrock.WereitnotforthesovereignpleasureofGod,theearthwouldnotbearyouonemoment;foryouareaburdentoit;thecreationgroanswithyou;thecreatureismadesubjecttothebondageofyourcorruption,notwillingly;thesundoesnotwillinglyshineuponyoutogiveyoulighttoservesinandSatan;theearthdoesnotwillinglyyieldherincreasetosatisfyyourlusts;norisitwillinglyastage foryourwickedness tobeactedupon; theairdoesnotwillinglyserveyouforbreathtomaintaintheflameoflifeinyourvitals,whileyouspendyourlifeintheserviceofGod'senemies.God'screaturesaregood,andweremadeformentoserveGodwith,anddonotwillinglysubserveto any other purpose, and groanwhen they are abused to purposes sodirectlycontrarytotheirnatureandend.Andtheworldwouldspewyouout,were itnot for the sovereignhandofhimwhohath subjected it inhope. There are black clouds ofGod'swrath nowhanging directly overyourheads,fullofthedreadfulstorm,andbigwiththunder;andwereitnot for the restraining hand of God, it would immediately burst forthuponyou.ThesovereignpleasureofGod,forthepresent,stayshisroughwind; otherwise it would come with fury, and your destruction wouldcome like awhirlwind, and youwould be like the chaff of the summerthreshingfloor.

ThewrathofGod is likegreatwaters thataredammed for thepresent;theyincreasemoreandmore,andrisehigherandhigher,tillanoutletisgiven;andthelongerthestreamisstopped,themorerapidandmightyisitscourse,whenonceitisletloose.Itistrue,thatjudgmentagainstyourevilworkshasnotbeenexecutedhitherto;thefloodsofGod'svengeancehave been withheld; but your guilt in the mean time is constantlyincreasing,andyouareeveryday treasuringupmorewrath; thewatersare constantly rising, and waxingmore andmoremighty; and there isnothingbutthemerepleasureofGod,thatholdsthewatersback,thatareunwillingtobestopped,andpresshardtogoforward.IfGodshouldonlywithdraw his hand from the flood-gate, it would immediately fly open,andthefieryfloodsofthefiercenessandwrathofGod,wouldrushforthwith inconceivable fury, and would come upon you with omnipotentpower; and if your strengthwere ten thousand times greater than it is,

yea, ten thousand times greater than the strength of the stoutest,sturdiestdevilinhell,itwouldbenothingtowithstandorendureit.

ThebowofGod'swrathisbent,andthearrowmadereadyonthestring,andjusticebendsthearrowatyourheart,andstrainsthebow,andit isnothingbutthemerepleasureofGod,andthatofanangryGod,withoutanypromiseorobligationatall,thatkeepsthearrowonemomentfrombeingmadedrunkwithyourblood.Thusallyouthatneverpassedunderagreat changeofheart,by themightypowerof theSpiritofGoduponyoursouls;allyouthatwereneverbornagain,andmadenewcreatures,andraisedfrombeingdeadinsin,toastateofnew,andbeforealtogetherunexperiencedlightandlife,areinthehandsofanangryGod.Howeveryou may have reformed your life in many things, and may have hadreligiousaffections,andmaykeepupaformofreligioninyourfamiliesandclosets,andinthehouseofGod,itisnothingbuthismerepleasurethat keeps you from being this moment swallowed up in everlastingdestruction.Howeverunconvincedyoumaynowbeofthetruthofwhatyouhear,byandbyyouwillbefullyconvincedofit.Thosethataregonefrom being in the like circumstances with you, see that it was so withthem; for destruction came suddenly upon most of them; when theyexpectednothingofit,andwhiletheyweresaying,Peaceandsafety:nowtheysee,thatthosethingsonwhichtheydependedforpeaceandsafety,werenothingbutthinairandemptyshadows.

TheGodthatholdsyouoverthepitofhell,muchasoneholdsaspider,orsome loathsome insect over the fire, abhors you, and is dreadfullyprovoked: hiswrath towards you burns like fire; he looks upon you asworthyofnothingelse,buttobecastintothefire;heisofpurereyesthanto bear to have you in his sight; you are ten thousand times moreabominable in his eyes, than the most hateful venomous serpent is inours.Youhaveoffendedhim infinitelymore thanevera stubbornrebeldid his prince; and yet it is nothing but his hand that holds you fromfallingintothefireeverymoment.Itistobeascribedtonothingelse,thatyoudidnotgotohellthelastnight;thatyouwassufferedtoawakeagainin thisworld,afteryouclosedyoureyes to sleep.And there isnootherreasontobegiven,whyyouhavenotdroppedintohellsinceyouaroseinthe morning, but that God's hand has held you up. There is no other

reasontobegivenwhyyouhavenotgonetohell,sinceyouhavesatherein the house of God, provoking his pure eyes by your sinful wickedmannerofattendinghissolemnworship.Yea,thereisnothingelsethatistobegivenasareasonwhyyoudonotthisverymomentdropdownintohell.

Osinner!Considerthefearfuldangeryouare in: it isagreatfurnaceofwrath, awide andbottomless pit, full of the fire ofwrath, that you areheldoverinthehandofthatGod,whosewrathisprovokedandincensedasmuchagainstyou,asagainstmanyofthedamnedinhell.Youhangbya slender thread,with the flamesofdivinewrath flashingabout it, andready everymoment to singe it, and burn it asunder; and you have nointerest in any Mediator, and nothing to lay hold of to save yourself,nothingtokeepofftheflamesofwrath,nothingofyourown,nothingthatyoueverhavedone,nothingthatyoucando,toinduceGodtospareyouonemoment.Andconsiderheremoreparticularly

1.Whosewrathitis:itisthewrathoftheinfiniteGod.Ifitwereonlythewrath of man, though it were of the most potent prince, it would becomparatively little to be regarded. The wrath of kings is very muchdreaded,especiallyofabsolutemonarchs,whohavethepossessionsandlives of their subjects wholly in their power, to be disposed of at theirmere will. Prov. 20:2. "The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion:Whoso provoketh him to anger, sinneth against his own soul." Thesubjectthatverymuchenragesanarbitraryprince,isliabletosufferthemostextremetormentsthathumanartcaninvent,orhumanpowercaninflict.But the greatest earthly potentates in their greatestmajesty andstrength, and when clothed in their greatest terrors, are but feeble,despicablewormsof the dust, in comparison of the great and almightyCreator andKing of heaven and earth. It is but little that they can do,whenmostenraged,andwhentheyhaveexertedtheutmostoftheirfury.All the kings of the earth, before God, are as grasshoppers; they arenothing,andlessthannothing:boththeir loveandtheirhatredis tobedespised.ThewrathofthegreatKingofkings,isasmuchmoreterriblethantheirs,ashismajesty isgreater.Luke12:4,5."AndIsayuntoyou,myfriends,Benotafraidofthemthatkillthebody,andafterthat,havenomorethattheycando.ButIwill forewarnyouwhomyoushall fear:

fearhim,whichafterhehathkilled,hathpower tocast intohell:yea, Isayuntoyou,Fearhim."

2.Itisthefiercenessofhiswraththatyouareexposedto.Weoftenreadof the fury of God; as in Isaiah lix. 18. "According to their deeds,accordinglyhewill repay fury tohis adversaries." So Isaiah66:15. "Forbehold, the Lord will come with fire, and with his chariots like awhirlwind, to renderhisangerwith fury,andhis rebukewith flamesoffire."Andinmanyotherplaces.So,Rev.19:15,wereadof"thewinepressof the fiercenessandwrathofAlmightyGod."Thewordsareexceedingterrible. If it had only been said, "thewrath of God," thewordswouldhaveimpliedthatwhichisinfinitelydreadful:butitis"thefiercenessandwrath of God." The fury of God! the fierceness of Jehovah! Oh, howdreadfulmustthatbe!Whocanutterorconceivewhatsuchexpressionscarryinthem!Butitisalso"thefiercenessandwrathofAlmightyGod."As though there would be a very great manifestation of his almightypower in what the fierceness of his wrath should inflict, as thoughomnipotenceshouldbeasitwereenraged,andexerted,asmenarewonttoexerttheirstrengthinthefiercenessoftheirwrath.Oh!then,whatwillbetheconsequence!Whatwillbecomeofthepoorwormsthatshallsufferit!Whosehandscanbestrong?Andwhoseheartcanendure?Towhatadreadful, inexpressible, inconceivable depth of misery must the poorcreaturebesunkwhoshallbethesubjectofthis!

Consider this, you that are here present, that yet remain in anunregenerate state. That God will execute the fierceness of his anger,implies,thathewillinflictwrathwithoutanypity.WhenGodbeholdstheineffable extremity of your case, and sees your torment to be so vastlydisproportionedtoyourstrength,andseeshowyourpoorsouliscrushed,and sinks down, as it were, into an infinite gloom; he will have nocompassionuponyou,hewillnotforbeartheexecutionsofhiswrath,orintheleastlightenhishand;thereshallbenomoderationormercy,norwillGodthenatall stayhis roughwind;hewillhavenoregard toyourwelfare,norbeatallcarefullestyoushouldsuffertoomuchinanyothersense, than only that you shall not suffer beyond what strict justicerequires.Nothingshallbewithheld,becauseitissohardforyoutobear.Ezek.viii.18."ThereforewillIalsodealinfury:mineeyeshallnotspare,

neitherwill I have pity; and though they cry inmine ears with a loudvoice,yetIwillnothearthem."NowGodstandsreadytopityyou;thisisadayofmercy;youmaycrynowwithsomeencouragementofobtainingmercy.Butwhenoncethedayofmercyispast,yourmostlamentableanddolorous cries and shrieks will be in vain; you will be wholly lost andthrownawayofGod,astoanyregardtoyourwelfare.Godwillhavenootheruse toput you to, but to suffermisery; you shall be continued inbeing to no other end; for you will be a vessel of wrath fitted todestruction;andtherewillbenootheruseofthisvessel,buttobefilledfull ofwrath.Godwillbe so far frompityingyouwhenyoucry to him,thatitissaidhewillonly"laughandmock,"Prov.1:25,26,&c.

Howawfulare thosewords, Isa.63:3,whichare thewordsof thegreatGod."Iwilltreadtheminmineanger,andwilltrampletheminmyfury,andtheirbloodshallbesprinkleduponmygarments,andIwillstainallmyraiment."It isperhapsimpossibletoconceiveofwordsthatcarryinthem greater manifestations of these three things, vis. contempt, andhatred,andfiercenessofindignation.IfyoucrytoGodtopityyou,hewillbesofarfrompityingyouinyourdolefulcase,orshowingyoutheleastregardor favour, that insteadof that,hewillonly treadyouunder foot.Andthoughhewillknowthatyoucannotbeartheweightofomnipotencetreadinguponyou,yethewillnotregardthat,buthewillcrushyouunderhisfeetwithoutmercy;hewillcrushoutyourblood,andmakeitfly,anditshallbesprinkledonhisgarments,soastostainallhisraiment.Hewillnotonlyhateyou,buthewillhaveyou,intheutmostcontempt:noplaceshallbethoughtfitforyou,butunderhisfeettobetroddendownasthemireofthestreets.

ThemiseryyouareexposedtoisthatwhichGodwillinflicttothatend,thathemightshowwhatthatwrathofJehovahis.Godhathhaditonhishearttoshowtoangelsandmen,bothhowexcellenthisloveis,andalsohowterriblehiswrathis.Sometimesearthlykingshaveamindtoshowhow terrible their wrath is, by the extreme punishments they wouldexecuteonthosethatwouldprovokethem.Nebuchadnezzar,thatmightyand haughtymonarch of theChaldean empire,waswilling to showhiswrath when enraged with Shadrach, Meshech, and Abednego; andaccordinglygaveorders that theburning fiery furnaceshouldbeheated

seven times hotter than it was before; doubtless, it was raised to theutmostdegreeof fierceness thathumanart could raise it.But thegreatGodisalsowillingtoshowhiswrath,andmagnifyhisawfulmajestyandmightypowerintheextremesufferingsofhisenemies.Rom.9:22."WhatifGod,willingtoshowhiswrath,andtomakehispowerknown,endurewithmuchlong-sufferingthevesselsofwrathfittedtodestruction?"Andseeingthisishisdesign,andwhathehasdetermined,eventoshowhowterribletheunrestrainedwrath,thefuryandfiercenessofJehovahis,hewilldoittoeffect.Therewillbesomethingaccomplishedandbroughttopassthatwillbedreadfulwithawitness.WhenthegreatandangryGodhathrisenupandexecutedhisawfulvengeanceonthepoorsinner,andthe wretch is actually suffering the infinite weight and power of hisindignation, thenwill God call upon thewhole universe to behold thatawfulmajesty andmighty power that is to be seen in it. Isa. 33:12-14."Andthepeopleshallbeas theburningsof lime,as thornscutupshalltheybeburntinthefire.Hearyethatarefaroff,whatIhavedone;andyethat are near, acknowledge my might. The sinners in Zion are afraid;fearfulnesshathsurprisedthehypocrites,"&c.

Thusitwillbewithyouthatareinanunconvertedstate,ifyoucontinueinit;theinfinitemight,andmajesty,andterriblenessoftheomnipotentGod shall be magnified upon you, in the ineffable strength of yourtorments.Youshallbetormentedinthepresenceoftheholyangels,andin the presence of the Lamb; and when you shall be in this state ofsuffering, the glorious inhabitants of heaven shall go forth and look ontheawful spectacle, that theymayseewhat thewrathand fiercenessoftheAlmightyis;andwhentheyhaveseenit,theywillfalldownandadorethatgreatpowerandmajesty.Isa.lxvi.23,24."Anditshallcometopass,that fromonenewmoon toanother, and fromone sabbath to another,shallallfleshcometoworshipbeforeme,saiththeLord.Andtheyshallgo forthand lookuponthecarcassesof thementhathave transgressedagainst me; for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire bequenched,andtheyshallbeanabhorringuntoallflesh."4. It iseverlasting wrath. Itwould be dreadful to suffer this fiercenessandwrath of Almighty God onemoment; but youmust suffer it to alleternity.Therewillbenoendtothisexquisitehorriblemisery.Whenyoulook forward,youshall seea long forever, aboundlessdurationbefore

you,whichwillswallowupyourthoughts,andamazeyoursoul;andyouwill absolutely despair of ever having any deliverance, any end, anymitigation,anyrestatall.Youwillknowcertainlythatyoumustwearoutlongages,millionsofmillionsofages, inwrestlingandconflictingwiththis almighty merciless vengeance; and then when you have so done,whensomanyageshaveactuallybeenspentbyyouinthismanner,youwillknowthatallisbutapointtowhatremains.Sothatyourpunishmentwill indeedbe infinite.Oh,who can expresswhat the state of a soul insuchcircumstances is!All thatwecanpossibly sayabout it,givesbutavery feeble, faint representation of it; it is inexpressible andinconceivable:For"whoknowsthepowerofGod'sanger?"

Howdreadfulisthestateofthosethataredailyandhourlyinthedangerofthisgreatwrathandinfinitemisery!Butthisisthedismalcaseofeverysoul in this congregation that has not been born again, howevermoralandstrict,soberandreligious,theymayotherwisebe.Ohthatyouwouldconsider it,whetheryoubeyoungorold!There is reason to think, thattherearemanyinthiscongregationnowhearingthisdiscourse,thatwillactuallybe thesubjectsof thisverymisery toalleternity.Weknownotwhotheyare,orinwhatseatstheysit,orwhatthoughtstheynowhave.Itmay be they are now at ease, and hear all these things without muchdisturbance, and are now flattering themselves that they are not thepersons, promising themselves that they shall escape. If we knew thattherewasoneperson,andbutone,inthewholecongregation,thatwastobethesubjectofthismisery,whatanawfulthingwoulditbetothinkof!If we knewwho it was, what an awful sight would it be to see such aperson!Howmightall the restof the congregation liftupa lamentableandbitter cryoverhim!But, alas! insteadofone,howmany is it likelywillrememberthisdiscourseinhell?Anditwouldbeawonder,ifsomethat are now present should not be in hell in a very short time, evenbeforethisyearisout.Anditwouldbenowonderifsomepersons,thatnow sit here, in some seats of thismeeting-house, in health, quiet andsecure, should be there before to-morrow morning. Those of you thatfinallycontinueinanaturalcondition,thatshallkeepoutofhelllongestwill be there in a little time! your damnation does not slumber; it willcome swiftly, and, in all probability, very suddenly uponmany of you.Youhavereasontowonderthatyouarenotalreadyinhell.Itisdoubtless

the case of somewhomyouhave seenandknown, thatneverdeservedhellmorethanyou,andthatheretoforeappearedas likely tohavebeennowaliveasyou.Theircase ispastallhope; theyarecrying inextrememiseryandperfectdespair;buthereyouareinthelandofthelivingandinthehouseofGod,andhaveanopportunity toobtainsalvation.Whatwould not those poor damned hopeless souls give for one day'sopportunitysuchasyounowenjoy!

And now you have an extraordinary opportunity, a daywherein Christhasthrownthedoorofmercywideopen,andstandsincallingandcryingwith a loud voice to poor sinners; a day whereinmany are flocking tohim,andpressingintothekingdomofGod.Manyaredailycomingfromtheeast,west,northandsouth;many thatwerevery lately in thesamemiserableconditionthatyouarein,arenowinahappystate,withtheirheartsfilledwithlovetohimwhohaslovedthem,andwashedthemfromtheirsinsinhisownblood,andrejoicinginhopeofthegloryofGod.Howawfulisittobeleftbehindatsuchaday!Toseesomanyothersfeasting,whileyouarepiningandperishing!Toseesomanyrejoicingandsingingforjoyofheart,whileyouhavecausetomournforsorrowofheart,andhowl for vexation of spirit! How can you rest one moment in such acondition?Are not your souls as precious as the souls of the people atSuffield*,wheretheyareflockingfromdaytodaytoChrist?

Aretherenotmanyherewhohavelivedlongintheworld,andarenottothisdaybornagain?andsoarealiensfromthecommonwealthofIsrael,andhavedonenothingeversincetheyhavelived,buttreasureupwrathagainst thedayofwrath?Oh, sirs, your case, in an especialmanner, isextremelydangerous.Yourguiltandhardnessofheartisextremelygreat.Doyounotseehowgenerallypersonsofyouryearsarepassedoverandleft, in the present remarkable and wonderful dispensation of God'smercy?Youhadneedtoconsideryourselves,andawake thoroughlyoutof sleep.Youcannotbear the fiercenessandwrathof the infiniteGod.-And you, youngmen, and youngwomen,will youneglect this preciousseason which you now enjoy, when so many others of your age arerenouncing all youthful vanities, and flocking to Christ? You especiallyhavenowanextraordinaryopportunity;butifyouneglectit,itwillsoonbe with you as with those persons who spent all the precious days of

youthinsin,andarenowcometosuchadreadfulpassinblindnessandhardness.Andyou,children,whoareunconverted,donotyouknowthatyouaregoingdowntohell,tobearthedreadfulwrathofthatGod,whoisnowangrywithyoueverydayandeverynight?Willyoubecontenttobethe children of the devil, when somany other children in the land areconverted, and are become the holy and happy children of the King ofkings?

AndleteveryonethatisyetoutofChrist,andhangingoverthepitofhell,whethertheybeoldmenandwomen,ormiddleaged,oryoungpeople,orlittle children, now harken to the loud calls of God's word andprovidence.ThisacceptableyearoftheLord,adayofsuchgreatfavoursto some,will doubtless be a day of as remarkable vengeance to others.Men'sheartsharden,andtheirguiltincreasesapaceatsuchadayasthis,if theyneglect their souls; andneverwas there so greatdangerof suchpersonsbeinggivenuptohardnessofheartandblindnessofmind.Godseemsnowtobehastilygatheringinhiselectinallpartsoftheland;andprobablythegreaterpartofadultpersonsthatevershallbesaved,willbebrought innowina littletime,andthat itwillbeas itwasonthegreatout-pouringoftheSpiritupontheJewsintheapostles'days;theelectionwillobtain, and the restwill beblinded. If this shouldbe the casewithyou,youwilleternallycursethisday,andwillcursethedaythateveryouwasborn,toseesuchaseasonofthepouringoutofGod'sSpirit,andwillwish that you had died and gone to hell before you had seen it. Nowundoubtedlyitis,asitwasinthedaysofJohntheBaptist,theaxeisinanextraordinarymannerlaidattherootofthetrees,thateverytreewhichbringsnotforthgoodfruit,maybehewndownandcastintothefire.

Therefore,leteveryonethatisoutofChrist,nowawakeandflyfromthewrathtocome.ThewrathofAlmightyGodisnowundoubtedlyhangingover a great part of this congregation: Let every one fly out of Sodom:"Haste and escape for your lives, look not behind you, escape to themountain,lestyoubeconsumed."

*Atownintheneighborhood.

TheVainSelf-FlatteriesoftheSinner

Psalm36:2

Forheflatterethhimselfinhisowneyes,untilhisiniquitybefoundtobehateful.

In the foregoingverse,David says, that the transgressionof thewickedsaidwithinhisheart,"thatthereisnofearofGodbeforehiseyes;"thatis,when he saw that the wicked went on in sin, in an allowed way ofwickedness, it convinced him, that he was not afraid of those terriblejudgments,andofthatwrathwithwhichGodhaththreatenedsinnersIfhewereafraidofthesehecouldnevergoonsosecurelyinsin,ashedoth.

In our text he gives the reason why the wicked did not fear. It was astrangethingthatmen,whoenjoyedsuchlightastheydidinthelandofIsrael, who read and heard thosemany awful threatenings which werewritten inthebookof the law,shouldnotbeafraidtogooninsin.ButsaiththePsalmist,TheyflatterthemseIvesintheirowneyes:Theyhavesomething or other which they make a foundation of encouragement,whereby they persuade themselves that they shall escape thosejudgments;andthatmakesthemputfarawaytheevilday.

Inthismannerheproceeds,untilhisiniquitybefoundtobehateful;thatis, until he finds by experience that it is a more dreadful thing to sinagainstGod,andbreakhisholycommands,thanheimagined.Hethinkssintobesweet,andhidesitasasweetmorselunderhistongue:Helovesit,andflattershimselfinit,tillatlengthhefinds,byexperience,thatitisbitterasgallandwormwood.Thoughhethinksthecommissionofsintobelovely,yethewillfindthefruitofittobehateful,andwhathecannotendure.Proverbs23:32."At last itwillbite likeaserpent,andstinglikeanadder."

Hereobserve,

1.ThesubjectspokenofistheWICKEDMAN,ofwhomthePsalmisthadbeenspeakingintheforegoingverse.2.Hisactioninflatteringhimself inhisowneyes; i.e.hemakeshimselfandhiscasetoappeartohimself,orinhisowneyes,betterthanitis.

3. How long he continues so to do, until his iniquity be found to behateful. 'Whichmaybe taken for his sin itself, thewickedwill see howodioussinistoGod',whenheshallfeeltheeffectsofhishatred,andhowhatefultoangelsandsaints;orratherthecauseishereputfortheeffect,thetreeforitsfruit,andhewillfindhisiniquitytobehateful,ashewillfindthehatefulnessandfeeltheterriblenessoftheFRUITofhisiniquity.

DOCTRINE

Wicked men generally flatter themselves with hopes of escapingpunishment,tillitactuallycomesuponthem.

There are but few sinners who despair, who give up the cause andconcludewiththemselves,thattheyshallgotohell;yettherearebutfewwhodonotgotohell.Itistobefearedthatmengotohelleverydayoutof this country; yet very few of them suffer themselves to believe, thattheyareinanygreatdangerofthatpunishment.Theygoonsinningandtravelling in the direct road to the pit; yet by onemean or other theypersuadethemselvesthattheyshallneverfallintoit,Inmypresentdiscourse,Ishall,

1. Mention some things in confirmation of the doctrine, that sinnersflatterthemselveswiththehopeofimpunity.2.Mentionsomeof thevariouswayswhereinsinners flatter themselvesinthathope.3. Show that sinners generally go on flattering themselves, tillpunishmentactuallyovertakesthem.

I. I am to mention some things in confirmation of the doctrine, thatsinnersflatterthemselveswiththehopeoffutureimpunity.

1.We are so taught in theword of God. Beside our text, youmay see,Deuteronomy 29:. 18, 19. "Lest there should be among you man, orwoman,or family,or tribe,whoseheart turnethawaythisday fromtheLordourGod.Lest there shouldheamongyoua root that beareth gallandwormwood,"anditcometopasswhenheheareththewordsofthiscurse,thatheblesshimselfinhisheart,saying,Ishallhavepeace,thoughIwalk in the imaginationofmineheart, to adddrunkenness to thirst."

WhereitissupposedthattheywhoseheartsturnawayfromGod,andareroots that bear gall andwormwood, generally bless themselves in theirhearts,saying,WESHALLHAVEPEACE.

SeealsoPsalm49:17,18."Whenhedieth,heshallcarrynothingaway:Hisglory shall not descend after him, thoughwhile he lived, he BLESSEDHIS SOUL."AndPsalm 1:21. "These things thou hast done. and I keptsilence:ThouthoughtestthatIwasaltogethersuchaoneasthyself:ButIwillreprovethee,andsettheminorderbeforethee."

2.Itisveryevident,thatsinnersflatterthemselvesthattheyshallescapepunishment, by this, that otherwise they would be in dreadful andcontinualdistress.Otherwise,aslongastheyareinsin,theycouldneverliveandgoaboutsocheerfullyastheynowdo:Theirliveswouldbefilledwith sorrow andmourning, and theywould be in continual uneasinessanddistress;asmuchasthosethatareexercisedwithsomeviolentpainofbody.Butitisevidentthatitisnotinfactso;itisapparentthatmenarecarelessandsecure; that theyarenotmuchconcernedabout futurepunishment, and that they cheerfully pursue their business andrecreations. Therefore they undoubtedly flatter themselves, that theyshallnotbeeternallymiserableinhell,astheyarethreatenedinthewordofGod

3. It is evident that they flatter themselves with hopes that they shallescape punishment, as otherwise they would certainly be restrained atleast frommany of those sins in which they now live: They would notproceed in wilful courses of sin. The transgression of the wickedconvincedthePsalmist,andisenoughtoconvinceeveryone,thatthereisno fear of God before his eyes, and that he flatters himself in his owneyes. It would be impossible formen allowedly from day to day to dothose very things, which they know are threatened with everlastingdestruction,iftheydidnotsomewayencouragethemselves,theyshouldneverthelessescapethatdestruction.

II. I shall mention some of the various ways wherein sinners flatterthemselvesintheirowneyes.

1.Someflatterthemselveswithasecrethope,thatthereisnosuchthing

asanotherworld.Theyhearagreatdealofpreaching,andagreatdealoftalkabouthell,andabouttheeternal judgment;butthosethingsdonotseem to them tobe real.Theynever sawany thingof them; theyneversaw hell, never saw the devils and damned spirits; and therefore arereadytosaywiththemselves,HowdoIknowthatthereisanysuchthingasanotherworld?Whenthebeastsdie,thereisanendofthem,andhowdo I know but that it will be so withme? Perhaps all these things arenothingbuttheinventionsofmen,nothingbutcunninglydevisedfables.

Suchthoughtsareapttoriseinthemindsofsinners,andthedevilsetsintoenforcethem.Suchthoughtsareaneasetothem;thereforetheywishtheywere true,and thatmakes them themore ready to think that theyareindeedtrue.Sothattheyarehardenedinthewayofsin,byinfidelityandatheistical thoughts.Psalm14:. 1. "The foolhath said inhisheart,ThereisnoGod."Psalm94:6,7."Theyslaythewidowandthestranger,andmurder the fatherless.Yet they say, theLord shall not see;neithershalltheGodofJacobregardit,"

2. Some flatter themselves that death is a great way off, and that theyshallhereafterhavemuchopportunitytoseeksalvation;andtheythinkiftheyearnestlyseekit,thoughitbeagreatwhilehence,theyshallobtain.Although they see no reason to conclude that they shall live long, andperhaps they do not positively conclude that they shall; yet it doth notcomeintotheirmindsthattheir livesarereallyuncertain,andthat it isdoubtfulwhethertheywillliveanotheryear.Suchathoughtasthisdothnot take any hold of them. And although they do not absolutelydeterminethattheyshalllivetooldageortomiddleage,yettheysecretlyflatterthemselveswithsuchanimagination.Theyaredisposedtobelieveso,anddosofarbelieveit,thattheyactuponitandruntheventureofit.

Menwillbelievethatthingswillbeastheychoosetohavethem,withoutreason, and sometimes without the appearance of reason, as is mostapparent in this case, Psalm49:11. "Their inward thought is, that theirhouses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to allgenerations;theycalltheirlandsaftertheirownnames."

Theprepossessionanddesireofmentohaveitso,istheprincipalthingthat makes them believe so. However, there are several other things

which they use as arguments to flatter themselves. Perhaps they thinkwiththemselves,thatsincetheyareatpresentinhealth,orinyouth,orthat since they areusefulmen, do a great deal of good, andboth themselves and others pray for the continuance of their lives; they are notlikelytoberemovedbydeathverysoon.

If they shall live many years in the world, they think that it is veryprobabletheyshallbeconvertedbeforetheydie;astheyexpecthereaftertohavemuchmoreconvenientopportunitiestobecomeconverted,thanthey have now.And by somemeans or other, they think they shall getthroughtheirworkbeforetheyarriveatoldage.

3. Some flatter themselves that they leadmoral and orderly lives, andtherefore think that they shall not be damned. They think withthemselvesthattheylivenotinanyvice,thattheytakecaretowrongnoman, are just and honest dealers, that they are not addicted to harddrinking, or to uncleanness, or to bad language; that they keep theSabbath strictly, are constant attendants on the public worship, andmaintaintheworshipofGod in their families.Therefore theyhope thatGodwillnotcastthemintohell.TheyseenotwhyGodshouldbesoangrywiththemasthatwouldimply,seeingtheyaresoorderlyandregularintheirwalk;theyseenotthattheyhavedoneenoughtoangerhimtothatdegree.Andiftheyhaveangeredhim,theyimaginetheyhavealsodoneagreatdealtopacifyhim.

If they be not as yet converted, and it be necessary that they shouldexperience any other conversion in order to their salvation, they hopethattheirorderlyandstrict liveswillmoveGodtogivethemconvertinggrace.TheyhopethatsurelyGodwillnotseethosethatliveastheydogoto hell. Thus they flatter themselves, as those we read of. Luke 18:. 9."Thattrustedinthemselvesthattheywererighteous."

4.Somemake theadvantagesunderwhich they liveanoccasionof selfflattery.They flatter themselves, because they live in a placewhere thegospelispowerfullypreachedandamongareligiouspeople,wheremanyhavebeenconverted;andtheythinkitwillbemucheasierforthemtobesaved on that account. Thus they abuse the grace of God to theirdestruction;theydothatwhichthescripturescalldespisingtherichesof

God's goodness: Romans ii. 4. "Or despisest thou the riches of hisgoodness, and forbearance, and long suffering; not knowing that thegoodnessofGodleadeththeetorepentance?"

Someflatterthemselves,becausetheyarebornofgodlyparents,whoaredear toGod,who have often and earnestly prayed for them, they hopethattheirprayerswillbeheard;andthatencouragesthemtogooninthewayofneglectingtheirsouls.TheJewshadgreatdependenceuponthis,that theywere the children ofAbraham: John viii. 33. theymake theirboast."WebeAbraham'sseed;andinverse39."Abrahamisourfather."

5. Some flatter themselves with their own intentions. They intend toneglect themselves, and give themselves liberty for a while longer, andthentoreform.Thoughnowtheyneglecttheirsouls,andaregoingoninsin;yet they intendere longtobestir themselves, to leaveoff theirsins,and to set themselves to seek God. They hear that there is greatencouragement for those who earnestly seek God, that they shall findhim. So they intend to do; they propose to seek with a great deal ofearnestness. They are told, that there aremany who seek to enter thekingdomofheaven,who shallnotbe able; but they intend, not only toseek,butToSTRIVEHowever, for thepresent theyallowthemselves intheirease,sloth,andpleasure,mindingonlyearthlythings.

Oriftheyshouldbeseizedwithsomemortaldistemper,andshoulddrawnear to thegrave,before the timewhich they layout in theirminds forreformation,theythinkhowearnestlytheywouldprayandcrytoGodformercy;andastheyhearGodisamercifulGod,whotakethnodelightinthedeathof sinners, theyhence flatter themselves that they shallmoveGodtohavepityonthem.

Therearebutfewwhoaresinners,andknowthemselvestobesuch,whodo not encourage themselves with intentions of future repentance andreformation; but few who do not flatter themselves, that they shall ingoodearnestsetthemselvestoseekGodsometimeorother.HellisfullofGOODINTENDERSwhoneverprovedtobeTRUEPERFORMERS:Acts24:25."Gothywayforthistime;whenIhaveaconvenientseason,Iwillcallforthee."

6.Therearesomewhoflatterthemselves,thattheydoandhavedone,agreatdealfortheirsalvation,andthereforehopetheyshallobtain,whenindeedtheyneitherdowhattheyoughttodo,norwhattheymightdointheirpresentstateofunregeneracy;norarethey inany likelywaytobeconverted They think they are striving, when they neglectmanymoralandsomeinstitutedduties;nordotheyexertthemselvesasifitwerefortheirlives;theyarenotviolentforthekingdomofleaven.

There are doubtlessmany such;many are concerned, and are seeking,anddomanythings,andthinkthattheyareinaveryfairwaytoobtainthekingdomofGod;yetthereisgreatdangerthatthywillproveatlasttobesomeofthefoolishvirgins,andbefoundwithoutoilintheirvessels.

7. Somehope by their strivings to obtain salvation of themselves. Theyhaveasecretimagination,thattheyshall,bydegrees,workinthemselvessorrow and repentance of sin, and love towards God and Jesus Christ.TheirstrivingisnotsomuchanearnestseekingtoGod,asastrivingtodothemselves thatwhich is theworkofGod.Manywhoarenow seekinghave this imagination, and labor, reach, pray, hear sermons and go toprivate meetings, with the view of making themselves holy, and ofworkinginthemselvesholyaffections.

Many,whoonlyproject anddesign to turn toGodhereafter, areapt tothinkthatitisaneasythingtobeconverted,thatitisathingwhichwillbe in their own power at any time, when they shall earnestly setthemselvestoit.

8.Somesinnersflatterthemselvesthattheyarealreadyconverted.Theysitdownandrestinafalsehope,persuadingthemselvesthatalltheirsinsare pardoned; that God loves them; that they shall go to heavenwhentheydie;andthattheyneedtroublethemselvesnomore:Revelation3:17."Becausethousayest,Iamrich,andincreasedwithgoods,andhaveneedofnothing;andknowestnotthatthouartwretched,andmiserable,andpoor,andblind,andnaked."

III.Sinnersverygenerallygoonflatteringthemselvesinsomeorotheroftheseways, till theirpunishmentactuallyovertakesthem.ThesearethebaitsbywhichSatancatchessouls,anddrawsthemintohissnare.They

are suchself flatteriesas these thatkeepmen fromseeingwhatdangertheyarein,andthatmakethemgosecurelyoninthewaytheyarein,"asthebirdhastethtothesnare,andknowethnotthatitisforhislife."

Thosethatflatterthemselveswithhopesoflivingagreatwhilelongerinthe world, very commonly continue so to do till death comes. Deathcomesupon themwhen theyexpect itnot; they lookupon it as a greatwayoff,whenthereisbutastepbetweenthemanddeath.Theythoughtnotofdyingatthattime,noratanytimenearit.Whentheywereyoung,theyproposedto liveagoodwhile longer;andif theyhappento livetillmiddle age, they stillmaintain the same thought, that they are not yetneardeath;andsothatthoughtgoesalongwiththemaslongastheylive,ortilltheyarejustabouttodie.

Menoftenhaveadependenceontheirownrighteousness,andaslongasthey live are never brought off from it. Multitudes uphold themselveswiththeirownintentions,tillalltheirprospectsaredashedinpiecesbydeath.Theyputofftheworkwhichtheyhavetodotillsuchatime;andwhen that comes, they put it off to another time, until death, whichcannotbeputoff,overtakesthem.Therearemanyalsothatholdafalsehope,apersuasionthattheybelongtoGod;andaslongastheylive,byallthemarksandsignswhicharegivenofatrueconvert,theyneverwillbepersuadedtoletgotheirhope,tillitisrentfromthembydeath.

Thusmencommonlyupholdthemselves,andmakethemselveseasy,tillhell fire makes them uneasy. Everlasting ruin comes upon them as asnare,andalltheirhopesareatoncecutoff,andturnedintoeverlastingdespair: I. Thessalonians v. 3. "When they shall say, Peace and safety;then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a womanwithchild;andtheyshallnotescape."

APPLICATION

1.Hencewe learnone reasonwhy therearebut few saved, andwhy somanyperishfromunderthegospel.Allmenknowthattheymustdie,andallthatsitunderthelightofthegospelhavebeentoldmanyatime,thatafter this there is an otherworld; that there are but two states in thatotherworld, a stateof eternalhappiness, anda stateof eternalmisery;

that there is but one way of escaping the misery and obtaining theblessedness of eternity, which is by obtaining an interest in Christ,through faith in him; and that this life is the only opportunity ofobtaining an interest in Christ. Yet men are so much given to flatterthemselves in thosewayswhichwehavementioned, that there are butfewthatseasonably takecareof their salvation. Indeed theycannotbutbe in some measure concerned about their souls; yet they flatterthemselves with one thing or other, so that they are kept steadily anduninterruptedlygoingoninthebroadwaytodestruction.

2. Hence we learn the reason why awakening truths of scripture, andawakeningsermons,makenomoreimpressionuponmen.Itisinitselfawonderful and surprising thing, that God's denunciations of eternalmisery, and threatenings of casting sinners into the lake that burnethwith fire and brimstone for ever and ever, do not affect them, do notstartlethem.But the truth is, they flatter themselves,bysuchmeansaswehavementioned, that thisdreadfulmisery isnot for them; that theyshallescapeit,thoughmultitudesofothersareinvolvedinit.Theytakenotthesethreateningstothemselves;theyseemtothinkthattheydonotbelongtothem.

How many are there in this congregation, who, for all the awakeningsermonstheyhaveheard,areyetsecure insin!Andwho,althoughtheyaresensiblethattheyareinaChristlesscondition,andarestillgoingoninsin,yetintendtogotoheaven,andexpectthatbysomemeansorotherthey shall arrive there.Theyareoften told, thatGod is very angrywiththem;yettheythinkGodisaverymercifulGod,andtheyshallbeabletopacify him. If they be told how uncertain life is, that doth not awakenthem,becausethey flatter themselveswith long life. If theybetoldhowdangerousitistodelaythebusinessofreligion,theypromisethemselves,that theywillhereafter engage in itwithmore earnestness thanothers,andsoobtaintheend,thesalvationoftheirsouls.Others,whentheyaretold thatmany shall seekwho shall nothe able to obtain, think surely,thatthey,havingdonesomuchforsalvation,shallnotbedenied.

3.Leteverysinnerexaminehimself,whetherhedonotflatterhimselfinsomeofthosewayswhichhavebeenmentioned.Whatis it inyourownmindswhichmakesyouthinkitissafeforyoutodelayturningtoGod?

What is it that encourages you to run such a venture as you do bydelayingthisnecessarywork?Isitthatyouhopethereisnosuchstateasheavenorhell,andhaveasuspicionthatthereisnoGod?IsItthisthatmakesyousecure?Orisitthatyouarenotmuchafraidbutthatyoushallhaveopportunityenoughagreatwhilehence tomindsuch things?Is itanintentionofafutureseekingamoreconvenientseason?AndareyoupersuadedthatGodwillhearkentoyouthen,afteryoushallhavesolongturnedadeafeartohiscommandsandgracious?Areyouencouragedtocommitsin,becauseyouhopetorepentofit?AreyouencouragedbythemercyofGodtobehisenemies?Anddoyouresolvestilltoprovokehimtoanger,becauseyouthinkheiseasilypacified?

Ordoyouthinkthatyourconversionisinyourownpower,andthatyoucan turn toGodwhen you please? Is it because youhave been born ofgodlyparentsthatyouaresosecure?Ordoyouimaginethatyouareinafair way to be converted? Do you think that what you have done inreligionwillengageGodtopityyou,andthathenevercanhavethehearttocondemnonewhohaslivedinsoorderlyamanner?Ordoyouthinkthatyouare indeedconvertedalready?Anddoth thatencourageyou totakealibertyinsinning?Orareyousecure,becauseyouaresostupidasto think nothing about these things? Do you let these concernswhollyalone,andscarcelyeverthinkatallhowitwillbewithyouafteryouaredead?

Certainlyitmustbeoneormoreofthesethingswhichkeepsyouinyoursecurity,andencouragesyoutogooninsin.Examine,therefore,andseewhichofthemitis.

4. By the text and doctrine be persuaded to leave off thus flatteringyourselvesinyourowneyes.Youarethereininformed,thatthosewhodoas you do commonly continue so doing till their punishment actuallycomesuponthem.Therebyyoumaybeconvincedofthevanityofallsuchflatteries.Beafraidofthatwhichyouaresureisthedevil'sbait:"Surelyinvainisthenetspreadinthesightofanybird,"Proverbs1:17.

You are not only told in the scriptures, that sinners are generally thusalluredtohell,butyourownreasonmayconvinceyou that it is so.Fordoubtless other sinners have as much ground to hope to escape

punishment as you; and it is evident, that they generally do hope toescape.Menunderthegospelalmostuniversallythinktheyshallnotgotohell: If itwereotherwise, theycouldhavenopeaceorcomfort in theworld. Yet whatmultitudes have we reason to conclude go down fromunder thepreachingof thegospel to thepitofdestruction!Now, this issurelyenoughtoconvinceanysober,prudentpersonofthefollyofsuchflattery,andofthefollyofeveryonethatdothnotimmediatelysetabouthis greatworkwithhismight. If you couldhaveaccess to thedamned,you would hear many of them curse themselves, for thus flatteringthemselveswhiletheylivedinthisworld;andyouwouldhavethesamedoctrine preached to you by their wailings and yellings which is nowpreachedtoyoufromthepulpit.

Ifyourtemptationtosecuritybeunbeliefofthefundamentaldoctrinesofreligion, such as the being of God, of another world, and an eternaljudgment, you may consider, that though that makes you secure atpresent,yet itwillnotdoalways, itwillnotstandbywhenyoucometodie.Thefoolofteninhealthsaith,ThereisnoGod;butwhenhecomestodie,hecannotrestinanysuchsupposition.Thenheisgenerallysomuchconvinced in his own conscience, that there is a God, that he is indreadfulamazementforfearofhiseternalwrath.Itisfolly,therefore,toflatter yourselveswith any suppositionnowwhich youwill not then beabletohold.

Ifyoudependonlonglife,considerhowmanywhohavedependedonthesame thing,andhadasmuch reason todependon it as you,havediedwithinyourremembrance.

Is itbecauseyouareoutwardlyofanorderly lifeandconversation, thatyou think you shall be saved ?Howunreasonable is it to suppose, thatGodshouldbesoobligedbythoseactions,whichheknowsarenotdonefromtheleastrespectorregardtohim,butwhollywithaprivateview!Isitbecauseyouareundergreatadvantages thatyouarenotmuchafraidbutthatyoushallsometimeorotherbeconverted,andthereforeneglectyourselves and your spiritual interests? And were not the people ofBethsaida,ChorazinandCapernaum,underasgreatadvantagesasyou,whenChristhimselfpreachedthegospeltothem,almostcontinually,andwrought suchamultitudeofmiracles among them?Yethe says, that it

shallbemoretolerableinthedayofjudgmentforSodomandGomorrah,thanforthosecities.

Do you expect you shall be saved, however you neglect yourselves,becauseyouwerebornofgodlyparents?hearwhatChristsaith,Matthew3:9.''Thinknottosaywithinyourselves,wehaveAbrahamtoourfather."Doyou flatteryourselves thatyoushallobtainmercy, thoughothersdonot,becauseyouintendhereaftertoseekitmoreearnestlythanothers?Yetyoudeceiveyourselves,ifyouthinkthatyouintendbetterthanmanyofthoseothers,orbetterthanmanywhoarenowinhellonceintended.

Ifyouthinkyouareinawayofearnestseeking,consider,whetherornoyoudonotmindotherthingsyetmore?Ifyouimaginethatyouhaveitinyourownpowertoworkyourselvesuptorepentance,consider,thatyoumustassuredlygiveupthatimaginationbeforeyoucanhaverepentancewrought in you. If you think yourselves already converted, and thatencouragesyoutogiveyourselvesthegreaterlibertyinsinning,thisisacertainsignthatyouarenotconverted.

Wherefore abandon all these ways of flattering yourselves; no longerfollowthedevil'sbait;andletnothingencourageyoutogooninsin;butimmediatelyandhenceforthseekGodwithallyourheart,andsoul,andstrength.

THEFUTUREPUNISHMENTOFTHEWICKED

UNAVOIDABLEANDINTOLERABLE

EZEKIEL22:14

Ezekiel22:14.Canthineheartendure,orcanthinehandsbestronginthedaysthatIshalldealwiththee?ItheLordsavespokenit,andwill

doit.

IN the formerpart of this chapter,wehave a dreadful catalogue of the

sinsofJerusalem;asyoumayseefromthefirsttothethirteenthverse.Inthethirteenth,whichistheversepreceedingthetext,Godmanifestshisgreat displeasure and fearful wrath against them for those theiriniquities."Behold,Ihavesmittenminehandatthydishonestgainwhichthouhastmade,andatthybloodwhichhathbeeninthemidstofthee."The expressionofGod's smitinghishand, signifies the greatness ofhisanger,andhispreparinghimself,asitweretoexecutewrathanswerabletotheirheinouscrimes.Itisanallusiontowhatwesometimesseeinmenwhentheyaresurprised,byseeingorhearingofsomehorridoffence,ormostintolerableinjury,whichverymuchstirstheirspirits,andanimatesthemwithhighresentment;onsuchanoccasiontheywillriseupinwrathand smite their hands together, as an expression of the heat of theirindignation, and full resolution to be avenged on those who havecommitted the injury; as in chap. 21:7. " I will also smite mine handstogether,andIwillcausemyfurytorest:ItheLordhavesaidit,"

Then,inthetext,thepunishmentofthatpeopleisrepresented.

1.Thenatureof theirpunishment ismoregenerallyrepresented in thatthereinGodwillundertaketodealwiththem:GodherethreatenstodealwiththesinnersinJerusalem.Theprophetscoulddonothingwiththem.Godhadsentthemoneafteranother;butthosesinnersweretoostrongfor them,andbeatone, andkilledanother.ThereforenowGodhimselfundertakestodealwiththem.

2.Theirpunishmentismoreparticularlyrepresentedinthreethings,viz.Theintolerableness,theremedilessness,andtheunavoidablenessofit.

(1.)Theintolerablenessofit:Canthineheartendure?(2.)Theremedilessness,ortheimpossibilityoftheirdoinganythingfortheirownrelief:Canthinehandsbestrong?(3.)Theunavoidablenessofit:ItheLordhavespokenit,andwilldoit.

DOCTRINE

Since God hath undertaken to deal with impenitent sinners, they shallneithershunthethreatenedmisery,nordeliverthemselvesoutofit,norcantheybearit.

Inhandlingthisdoctrine,Ishall,

1. Show what is implied in God's undertaking to deal with inpenitentsinners.2.Thatthereforetheycannotavoidpunishment.3.Thattheycannotinanymeasuredeliverthemselvesfromit,ordoanythingfortheirownreliefunderit.4.Thattheycannotbearit.5.Ishallansweraninquiry;andthenproceedtotheuse.

I. I shall show what is implied in God's undertaking to deal withimpenitentsinners...Othersarenotabletodealwiththem.Theybaffleallthemeansusedwith themby those that are appointed to teach and toruleoverthem.Theywillnotyieldtoparents,ortothecounsels,warning,or reproofs of ministers. They prove obstinate and stiff-hearted.ThereforeGodundertakes todealwith themThis implies the followingthings:

1.ThatGodwill reckonwith them, and takeof themsatisfaction tohisjustice.InthisworldGodputsforthhisauthoritytocommandthem;andtorequiresubjectiontohim.Inhiscommandsheisverypositive,strictlyrequiring of them the performance of such and such duties, and aspositively forbiddingsuchandsuch thingswhichwerecontrary to theirduty. But they have no regard to these commands. God continuescommanding, and they continue rebelling. Theymakenothing ofGod'sauthority. God threatens, but they despise his threatening They makenothingofdishonoringGod;theycarenothowmuchtheirbehavioristothedishonorofGod.Heoffersthemmercy,iftheywillrepentandreturn;but they despise his mercy as well as his wrath. God calleth, but theyrefuse.Thustheyarecontinuallyplungingthemselvesdeeperanddeeperindebt,andat thesametime imagine theyshallescape thepaymentofthedebt,anddesignentirelytorobGodofhisdue.

ButGodhathundertakentorighthimself.Hewillreckonwiththem;hehathundertakentoseethatthedebtsduetohimarepaid.Alltheirsinsarewritteninhisbook;notoneofthemisforgotten,andeveryonemustbe paid. If God be wise enough, and strong enough, he will have fullsatisfaction:hewillexacttheveryuttermostfarthing.Heundertakesitas

hispart,aswhatbelongstohim,toseehimselfrighted,whereinhehathbeenwrongedDeut. 22:35. "Tome belongeth vengeance." Ibid. vii. 10."Hewill not be slack to him that hateth him; hewill repay him to hisface."

2.HehathundertakentovindicatethehonorofhisMajesty.HisMajestythey despise. They hear that he is a great God; but they despise hisgreatness; they look upon him worthy of contempt, and treat himaccordingly. They hear of him by the name of a great King; but hisauthority they regard not, and sometimes trample upon it for yearstogether.ButGodhathnot left thehonorofhisMajestywholly to theircare.Though theynowtrample it in thedust, yet that isno sign that itwillfinallybelost.IfGodhadleftitwhollyintheirhands,itwouldindeedbelost.ButGoddothnotleavehishonorandhisglorywithhisenemies;itistoopreciousinhiseyestobesoneglected.Hehathreservedthecareof it to himself: He will see to it that his own injured Majesty isvindicated.IfthehonorofGod,uponwhichsinnerstrample,finallylieinthe dust, then it will be because he is not strong enough to vindicatehimself.HehathswornthatgreatoathinNumbers14:21."AstrulyasIlive,alltheearthshallbefilledwiththegloryoftheLord."

SinnersdespisehisSon,andtramplehimundertheirfeet.Buthewillsee,ifhecannotmakethegloryofhisSonappear,withrespecttothem;thatall theearthmayknowhowevila thing it is todespise theSonofGod.God intends thatallmenandangels, allheavenandall earth, shall seewhether he be sufficient to magnify himself upon sinners who nowdespisehim.Heintendsthattheissueofthingswithrespecttothemshallbeopen,thatallmenmayseeit.

3.Hehathundertakentosubdueimpenitentsinners.Theirheartswhilein thisworldare veryunsubdued.They lift up theirheads and conductthemselvesveryproudlyandcontemptuously,andoftensinwithanhighhand.Theysettheirmouthsagainsttheheavens,andtheirtongueswalkthroughtheearth.TheypracticallysayasPharaohdid,"WhoistheLord?IknownottheLord,neitherwillIobeyhisvoice."Job21:41."TheysaytoGod,Departfromus,forwedesirenottheknowledgeofthyways."

Some, who cover their sin with specious show, who put on a face of

religion, and a demure countenance and behavior, yet have this spiritsecretlyreigningintheirbreasts.Notwithstandingalltheirfairshow,andgood external carriage, they despise God in their hearts, and have theweaponsofwar about them, though they are secret enemies, and carrytheir swords under their skirts. They have most proud, stubborn, andrebellioushearts,whicharereadytorise inopposition, tocontendwithhim, and to find fault with his dispensations. Their hearts are full ofpride,enmity,stubbornness,andblasphemy,whichworkinthemmanyways,whiletheysitunderthepreachingoftheword,andwhilethespiritof God is striving with them; and they always continue to oppose andresist God as long as they live in the world; they never lay down theweaponsoftheirrebellion."

But God hath undertaken to deal with them and to subdue them; andthose proud and stubborn hearts, which will not yield to the power ofGod'sword,shallbebrokenbythepowerofhishand.Iftheywillnotbewillingsubjectstothegoldensceptre,andwillnotyieldtotheattractivesofhislove,theyshallbesubjecttotheforceoftheironrod,whethertheywillorno.

Them that proudly set up their own righteousness, and their ownwillsagainstGod,Godhathundertakentobringdown;andwithoutdoubt, itwillbedone.HehathundertakentomakethosewhoarenowregardlessofGod,regardhim.TheyshallknowthatheisJehovah.Nowtheywillnotown thathe is theLord;but they shallknow it, Isa.26:11. "Lord,whenthinehandisliftedup,theywillnotsee:Buttheyshallsee."

Nowwickedmen not only hate God, but they slight him; they are notafraidofhim.But,hewillsubduetheircontempt.Whenheshallcometotaketheminhand,theywillhatehimstill;but theywillnotslighthim;theywillnotmakelightofhispowerastheynowdo;theywillseeandfeeltoomuchof the infinity of his power to slight itThey arenowwont toslighthiswrath;butthentheywillslightitnomore,theywillbeinfinitelyfarfromit,theywillfindbysufficientexperiencethathiswrathisnottobeslighted:Theywilllearnthistotheircost,andtheyneverwillforgetit.

4.Godhathundertakentorectifytheirjudgments.Nowtheywillnotbeconvinced of those things which God tells them in his word.Ministers

takemuchpainstoconvincethem,butallisinvain.ThereforeGodwillundertaketoconvincethem,andhewilldo iteffectually.Nowtheywillnot be convinced of the truth of divine things. They have indeedconvincing arguments set before them; they hear and see enough toconvincethem;yetsopronearetheytounbeliefandAtheism,thatdivinethingsneverseemtothemtobereal.ButGodwillhereaftermakethemseemreal.

NowtheyarealwaysdoubtingofthetruthoftheScriptures,questioningwhether they be the word of God, and whether the threatenings ofScripturebetrue.butGodhathundertakentoconvincethemthatthosethreateningsaretrue,andhewillmakethemtoknowthattheyaretrue,sothattheywillneverdoubtanymoreforever.Theywillbeconvincedbydearexperience....Nowtheyarealwaysquestioningwhethertherebeanysuchplaceashell.Theyhearmuchaboutit,butitalwaysseemstothemlikeadream.ButGodwillmake itseemotherwise thanadream....Nowtheyareoftentoldofthevanityoftheworld;butwemayaswellpreachtothebeasts,topersuadethemofthevanityofearthlythings.ButGodwillundertake to convince them of this; he will hereafter give them athorough conviction of it, so that they shall have a strong sense of thevanityofallthesethings.

NowministersoftentellsinnersofthegreatimportanceofaninterestinChrist,andthatthatistheonethingneedful.Theyarealsotoldthefollyof delaying the care of their souls, and howmuch it concerns them toimprove their opportunity. But the instructions of ministers do notconvincethem,thereforeGodwillundertaketoconvincethem.Impenitent sinners, while in this world, hear how dreadful hell is. Buttheywill not believe that it is so dreadful asministers represent. Theycannot think that they shall to all eternity suffer such exquisite andhorrible torments. But they shall be taught and convinced to purpose,thattherepresentationsministersgiveofthosetorments,agreeabletotheword of God, are no bugbears; and that thewrath of God is indeed asdreadfulastheydeclare.SinceGodhathundertakentodealwithsinners,and to rectify their judgments in these matters, and he will do itthoroughly;forhisworkisperfect;whenheundertakestodothings,hedoth not do them by halves; therefore before he shall have done with

sinners,bewillconvince themeffectually,so that theyshallneverbe indangerof relapsing into their formererrorsanymore.Hewill convincethemoftheirfollyandstupidityinentertainingsuchnotionsastheynowentertain.

ThusGodhathundertakentodealwithobstinateunbelievers.Theycarrythingson ingreat confusion;butweneednotbedismayedat it:Letuswait,andweshallseethatGodwillrectifythings.Sinnerswillnotalwayscontinuetorebelanddespisewithimpunity.ThehonorofGodwillinduetimebe vindicated; and they shall be subduedand convicted, andshallgiveanaccount.There isnosin,notsomuchasan idleword that theyshallspeak,but theymustgiveanaccountof it;Matt.12:36.Andtheirsinsmustbefullybalanced,andrecompensed,andsatisfactionobtained.Becausejudgmentagainsttheirevilworksisnotspeedilyexecuted,theirheartsarefullysetinthemtodoevil.YetGodisarighteousjudge;hewillseethatjudgmentisexecutedinduetime.

Icomenow,

II.To show, that therefore impenitent sinners shallnot avoid theirduepunishment....Godhathundertakentoinflictit;hehathengagedtodoit;he takes it as his work, as what properly belongs to him, and wemayexpectitofhim.Ifhehathswornbyhislife,thathewilldoit;andifhehath power sufficient; if he is the living God, doubtless we shall see itdone.AndthatGodhathdeclaredthathewillpunishimpenitentsinners,is manifest from, many scriptures; as Deut. 32:41. "I will rendervengeancetomineenemies, andwill reward them thathateme."Deut.vii.10."Hewillnotbeslacktohimthathatethhim:Hewillrepayhimtohisface."Exod.34:7."Thatwillbynomeanscleartheguilty."Nahum1:3."TheLordisslowtoanger,andgreatinpower,andwillnotatallacquitthewicked."Godsaithinthetext,"ItheLordhathspokenit,andwilldoit;" which leaves no room to doubt of the actual fulfillment of thethreatening in its utmost extent....Some wicked men have flatteredthemselves, that although God hath threatened very dreadful things towickedmen for their sins, yet inhishearthenever intends to fulfilhisthreatenings,butonlytoterrifythem,andmakethemafraid,whiletheylive.ButwouldtheinfinitelyholyGod,whoisnotamanthatheshouldlie,andwhospeakethnovainwords,utterhimselfinthismanner:Ithe

Lordhavespokenit,andwilldoit;Ihavenotonlythreatened,butIwillalso fulfilmy threatenings;whenat the same time thesewordsdidnotagreewithhisheart,buthesecretlyknewthatthoughhehadspoken,yethe intendednot todo it?Who ishe thatdares toentertain suchhorridblasphemyinhisheart?

No; letno impenitent sinner flatterhimself sovainlyand foolishly. If itwere indeedonly aman, a beingof like impotency andmutabilitywiththemselves,whohadundertakentodealwiththem;theymightperhapswithsomereasonflatterthemselves;thattheyshouldfindsomemeanstoavoidthethreatenedpunishment.Butsinceanomniscient,omnipotent,immutableGodhathundertaken,vainareallsuchhopes.

There is no hope that possibly theymay steal away to heaven, thoughtheydieunconverted.ThereisnohopethattheycandeceiveGodbyanyfalse show of repentance and faith, and so be taken to heaven throughmistake; for the eyes of God are as a flame of fire; they perfectly seethrougheveryman;theinmostclosetoftheheartisallopentohim

Thereisnohopeofescapingthethreatenedpunishmentbysinkingintonothing at death, like brute creatures Indeed, many wickedmen upontheir deathbeds wish for this. If it were so, death would be nothing tothemincomparisonwithwhatitnowis.Butallsuchwishesarevain.

There is no hope of their escapingwithout notice,when they leave thebody.There isnohopethatGod,byreasonof themultiplicityofaffairswhichhohathtomind,willhappentooverlookthem,andnottakenoticeof them,when they come to die; and so that their souls will slip awayprivately, and hide themselves in some secret corner, and so escapedivinevengeance.

There is no hope that they shall be missed in a crowd at the day ofjudgment,andthattheycanhaveopportunitytohidethemselvesinsomecaveordenofthemountains,orinanysecretholeoftheearth;andthatwhile so doing, theywill not beminded, by reason of themany thingswhichwillbe theobjectsofattentionon thatday....Neither is thereanyhopethattheywillbeabletocrowdthemselvesinamongthemultitudeofthe saints at the right hand of the Judge, and so go to heaven

undiscovered....NoristhereanyhopethatGodwillalterhismind,orthathewillrepentofwhathehathsaid;forheisnotthesonofmanthatlieshouldrepent.Hathhesaid,andshallhenotdoit?Hathhespoken,andshallhenotmakeitgood?WhendidGodeverundertaketodoanythingandfail?

Icomenow,

III. To show, that as impenitent sinners cannot shun the threatenedpunishment;soneithercantheydoanythingtodeliverthemselvesfromit,ortorelievethemselvesunderit.Thisisimpliedinthosewordsofthetext,Can thinehand.bestrong?It iswithourhands thatwemakeandaccomplish things for ourselves. But the wicked in hell will have nostrengthofhandtoaccomplishanythingatallforthemselves,ortobringtopassanydeliverance,oranydegreeofrelief.

1.Theywillnotheableinthatconflicttoovercometheirenemy,andsotodeliverthemselves.God,whowillthenundertaketodealwiththem,andwill girdhimselfwithmight to executewrath,will be their enemy, andwill act the part of an enemy with a witness; and they will have nostrengthtoopposehim.Thosewholivenegligentoftheirsoulsunderthelightofthegospel,actasiftheysupposed,thattheyshouldbeablehereaftertomaketheirpartgoodwithGod.1Cor.10:22."DoweprovoketheLord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? "...But they will have nopower, no might to resist that omnipotence, which will be engagedagainstthem.

2.Theywillhavenostrength in theirhands todoany thing toappeaseGod,orintheleasttoabatethefiercenessofhiswrath.Theywillnotbeabletoofferanysatisfaction:theywillnotbeabletoprocureGod'spity.Thoughtheycry,Godwillnothearthem.TheywillfindnopricetooffertoGod,inordertopurchaseanyfavor,ortopayanypartoftheirdebt.

3.Theywillnotbeabletofindanytobefriendthem,andintercedewithGodforthem.Theyhadtheofferofamediatoroftenmadetheminthisworld; but they will have no offers of such a nature in hell. None willbefriendthem.Theywillhaveno friend inHELL;all therewillbe theirenemies.Theywillhavenofriendinheaven:'Noneofthesaintsorangels

willbefriendthem;oriftheyshould,itwouldbetonopurpose.Therewillbenocreaturethatwillhaveanypowertodeliverthem,norwillanyeverpitythem.

4. Nor will they ever be able to make their escape. They will find nomeanstobreakprisonandflee.Inhell,theywillbereservedinchainsofdarknessforeverandever.Malefactorshaveoftenfoundmeanstobreakprison,andescapethehandof,civiljustice.Butnoneeverescapedoutoftheprisonofhell,whichisGod'sprison.Itisastrongprison:itisbeyondanyfinitepower,ortheunitedstrengthofallwickedmenanddevils, tounlock,orbreakopenthedoorofthatprison.Christhaththekeyofhell;"heshutsandnomanopens."

5.Norwilltheyeverbeabletofindanythingtorelievetheminhell.Theywill never find any resting place there; any place of respite; any secretcorner,whichwillbe cooler than the rest,where theymayhave a littlerespite,asmallabatementoftheextremityof their torment.Theyneverwill be able to find any cooling stream or fountain, in any part of thatworld of torment; no, nor so much as a drop of water to cool theirtongues.Theywill findno company togive themany comfort, or todothemtheleastgood.Theywillfindnoplace,wheretheycanremain,andrest,andtakebreathforoneminute:Fortheywillbetormentedwithfireandbrimstone;andwillhavenorestdaynornightforeverandever.

Thus impenitent sinners will be able neither to shun the punishmentthreatened,nortodeliverthemselvesfromit,nortofindanyreliefunderit.

Icomenow,

IV.To show, thatneitherwill theybe able to bear it.Neitherwill theirbandsbestrong todeliver t}themselves from it,norwill theirheartsbeabletoendureit.Itiscommonwithmen,whentheymeetwithcalamitiesinthisworld,inthefirstplacetoendeavortoshunthem.Butiftheyfind,that theycannotshunthem,thenafter theyarecome, theyendeavor todeliver themselves from themas soon as they can; or at least, to orderthings so,as todeliver themselves in somedegree.But if they find thattheycanbynomeansdeliverthemselves,andseethatthecaseissothat

theymustbearthem;thentheysetthemselvestobearthem:theyfortifytheirspirits,andtakeuparesolution, thattheywillsupportthemselvesunderthemaswellastheycan.

But itwill be utterly in vain for impenitent sinners to think to do thuswithrespecttothetormentsofhell.Theywillnotbeabletoendurethem,or at all to support themselves under them: the torment will beimmenselybeyondtheirstrength.Whatwillitsignifyforaworm,whichisabouttobepressedundertheweightofsomegreatrock,tobe let fallwithitswholeweightuponit,tocollectitsstrength,tosetitselftobearuptheweight of the rock, and topreserve itself frombeing crushedby it?Much more in vain will it be for a poor damned soul, to endeavor tosupportitselfundertheweightofthewrathofAlmightyGod.Whatisthestrengthofman,whoisbutaworm,tosupporthimselfagainstthepowerof Jehovah, and against the fierceness of his wrath? What is man'sstrength, when set to bear up against the exertions of infinite power?Matt.21:.44,"Whosoevershallfallonthisstoneshallbebroken;butonwhomsoeveritshallfall,itwillgrindhimtopowder."

When sinners hear of hell torments, they sometimes think withthemselves:Well,ifitshallcometothat,thatImustgotohell,Iwillbearit as well as I can: as if by clothing themselves with resolution andfirmness of mind, they would be able to support themselves in somemeasure; when, alas! they will have no resolution, no courage at all.However they shall have prepared themselves, and collected theirstrength; yet as soonas they shallbegin to feel thatwrath, theirheartswillmeltandbeaswater.Howeverbeforetheymayseemtohardentheirhearts,inordertopreparethemselvestobear,yetthefirstmomenttheyfeelit,theirheartswillbecomelikewaxbeforethefurnace.Theircourageand resolutionwill be all gone in an instant; it will vanish away like ashadowinthetwinklingofaneye.Thestoutestandmoststurdywillhavenomore courage than the feeblest infant: let aman be an infant, or agiant, itwillbeallone.Theywillnotbeable tokeepaliveanycourage,anystrength,anycomfort,anyhopeatall.

Icomenowaswasproposed,

V.Toansweraninquirywhichmaynaturallyberaisedconcerningthese

things.

Inquiry. Some may be ready to say, If this be the case, if impenitentsinnerscanneithershunfuturepunishment,nordeliverthemselvesfromit,norbearit;thenwhatwillbecomeofthem?

Answer.Theywillwhollysinkdownintoeternaldeath.Therewillbethatsinkingofheart,ofwhichwenowcannotconceive.Weseehowitiswiththebodywheninextremepain.Thenatureofthebodywillsupportitselfforaconsiderabletimeunderverygreatpain,soastokeepfromwhollysinking. There will be great struggles, lamentable groans and panting,anditmaybeconvulsions.Thesearethestrugglingsofnaturetosupportitselfundertheextremityofthepain.Thereis,asitwere,agreatlothnessinnaturetoyieldtoit;itcannotbearwhollytosink.

Butyetsometimespainofbodyissoveryextremeandexquisite,thatthenatureofthebodycannotsupportitselfunderit;howeverlothitmaybetosink,yetitcannotbearthepain;thereareafewstruggles,andthroes,andpantings,anditmaybeashriekortwo,andthennatureyieldstotheviolenceofthetorments,sinksdown,andthebodydies.Thisisthedeathofthebody.Soitwillbewiththesoulinhell;itwillhavenostrengthorpower to deliver itself and its torment and horror will be so great, somighty,sovastlydisproportionedtoitsstrength,thathavingnostrengthin the least to support itself, although it be infinitely contrary to thenatureand inclinationof the soulutterly to sink; yet itwill sink, itwillutterlyandtotallysink,withouttheleastdegreeofremainingcomfort,orstrength,orcourage,orhope.Andthoughitwillneverbeannihilated,itsbeingandperceptionwillneverbeabolished,yetsuchwillbetheinfinitedepthofgloominessthatitwillsinkinto,thatitwillbeinastateofdeath,eternaldeath.

Thenatureofmandesireshappiness;itisthenatureofthesoultocraveandthirstafterwell-being;andifitbeundermisery,iteagerlypantsafterrelief;andthegreaterthemiseryis,themoreeagerlydothitstruggleforhelp. But if all relief bewithholden, all strength overborne, all supportutterlygone;thenitsinksintothedarknessofdeath.We can conceive but little of thematter;we cannot conceivewhat thatsinkingofthesoulinsuchacaseis.Buttohelpyourconception,imagine

yourselftobecastintoafieryoven,orofagreatfurnace,whereyourpainwouldbeasmuchgreaterthanthatoccasionedbyaccidentallytouchingacoaloffire,astheheatisgreater.Imaginealsothatyourbodyweretoliethere for a quarter of an hour, all the while full of quick sense; whathorrorwould you feel at the entranceof such a furnace!Andhow longwouldthatquarterofanhourseemtoyou!Andafteryouhadendureditforoneminute,howoverbearingwoulditbetoyoutothinkthatyouhadittoenduretheotherfourteen!

Butwhatwouldbetheeffectonyoursoul,ifyouknewyoumustliethereenduringthattorment to the full for twenty-fourhours!Andhowmuchgreaterwouldbe theeffect, ifyouknewyoumustendure it forawholeyear; andhowvastly greater still, if youknewyoumust endure it for athousandyears!Othen,howwouldyourheartsink,ifyouthought,ifyouknew,thatyoumustbearitforeverandever!Thattherewouldbenoend!Thataftermillionsofmillionsofages,yourtormentwouldbenonearertoanend,thaneveritwas;andthatyounever,nevershouldbedelivered!

Butyourtormentinhellwillbeimmenselygreaterthanthisillustrationrepresents.Howthenwilltheheartofapoorcreaturesinkunderit!Howutterlyinexpressibleandinconceivablemustthesinkingofthesoulbeinsuchacase!Thisisthedeaththreatenedinthelaw.Thisisdyinginthehighestsenseoftheword.Thisistodiesensibly;todieandknowit;tobesensibleofthegloomofdeath.This is tobeundone; this isworthyof thenameofdestruction. This sinking of the soul under an infinite weight, which itcannotbear,isthegloomofhell.WereadinScriptureoftheblacknessofdarkness;thisisit,thisistheverything.WereadinScriptureofsinnersbeinglost,andoftheirlosingtheirsouls:thisisthethingintended;thisistolosethesoul:theythatarethesubjectsofthisareutterlylost.

APPLICATION

Thissubjectmaybeappliedinauseofawakeningtoimpenitentsinners.Whathathbeensaidunderthisdoctrineisforthee,Oimpenitentsinner,Opoorwretch,whoartinthesamemiserablestateinwhichthoucamestintotheworld,exceptingthatthouartloadedwithvastlygreaterguiltbythine actual sins. These dreadful things which thou hast heard are for

thee,whoartyetunconverted,andstillremainestanalienandstranger,withoutChristandwithoutGod in theworld.Theyare for thee,who tothisdayremainestanenemytoGod,andachildofthedevil,eveninthisremarkableseason,whenothersbothhereandelsewhere, farandnear,are flocking toChrist; for theewhohearest thenoise, the fameof thesethings,butknowestnothingofthepowerofgodlinessinthineownheart.

Whoever thouart,whether youngorold, littleor great, if thouart in aChristless,unconvertedstate,thisisthewrath,thisisthedeathtowhichthouart condemned.This is thewrath that abideth on thee; this is thehelloverwhichthouhangest,andintowhichthouartreadytodropeverydayandeverynight.

Ifthoushaltremainblind,andhard,anddeadinsinalittlelonger,thisdestructionwillcomeuponthee:Godhathspokenandhewilldoit.Itisvainfortheetoflatterthyselfwithhopesthatthoushaltavoidit,ortosayin thine heart, perhaps it will not be; perhaps it will not be just so;perhaps thingshavebeen representedworse than they are. If thouwiltnot be convincedby thewordpreached to thee bymen in thenameofGod,Godhimselfwillundertaketoconvincethee,Ezekiel14:.4,7,8.

Doth it seem to thee not real that thou shalt suffer such a dreadfuldestruction,because itseemstotheethatthoudustnotdeserve it?Andbecausethoudustnotseeanythingsohorridinthyself,astoanswersuchadreadfulpunishment?Whyisitthatthywickednessdothnotseembadenough todeserve thispunishment?The reason is, that thou lovest thywickedness;thywickednessseemsgoodtothee;itappearslovelytothee;thoudustnotseeanyhatefulnessinit,ortobesure,anysuchhatefulnessastoanswersuchmisery.

Butknow,thoustupid,blind,hardenedwretch,thatGoddothnotsee,asthou seest with thy polluted eyes: thy sins in his sight are infinitelyabominable.-Thou knowest that thou hast a thousand and a thousandtimesmadelightoftheMajestyofGod.AndwhyshouldnotthatMajesty,which thou hast thus despised, be manifested in the greatness of thypunishment? Thou hast often heard what a great and dreadful GodJehovah is; but thou hastmade so light of it, that thou hast not beenafraidofhim,thouhastnotbeenafraidtosinagainsthim,nortogoon

day after day, by thy sins, to provoke him to wrath, nor to cast hiscommandsunderfoot,andtrampleonthem.NowwhymaynotGod,inthe greatness of thy destruction, justly vindicate and manifest thegreatnessofthatMajesty,whichthouhastdespised?

ThouhastdespisedthemightypowerofGod;thouhastnotbeenafraidofit.NowwhyisitnotfitthatGodshouldshowthegreatnessofhispowerin thy ruin?What king is therewhowill not show his authority in thepunishmentofthosesubjectsthatdespiseit!Andwhowillnotvindicatehisroyalmajestyinexecutingvengeanceonthosethatriseinrebellion?And art thou such a fool as to think that the greatKing of heaven andearth, before whom all other kings are somany grasshoppers, will notvindicatehis kinglyMajestyon such contemptuous rebels as thouart?-Thouartverymuchmistakenifthouthinkestso.IfthouberegardlessofGod's Majesty, be it known to thee, God is not regardless of his ownMajesty;hetakethcareofthehonorofit,andhewillvindicateit.

Think itnot strange thatGodshoulddeal soseverelywith thee,or thatthewrathwhichthoushaltsuffershouldbesogreat.Forasgreatasitis,itisnogreaterthanthatloveofGodwhichthouhastdespised.TheloveofGod,andhisgrace,condescension,andpitytosinners insendinghisSonintotheworldtodieforthem,iseverywhitasgreatandwonderfulasthis inexpressible wrath. Thismercy hath been held forth to thee, anddescribedinitswonderfulgreatnesshundredsoftimes,andasoftenhathitbeenofferedtothee;butthouwouldstnotacceptChrist;thouwouldstnothave this great loveofGod; thoudespisedstGod'sdying love; thoutrampledstthebenefitsofitunderfoot.Nowwhyshouldstthounothavewrathasgreatasthatloveandmercywhichthoudespisestandrejectest?Doth it seem incredible to thee, that God should so harden his heartagainstapoorsinner,asso todestroyhim,and tobearhimdownwithinfinitepowerandmercilesswrath?Andisthisagreaterthingthanitisfor thee to harden thy heart, as thouhast done, against infinitemercy,andagainstthedyingloveofGod?

Dothitseemtotheeincredible,thatGodshouldbesoutterlyregardlessofthesinner'swelfare,assotosinkhimintoaninfiniteabyssofmisery?Is thisshocking to thee?And is itnotatall shocking to thee, that thoushouldstbesoutterlyregardlessasthouhastbeenofthehonorandglory

oftheinfiniteGod?Itarisesfromthyfoolishstupidityandsenselessness,andisbecausethouhastaheartofstone,thatthouartsosenselessofthineownwickednessas to think thouhastnotdeserved suchapunishment, and that it is totheeincrediblethatitwillbeinflicteduponthee.-Butif,whenallissaidanddone,thoubenotconvinced,waitbutalittlewhile,andthouwiltbeconvinced:Godwillundertaketodotheworkwhichministerscannotdo.-Thoughjudgmentagainstthineevilworksbenotyetexecuted,andGodnowlettheealone,yethewillsooncomeupontheewithhisgreatpower,andthenthoushaltknowwhatGodis,andwhatthouart.

Flatter not thyself, that if these things shall prove true, and the worstshallcome,thouwiltsetthyselftobearitaswellasthoucanst.Whatwillit signify to set thyself to bear, and to collect thy strength to supportthyself, when thou shalt fall into the hands of that omnipotent King,Jehovah?He thatmade thee, canmake his sword approach unto thee.Hisswordisnottheswordofman,norishiswraththewrathofman.Ifitwere, possibly stoutness might be maintained under it. But it is thefierceness of the wrath of the great God, who is able to baffle anddissipateallthystrengthinamoment.Hecanfillthypoorsoulwithanocean of wrath, a deluge of fire and brimstone; or he canmake it tenthousandtimesfulleroftormentthaneveranovenwasfulloffire;andatthesametime,canfillitwithdespairofeverseeinganendtoitstorment,orany rest from itsmisery:and thenwherewillbe thy strength?Whatwill become of thy courage then? What will signify thine attempts tobear?

WhatartthouinthehandsofthegreatGod,whomadeheavenandearthby speaking a word?What art thou, when dealt with by that strength,whichmanagesallthisvastuniverse,holdstheglobeoftheearth,directsall themotions of the heavenly bodies from age to age, and, when thefixed time shall come, will shake all to pieces? There are otherwickedbeings a thousand times stronger than thou: there are the greatleviathans, strong and proud spirits, of a gigantic stoutness andhardiness.ButhowlittlearetheyinthehandsofthegreatGod!Theyareless than weak infants; they are nothing, and less than nothing in thehands of an angry God, as will appear at the day of judgment. Their

hearts will be broken; they will sink; they will have no strength norcourageleft;theywillbeasweakaswater;theirsoulswillsinkdownintoaninfinitegloom,anabyssofdeathanddespair.Thenwhatwillbecomeof thee, a poorworm,when thou shalt fall into the hands of thatGod,whenhe shall come to showhiswrath, andmake his power known onthee?

Ifthestrengthofallthewickedmenonearth,andofallthedevilsinhell,wereunitedinone,andthouwertpossessedofitall;andifthecourage,greatness,andstoutnessofalltheirheartswereunitedinthysingleheart,thouwouldstbenothinginthehandsofJehovah.Ifitwereallcollected,and thou shouldst set thyself to bear aswell as thou couldst, allwouldsinkunderhisgreatwrathinaninstant,andwouldbeutterlyabolished:thine hands would drop down at once and thine heart would melt aswax.-Thegreatmountains,thefirmrocks,cannotstandbeforethepowerofGod;asfastastheystand,theyaretossedhitherandthither,andskiplikelambs,whenGodappearsinhisanger.Hecanteartheearthinpiecesiiiamoment;yea,liecanshatterthewholeuniverse,anddashittopiecesatoneblow.Howthenwillthinehandsbestrong,orthineheartendure?

Thoucanstnot standbeforea lionof the forest; anangrywildbeast, ifstirredup,willeasilytearsuchaoneasthouartinpieces.Yea,notonlyso,butthouartcrushedbeforethemoth.Averylittlething,alittlewormorspider,orsomesuchinsect,isabletokillthee.Whatthencanstthoudo in thehandsofGod? It isvain toset thebriersand thorns inbattlearray against glowing flames; the points of thorns, though sharp, donothingtowithstandthefire.

Some of you have seen buildings on fire; imagine therefore withyourselves,whatapoorhandyouwouldmakeatfightingwiththeflames,ifyouwereinthemidstofsogreatandfierceafire.Youhaveoftenseenaspider, or someothernoisome insect,when thrown into themidst of afiercefire,andhaveobservedhowimmediatelyityieldstotheforceoftheflames.Thereisnolongstruggle,nofightingagainstthefire,nostrengthexertedtoopposetheheat,ortoflyfromit;butitimmediatelystretchesforth itselfandyields;and the fire takespossessionof it, andatonce itbecomesfulloffire.Hereisalittleimageofwhatyouwillbethesubjectsof in hell, except you repent and fly to Christ.However youmay think

that you will fortify yourselves, and bear as well as you can; the firstmoment you shall be cast into hell, all your strength will sink and beutterlyabolished.Toencourageyourselves,thatyouwillsetyourselvestobearhelltormentsaswellasyoucan,isjustasifaworm,thatisabouttobe thrown into a glowing furnace, should swell and fortify itself andprepareitselftofighttheflames.

Whatcanyoudowithlightnings?Whatdothitsignifytofightwiththem?Whatanabsurdfigurewouldapoorweakmanmake,who,inathunder-storm, shouldexpecta flashof lightningonhisheadorhisbreast, andshouldgoforthswordinhandtoopposeit;whenastreamofbrimstonewould, in an instant, drink up all his spirits and his life, andmelt hissword!Consider these things, all you enemies of God, and rejecters of Christ,whetheryoubeoldmenorwomen,Christlessheadsoffamilies,oryoungpeopleandwickedchildren.Beassured, that ifyoudonothearkenandrepent,Godintendstoshowhiswrath,andmakehispowerknownuponyou.He intends tomagnifyhimself exceedingly in sinkingyoudown inhell.Heintendstoshowhisgreatmajestyatthedayofjudgment,beforea vast assembly, in your misery; before a greater assembly manythousandfoldthaneveryetappearedonearth;beforeavastassemblyofsaints,andavastassemblyofwickedmen,avastassemblyofholyangels,and before all the crew of devils. God will before all these get himselfhonor in your destruction; you shall be tormented in the presence ofthemall.ThenallwillseethatGodisagreatGodindeed;thenallwillseehowdreadfulathingitistosinagainstsuchaGod,andtorejectsuchaSaviour,suchloveandgrace,asyouhaverejectedanddespised.Allwillbefilledwithaweatthegreatsight,andallthesaintsandangelswilllookupon you, and adore that majesty, and that mighty power, and thatholiness and justice of God, which shall appear in your ineffabledestructionandmisery.

Itisprobablethatherearesome,whohearmethisday,whoatthisverymomentareunawakened,andare inagreatdegreecarelessabouttheirsouls.I feartherearesomeamonguswhoaremost fearfullyhardened:their hearts are harder than the very rocks. It is easier to makeimpressionsuponanadamantthanupontheirhearts.Isupposesomeof

youhaveheardallthatIhavesaidwitheaseandquietness:itappearstoyou as great big sounding words, but doth not reach your hearts. Youhaveheardsuchthingsmanytimes:youareoldsoldiers,andhavebeentoomuchusedto theroaringofheaven'scannon, tobe frightedat it. Itwillthereforeprobablybeinvainformetosayanythingfurthertoyou;Iwillonlyputyouinmindthatere longGodwilldealwithyou.Icannotdeal with you, you despise what I say; I have no power to make yousensibleofyourdangerandmisery,andofthedreadfulnessofthewrathofGod.Theattemptsofmeninthiswayhaveoftenprovedvain.

However,Godhathundertakentodealwithsuchmenasyouare.Itishismannercommonlyfirsttoletmentrytheirutmoststrength:particularlytoletministerstry,thatthushemayshowministerstheirownweaknessand impotency; andwhen they have donewhat they can, and all fails,then God takes the matter into his own hands. So it seems by yourobstinacy, as if God intended to undertake to deal with you. He willundertake to subdue you; he will see if he cannot cure you of yoursenselessness and regardlessness of his threatenings. And you will beconvinced; you will be subdued effectually: your hearts will be brokenwith a witness; your strength will be utterly broken, your courage andhopewillsink.Godwillsurelybreakthosewhowillnotbow.God,havinggirdedhimselfwithhispowerandwrath,hathheretoforeundertakentodealwithmanyhardstubborn,senseless,obstinatehearts;andheneverfailed,healwaysdidhisworkthoroughly.Itwillnotbelongbeforeyouwillbewonderfullychanged.YouwhonowhearofhellandthewrathofthegreatGod,andsithereintheseseatssoeasy and quiet, and go away so careless; by and by will shake, andtremble, and cry out, and shriek, and gnash your teeth, and will bethoroughly convinced of the vastweight and importance of these greatthings,whichyounowdespise.

THEJUSTICEOFGODINTHEDAMNATIONOFSINNERS

Romans3:19Thateverymouthmaybestopped.

Themainsubjectofthedoctrinalpartofthisepistle,isthefreegraceofGodinthesalvationofmenbyChristJesus;especiallyasitappearsinthedoctrineofjustificationbyfaithalone.Andthemoreclearlytoevincethisdoctrine, and show the reason of it, the apostle, in the first place,establishesthatpoint,thatnofleshlivingcanbejustifiedbythedeedsofthelaw.Andtoproveit,heisverylargeandparticular inshowing, thatallmankind,notonlytheGentiles,butJews,areundersin,andsounderthe condemnation of the law; which is what he insists upon from thebeginningof the epistle to thisplace.He first beginswith theGentiles;andinthefirstchaptershowsthattheyareundersin,bysettingforththeexceedingcorruptionsandhorridwickednessthatoverspreadtheGentileworld:andthenthroughthesecondchapter,andtheformerpartofthisthirdchapter, to the textand followingverse,heshows thesameof theJews, that theyalso are in the samecircumstanceswith theGentiles inthis regard. They had a high thought of themselves, because theywereGod's covenant people, and circumcised, and the children of Abraham.They despised the Gentiles as polluted, condemned, and accursed; butlooked on themselves, on account of their external privileges, andceremonialandmoralrighteousness,asapureandholypeople,andthechildren of God; as the apostle observes in the second chapter. It wasthereforestrangedoctrinetothem,thattheyalsowereuncleanandguiltyinGod's sight, and under the condemnation and curse of the law. Theapostledoestherefore,onaccountoftheirstrongprejudicesagainstsuchdoctrine,themoreparticularlyinsistsuponit,andshowsthattheyarenobetter than theGentiles; andas in the9th verseof this chapter, "Whatthen?Arewebetterthanthey?No,innowise;forwehavebeforeprovedboth Jews andGentiles, that they are all under sin." And, to convincethemofit,hethenproducescertainpassagesoutoftheirownlaw,orthe

Old Testament, (towhose authority they pretend a great regard,) fromtheninthversetoourtext.Anditmaybeobserved,thattheapostle,first,citescertainpassages toprove thatallmankindarecorrupt, (verses10-12.)"As it iswritten, there isnonerighteous,nonotone:There isnonethat understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God: They are allgoneoutoftheway,theyaretogetherbecomeunprofitable,thereisnonethatdoethgood,nonotone."Secondly,thepassageshecitesnext,aretoprove, that not only all are corrupt, but each one wholly corrupt, as itwerealloverunclean,fromthecrownoftheheadtothesolesofhisfeet;and therefore several particular parts of thebody are mentioned, thethroat, the tongue, the lips, the mouth, the feet, (verses 13-15.) "Theirthroatisanopensepulchre;withtheirtonguestheyhaveuseddeceit;thepoison of asps is under their lips; whose mouth is full of cursing andbitterness: their feet are swift to shed blood." And, Thirdly, he quotesother passages to show, that each one is not only all over corrupt, butcorrupttoadesperatedegree,byaffirmingthemostpernicioustendencyoftheirwickedness;"Destructionandmiseryareintheirways."Andthenbydenyingallgoodnessorgodlinessinthem;"Andthewayofpeacehavetheynotknown:ThereisnofearofGodbeforetheireyes."Andthen,lesttheJewsshouldthinkthesepassagesof their lawdonotconcern them,andonlytheGentilesareintendedinthem,theapostleshowsinthetext,not only that they are not exempt, but that they especially must beunderstood:"Nowweknowthatwhatsoeverthingsthelawsaith,itsaithtothemwhoareunderthelaw."BythosethatareunderthelawismeanttheJews;andtheGentilesby those thatarewithout law;asappearsbythe 12th verse of the preceding chapter. There is a special reason tounderstand the law, as speaking to and of them, to whom it wasimmediately given. And therefore the Jews would be unreasonable inexempting themselves. And if we examine the places of the OldTestament whence these passages are taken, we shall see plainly thatspecial respect ishad to thewickednessof thepeopleof thatnation, ineveryoneofthem.Sothatthelawshutsallupinuniversalanddesperatewickedness,thateverymouthmaybestopped;themouthsoftheJews,aswellasoftheGentiles,notwithstandingallthoseprivilegesbywhichtheyweredistinguishedfromtheGentiles.

The things that the law says, are sufficient to stop the mouths of all

mankind,intworespects.

1. To stop them fromboasting of their righteousness, as the Jewswerewont to do; as the apostle observes in the 23rd verse of the precedingchapter.- That the apostle has respect to stopping theirmouths in thisrespect, appears by the 27th verse of the context, "Where is boastingthen?Itisexcluded."Thelawstopsourmouthsfrommakinganypleaforlife, or the favor of God, or any positive good, from our ownrighteousness.

2. To stop them from making any excuse for ourselves, or objectionagainst theexecutionof the sentenceof the law,or the inflictionof thepunishment that it threatens.That it is intended, appearsby thewordsimmediately following, "That all the world may become guilty beforeGod." That is, that they may appear to be guilty, and stand convictedbeforeGod,andjustlyliabletothecondemnationofhislaw,asguiltyofdeath,accordingtotheJewishwayofspeaking.

Andthustheapostleproves,thatnofleshcanbejustifiedinGod'ssightbythedeedsofthelaw;ashedrawstheconclusioninthefollowingverse;and so prepares the way for establishing of the great doctrine ofjustificationbyfaithalone,whichheproceedstodointhefollowingpartofthechapter,andoftheepistle.

DOCTRINE

"ItisjustwithGodeternallytocastoffanddestroysinners."-Forthisisthe punishmentwhich the law condemns to-The truth of this doctrinemay appear by the joint consideration of two things, viz. Man'ssinfulness,andGod'ssovereignty.

I. It appears from the consideration of man's sinfulness. And thatwhetherweconsidertheinfinitelyevilnatureofallsin,orhowmuchsinmenareguiltyof.

1. Ifweconsider the infiniteevilandheinousnessofsin ingeneral, it isnot unjust in God to inflict what punishment is deserved; because theverynotionofdeservinganypunishmentis,thatitmaybejustlyinflicted.

Adeservedpunishmentandajustpunishmentarethesamething.Tosaythat one deserves such a punishment, and yet to say that he does notjustly deserve it, is a contradiction; and if he justly deserves it, then itmaybejustlyinflicted.

Everycrimeorfaultdeservesagreaterorlesspunishment,inproportionas the crime itself is greater or less. If any fault deserves punishment,thensomuchthegreaterthefault,somuchthegreateristhepunishmentdeserved.Thefaultynatureofanythingistheformalgroundandreasonofitsdesertofpunishment;andthereforethemoreanythinghathofthisnature,themorepunishmentitdeserves.Andthereforetheterriblenessofthedegreeofpunishment,letitbeneverbesoterrible,isnoargumentagainst the justice of it, if the proportion does but hold between theheinousnessofthecrimeandthedreadfulnessofthepunishment;sothatiftherebeanysuchthingasafaultinfinitelyheinous,itwillfollowthatitisjusttoinflictapunishmentforitthatisinfinitelydreadful.

Acrimeismoreorlessheinous,accordingasweareundergreaterorlessobligationstothecontrary.This isself-evident;because it ishereinthatthecriminalnessorfaultinessofanythingconsists,thatitiscontrarytowhat we are obliged or bound to, or what ought to be in us. So thefaultinessofonebeinghatinganother, is inproportiontohisobligationto lovehim.Thecrimeofonebeingdespisingandcastingcontemptonanother,isproportionablymoreorlessheinous,ashewasundergreateror less obligations to honour him. The fault of disobeying another, isgreaterorless,asanyoneisundergreaterorlessobligationstoobeyhim.Andthereforeiftherebeanybeingthatweareunderinfiniteobligationsto love, and honour, and obey, the contrary towards him must beinfinitelyfaulty.Ourobligationtolove,honour,andobeyanybeing,isinproportiontohisloveliness,honourableness,andauthority;forthatistheverymeaningofthewords.Whenwesayanyone isvery lovely, it is thesameas tosay,that he is one verymuch to be loved.Or if we say such a one ismorehonourablethananother,themeaningofthewordsis,thatheisonethatwearemoreobligedtohonour.Ifwesayanyonehasgreatauthorityoverus,itisthesameastosay,thathehasgreatrighttooursubjectionandobedience.

ButGod is a being infinitely lovely, because he hath infinite excellencyandbeauty.Tohaveinfiniteexcellencyandbeauty,isthesamethingastohave infinite loveliness.Heisabeingof infinitegreatness,majesty,andglory; and therefore he is infinitely honourable.He is infinitely exaltedabovethegreatestpotentatesoftheearth,andhighestangelsinheaven;and thereforehe is infinitelymorehonourable than they.His authorityover us is infinite; and the ground of his right to our obedience isinfinitelystrong;forheisinfinitelyworthytobeobeyedhimself,andwehaveanabsolute,universal,andinfinitedependenceuponhim.

SothatsinagainstGod,beingaviolationofinfiniteobligations,mustbeacrime infinitely heinous, and so deserving of infinite punishment.-Nothing ismoreagreeable to the common senseofmankind, than thatsinscommittedagainstanyone,mustbeproportionablyheinous to thedignity of the being offended and abused; as it is also agreeable to thewordofGod, ISamuel2:25. "Ifonemansinagainstanother, the judgeshall judge him;" (i.e. shall judge him, and inflict a finite punishment,suchasfinitejudgescaninflict;)"butifamansinagainsttheLord,whoshallentreatforhim?"ThiswastheaggravationofsinthatmadeJosephafraidofit.Genesis39:9."HowshallIcommitthisgreatwickedness,andsinagainstGod?"ThiswastheaggravationofDavid'ssin,incomparisonofwhichheesteemedallothersasnothing,becausetheywere infinitelyexceededby it.Psalm51:4."Against thee, theeonlyhaveIsinned."-Theeternity of the punishment of ungodly men renders it infinite: and itrenders it no more than infinite; and therefore renders no more thanproportionabletotheheinousnessofwhattheyareguiltyof.

If there be any evil or faultiness in sin against God, there is certainlyinfiniteevil:forifitbeanyfaultatall,ithasaninfiniteaggravation,viz.that it is against an infinite object. If it be ever so small upon otheraccounts,yetifitbeanything,ithasoneinfinitedimension;andsoisaninfinite evil.Whichmaybe illustratedby this: ifwe suppose a thing tohaveinfinitelength,butnobreadthandthickness,(ameremathematicalline,)itisnothing:butifithaveanybreadthandthickness,thoughneversosmall,and infinite length, thequantityof it is infinite; itexceeds thequantity of any thing, however broad, thick, and long, wherein thesedimensionsareallfinite.

Sothattheobjectionsmadeagainsttheinfinitepunishmentofsin,fromthenecessity,orratherpreviouscertainty,ofthefuturitionofsin,arisingfrom the unavoidable original corruption of nature, if they argue anything,argueagainstanyfaultinessatall:forifthisnecessityorcertaintyleaves any evil at all in sin, that faultmust be infinite by reasonof theinfiniteobject.

Buteverysuchobjectoraswouldarguefromhence,thatthereisnofaultat all in sin, confutes himself, and shows his own insincerity in hisobjection. For at the same time that he objects, that men's acts arenecessary,andthatthiskindofnecessityisinconsistentwithfaultinessintheact,hisownpracticeshowsthathedoesnotbelievewhatheobjectstobe true: otherwise why does he at all blame men? Or why are suchpersonsatalldispleasedwithmen,forabusive,injurious,andungratefulactstowardsthem?Whatevertheypretend,bythistheyshowthatindeedtheydobelievethatthereisnonecessityinmen'sactsthatisinconsistentwithblame.Andiftheirobjectionbethis, thatthispreviouscertainty isby God's own ordering, and that where God orders an antecedentcertaintyofacts,hetransfersallthefaultfromtheactoronhimself;theirpractice shows, thatat the same time theydonotbelieve this,but fullybelieve the contrary: for when they are abused by men, they aredispleasedwithmen,andnotwithGodonly.

Thelightofnatureteachesallmankind,thatwhenaninjuryisvoluntary,itisfaulty,withoutanyconsiderationofwhattheremightbepreviouslytodeterminethefuturitionofthatevilactofthewill.Anditreallyteachesthis asmuch to those that object and cavilmost as to others; as theiruniversal practice shows. Bywhich it appears, that such objections areinsincere and perverse.Men will mention others' corrupt nature whentheyareinjured,asathingthataggravatestheircrime,andthatwhereintheirfaultinesspartlyconsists.Howcommonisitforpersons,whentheylook on themselves greatly injured by another, to inveigh against him,andaggravatehisbaseness,by saying, "He isamanofamostperversespirit: he is naturally of a selfish, niggardly, or proud and haughtytemper:he isoneofabaseandviledisposition."Andyetmen'snaturaland corrupt dispositions are mentioned as an excuse for them, withrespecttotheirsinsagainstGod,asiftheyrenderedthemblameless.

2. That it is just withGod eternally to cast off wickedmen,maymoreabundantlyappear,ifweconsiderhowmuchsintheyareguiltyof.Fromwhathasbeenalreadysaid,itappears,thatifmenwereguiltyofsinbutinoneparticular, that is sufficientgroundof theireternal rejectionandcondemnation.Iftheyaresinners,thatisenough.Merelythis,mightbesufficienttokeepthemfromeverliftinguptheirheads,andcausethemtosmiteontheirbreasts,withthepublicanthatcried,"Godbemercifultomeasinner."Butsinfulmenarefullofsin;fullofprinciplesandactsofsin:theirguiltislikegreatmountains,heapedoneuponanother,tillthepileisgrownuptoheaven.Theyaretotallycorrupt, ineverypart, inalltheirfaculties,andalltheprinciplesoftheirnature,theirunderstandings,andwills;and inall theirdispositionsandaffections.Theirheads, theirhearts, are totally depraved; all the members of their bodies are onlyinstrumentsofsin;andall theirsenses,seeing,hearing, tasting,&c.areonlyinletsandoutletsofsin,channelsofcorruption.Thereisnothingbutsin,nogoodatall.Romans.7:18."Inme,thatis, inmyflesh,dwellsnogoodthing."Thereisallmannerofwickedness.Therearetheseedsofthegreatest and blackest crimes. There are principles of all sorts ofwickednessagainstmen;andthereisallwickednessagainstGod.Thereispride; there is enmity; there is contempt; there is quarreling; there isatheism; there is blasphemy. There are these things in exceedingstrength;theheartisunderthepowerofthem,issoldundersin,andisaperfectslavetoit.Thereishard-heartedness,hardnessgreaterthanthatof a rock, or an adamant-stone. There is obstinacy and perverseness,incorrigibleness and inflexibleness in sin, thatwill not be overcome bythreatenings or promises, by awakenings or encouragements, byjudgmentsormercies,neitherbythatwhichisterrifyingnorthatwhichiswinning.TheverybloodofGodourSaviourwillnotwin theheartof awickedman.

Andthereareactualwickednesseswithoutnumberormeasure.Therearebreachesofeverycommand,inthought,word,anddeed:alifefullofsin;daysandnightsfilledupwithsin;merciesabusedandfrownsdespised;mercy and justice, and all the divine perfections, trampled on; and thehonourof eachperson in theTrinity trod in thedirt.Now if one sinfulwordorthoughthassomuchevilinit,astodeserveeternaldestruction,howdotheydeservetobeeternallycastoffanddestroyed,thatareguilty

ofsomuchsin!

II. Ifwithman'ssinfulness,weconsiderGod'ssovereignty, itmayservefurthertoclearGod'sjusticeintheeternalrejectionandcondemnationofsinners, from men's cavils and objections. I shall not now pretend todetermineprecisely,whatthingsare,andwhatthingsarenot,properactsandexercisesofGod'sholysovereignty;butonly,thatGod'ssovereigntyextendstothefollowingthings.

1. That such is God's sovereign power and right, that he is originallyundernoobligationtokeepmenfromsinning;butmayinhisprovidencepermitandleavethemtosin.Hewasnotobligedtokeepeitherangelsormen from falling. It is unreasonable to suppose, that God should beobliged, if hemakes a reasonable creature capable of knowing hiswill,andreceivingalawfromhim,andbeingsubjecttohismoralgovernment,at thesametimetomake it impossible forhimtosin,orbreakhis law.ForifGodbeobligedtothis, itdestroysalluseofanycommands, laws,promises,orthreatenings,andtheverynotionofanymoralgovernmentofGodoverthosereasonablecreatures.Fortowhatpurposewoulditbe,forGodtogivesuchandsuchlaws,anddeclarehisholywilltoacreature,andannexpromisesandthreateningstomovehimtohisduty,andmakehimcarefultoperformit,ifthecreatureatthesametimehasthistothinkof, thatGod isobligedtomake it impossible forhimtobreakhis laws?HowcanGod'sthreateningsmovetocareorwatchfulness,when,at thesame time, God is obliged to render it impossible that he should beexposedto the threatenings?Or, towhatpurpose is it forGodtogivealaw at all? For according to this supposition, it is God, and not thecreature, that is under the law. It is the lawgiver's care, and not thesubject's,toseethathislawisobeyed;andthiscareiswhatthelawgiverisabsolutelyobligedto! IfGodbeobligednever topermita creature tofall,thereisanendofalldivinelaws,orgovernment,orauthorityofGodoverthecreature;therecanbenomannerofuseofthesethings.

Godmaypermitsin,thoughthebeingofsinwillcertainlyensueonthatpermission:andso,bypermission,hemaydisposeandordertheevent.Iftherewereanysuchthingaschance,ormerecontingence,andtheverynotionofitdidnotcarryagrossabsurdity,(asmighteasilybeshownthatitdoes,)itwouldhavebeenveryunfitthatGodshouldhaveleftittomere

chance,whethermanshouldfallorno.Forchance,ifthereshouldbeanysuchthing,isundesigningandblind.Andcertainlyitismorefitthataneventof sogreat importance,and that isattendedwithsuchan infinitetrainofgreatconsequences, shouldbedisposedandorderedby infinitewisdom,thanthatitshouldbelefttoblindchance.

Ifitbesaid,thatGodneednothaveinterposedtorenderitimpossibleforman to sin, and yet not leave it to mere contingence or blind chanceneither;butmighthaveleftitwithman'sfreewill,todeterminewhethertosinorno:Ianswer,ifGoddidleaveittoman'sfreewill,withoutanysort of disposal, or ordering [or rather, adequate cause] in the case,whence it should be previously certain how that free will shoulddetermine, thenstill that firstdeterminationof thewillmustbemerelycontingentorbychance.Itcouldnothaveanyantecedentactofthewilltodetermineit;forIspeaknowoftheveryfirstactofmotionofthewill,respecting theaffair thatmaybe lookeduponas theprimegroundandhighest source of the event. To suppose this to be determined by aforegoingactisacontradiction.God'sdisposingthisdeterminationofthewillbyhispermission,doesnotatallinfringethelibertyofthecreature:itisinnorespectanymoreinconsistentwithliberty,thanmerechanceorcontingence. For if the determination of the will be from blind,undesigningchance,itisnomorefromtheagenthimself,orfromthewillitself, than if we suppose, in the case, a wise, divine disposal bypermission.

2. Itwas fit that it shouldbe at the ordering of thedivinewisdomandgoodpleasure,whethereveryparticularmanshouldstandforhimself,orwhetherthefirstfatherofmankindshouldbeappointedasthemoralandfederalheadandrepresentativeoftherest.IfGodhasnotlibertyinthismattertodetermineeitherofthesetwoashepleases,itmustbebecausedeterminingthatthefirstfatherofmenshouldrepresenttherest,andnotthateveryoneshouldstandforhimself,isinjurioustomankind.Forifitbenotinjurious,howisitunjust?Butitisnotinjurioustomankind;forthereisnothinginthenatureofthecaseitself,thatmakesitbetterthateachmanshouldstandforhimself,thanthatallshouldberepresentedbytheircommonfather;astheleastreflectionorconsiderationwillconvinceanyone.Andiftherebenothinginthenatureofthethingthatmakesthe

formerbetterformankindthanthelatter,thenitwillfollow,thattheyarenot hurt in God's choosing and appointing the latter, rather than theformer;or,whichisthesamething,thatitisnotinjurioustomankind.

3.Whenmenarefallen,andbecomesinful,Godbyhissovereigntyhasarighttodetermineabouttheirredemptionashepleases.Hehasarighttodetermine whether he will redeem any or not. He might, if he hadpleased,have leftall toperish,ormighthave redeemedall.Or,hemayredeemsome,andleaveothers;andifhedothso,hemaytakewhomhepleases,andleavewhomhepleases.Tosupposethatallhaveforfeitedhisfavor,anddeservedtoperish,andtosupposethathemaynotleaveanyone individual of them to perish, implies a contradiction; because itsupposes that such a one has a claim to God's favor, and is not justlyliabletoperish;whichiscontrarytothesupposition.

It ismeet that God should order all these things according to his ownpleasure.Byreasonofhis greatnessandglory,bywhichhe is infinitelyaboveall,heisworthytobesovereign,andthathispleasureshouldinallthingstakeplace.Heisworthythatheshouldmakehimselfhisend,andthat he shouldmake nothing but his ownwisdom his rule in pursuingthat end, without asking leave or counsel of any, and without givingaccountofanyofhismatters. It is fit thathewho isabsolutelyperfect,and infinitely wise, and the Fountain of all wisdom, should determineevery thing [thatheeffects]byhisownwill, even thingsof thegreatestimportance.Itismeetthatheshouldbethussovereign,becauseheisthefirst being, the eternal being, whence all other beings are. He is theCreatorofallthings;andallareabsolutelyanduniversallydependentonhim;andthereforeitismeetthatheshouldactasthesovereignpossessorofheavenandearth.

APPLICATION

In the improvement of this doctrine, I would chiefly direct myself tosinnerswhoareafraidofdamnation,inauseofconviction.Thismaybematterofconvictiontoyou,thatitwouldbejustandrighteouswithGodeternallytorejectanddestroyyou.Thisiswhatyouareindangerof.YouwhoareaChristlesssinnerareapoorcondemnedcreature:God'swrathstill abidesuponyou;and thesentenceof condemnation liesuponyou.

YouareinGod'shands,anditisuncertainwhathewilldowithyou.Youare afraid what will become of you. You are afraid that it will be yourportion to suffer eternal burnings; and your fears are not withoutgrounds;youhavereasontotrembleeverymoment.Butbeyouneversomuchafraidofit,leteternaldamnationbeneversodreadful,yetitisjust.Godmay nevertheless do it, and be righteous, and holy, and glorious.Though eternal damnation be what you cannot bear, and how muchsoever yourheart shrinks at the thought of it, yetGod's justicemay beglorious in it. The dreadfulness of the thing on your part, and thegreatnessofyourdreadofit,donotrenderitthelessrighteousonGod'spart.Ifyouthinkotherwise,itisasignthatyoudonotseeyourself,thatyouarenotsensiblewhatsinis,norhowmuchofityouhavebeenguiltyof.Thereforeforyourconviction,bedirected,

First,Tolookoveryourpastlife:inquireatthemouthofconscience,andhearwhatthathastotestifyconcerningit.Considerwhatyouare,whatlightyouhavehad,andwhatmeansyouhave livedunder:andyethowyouhavebehavedyourself!Whathave thosemanydaysandnightsyouhavelivedbeenfilledupwith?Howhavethoseyearsthathaverolledoveryourheads,oneafteranother,beenspent?Whathasthesunshoneuponyoufor,fromdaytoday,whileyouhaveimprovedhislighttoserveSatanbyit?WhathasGodkeptyourbreathinyournostrilsfor,andgivenyoumeatanddrink,thatyouhavespentyourlifeandstrength,supportedbythem,inopposingGod,andrebellionagainsthim?

How many sorts of wickedness have you not been guilty of! Howmanifoldhavebeentheabominationsofyourlife!WhatprofanenessandcontemptofGodhasbeenexercisedbyyou!HowlittleregardhaveyouhadtotheScriptures,tothewordpreached,tosabbaths,andsacraments!Howprofanelyhaveyoutalked,manyofyou,aboutthosethingsthatareholy! After what manner have many of you kept God's holy day, notregardingtheholinessof thetime,notcaringwhatyouthoughtof in it!Yea,youhavenotonlyspentthetimeinworldly,vain,andunprofitablethoughts,but in immoral thoughts;pleasingyourselfwith the reflectionon past acts of wickedness, and in contriving new acts. Have not youspentmuchholytimeingratifyingyour lusts inyour imaginations;yea,notonlyholytime,buttheverytimeofGod'spublicworship,whenyou

have appeared in God's more immediate presence? How have you notonly attended to theworship, but have in themean time been feastingyour lusts, and wallowing yourself in abominable uncleanness! Howmany sabbaths have you spent, one after another, in a most wretchedmanner!Someofyounotonlyinworldlyandwickedthoughts,butalsoaverywickedoutwardbehavior!Whenyouonsabbath-dayshavegotalongwith your wicked companions, how has holy time been treated amongyou!Whatkindof conversationhas therebeen!Yea,howhave someofyou,byaveryindecentcarriage,openlydishonoredandcastcontemptonthesacredservicesofGod'shouse,andholyday!Andwhatyouhavedonesomeofyoualone,whatwickedpracticestherehavebeeninsecret,eveninholytime,Godandyourownconsciencesknow.

And how have you behaved yourself in the time of family prayer! Andwhat a trade havemany of youmade of absenting yourselves from theworshipofthefamiliesyoubelongto,forthesakeofvaincompany!Andhowhaveyoucontinuedintheneglectofsecretprayer!Thereinwilfullylivinginaknownsin,goingabreastagainstasplainacommandasanyintheBible!Have younot been one that has cast off fear, and restrainedprayerbeforeGod?

What wicked carriage have some of you been guilty of towards yourparents!HowfarhaveyoubeenfrompayingthathonourtothemwhichGod has required! Have you not even harboured ill-will and malicetowards them?Andwhentheyhavedispleasedyou,havewishedevil tothem?yea,andshownyourvilespirit inyourbehavior?and it iswell ifyouhavenotmockedthembehindtheirbacks;and,likethecursedHamand Canaan, as it were, derided your parents' nakedness instead ofcovering it, and hiding your eyes from it. Have not some of you oftendisobeyedyourparents,yea,andrefusedtobesubjecttothem?Isitnotawonderofmercyand forbearance, that theproverbhasnotbeforenowbeenaccomplishedonyou,Proverbs30:17."Theeyethatmockethathisfather,andrefusethtoobeyhismother,theravensofthevalleyshallpickitout,andtheyoungeaglesshalleatit."

What revenge and malice have you been guilty of towards yourneighbors!Howhaveyouindulgedthisspiritofthedevil,hatingothers,andwishingeviltothem,rejoicingwhenevilbefellthem,andgrievingat

others'prosperity,andlivedinsuchawayforalongtime!Havenotsomeofyouallowedapassionatefuriousspirit,andbehavedyourselvesinyourangermorelikewildbeaststhanlikeChristians?

What covetousness has been in many of you! Such has been yourinordinate loveof theworld, andcareabout the thingsof it, that ithastakenupyourheart;youhaveallowednoroomforGodandreligion;youhavemindedtheworldmorethanyoureternalsalvation.Forthevanitiesoftheworldyouhaveneglectedreading,prayingandmeditation;forthethingsoftheworld,youhavebrokenthesabbath:fortheworldyouhavespent a great deal of your time in quarreling. For the world you haveenvied and hated your neighbor; for theworld you have castGod, andChrist,andheaven,behindyourback; for theworldyouhavesoldyourown soul. You have as it were drowned your soul inworldly cares anddesires; youhavebeen amere earth-worm, that is never in its elementbutwhengrovellingandburiedintheearth.

Howmuchofaspiritofpridehasappearedinyou,whichisinapeculiarmannerthespiritandcondemnationofthedevil!Howhavesomeofyouvauntedyourselvesinyourapparel!othersintheirriches!othersintheirknowledgeandabilities!Howhas itgalledyoutoseeothersaboveyou!Howmuchhasitgoneagainstthegrainforyoutogiveotherstheirduehonour!Andhowhaveyoushownyourpridebysettingupyourwillsandinopposingothers,andstirringupandpromotingdivision,andapartyspiritinpublicaffairs.

Howsensualhaveyoubeen!Aretherenotsomeherethathavedebasedthemselvesbelowthedignityofhumannature,bywallowing in sensualfilthiness,asswineinthemire,orasfilthyverminfeedingwithdelightonrottencarrion?Whatintemperancehavesomeofyoubeenguiltyof!Howmuchofyourprecioustimehaveyouspentatthetavern,andindrinkingcompanies,whenyououghttohavebeenathomeseekingGodandyoursalvationinyourfamiliesandclosets!

And what abominable lasciviousness have some of you been guilty of!Howhaveyouindulgedyourselffromdaytoday,andfromnighttonight,inallmannerofuncleanimaginations!Hasnotyoursoulbeenfilledwiththem,tillithasbecomeaholdoffoulspirits,andacageofeveryunclean

and hateful bird?What foul-mouthed persons have some of you been,ofteninlewdandlascivioustalkanduncleansongs,whereinwerethingsnot fit to be spoken! And such company, where such conversation hasbeencarriedon,hasbeenyourdelight.Andwithwhatuncleanactsandpracticeshaveyoudefiledyourself!Godandyourownconsciencesknowwhatabominablelasciviousnessyouhavepractisedinthingsnotfittobenamed,whenyouhavebeenalone;whenyououghttohavebeenreading,ormeditating, or on your knees before God in secret prayer. And howhave you corrupted others, as well as polluted yourselves! What vileuncleanness have you practised in company! What abominations haveyoubeenguiltyofinthedark!SuchastheapostledoubtlesshadrespecttoinEphesians5:12."Foritisashameeventospeakofthosethingsthataredoneoftheminsecret."Someofyouhavecorruptedothers,anddonewhatinyoulaytoundotheirsouls,(ifyouhavenotactuallydoneit;)andbyyourvilepracticesandexamplehavemaderoomforSatan,invitedhispresence,andestablishedhisinterest,inthetownwhereyouhavelived.Whatlyinghavesomeofyoubeenguiltyof,especiallyinyourchildhood!Andhavenotyourheartandlipsoftendisagreedsinceyoucametoriperyears? What fraud, and deceit, and unfaithfulness, have many of youpractisedinyourowndealingswithyourneighbours,ofwhichyourownheartisconscious,ifyouhavenotbeennotedbyothers.

Andhowhavesomeofyoubehavedyourselvesinyourfamilyrelations!Howhaveyouneglectedyourchildren'ssouls!Andnotonlyso,buthavecorrupted their minds by your bad examples; and instead of trainingthemupinthenurtureandadmonitionoftheLord,haveratherbroughtthemupinthedevil'sservice!

How have some of you attended that sacred ordinance of the Lord'ssupper without any manner of serious preparation, and in a carelessslightyframeofspirits,andchieflytocomplywithcustom!HaveyounotventuredtoputthesacredsymbolsofthebodyandbloodofChrist intoyourmouth,whileatthesametimeyoulivedinwaysofknownsins,andintendednootherthanstilltogooninthesamewickedpractices?And,itmaybe,have sat at theLord's tablewith rancour in yourheart againstsomeofyourbrethrenthatyouhavesattherewith.YouhavecomeeventothatholyfeastofloveamongGod'schildren,withtheleavenofmalice

and envy in your heart; and so have eaten and drank judgment toyourself.

Whatstupidityandsottishnesshasattendedyourcourseofwickedness:whichhasappearedinyourobstinacyunderawakeningdispensationsofGod'swordandprovidence.Andhowhavesomeofyoubacksliddenafteryouhavesetoutinreligion,andquenchedGod'sSpiritafterhehadbeenstriving with you! And what unsteadiness, and slothfulness, and longmisimprovementofGod's strivingswith you,have youbeen chargeablewith!

Now, can you thinkwhen you have thus behaved yourself, that God isobligedtoshowyoumercy?AreyounotafterallthisashamedtotalkofitsbeinghardwithGodtocastyouoff?Doesitbecomeonewhohaslivedsucha life toopenhismouth toexcusehimself, toobject againstGod'sjustice inhis condemnation, or to complainof it ashard inGodnot togivehimconverting andpardoninggrace, andmakehimhis child, andbestow on him eternal life? Or to talk of his duties and great pains inreligion,asifsuchperformanceswereworthytobeaccepted,andtodrawGod'shearttosuchacreature?Ifthishasbeenyourmanner,doesitnotshowhowlittleyouhaveconsideredyourself,andhowlittleasenseyouhavehadofyourownsinfulness?

Secondly, Be directed to consider, if God should eternally reject anddestroy you, what an agreeableness and exact mutual answerablenessthere would be between God so dealing with you, and your spirit andbehaviour. There would not only be an equality, but a similitude.Goddeclares,thathisdealingswithmenshallbesuitabletotheirdispositionandpractice. Psalm 18:25, 26. "With themercifulman, thouwilt showthyself merciful; with an upright man, thou wilt show thyself upright;with the pure, thouwilt show thyself pure; andwith the froward, thouwiltshowthyselffroward."Howmuchsoeveryoudreaddamnation,andare affrighted and concerned at the thoughts of it; yet if God shouldindeedeternallydamnyou,youwouldbemetwithbutinyourownway;youwouldbedealtwithexactlyaccordingtoyourowndealing.Surelyitisbutfairthatyoushouldbemadetobuyinthesamemeasureinwhichyousell.

HereIwouldparticularlyshow,-1.That ifGodshouldeternallydestroyyou,itwouldbeagreeabletoyourtreatmentofGod.2.ThatitwouldbeagreeabletoyourtreatmentofJesusChrist.3.Thatitwouldbeagreeabletoyourbehaviourtowardsyourneighbours.4.Thatitwouldbeaccordingtoyourownfoolishbehaviourtowardsyourself.

I.IfGodshouldforevercastyouoff,itwouldbeexactlyagreeabletoyourtreatmentofhim.Thatyoumaybesensibleofthis,consider,

1.YouneverhaveexercisedtheleastdegreeoflovetoGod;andthereforeitwouldbeagreeabletoyourtreatmentofhim,ifheshouldneverexpressanylovetoyou.WhenGodconvertsandsavesasinner,itisawonderfulandunspeakablemanifestationofdivine love.When a poor lost soul isbroughthometoChrist,andhasallhissinsforgivenhim,andismadeachildofGod, itwill takeupawholeeternity toexpressanddeclare thegreatness of that love.Andwhy shouldGodbe obliged to express suchwonderfullovetoyou,whoneverexercisedtheleastdegreeoflovetohiminallyourlife?YouneverhavelovedGod,whoisinfinitelygloriousandlovely;andwhythenisGodunderobligationtoloveyou,whoarealloverdeformedandloathsomeasafilthyworm,orratherahatefulviper?Youhave no benevolence in your heart towards God; you never rejoiced inGod'shappiness; if hehadbeenmiserable, and thathadbeenpossible,youwouldhavelikeditaswellasifhewerehappy;youwouldnothavecaredhowmiserablehewas,normournedforit,anymorethanyounowdo for thedevil'sbeingmiserable.Andwhy then shouldGodbe lookeduponasobliged to takesomuchcare foryourhappiness,as todosuchgreatthingsforit,ashedothforthosethataresaved?OrwhyshouldGodbecalledhard,incaseheshouldnotbecarefultosaveyoufrommisery?You care notwhat becomes ofGod's glory; you are not distressed howmuch soever his honour seems to suffer in theworld: andwhy shouldGodcareanymoreforyourwelfare?Hasitnotbeenso,thatifyoucouldbutpromoteyourprivateinterest,andgratifyyourownlusts,youcarednothowmuchthegloryofGodsuffered?AndwhymaynotGodadvancehis own glory in the ruin of your welfare, not caring how much yourinterest suffers by it? You never somuch as stirred one step, sincerelymakingthegloryofGodyourend,oractingfromrealrespecttohim:andwhythen is ithard ifGoddothnotdosuchgreat things foryou,as the

changing of your nature, raising you from spiritual death to life,conquering the powers of darkness for you, translating you out of thekingdom of darkness into the kingdom of his dear Son, delivering youfrometernalmisery,andbestowinguponyoueternalglory?Youwerenotwilling todenyyourself forGod; younever cared toput yourself outofyourway forChrist;whenever any thing crossordifficult came inyourway,thatthegloryofGodwasconcernedin,ithasbeenyourmannertoshunit,andexcuseyourselffromit.YoudidnotcaretohurtyourselfforChrist, whom you did not see worthy of it; and why then must it belookeduponasahardandcruelthing,ifChristhasnotbeenpleasedtospillhisbloodandbetormentedtodeathforsuchasinner.

2.YouhaveslightedGod;andwhy thenmaynotGod justlyslightyou?When sinners are sensible in some measure of their misery, they arereadytothinkithardthatGodwilltakenonoticeofthem;thathewillseetheminsuchalamentabledistressedcondition,beholdingtheirburdensandtears,andseemtoslightit,andmanifestnopitytothem.Theirsoulstheythinkareprecious:itwouldbeadreadfulthingiftheyshouldperish,and burn in hell for ever. They do not see through it, thatGod shouldmakesolightoftheirsalvation.Butthen,oughttheynottoconsider,thatas their soulsareprecious, so isGod'shonourprecious?ThehonouroftheinfiniteGod,thegreatKingofheavenandearth,isathingofasgreatimportance, (and surely may justly be so esteemed by God,) as thehappiness of you, a poor little worm. But yet you have slighted thathonourofGod,andvalueditnomorethanthedirtunderyourfeet.Youhavebeen told that suchand such thingswere contrary to thewill of aholyGod,andagainsthishonour;butyoucarednotforthat.Godcalledupon you, and exhorted you to bemore tender of his honour; but youwentonwithoutregardinghim.ThushaveyouslightedGod!Andyet,isithard that God should slight you? Are youmore honourable than God,thathemustbeobligedtomakemuchofyou,howlightsoeveryoumakeofhimandhisglory?

AndyouhavenotonlyslightedGodintimepast,butyouslighthimstill.You indeed nowmake a pretence and show of honouring him in yourprayers, and attendance on other external duties, and by sobercountenance,andseemingdevoutnessinyourwordsandbehaviour;but

itifallmeredissembling.Thatdowncastlookandseemingreverence,isnot fromanyhonouryouhave toGod inyourheart, thoughyouwouldhaveGod take it so.Youwhohavenotbelieved inChrist, havenot theleastjotofhonourtoGod;thatshowofitismerelyforced,andwhatyouaredriventobyfear, likethosementionedinPsalm66:3."Throughthegreatnessofthypowershallthineenemiessubmitthemselvestothee."Intheoriginal it is, "shall lieunto thee;" that is, yield feignedsubmission,anddissemblerespectandhonourto thee.There isarodheldoveryouthat makes you seem to pay such respect to God. This religion anddevotion, even the very appearance of it, would soon be gone, and allvanishaway,ifthatwereremoved.Sometimesitmaybeyouweepinyourprayers,andinyourhearingsermons,andhopeGodwilltakenoticeofit,andtakeitforsomehonour;butheseesittobeallhypocrisy.Youweepforyourself;youareafraidofhell;anddoyouthinkthatisworthyofGodtotakemuchnoticeofyou,becauseyoucancrywhenyouareindangerof being damned; when at the same time you indeed care nothing forGod'shonour.

SeeingyouthusdisregardsogreataGod,isitaheinousthingforGodtoslight you, a little, wretched, despicable creature; a worm, a merenothing, and less than nothing; a vile insect, that has risen up incontemptagainsttheMajestyofheavenandearth?

3.WhyshouldGodbe lookeduponasobligedtobestowsalvationuponyou,whenyouhavebeensoungratefulforthemercieshehasbestoweduponyoualready?Godhastriedyouwithagreatdealofkindness,andheneverhassincerelybeenthankedbyyouforanyof it.Godhaswatchedoveryou,andpreservedyou,andprovidedforyou,andfollowedyouwithmercyallyourdays;andyetyouhavecontinuedsinningagainsthim.Hehas given you food and raiment, but you have improved both in theserviceofsin.Hehaspreservedyouwhileyouslept;butwhenyouarose,it was to return to the old trade of sinning. God, notwithstanding thisingratitude,hasstillcontinuedhismercy;buthiskindnesshasneverwonyourheart,orbroughtyoutoamoregratefulbehaviourtowardshim.Itmay be you have received many remarkable mercies, recoveries fromsickness,orpreservationsofyourlifewhenexposedbyaccidents,whenifyouhaddied,youwouldhavegonedirectlytohell;butyouneverhadany

truethankfulnessforanyofthesemercies.Godhaskeptyououtofhell,and continued your day of grace, and the offers of salvation, so long atime;whileyoudidnotregardyourownsalvationsomuchasinsecrettoaskGod for it.AndnowGodhasgreatlyadded tohismercy toyou,bygiving you the strivings of his Spirit, whereby a most preciousopportunityforyoursalvationisinyourhands.ButwhatthankshasGodreceivedforit?Whatkindofreturnshaveyoumadeforallthiskindness?AsGodhasmultipliedmercies,sohaveyoumultipliedprovocations.

And yetnoware you ready toquarrel formercy, and to find faultwithGod,notonlythathedoesnotbestowmoremercy,buttocontendwithhim,becausehedoesnotbestowinfinitemercyuponyou,heavenwithallitcontains,andevenhimself, foryoureternalportion.What ideashaveyou of yourself, that you think God is obliged to do so much for you,thoughyoutreathimeversoungratefullyforhiskindnesswherewithyouhavebeenfollowedallthedaysofyourlife.

4. You have voluntarily chosen to be with Satan in his enmity andopposition to God; how justly therefore might you be with him in hispunishment!YoudidnotchoosetobeonGod'sside,butratherchosetosidewith the devil, and have obstinately continued in it, against God'softenrepeatedcallsandcounsels.YouhavechosenrathertohearkentoSatan than toGod,andwouldbewithhim inhiswork.Youhavegivenyourself up to him, to be subject to his power and government, inoppositiontoGod;howjustlythereforemayGodalsogiveyouuptohim,and leave you in his power, to accomplish your ruin! Seeing you haveyieldedyourselftohiswill, todoashewouldhaveyou,surelyGodmayleaveyou inhishandstoexecutehiswilluponyou.IfmenwillbewithGod'senemy,andonhisside,whyisGodobligedtoredeemthemoutofhishands,whentheyhavedonehiswork?Doubtlessyouwouldbegladtoservethedevil,andbeGod'senemywhileyoulive,andthentohaveGodyour friend, anddeliver you from thedevil,whenyou come todie.Butwill God be unjust if he deals otherwise by you? No, surely! It will bealtogetherandperfectlyjust,thatyoushouldhaveyourportionwithhimwith whom you have chosen to work; and that you should be in hispossessiontowhosedominionyouhaveyieldedyourself;andifyoucrytoGod for deliverance, he may most justly give you that answer. Judges

10:14."Gotothegodswhichyouhavechosen."

5.Considerhowoften youhave refused tohearGod's calls to you, andhowjustitwouldthereforebe,ifheshouldrefusetohearyouwhenyoucalluponhim.Youareready,itmaybe,tocomplainthatyouhaveoftenprayed,andearnestlybeggedofGodtoshowyoumercy,andyethavenoanswerofprayer:Onesays,Ihavebeenconstant inprayer forsomanyyears,andGodhasnotheardme.Anothersays,IhavedonewhatIcan;Ihaveprayedasearnestlyas Iamable; IdonotseehowIcandomore;and itwill seemhard if afterall I amdenied.Butdo you considerhowoftenGodhascalled,andyouhavedeniedhim?Godhascalledearnestly,andforalongtime;hehascalledandcalledagaininhisword,andinhisprovidence,andyouhaverefused.Youwasnotuneasyforfearyoushouldnotshowregardenoughtohiscalls.Youlethimcallasloudandaslongashewould;foryourpart,youhadnoleisuretoattendtowhathesaid;youhadotherbusinesstomind;youhadtheseandthoseluststogratifyandplease,andworldlyconcernstoattend;youcouldnotaffordtostandconsideringofwhatGodhadtosaytoyou.WhentheministersofChristhavestoodandpleadedwithyou,inhisname,sabbathaftersabbath,andhaveevenspenttheirstrengthinit,howlittlewasyoumoved!Itdidnotalteryou,butyouwentonstillasyouusedtodo;whenyouwentaway,you returned again to your sins, to your lasciviousness, to your vainmirth,toyourcovetousness,toyourintemperance,andthathasbeenthelanguageofyourheartandpractice,Exodus5:2."WhoistheLord,thatIshouldobeyhisvoice?"Was itnocrime foryou to refuse tohearwhenGod called? And yet is it now very hard that God does not hear yourearnest calls, and that though your calling on God be not from anyrespect to him, but merely from self-love? The devil would beg asearnestlyasyou,ifhehadanyhopetogetsalvationbyit,andathousandtimesasearnestly,andyetbeasmuchofadevilasheisnow.Areyourcallsmore worthy to be heard than God's? Or is Godmore obliged toregardwhatyousaytohim,thanyoutoregardhiscommands,counsels,andinvitationstoyou?Whatcanbemorejusticethanthis,Proverbs1:24,&c."BecauseIhavecalled,andyerefused,Ihavestretchedoutmyhand,and no man regarded; but ye have set at nought all my counsel, andwouldnoneofmyreproof:Iwillalsolaughatyourcalamity,Iwillmockwhenyour fearcometh;whenyour fearcomethasdesolation,andyour

destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish comethuponyou.Thenshalltheycalluponme,butIwillnotanswer;theyshallseekmeearly,buttheyshallnotfindme."

6.Have you not taken encouragement to sin againstGod, on that verypresumption,thatGodwouldshowyoumercywhenyousoughtit?Andmay not God justly refuse you that mercy that you have so presumedupon?Youhaveflatteredyourself,thatthoughyoudidso,yetGodwouldshow youmercywhen you cried earnestly to him for it: how righteousthereforewoulditbeinGod,todisappointsuchawickedpresumption!Itwasuponthatveryhopethatyoudaredtoaffrontthemajestyofheavensodreadfullyasyouhavedone;andcanyounowbesosottishastothinkthatGodisobligednottofrustratethathope?

WhenasinnertakesencouragementtoneglectsecretprayerwhichGodhascommanded, togratifyhis lusts, to live a carnal vain life, to thwartGod, to run upon him, and contemn him to his face, thinking withhimself,"IfIdoso,Godwouldnotdamnme;heisamercifulGod,andthereforewhenIseekhismercyhewillbestowituponme;"mustGodbeaccounted hard because he will not do according to such a sinner'spresumption?

Cannot he be excused from showing such a sinner mercy when he ispleasedtoseekit,withoutincurringthechargeofbeingunjust;ifthisbethecase,Godhasnolibertytovindicatehisownhonourandmajesty;butmustlayhimselfopentoallmannerofaffronts,andyieldhimselfuptotheabuseofvilemen,thoughtheydisobey,despise,anddishonourhim,asmuchastheywill;andwhentheyhavedone,hismercyandpardoninggracemustnotbeinhisownpowerandathisowndisposal,buthemustbeobliged todispense it at their call.Hemust take thesebold andvilecontemnersofhismajesty,whenitsuitsthemtoaskit,andmustforgivealltheirsins,andnotonlyso,butmustadoptthemintohisfamily,andmake them his children, and bestow eternal glory upon them. Whatmean,low,andstrangethoughtshavesuchmenofGod,whothinkthusofhim!Consider,thatyouhaveinjuredGodthemore,andhavebeentheworseenemy tohim, forhisbeingamercifulGod.Sohave you treatedthat attribute of God's mercy! How just is it therefore that you nevershouldhaveanybenefitofthatattribute!

There is something peculiarly heinous in sinning against the mercy ofGod more than other attributes. There is such base and horridingratitude, inbeing theworse toGodbecausehe is a being of infinitegoodnessandgrace,thatitaboveallthingsrenderswickednessvileanddetestable.Thisoughttowinus,andengageustoserveGodbetter;butinsteadofthat,tosinagainsthimthemore,hassomethinginexpressiblybad in it, and does in a peculiar manner enhance guilt, and incensewrath;asseemstobe intimated,Romans2:4,5. "Ordespisest thou therichesofhisgoodness,andforbearance,andlong-suffering;notknowingthat the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thyhardnessandimpenitentheart,treasurestupuntothyselfwrathagainstthedayofwrathandrevelationoftherighteousjudgmentofGod."

ThegreaterthemercyofGodis,themoreshouldyoubeengagedtolovehim, and live to his glory. But it has been contrariwise with you; theconsiderationofthemerciesofGodbeingsoexceedinggreat,isthethingwherewithyouhaveencouragedyourselfinsin.Youhaveheardthatthemercy ofGodwaswithout bounds, that it was sufficient to pardon thegreatest sinner, and you have upon that very account ventured to be averygreatsinner.ThoughitwasveryoffensivetoGod,thoughyouheardthatGod infinitelyhatedsin, and that suchpracticesasyouwenton inwere exceeding contrary to his nature, will, and glory, yet that did notmake youuneasy; youheard thathewas a verymercifulGod, andhadgrace enough to pardon you, and so cared not how offensive your sinsweretohim.Howlonghavesomeofyougoneoninsin,andwhatgreatsins have some of you been guilty of, on that presumption! Your ownconsciencecangivetestimonytoit, thatthishasmadeyourefuseGod'scalls,andhasmadeyouregardlessofhisrepeatedcommands.Now,howrighteouswould itbe ifGodshouldswear inhiswrath, thatyoushouldneverbethebetterforhisbeinginfinitelymerciful!

Youringratitudehasbeenthegreater,thatyouhavenotonlyabusedtheattributeofGod'smercy,takingencouragementfromittocontinueinsin,butyouhavealsopresumedthatGodwouldexerciseinfinitemercytoyouinparticular;which consideration shouldhave especially endearedGodto you. You have taken encouragement to sin the more, from thatconsideration,thatChristcameintothewouldanddiedtosavesinners;

such thanks has Christ had from you, for enduring such a tormentingdeathforhisenemies!Now,howjustlymightGodrefusethatyoushouldever be the better for his Son's laying down his life! It was because ofthese things that you put off seeking salvation. You would take thepleasures of sin still longer, hardening yourself because mercy wasinfinite, and itwould not be too late, if you sought it afterwards; now,howjustlymayGoddisappointyouinthis,andsoorderitthatitshallbetoolate!

7.HowhavesomeofyourisenupagainstGod,andintheframeofyourmindsopposedhiminhissovereigndispensations!Andhowjustlyuponthat accountmight God oppose you, and set himself against you! YouneveryetwouldsubmittoGod;neverwillinglycomply,thatGodshouldhavedominionovertheworld,andthatheshouldgovernitforhisownglory, according to his own wisdom. You, a poor worm, a potsherd, abrokenpiece of an earthen vessel, have dared to find fault and quarrelwithGod.Isaiah16:9."WoetohimthatstrivethwithhisMaker.Letthepotsherdstrivewiththepotsherdsoftheearth:shalltheclaysaytohimthatfashionedit,Whatmakestthou?"Butyetyouhaveventuredtodoit.Romans9:20."Whoartthou,Oman,thatrepliestagainstGod?"Butyetyouhave thoughtyouwasbigenough;youhave takenuponyou tocallGodtoanaccount,whyhedoesthusandthus;youhavesaidtoJehovah,Whatdostthou?

IfyouhavebeenrestrainedbyfearfromopenlyventingyouroppositionandenmityofheartagainstGod'sgovernment,yetithasbeeninyou;youhavenotbeenquietintheframeofyourmind;youhavehadtheheartofaviperwithin,andhavebeenreadytospityourvenomatGod.Itiswellifsometimes you have not actually done it, by tolerating blasphemousthoughtsandmalignantrisingsofheartagainsthim;yea,andtheframeof your heart in some measure appeared in impatient and fretfulbehaviour.-Now,seeingyouhave thusopposedGod,how just is it thatGodshouldopposeyou!Orisitbecauseyouaresomuchbetter,andsomuchgreaterthanGod,thatitisacrimeforhimtomakethatoppositionagainstyouwhichyoumakeagainsthim?Doyouthinkthatthelibertyofmakingopposition is your exclusiveprerogative, so that youmaybe anenemytoGod,butGodmustbynomeansbeanenemytoyou,butmust

belookeduponunderobligationneverthelesstohelpyou,andsaveyoubyhisblood,andbestowhisbestblessingsuponyou?

ConsiderhowintheframeofyourmindyouhavethwartedGodinthoseveryexercisesofmercytowardsothersthatyouareseekingforyourself.God exercising his infinite grace towards your neighbours, has put youintoanillframe,anditmaybe,setyouintoatumultofmind.HowjustlythereforemayGodrefuseevertoexercisethatmercytowardsyou!HaveyounotthusopposedGodshowingmercytoothers,evenattheverytimewhenyoupretendedtobeearnestwithGodforpityandhelpforyourself?Yea, and while you was endeavouring to get something wherewith torecommend yourself to God? And will you look to God still with achallenge ofmercy, and contendwith him for it notwithstanding? Canyouwhohavesuchaheart,andhavethusbehavedyourself,cometoGodforanyotherthanmeresovereignmercy?

II.IfyoushouldforeverbecastoffbyGod,itwouldbeagreeabletoyourtreatmentofJesusChrist.ItwouldhavebeenjustwithGodifhehadcastyouoffforever,withoutevermakingyoutheofferofaSaviour.ButGodhath not done that; he has provided a Saviour for sinners, and offeredhim to you, even his own Son JesusChrist,who is the only Saviour ofmen.Allthatarenotforevercastoffaresavedbyhim.Godoffersmensalvationthroughhim,andhaspromisedus,thatifwecometohim,weshallnotbecastoff.But ifyouhavetreated,andstill treat, thisSaviourafter such amanner, that if you should be eternally cast off byGod, itwouldbemostagreeabletoyourbehaviourtowardshim;whichappearsby this, viz. "That you reject Christ, and will not have him for yourSaviour."

IfGodoffersyouaSaviourfromdeservedpunishment,andyouwillnotreceivehim,thensurelyitisjustthatyoushouldgowithoutaSaviour.Oris God obliged, because you do not like this Saviour, to provide youanother?Hehasgivenaninfinitelyhonourableandgloriousperson,evenhisonlybegottenSon,tobeasacrificeforsin,andsoprovidedsalvation;andthisSaviourisofferedtoyou:nowifyourefusetoaccepthim,isGodthereforeunjust ifhedoesnot saveyou? Isheobliged to saveyou inaway of your own choosing, because you do not like the way of hischoosing?Orwill you chargeChristwith injustice because he does not

becomeyourSaviour,whenatthesametimeyouwillnothavehimwhenhe offers himself to you, and beseeches you to accept of him as yourSaviour?

Iamsensiblethatbythistimemanypersonsarereadytoobjectagainstthis. If all should speak what they now think, we should hear amurmuringalloverthemeeting-house,andoneandanotherwouldsay,"Icannotseehowthiscanbe,thatIamnotwillingthatChristshouldbemySaviour,whenIwouldgivealltheworldthathewasmySaviour:howis itpossible that I shouldnotbewilling tohaveChrist formySaviourwhenthisiswhatIamseekingafter,andprayingfor,andstrivingfor,asformylife?"

HerethereforeIwouldendeavourtoconvinceyou,thatyouareunderagrossmistake inthismatter.And,First, Iwouldendeavourtoshowthegroundsofyourmistake.AndSecondly,Todemonstratetoyou,thatyouhaverejected,anddowilfullyreject,JesusChrist.

First,Thatyoumayseetheweakgroundsofyourmistake,consider,

1. There is a great deal of difference between a willingness not to bedamned,andabeingwillingtoreceiveChrist foryourSavior.Youhavethe former; there is no doubt of that: nobody supposes that you lovemiserysoastochooseaneternityofit;andsodoubtlessyouarewillingtobe saved frometernalmisery.But that is a verydifferent thingfrombeingwillingtocometoChrist:personsverycommonlymistaketheonefortheother,buttheyarequitetwothings.Youmaylovethedeliverance,buthatethedeliverer.Youtellofawillingness;butconsiderwhatistheobjectofthatwillingness.ItdoesnotrespectChrist;thewayofsalvationbyhim isnotat all theobjectof it;but it iswholly terminatedonyourescapefrommisery.Theinclinationofyourwillgoesnofurtherthanself,itneverreachesChrist.Youarewillingnot tobemiserable; that is,youlove yourself, and there yourwill and choice terminate.And it is but avainpretenceanddelusiontosayorthink,thatyouarewillingtoacceptofChrist.

2. There is certainly a great deal of difference between a forcedcompliance and a free willingness. Force and freedom cannot consist

together.Nowthatwillingness,wherebyyouthinkyouarewillingtohaveChristforaSaviour,ismerelyaforcedthing.YourheartdoesnotgooutafterChristofitself,butyouareforcedanddriventoseekaninterestinhim.Christhasnoshareatallinyourheart;thereisnomannerofclosingoftheheartwithhim.ThisforcedcomplianceisnotwhatChristseeksofyou; he seeks a free and willing acceptance, Psalm 110:3. "Thy peopleshall bewilling in theday of thypower."He seeksnot that you shouldreceivehimagainstyourwill,butwithafreewill.Heseeksentertainmentinyourheartandchoice.-And ifyourefuse thus to receiveChrist,howjust is it that Christ should refuse to receive you?How reasonable areChrist'sterms,whoofferstosaveallthosethatwillingly,orwithagoodwill,acceptofhimfortheirSaviour!WhocanrationallyexpectthatChristshould force himself upon anyman to be his Saviour?Orwhat can belookedformorereasonable,thanthatallwhowouldbesavedbyChrist,should heartily and freely entertain him? And surely it would be verydishonourableforChristtoofferhimselfuponlowerterms.-ButIwouldnowproceed,

Secondly,ToshowthatyouarenotwillingtohaveChrist foraSaviour.Toconvinceyouofit,consider,

1.How it is possible that you shouldbewilling to accept ofChrist as aSaviour from the desert of a punishment that you are not sensible youhavedeserved.IfyouaretrulywillingtoacceptofChristasaSaviour,itmustbeasasacrificetomakeatonementforyourguilt.Christcameintotheworldonthiserrand,toofferhimselfasanatonement,toanswerforourdesertofpunishment.ButhowcanyoubewillingtohaveChristforaSaviourfromadesertofhell,ifyoubenotsensiblethatyouhaveadesertofhell?Ifyouhavenotreallydeservedeverlastingburningsinhell,thenthe very offer of an atonement for such a desert is an imposition uponyou. If you have no such guilt upon you, then the very offer of asatisfactionforthatguiltisaninjury,becauseitimpliesinitachargeofguilt that you are free from.Now therefore it is impossible that amanwhoisnotconvincedofhisguiltcanbewillingtoacceptofsuchanoffer;becausehecannotbewillingtoacceptthechargewhichtheofferimplies.A man who is not convinced that he has deserved so dreadful apunishment,cannotwillinglysubmittobechargedwithit.Ifhethinkshe

iswilling,itisbutamereforced,feignedbusiness;becauseinhishearthelooksuponhimselfgreatlyinjured;andthereforehecannotfreelyacceptof Christ, under that notion of a Saviour from the desert of such apunishment; for such an acceptance is an implicit owning that he doesdeservesuchapunishment.

Idonotsay,butthatmenmaybewillingtobesavedfromanundeservedpunishment; they may rather not suffer it, than suffer it. But a mancannot be willing to accept one at God's hands, under the notion of aSaviour fromapunishmentdeserved fromhimwhichhe thinks he hasnotdeserved;it isimpossiblethatanyoneshouldfreelyallowaSaviourunderthatnotion.SuchanonecannotlikethewayofsalvationbyChrist;forifhethinkshehasnotdeservedhell,thenhewillthinkthatfreedomfromhellisadebt;andthereforecannotwillinglyandheartilyreceiveitasafreegift.-Ifakingshouldcondemnamantosometormentingdeath,which the condemned person thought himself not deserving of, butlooked upon the sentence as unjust and cruel, and the king, when thetime of execution drew nigh, should offer him his pardon, under thenotionofaverygreatactofgraceandclemency,thecondemnedpersonnevercouldwillinglyandheartilyallowitunderthatnotion,becausehejudgedhimselfunjustlycondemned.

Nowby this it is evident that you arenotwilling to accept ofChrist asyour Saviour; because you never yet had such a sense of your ownsinfulness,andsuchaconvictionofyourgreatguiltinGod'ssight,astobeindeedconvincedthatyoulayjustlycondemnedtothepunishmentofhell.Youneverwasconvincedthatyouhadforfeitedallfavour,andwasinGod'shands,andathissovereignandarbitrarydisposal, tobeeitherdestroyedorsaved,justashepleased.YouneveryetwasconvincedofthesovereigntyofGod.Henceare there somany objections arising againstthejusticeofyourpunishmentfromoriginalsin,andfromGod'sdecree,frommercyshowntoothers,andthelike.

2.ThatyouarenotsincerelywillingtoacceptofChristasyourSaviour,appearsbythis,Thatyouneverhavebeenconvincedthatheissufficientfortheworkofyoursalvation.YouneverhadasightorsenseofanysuchexcellencyorworthinessinChrist,asshouldgivesuchgreatvaluetohisbloodandhismediationwithGod,asthatitwassufficienttobeaccepted

for such exceeding guilty creatures, who have so provoked God, andexposedthemselvestosuchamazingwrath.Sayingitissoandallowingitbeasotherssay,isaverydifferentthingfrombeingreallyconvincedofit,and a being made sensible of it in your own heart. The sufficiency ofChristdependsupon,orratherconsistsinhisexcellency.Itisbecauseheis soexcellentaperson thathisblood isof sufficient value toatone forsin,anditishencethathisobedienceissoworthyinGod'ssight;itisalsohencethathisintercessionissoprevalent;andthereforethosethatneverhadanyspiritualsightorsenseofChrist'sexcellency,cannotbesensibleofhissufficiency.

AndthatsinnersarenotconvincedthatChrist issufficient fortheworkhehasundertaken, appearsmostmanifestlywhen theyareundergreatconvictions of their sin, and danger of God's wrath. Though itmay bebeforetheythoughttheycouldallowChristtobesufficient,(foritiseasytoallowanyonetobesufficientforourdefenseatatimewhenweseenodanger,)yetwhentheycometobesensibleoftheirguiltandGod'swrath,what discouraging thoughts do they entertain! How are they ready todraw towardsdespair,as if therewerenohopeorhelp forsuchwickedcreaturesasthey!Thereasonis,Theyhavenoapprehensionorsenseofany other way that God's majesty can be vindicated, but only in theirmisery.To tell themof thebloodofChristsignifiesnothing, itdoesnotrelieve their sinking,despairinghearts.Thismakes itmostevident thattheyarenotconvincedthatChristissufficienttobetheirMediator.-Andas longas theyareunconvincedof this, it is impossible they shouldbewilling to accept of him as their Mediator and Saviour. A man indistressing fearwillnotwillinglybetakehimself toa fort thathe judgesnot sufficient to defend him from the enemy. Aman will not willinglyventureoutintotheoceaninashipthathesuspectsisleaky,andwillsinkbeforehegetsthroughhisvoyage.

3. It is evident that youarenotwilling tohaveChrist for yourSaviour,becauseyouhavesomeananopinionofhim,thatyoudurstnottrusthisfaithfulness.OnethatundertakestobetheSaviourofsoulshadneedbefaithful; for ifhefails insuchatrust,howgreat is the loss!ButyouarenotconvincedofChrist'sfaithfulness;asisevident,becauseatsuchtimesas when you are in a considerable measure sensible of your guilt and

God'sanger, youcannotbeconvinced thatChrist iswilling toacceptofyou,or thathe stands ready to receiveyou, if you should come tohim,though Christ so much invites you to come to him, and has so fullydeclaredthathewillnotrejectyou,ifyoudocome;asparticularly,John6:37."Himthatcomethtome,Iwillinnowisecastout."Now,thereisnomancanbeheartilywillingtotrusthiseternalwelfareinthehandsofanunfaithfulperson,oronewhosefaithfulnesshesuspects.

4. You are notwilling to be saved in thatway by Christ, as is evident,because you are not willing that your own goodness should be set atnought.InthewayofsalvationbyChristmen'sowngoodness iswhollysetatnought; there isnoaccountatallmadeof it.Nowyou cannotbewillingtobesavedinawaywhereinyourowngoodnessissetatnought,asisevident,sinceyoumakemuchofityourself.Youmakemuchofyourprayers and pains in religion, and are often thinking of them; howconsiderabledotheyappeartoyou,whenyoulookbackuponthem!Andsomeofyouarethinkinghowmuchmoreyouhavedonethanothers,andexpectingsomerespectorregardthatGodshouldmanifest towhatyoudo.Now, if youmakesomuchofwhatyoudoyourself, it is impossiblethatyoushouldbefreelywillingthatGodshouldmakenothingofit.Aswemaysee inother things; ifaman isproudofagreatestate,or ifhevalueshimselfmuchuponhishonourableoffice,orhisgreatabilities,itisimpossible thathe should like it, andheartily approveof it, thatothersshouldmakelightofthesethingsanddespisethem.

Seeing therefore it is so evident, that you refuse to accept of Christ asyour Saviour, why is Christ to be blamed that he does not save you?Christhasofferedhimselftoyou,tobeyourSaviourintimepast,andhecontinuesofferinghimself still, andyoucontinue to rejecthim,andyetcomplain that he does not save you.- So strangely unreasonable, andinconsistentwiththemselves,aregospelsinners!

ButIexpecttherearemanyofyouthatstillobject.Suchanobjectionasthis,isprobablynowintheheartsofmanyherepresent.

Objection. If I am not willing to have Christ for my Saviour, I cannotmakemyself willing.- But I would give an answer to this objection bylaying down two things, that must be acknowledged to be exceeding

evident.

1. It isnoexcuse, thatyoucannot receiveChristofyourself,unlessyouwould if you could. This is so evident of itself, that it scarce needs anyproof. Certainly if persons would not if they could, it is just the samethingastotheblamethatliesuponthem,whethertheycanorcannot.Ifyouwerewilling,andthen foundthatyoucouldnot,yourbeing unablewouldalterthecase,andmightbesomeexcuse;becausethenthedefectwouldnotbeinyourwill,butonlyinyourability.Butaslongasyouwillnot,itisnomatter,whetheryouhaveabilityornoability.

If you are not willing to accept of Christ, it follows that you have nosincere willingness to be willing; because the will always necessarilyapprovesofandrestsinitsownacts.Tosupposethecontrary,wouldbeto suppose a contradiction; it would be to suppose that aman'swill iscontrarytoitself,orthathewillscontrarytowhathehimselfwills.Asyouare notwilling to come toChrist, and cannotmake yourselfwilling, soyouhaveno sinceredesire tobewilling; and thereforemaymost justlyperishwithoutaSaviour.There isnoexcuseatall foryou; forsaywhatyouwillaboutyourinability,theseatofyourblameliesinyourperversewill, that isanenemytotheSaviour. It is invain foryouto tellofyourwant of power, as long as yourwill is founddefective. If aman shouldhateyou,andsmiteyouintheface,butshouldtellyouatthesametime,thathehatedyousomuch,thathecouldnothelpchoosingandwillingsoto do, would you take it the more patiently for that? Would not yourindignationberatherstirredupthemore?

2. If you would be willing if you could, that is no excuse, unless yourunwillingness to be willing be sincere. That which is hypocritical, anddoesnotcomefromtheheart,butismerelyforced,oughtwhollytobesetaside,asworthyofnoconsideration;becausecommonsenseteaches,thatwhatisnothearty,buthypocriticalisindeednothing,beingonlyashowofwhatisnot;butthatwhichisgoodfornothing,oughttogofornothing.Butifyousetasideallthatisnotfree,andcallnothingawillingness,butafreeheartywillingness,thenseehowthecasestands,andwhetherornoyouhavenotlostallyourexcuseforstandingoutagainstthecallsofthegospel.Yousayyouwouldmakeyourselfwilling toaccept if youcould;butitisnotfromanygoodprinciplethatyouarewillingforthat.Itisnot

fromany free inclination, or true respect toChrist, or any love to yourduty,oranyspiritofobedience. It isnot fromthe influenceofany realrespect,ortendencyinyourheart, towardsanythinggood,orfromanyotherprinciple than such as is in the hearts of devils, andwouldmakethemhave thesamesortofwillingness in the samecircumstances. It isthereforeevident,thattherecanbenogoodnessinthatwouldbewillingtocometoChrist:andthatwhichhasnogoodness,cannotbeanexcuseforanybadness. If therebenogood in it, then it signifiesnothing,andweighsnothing,whenputintothescalestocounterbalancethatwhichisbad.

Sinners therefore spend their time in foolish arguing and objecting,makingmuch of that which is good for nothing,making those excusesthat arenotworthoffering. It is in vain to keepmaking objection. Youstandjustlycondemned.Theblameliesatyourdoor:Thrust itoff fromyouasoftenasyouwill,itwillreturnuponyou.Sewfig-leavesaslongasyouwill,yournakednesswillappear.Youcontinuewilfullyandwickedlyrejecting Jesus Christ, and will not have him for your Saviour, andthereforeitissottishmadnessinyoutochargeChristwithinjusticethathedoesnotsaveyou.

Hereisthesinofunbelief!Thustheguiltofthatgreatsinliesuponyou!IfyouneverhadthustreatedaSaviour,youmightmostjustlyhavebeendamned to all eternity: it would but be exactly agreeable to yourtreatment of God. But besides this, when God, notwithstanding, hasofferedyouhisowndearSon, tosaveyou fromthisendlessmiseryyouhad deserved, and not only so, but tomake you happy eternally in theenjoymentofhimself,youhaverefusedhim,andwouldnothavehimforyourSaviour,andstillrefusetocomplywiththeoffersofthegospel;whatcan render anypersonmore inexcusable? If you should nowperish forever,whatcanyouhavetosay?

HerebythejusticeofGodinyourdestructionappearsintworespects:

1. It is more abundantly manifest that it is just that you should bedestroyed.Justiceneverappearssoconspicuousas itdoesafterrefusedand abusedmercy. Justice in damnation appears abundantly themoreclearandbright,afterawilfulrejectionofofferedsalvation.Whatcanan

offended prince do more than freely offer pardon to a condemnedmalefactor? And if he refuses to accept of it, will any one say that hisexecutionisunjust?

2.God'sjusticewillappearinyourgreaterdestruction.Besidestheguiltthatyouwouldhavehad ifaSaviourneverhadbeenoffered,youbringthatgreatadditionalguiltuponyou,ofmostungratefullyrefusingoffereddeliverance.WhatmorebaseandviletreatmentofGodcantherebe,thanfor you, when justly condemned to eternal misery, and ready to beexecuted,andGodgraciouslysendshisownSon,whocomesandknocksatyourdoorwithapardoninhishand,andnotonlyapardon,butadeedofeternalglory;Isay,whatcanbeworse,thanforyou,outofdislikeandenmityagainstGodandhisSon,torefusetoacceptthosebenefitsathishands? How justly may the anger of God be greatly incensed andincreased by it!When a sinner thus ungratefully rejectsmercy, his lasterror is worse than the first; this is more heinous than all his formerrebellion,andmayjustlybringdownmorefearfulwrathuponhim.

The heinousness of this sin of rejecting a Saviour especially appears intwothings:

1.Thegreatnessofthebenefitsoffered:whichappearsinthegreatnessofthe deliverance, which is from inexpressible degrees of corruption andwickednessofheart and life, the leastdegreeofwhich is infinitely evil;andfrommiserythatiseverlasting;andinthegreatnessandgloryoftheinheritancepurchasedandoffered.Hebrews2:3."Howshallweescape,ifweneglectsogreatsalvation."

2.Thewonderfulnessofthewayinwhichthesebenefitsareprocuredandoffered.ThatGodshouldlayhelponhisownSon,whenourcasewassodeplorablethathelpcouldbehadinnomerecreature;andthatheshouldundertakeforus,andshouldcomeintotheworld,andtakeuponhimournature,andshouldnotonlyappear ina lowstateof life,butshoulddiesuchadeath,andenduresuchtormentsandcontemptforsinnerswhileenemies,howwonderful is it!Andwhattongueorpencanset forththegreatness of the ingratitude, baseness, and perverseness there is in it,whenaperishingsinnerthatisinthemostextremenecessityofsalvation,rejects it, after it is procured in such a way as this! That so glorious a

personshouldbethustreated,andthatwhenhecomesonsograciousanerrand! That he should stand so long offering himself and calling andinviting,ashehasdonetomanyofyou,andalltonopurpose,butallthewhilebesetatnought!Surelyyoumight justlybecast intohellwithoutonemoreofferof aSaviour!Yea, and thrustdown into the lowesthell!Herein you have exceeded the very devils; for they never rejected theoffersofsuchgloriousmercy;no,norofanymercyatall.Thiswillbethedistinguishing condemnation of gospel-sinners, John 3:18. "He thatbelievethnotiscondemnedalready,becausehehathnotbelievedinthename of the only begotten Son of God."- That outward smoothness ofyourcarriage towardsChrist, thatappearanceof respect tohim inyourlooks,yourspeeches,andgestures,donotarguebutthatyousethimatnought in your heart. There may be much of these outward shows ofrespect,andyetyoube likeJudas, thatbetrayed theSonofmanwithakiss;andlikethosemockersthatbowedthekneebeforehim,andatthesametimespitinhisface.

III. If God should for ever cast you off and destroy you, it would beagreeable to your treatment of others.- Itwouldbeno other thanwhatwould be exactly answerable to your behaviour towards your fellow-creatures, that have the same human nature, and are naturally in thesamecircumstanceswithyou,andthatyououghttoloveasyourself.Andthatappearsespeciallyintwothings.

1.Youhavemanyofyoubeenopposite inyourspirit tothesalvationofothers. There are several ways that natural men manifest a spirit ofoppositionagainstthesalvationofsouls.Itsometimesappearsbyafearthattheircompanions,acquaintances,andequals,willobtainmercy,andsobecomeunspeakablyhappierthanthey.Itissometimesmanifestedbyan uneasiness at the news of what others have hopefully obtained. Itappearswhenpersonsenvyothersforit,anddislikethemthemore,anddisrelish their talk, and avoid their company, and cannot bear to heartheirreligiousdiscourse,andespeciallytoreceivewarningsandcounselsfromthem.Anditoftentimesappearsbytheirbackwardnesstoentertaincharitablethoughtsofthem,andbytheirbeingbroughtwithdifficultytobelievethattheyhaveobtainedmercy,andaforwardnesstolistentoanythingthatseemstocontradict it.ThedevilhatedtoownJob'ssincerity,

Job1:7,&c.andchapter2,verses3,4,5.Thereappearsveryoftenmuchof this spirit of the devil in naturalmen. Sometimes they are ready tomakearidiculeofothers'pretendedgodliness;theyspeakofthegroundofothers'hopes,astheenemiesoftheJewsdidofthewallthattheybuilt.Nehemiah4:3."NowTobiahtheAmmonitewasbyhim,andhesaid,Thatwhich they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stonewall."TherearemanythatjoinwithSanballatandTobiah,andareofthesamespiritwiththem.Therealwayswas,andalwayswillbe,anenmitybetwixttheseedoftheserpentandtheseedofthewomen.ItappearedinCain,whohatedhisbrother,becausehewasmoreacceptabletoGodthanhimself; and it appears still in these times, and in thisplace.There aremanythatareliketheelderbrother,whocouldnotbearthattheprodigalwhen he returned should be received with such joy and goodentertainment,andwasputintoafretbyit,bothagainsthisbrotherthathadreturned,andhisfatherthathadmadehimsowelcome.Luke15.

Thus have many of you been opposite to the salvation of others, whostandinasgreatnecessityofitasyou.Youhavebeenagainsttheirbeingdeliveredfromeverlastingmisery,whocanbearitnobetterthanyou;notbecause their salvationwoulddoyouanyhurt,or theirdamnationhelpyou,anyotherwisethanasitwouldgratifythatvilespiritthatissomuchlike the spirit of the devil, who, because he is miserable himself, isunwillingthatothersshouldbehappy.Howjustthereforeis itthatGodshouldbeoppositetoyoursalvation!Ifyouhavesolittleloveormercyinyouastobegrudgeyourneighbour'ssalvation,whomyouhavenocausetohate,butthe lawofGodandnaturerequiresyouto love,why isGodboundtoexercisesuch infinite loveandmercytoyou,as tosaveyouatthepriceofhisownblood?you,whomhe isnowaybound to love,butwhohavedeservedhishatredathousandandathousandtimes?Youarenot willing that others should be converted, who have behavedthemselvesinjuriouslytowardsyou;andyet,willyoucountithardifGoddoes not bestow converting grace upon you that have deserved tenthousandtimesasillofGod,aseveranyofyourneighbourshaveofyou?You are opposite toGod's showingmercy to those that you think havebeen vicious persons, and are very unworthy of suchmercy. Is others'unworthinessajustreasonwhyGodshouldnotbestowmercyonthem?AndyetwillGodbehard,if,notwithstandingallyourunworthiness,and

theabominablenessof your spirit andpractice inhis sight,hedoesnotshow you mercy? You would have God bestow liberally on you, andupbraid not; but yetwhen he showsmercy to others, you are ready toupbraid as soon as you hear of it; you immediately are thinking withyourself how ill they have behaved themselves; and it may be yourmouthsonthisoccasionareopen,enumeratingandaggravatingthesinstheyhavebeenguilty of.YouwouldhaveGodbury all your faults, andwholly blot out all your transgressions; but yet if he bestowsmercy onothers,itmaybeyouwilltakethatoccasiontorakeupalltheiroldfaultsthatyoucanthinkof.Youdonotmuchreflectonandcondemnyourselfforyourbasenessandunjustspirittowardsothers,inyouroppositiontotheirsalvation;youdonotquarrelwithyourself,andcondemnyourselffor this;butyetyou inyourheartwillquarrelwithGod,and fretathisdispensations,becauseyouthinkheseemsoppositetoshowingmercytoyou.Onewould think that the consideration of these things should foreverstopyourmouth.

2.Considerhowyouhavepromotedothers'damnation.Manyofyou,bythebadexamplesyouhaveset,bycorruptingthemindsofothers,byyoursinful conversation, by leading them into or strengthening them in sin,and by the mischief you have done in human society other ways thatmightbementioned,havebeenguiltyofthosethingsthathavetendedtoothers'damnation.YouhaveheretoforeappearedonthesideofsinandSatan, and have strengthened their interest, and have beenmanywaysaccessary to others' sins, have hardened their hearts, and thereby havedonewhathastendedtotheruinoftheirsouls.-Withoutdoubttherearethoseherepresentwhohavebeeninagreatmeasurethemeansofothers'damnation.Onemanmayreallybeameansofothers'damnationaswellassalvation.ChristchargesthescribesandPhariseeswiththis,Matthew23:13."Yeshutupthekingdomofheavenagainstmen;foryeneithergoinyourselves,neithersufferyethemthatareentering,togoin."Wehavenoreasonto thinkthat thiscongregationhasnone in itwhoarecursedfrom day to day by poor souls that are roaring out in hell, whosedamnationtheyhavebeenthemeansof,orhavegreatlycontributedto.-There are many who contribute to their own children's damnation, byneglecting their education, by setting thembad examples, andbringingthemupinsinfulways.Theytakesomecareoftheirbodies,buttakelittle

care of their poor souls; they provide for them bread to eat, but denythem thebreadof life, that their famishing souls stand inneedof.Andare therenosuchparentsherewhohave thus treated their children? Iftheirchildren benot gone to hell, no thanks to them; it is not becausetheyhavenotdonewhathastendedtotheirdestruction.Seeingthereforeyou have had nomore regard to others' salvation, and have promotedtheirdamnation,howjustlymightGodleaveyoutoperishyourself!

IV.IfGodshouldeternallycastyouoff,itwouldbutbeagreeabletoyourownbehaviourtowardsyourself;andthatintworespects:

1. In being so careless of your own salvation. You have refused to takecareforyoursalvation,asGodhascounselledandcommandedyoufromtimetotime;andwhymaynotGodneglectit,nowyouseekitofhim?IsGodobligedtobemorecarefulofyourhappiness,thanyouareeitherofyourownhappinessorhisglory?IsGodboundtotakethatcareforyou,outoflovetoyou,thatyouwillnottakeforyourself,eitherfromlovetoyourself,orregardtohisauthority?Howlong,andhowgreatly,haveyouneglected thewelfare of your precious soul, refusing to take pains anddenyyourself,orputyourselfa littleoutofyourwayforyoursalvation,whileGodhasbeencallinguponyou!NeitheryourdutytoGod,norlovetoyourownsoul,wereenoughtoinduceyoutodolittlethingsforyourowneternalwelfare;andyetdoyounowexpectthatGodshoulddogreatthings,puttingforthalmightypower,andexercisinginfinitemercyforit?Youwasurgedtotakecareforyoursalvation,andnottoputitoff.Youwastoldthatwasthebesttimebeforeyougrewolder,andthatitmightbe,ifyouwouldputitoff,Godwouldnothearyouafterwards;butyetyouwould not hearken; you would run the venture of it. Now how justlymightGodorder it so, that it shouldbe too late, leavingyou to seek invain!Youwas told, that youwould repent of it if you delayed; but youwouldnothear:howjustlythereforemayGodgiveyoucausetorepentofit,byrefusingtoshowyoumercynow!IfGodseesyougoingoninwayscontrary to his commands and his glory, and requires you to forsakethem, and tells you that they tend to the destruction of your own soul,andthereforecounselsyoutoavoidthem,andyourefuse;howjustwoulditbe ifGodshouldbeprovokedby it,henceforward tobeascarelessofthegoodofyoursoulasyouareyourself!

2.Youhavenotonlyneglectedyoursalvation,butyouhavewilfullytakendirect courses to undo yourself. You have gone on in those ways andpracticeswhichhavedirectly tended toyourdamnation, andhavebeenperverse and obstinate it. You cannot plead ignorance; you had all thelight set before you that you could desire. God told you that you wasundoingyourself;butyetyouwoulddoit.Hetoldyouthatthepathyouwasgoing in led todestruction,andcounselledyou toavoid it;butyouwould not hearken. How justly therefore may God leave you to beundone!Youhaveobstinatelypersistedtotravelinthewaythatleadstohellforalongtime,contrarytoGod'scontinualcounselsandcommands,tillitmaybeatlengthyouaregotalmosttoyourjourney'send,andarecomeneartohell'sgate,andsobegintobesensibleofyourdangerandmisery; andnot account it unjust andhard ifGodwill notdeliver you!Youhavedestroyedyourself,anddestroyedyourselfwilfully,contrarytoGod's repeatedcounsels, yea, anddestroyedyourself in fightingagainstGod. Now therefore, why do you blame any but yourself if you aredestroyed? If you will undo yourself in opposing God, and while Godopposes you by his calls and counsels, and, it may be too, by theconvictionsofhisSpirit,whatcanyouobjectagainstit,ifGodnowleavesyoutobeundone?Youwouldhaveyourownway,anddidnot likethatGod shouldoppose you in it, and yourwaywas to ruin your own soul;howjustthereforeisit,if,nowatlength,Godceasestoopposeyou,andfallsinwithyou,andletsyoursoulberuined;andasyouwoulddestroyyourself,soshouldputtohishandtodestroyyoutoo!Thewaysyouwentoninhadanaturaltendencytoyourmisery:ifyouwoulddrinkpoisoninoppositiontoGod,andincontemptofhimandhisadvice,whocanyoublamebutyourself ifyouarepoisoned,andsoperish?IfyouwouldrunintothefireagainstallrestraintsbothofGod'smercyandauthority,youmustevenblameyourselfifyouareburnt.

Thus I have proposed some things to your consideration,which, if youare not exceeding blind, senseless, and perverse, will stop yourmouth,andconvinceyouthatyoustandjustlycondemnedbeforeGod;andthathewouldinnowisedealhardlywithyou,butaltogetherjustly,indenyingyou anymercy, and in refusing to hear your prayers, though you prayneversoearnestly,andneversooften,andcontinuein itneverso long.Godmayutterlydisregardyourtearsandmoans,yourheavyheart,your

earnestdesires,andgreatendeavours;andhemaycastyouintoeternaldestruction,withoutanyregardtoyourwelfare,denyingyouconvertinggrace,andgivingyouovertoSatan,andatlastcastyouintothelakethatburnswithfireandbrimstone,tobetheretoeternity,havingnorestdayor night, for ever glorifying his justice upon you in the presence of theholyangels,andinthepresenceoftheLamb.

Objection.Butheremanymaystillobject,(forIamsensibleitisahardthing to stop sinners' mouths,) "God shows mercy to others that havedonethesethingsaswellasI,yea,thathavedoneagreatdealworsethanI."

Answer.1.ThatdoesnotprovethatGodisanywayboundtoshowmercytoyou,orthemeither.IfGodbestowsitonothers,hedoesnotsobecauseheisboundtobestowit:hemightifhehadpleased,withgloriousjustice,havedenieditthem.IfGodbestowsitonsome,thatdoesnotprovethatheisboundtobestowitonany;andifheisboundtobestowitonnone,thenheisnotboundtobestowitonyou.Godisindebttonone;andifhegivestosomethatheisnotindebtto,becauseitishispleasure,thatdoesnotbringhimintodebttoothers.Italtersnotthecaseastoyou,whetherothershaveit,orhaveitnot:youdonotdeservedamnationtheless,thanifmercyneverhadbeenbestowedonanyatall.Matthew20:15."Isthineeyeevil,becausemineisgood?"

2.Ifthisobjectionbegood,thentheexerciseofGod'smercyisnotinhisownright,andhisgraceisnothisowntogive.ThatwhichGodmaynotdisposeofashepleases,isnothisown;forthatwhichisone'sown,isathis own disposal: but if it be notGod's own, then he is not capable ofmakingagiftorpresentofittoanyone;itisimpossibletogivewhatisadebt.-WhatisitthatyouwouldmakeofGod?MustthegreatGodbetiedup,thathemustnotusehisownpleasureinbestowinghisowngifts,butifhebestowsthemonone,mustbelookeduponobligedtobestowthemonanother?IsnotGodworthytohavethesameright,withrespecttothegiftsofhisgrace,thatamanhastohismoneyorgoods?IsitbecauseGodis not so great, and should be more in subjection than man, that thiscannot be allowed him? If any of you see cause to show kindness to aneighbour,doall therestofyourneighbourscometoyou,andtellyou,thatyouowethemsomuchasyouhavegiventosuchaman?Butthisis

thewaythatyoudealwithGod,asthoughGodwerenotworthytohaveasabsoluteapropertyinhisgoods,asyouhaveinyours.

AtthisrateGodcannotmakeapresentofanything;hehasnothingofhisowntobestow:ifhehasamindtoshowpeculiarfavourtosome,ortolaysomeparticularpersonsunderpeculiarobligationstohim,hecannotdoit;becausehehasnospecialgiftathisowndisposal.Ifthisbethecase,whydoyoupraytoGodtobestowsavinggraceuponyou?IfGoddoesnotdo fairly to deny it you, because he bestows it on others, then it is notworthyourwhiletoprayforit,butyoumaygoandtellhimthathehasbestoweditonothersasbadorworsethanyou,andsodemanditofhimasadebt.AndatthisratepersonsneverneedtothankGodforsalvation,when it is bestowed; for what occasion is there to thank God for thatwhich was not at his own disposal, and that he could not fairly havedenied?Thethingatbottomis,thatmenhavelowthoughtsofGod,andhighthoughtsofthemselves;andthereforeitisthattheylookuponGodas having so little right, and they so much. Matthew 20:15. "Is it notlawfulformetodowhatIwillwithmineown?"

3.Godmayjustlyshowgreaterrespecttoothersthantoyou,foryouhaveshowngreaterrespecttoothersthantoGod.YouhaveratherchosentooffendGod thanmen.Godonly shows a greater respect to others,whoare by nature your equals, than to you; but you have shown a greaterrespecttothosethatareinfinitelyinferiortoGodthantohim.YouhaveshownagreaterregardtowickedmenthantoGod;youhavehonouredthemmore,lovedthembetter,andadheredtothemratherthantohim.Yea,youhavehonouredthedevil,inmanyrespects,morethanGod:youhavechosenhiswillandhisinterest,ratherthanGod'swillandhisglory:youhavechosenalittleworldlypelf,ratherthanGod:youhavesetmoreby a vile lust than by him: you have chosen these things, and rejectedGod.Youhavesetyourheartonthesethings,andcastGodbehindyourback:andwhereistheinjusticeifGodispleasedtoshowgreaterrespecttoothersthantoyou,orifhechoosesothersandrejectsyou?Youhaveshown greater respect to vile and worthless things, and no respect toGod's glory; andwhymaynotGod set his love on others, andhave norespecttoyourhappiness?Youhaveshowngreatrespecttoothers,andnottoGod,whomyouarelaidunderinfiniteobligationstorespectabove

all; andwhymaynotGod show respect to others, andnot to you,whoneverhavelaidhimundertheleastobligation?

Andwill you not be ashamed, notwithstanding all these things, still toopenyourmouth,toobjectandcavilaboutthedecreesofGod,andotherthingsthatyoucannotfullyunderstand.LetthedecreesofGodbewhattheywill,thataltersnotthecaseastoyourliberty,anymorethanifGodhad only foreknown. And why is God to blame for decreeing things?Especially since he decrees nothing but good. How unbecoming aninfinitelywiseBeingwould it have been to havemade aworld, and letthings run at random, without disposing events, or fore-ordering howthey should come topass?Andwhat is that to you, howGodhas fore-ordered things, as longas your constant experience teaches you, that itdoesnothinderyourdoingwhatyouchoose todo.Thisyouknow,andyour daily practice and behaviour amongst men declares that you arefully sensible of it with respect to yourself and others. Still to object,because there are some things in God's dispensations above yourunderstanding, is exceedingly unreasonable. Your own consciencecharges you with great guilt, and with those things that have beenmentioned,letthesecretthingsofGodbewhattheywill.Yourconsciencechargesyouwiththoseviledispositions,andthatbasebehaviourtowardsGod, that youwould at any timemost highly resent in your neighbourtowards you, and that not a whit the less for any concern those secretcounselsandmysteriousdispensationsofGodmayhaveinthematter.Itis invain for you to exalt yourself against an infinitely great, andholy,and justGod. Ifyoucontinue in it, itwillbe toyoureternalshameandconfusion,whenhereafter you shall see atwhose door all the blame ofyourmiserylies.

Iwill finishwhatIhave tosay tonaturalmen in theapplicationof thisdoctrine,withacautionnotto improvethedoctrinetodiscouragement.For though it would be righteous in God for ever to cast you off, anddestroyyou,yetitwouldalsobejustinGodtosaveyou,inandthroughChrist,whohasmadecompletesatisfactionforallsin.Romans3:25,26."WhomGodhathsetforthtobeapropitiation,throughfaithinhisblood,to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past,through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his

righteousness, that he might be just, and the justifier of him whichbelievethinJesus."Yea,Godmay,throughthisMediator,notonlyjustly,buthonourably,showyoumercy.ThebloodofChristissoprecious,thatitisfullysufficienttopaythedebtyouhavecontracted,andperfectlytovindicatetheDivineMajestyfromallthedishonourcastuponit,bythesemanygreatsinsofyoursthathavebeenmentioned.Itwasasgreat,andindeedamuchgreaterthing,forChristtodie,thanitwouldhavebeenforyouandallmankindtohaveburntinhelltoalleternity.OfsuchdignityandexcellencyisChristintheeyesofGod,that,seeinghehassufferedsomuchforpoorsinners,Godiswillingtobeatpeacewiththem,howevervileandunworthytheyhavebeen,andonhowmanyaccountssoeverthepunishment would be just. So that you need not be at all discouragedfromseekingmercy,forthereisenoughinChrist.

IndeeditwouldnotbecomethegloryofGod'smajestytoshowmercytoyou, sosinfulandvilea creature, forany thing thatyouhavedone; forsuchworthlessanddespicablethingsasyourprayers,andotherreligiousperformances.ItwouldbeverydishonourableandunworthyofGodsotodo, and it is in vain to expect it. He will showmercy only on Christ'saccount; and that, according to his sovereign pleasure, on whom hepleases, when he pleases, and in whatmanner he pleases. You cannotbringhimunderobligationbyyourworks;dowhatyouwill,hewillnotlookonhimselfobliged.Butifitbehispleasure,hecanhonourablyshowmercy through Christ to any sinner of you all, not one in thiscongregationexcepted.-Thereforehereisencouragementforyoustilltoseek and wait, notwithstanding all your wickedness; agreeable toSamuel's speech to thechildrenof Israel,when theywere terrifiedwiththe thunder and rain thatGod sent, andwhenguilt stared them in theface,1Samuel12:20."Fearnot;yehavedoneallthiswickedness;yetturnnotasidefromfollowingtheLord,butservetheLordwithallyourheart."

I would conclude this discourse by putting the godly in mind of thefreenessandwonderfulnessof thegraceofGodtowardsthem.Forsuchwerethesameofyou.-Thecasewasjustsowithyouasyouhaveheard;youhadsuchawickedheart,you livedsuchawicked life,and itwouldhavebeenmostjustwithGodforevertohavecastyouoff:buthehashadmercy upon you; he hath made his glorious grace appear in your

everlastingsalvation. Youhadno love toGod; but yet hehas exercisedunspeakablelovetoyou.YouhavecontemnedGod,andsetlightbyhim:butsogreatavaluehasGod'sgracesetonyouandyourhappiness,thatyouhave been redeemed at the price of the blood of his ownSon. YouchosetobewithSataninhisservice;butyetGodhathmadeyouajointheirwithChristofhisglory.Youwasungratefulforpastmercies;yetGodnot only continued those mercies, but bestowed unspeakably greatermerciesuponyou.YourefusedtohearwhenGodcalled;yetGodheardyou when you called. You abused the infiniteness of God's mercy toencourage yourself in sin against him; yet God has manifested theinfiniteness of thatmercy, in the exercises of it towards you. You haverejectedChrist,andsethimatnought;andyetheisbecomeyourSaviour.Youhaveneglectedyourownsalvation;butGodhasnotneglectedit.Youhave destroyed yourself; but yet in God has been your help. God hasmagnifiedhisfreegracetowardsyou,andnottoothers;becausehehaschosenyou,andithathpleasedhimtosethisloveuponyou.

O!whatcauseishereforpraise!WhatobligationsyouareundertoblesstheLordwhohathdealtbountifullywithyou,andmagnifyhisholyname!WhatcauseforyoutopraiseGodinhumility,towalkhumblybeforehim.Ezekiel 16:63. "That thou mayest remember and be confounded, andnever open thy mouth any more, because of thy shame, when I ampacifiedtowardtheeforallthatthouhastdone,saiththeLordGod!"Youshallneveropenyourmouthinboasting,orself-justification;butliethelower before God for his mercy to you. You have reason, the moreabundantly, to open your mouth in God's praises, that they may becontinually in your mouth, both here and to all eternity, for his rich,unspeakable,andsovereignmercytoyou,wherebyhe,andhealone,hathmadeyoutodifferfromothers.

WICKEDMENUSEFULINTHEIRDESTRUCTIONONLY

Ezekiel15:2-4

Sonofman,Whatisthevinetreemorethananytree?Orthanabranch

whichisamongthetreesoftheforest?Shallwoodbetakenthereoftodoanywork?Orwillmentakeapinofittohanganyvesselthereon?

Behold,itiscastintothefireforfuel;Thefiredevourethboththeendsofit,andthemidstofitisburnt:Isitmeetforanywork?

ThevisiblechurchofGodisherecomparedtothevinetree,asisevidentbyGod'sownexplanationoftheallegory,inverses6,7,and8."Thereforethussaith theLordGod,As thevine treeamong the treesof the forest,which I have given to the fire for fuel, sowill I give the inhabitants ofJerusalem," &c. And it may be understood of mankind in general.Wefind man often in scripture compared to a vine. So in chapter 32 ofDeuteronomy, "Their vine is the vine of Sodom, and of the fields ofGomorrah.Theirgrapesaregrapesofgall."AndPsalm53:8."ThouhastbroughtavineoutofEgypt;"verse14."Lookdownfromheaven,behold,andvisitthisvine."AndSongofSolomon2:15."Thefoxesthatspoilthevines;forourvineshavetendergrapes."Isaiahv.atthebeginning,"Mybeloved hath a vineyard, and he planted it with the choicest vine."Jeremiah2:2l."Ihadplantedtheeanoblevine."Hosea10:1."Israelisanemptyvine."Soinchapter15ofJohn,visibleChristiansarecomparedtothebranchesofavine.

Manisveryfitlyrepresentedbythevine.Theweaknessanddependenceofthevineonotherthingswhichsupportit,wellrepresentstouswhatapoor, feeble, dependent creatureman is, andhow, if left to himself, hemust fall intomischief, and cannot help himself. The visible people ofGodare fitly compared toavine,becauseof thecareandcultivationofthe husbandman, or vine dresser. The business of husbandmen in thelandofIsraelwasverymuchintheirvineyards,aboutvines;andthecarethey exercised to fence them, to defend them, to prune them, to propthemup,andtocultivatethem,wellrepresentedthatmercifulcarewhichGod exercises towards his visible people; and this latter is often inscriptureexpresslycomparedtotheformer.

Inthewordsnowreadisrepresented,

1.Howwhollyuselessandunprofitable,evenbeyondother trees,avineis, incaseofunfruitfulness:"What isavinetreemorethananytree,or

thanabranchwhichisamongthetreesoftheforest?"i.e.ifitdonotbearfruit.Menmakemuchmoreofavinethanofothertrees;theytakegreatcareofit,towallitin,todigaboutit,topruneit,andthelike.Itismuchmore highly esteemed than any one of the trees of the forest; they aredespised in comparison with it. And if it bear fruit, it is indeedmuchpreferable toother trees; for the fruitof ityieldsanoble liquor;as it issaid in Jotham's parable, Judges 9:13. "And the vine said unto them,ShouldIleavemywine,whichcheerethGodandman?"Butifitbearnofruit,itismoreunprofitablethanthetreesoftheforest;forthewoodofthemisgoodfortimber;butthewoodofthevineisfitfornowork;asinthetext,"Shallwoodbetakenthereoftodoanywork?Orwillmentakeapinofittohanganyvesselthereon?"

2.Theonlythingforwhichavineisuseful,incaseofbarrenness,viz.forfuel:"Behold, it iscast into the fire for fuel." It iswhollyconsumed;nopartofitisworthasaving,tomakeanyinstrumentofit,foranywork.

DOCTRINE.

IfmenbringforthnofruittoGod,theyarewhollyuseless,unlessintheirdestruction.Fortheproofofthisdoctrine,Ishallshow,1.Thatitisveryevident,thattherecanbebuttwowaysinwhichmancanbeuseful,viz.eitherinacting,orinbeingactedupon,anddisposedof.2.Thatman cannootherwise beuseful actively thanbybringing forthfruittoGod.3.ThatifhebringnotforthfruittoGod,thereisnootherwayinwhichhecanbepassivelyuseful,butinbeingdestroyed.4.Inthatwayhemaybeusefulwithoutbearingfruit.

I.Therearebuttwowaysinwhichmancanbeuseful,viz.eitherinactingorbeingactedupon.Ifmanbeanusefulsortofcreature,hemustbesoeither actively orpassively: There is nomedium. If he beuseful to anypurpose,hemustbesoeitherinactinghimself,orelseinbeingdisposedofbysomeother;either indoingsomethinghimself to thatpurpose,orelseinhavingsomethingdoneuponhimbysomeothertothatpurpose.What can be more plain, than that if man do nothing himself, andnothingbedonewithhimoruponhimbyanyother,he cannotbeany

wayat all useful? Ifmandonothinghimself to promote the end of hisexistence,andnootherbeingdoanythingwithhimtopromotethisend,then nothing will be done to promote this end; and so man must bewhollyuseless.Sothattherearebuttwowaysinwhichmancanbeusefultoanypurpose,viz.eitheractivelyorpassively,eitherindoingsomethinghimself,orinbeingthesubjectofsomethingdonetohim.

II.Man cannot be useful actively, any otherwise than in bringing forthfruittoGod,thaninservingGod,andlivingtohisglory.Thisistheonlywaywhereinhecanbeusefulindoing;andthatforthisreason,thatthegloryofGodistheverythingforwhichmanwasmade,andtowhichallother ends are subordinate. Man is not an independent being, but hederiveshisbeingfromanother;andthereforehathhisendassignedhimbythatother:Andhethatgavehimhisbeing,madehimfortheendnowmentioned.ThiswastheverydesignandaimoftheAuthorofman,thiswastheworkforwhichhemadehim,viz.toserveandglorifyhisMaker.

Other creatures aremade for inferior purposes. Inferior creaturesweremade for inferior purposes. But it is to be observed, that man is thecreature that ishighest,andnearest toGod,ofany in this lowerworld;andthereforehisbusinessiswithGod,althoughothercreaturesaremadefor lower ends. There my be observed a kind of gradation, or gradualascent,intheorderofthedifferentkindsofcreatures,fromthemeanestclodofearthtoman,whohatharationalandimmortalsoul.Aplant,anherb,or tree, is superior innature toa stoneor clod,because ithathavegetablelife.Thebrutecreaturesareadegreehigherstill;fortheyhavesensitivelife.Butman,havingarationalsoul,isthehighestofthislowercreation,andisnexttoGod;thereforehisbusinessiswithGod.

Thingswithout life,asearth,water,&c.are subservient to thingsabovethem,asthegrass,herbsand trees.Thesevegetablesaresubservient tothatorderofcreatureswhichisnextabovethem,thebrutecreation;theyare for food to them. Brute creatures, again, aremade for the use andservice of the order above them; they are made for the service ofmankind.Butmanbeingthehighestofthislowercreation,thenextstepfromhimistoGod.HethereforeismadefortheserviceandgloryofGod.Thisisthewholeworkandbusinessofman;itishishighestend,towhichallotherendsaresubordinate.

Ifithadnotbeenforthisend,thereneverwouldhavebeenanysuchsortof creature as man; there would have been no occasion for it. Otherinferiorendsmaybeansweredaswell,withoutanysuchcreatureasman.There would have been no sort of occasion for making so noble acreature, and endowing him with such faculties, only to enjoy earthlygood, toeat,and todrink,and toenjoysensual things.Brutecreatures,without reason, are capable of these things, as well asman; Yea, if nohigherendbeaimedatthantoenjoysensitivegood,reasonisratheranhindrance than an help. It doth but render man the more capable ofafflictinghimselfwithcare,andfearsofdeath,andotherfutureevils,andof vexing himself withmany anxieties, fromwhich brute creatures arewhollyfree,andthereforecangratifytheirsenseswith lessmolestation.Besides, reason doth but make men more capable of molesting andimpedingoneanotherinthegratificationoftheirsenses.Ifmanhavenoother end to seek but to gratify his senses, reason is nothing but animpediment.

ThereforeifmanbenotmadetoserveandglorifyhisCreator,itiswhollytonopurpose that suchacreature ismade.Doubtless then theallwiseGod,whodothallthingsininfinitewisdom,hathmademanforthisend.And this is agreeable to what he hath taught us inmany places in thescriptures.Thisisthegreatendforwhichmanwasmade,andforwhichhe wasmade such a creature as he is, having a body and soul, bodilysenses,andrationalpowers.Forthis isheplacedinsuchcircumstancesas he is, and the earth is given him for a possession. For this he hathdominiongivenhimovertherestofthecreaturesofthisworld.Forthisthesunshinesonhim,andthemoonandstarsareforsignsandseasonstohim,andtherainfallsonhim,andtheearthyieldshimherincrease.

Allotherendsofmanaresubordinatetothis.Thereareinferiorendsforwhichmanwasmade.Menweremade foroneanother;made for theirfriends and neighbors, and for the good of the public. But all theseinferior ends are designed to be subordinate to the higher end ofglorifyingGod; and thereforeman cannotbe activelyuseful, or activelyanswer any purpose, otherwise than by actively glorifying God, orbringingforthfruittoGod.Because,

1.Thatisnotactivelyusefulwhichdothnotactivelyansweritsend.Thatwhichdothnotanswer itsend is invain; for that is themeaningof theproposition, that any thing is in vain. So that which doth not activelyansweritsend,is,astoitsownactivity,invain.

2.Thatisastoitsownactivityaltogetheruselesswhichactivelyanswersonly subordinate ends, without answering the ultimate end; and thatbecausetheultimateendistheendofsubordinateends.Thenotionofasupremeend is, that it is theendofall inferior ends. Subordinate endsaretonopurpose,onlyastheystandrelatedtothehighestend.Theverynotion of a subordinate end is, that it is in order to a further end.Therefore these inferior ends are good for nothing though they beobtained,unlesstheyalsoobtaintheirend.Inferiorendsarenotaimedatfortheirownsake,butonlyforthesakeoftheultimateend.Thereforehethat failsofhisgreatendofall,dothasmuchaltogether failofhisend,andisasmuchtonopurpose,asifhedidnotobtainhissubordinateend.

Iwillillustratethisbytwoorthreeexamples.Thesubordinateendoftheunderpinningof anhouse is to support thehouse; and the subordinateendofthewindowsistoletinthelight.Buttheultimateendofthewholeis the benefit of the inhabitants. Therefore, if the house be neverinhabited,thewholeisinvain.Theunderpinningisinvain,thoughitbeever so strongandsupport thebuildingever sowell.Thewindowsalsoarewholly in vain, though they be ever so large and clear, and thoughtheyobtainthesubordinateendoflettinginthelight:Theyareasmuchinvain,asiftheyletinnolight.

Sothesubordinateendofthehusbandmaninploughingandsowing,andwellmanuringhis field is, that itmaybring forth a crop.Buthismoreultimate end is, that food may be provided for him and his family.Therefore thoughhis inferiorendbeobtained,andhis fieldbring fortheversogoodacrop,yet ifafterall itbeconsumedby fire,orotherwisedestroyed,heploughedandsowedhisfieldasmuchinvain,asiftheseedhadneversprungup.So ifmanobtainhis subordinateendsever so fully; yet ifhealtogetherfailofhisultimateend,heiswhollyanuselesscreature.Thusifmenbevery useful in temporal things to their families, or greatly promote thetemporalinterestoftheneighborhood,orofthepublic;yetifnoglorybe

broughttoGodbyit,theyarealtogetheruseless.Ifmenactivelybringnoglory toGod, they are, as to their own activity, altogether useless, howmuch soever theymay promote the benefit of one another.Howmuchsoeveronepartofmankindmaysubserveanother;yet if theendof thewholebenotanswered,everypartisuseless.

Thusifthepartsofaclocksubserveeversowellonetoanother,mutuallytoassisteachother intheirmotions;onewheelmovinganothereversoregularly; yet if themotion never reach the hand or the hammer, it isaltogether in vain, asmuch as if it stood still. As in a clock one wheelmovesanother,andthatanother,tillatlastthemotioncomestothehandandhammer,which immediately respect theeyeand theear,otherwiseallthemotionsareinvain;soitisintheworld,onemanwasmadetobeusefultoanother,andonepartofmankindtoanother;buttheuseofthewhole is to bring glory to God the maker or else all is in vain; andhowever a man may serve among his fellow creatures, in a private orpubliccapacity,uponthewholeheisinvain.

Itmayperhapsbeobjected,thatawickedmanmay,bybeingserviceabletothepublic,beusefultomanywhodobringforthfruittoGod,andthusglorifyhim.

Answer1.Ifhebeso,heisnofurtherusefulthanhebringsglorytoGod.ItallhathanultimaterespecttothatglorythatisbroughttoGod,andisusefulnofurther;asthemotionofnoonewheelofaclockisanyfurtheruseful, than as it finally respects the right pointing of the hand, andstrikingofthehammer.

Answer2.Whenitisthus,wickedmenareusefulonlyaccidentally,andnotdesignedly.Althoughawickedmanmay,bybeingserviceabletogoodmen,dowhatwillbeanadvantagetothemtotheirbringingforthfruittoGod;yetthatserviceablenessisnotwhatheaimsat;thisisnothisend;he doth not look so far for an ultimate end. And how ever this end beobtained,nothanksareduetohim;itisastohimaccidental.Heisonlythe occasion, and not the designing cause of it. That fruit which isbrought forth to the glory of God, is not brought forth by him, but byothers.Theusefulnessofsuchaman,beingnotdesigned,isnottobeattributed

to him as though it were his fruit. He is not useful as a man, or as arationalcreature,becauseheisnotsodesignedly.Heisusefulasthingswithout lifemaybe.Thingswithout lifemayheuseful to put the godlyunder advantages to bring forth fruit, as the timber and stones withwhichhishouseisbuilt,thewoolandflaxwithwhichheisclothed;butthefruitwhichisbroughtforthtoGod'sglory,cannotbesaidforallthattobethefruitoftheselifelessthings,butofthegodlymanwhomakesuseof them. So it is when wickedmen put the godly under advantages toglorifyGod,asCyrus,andArtaxerxes,andothershavedone.

III. Ifmenbringnot forth fruit toGod, there isnootherway inwhichthey can be useful passively, but in being destroyed. They are fit fornothingelse.

1. They arenot fit to be suffered to continue always in thisworld.Godsuffers them to live for the present, but it is only for a certain season.Theyarehereinatransitorystate.It isnotfitthatthisworldshouldbetheconstantabodeofthosewhobringforthnofruittoGod.It isnotfitthat thebarren tree shouldbe allowedalways to stand in the vineyard.Thehusbandmanlets itstandforawhile, tillhedigsabout it,dungs it,and proves it to be incurable, or till a convenient time to cut it downcome;butitisnotfitthatsuchatreeshouldstandherealways.Itisnotfit that theywhobring forthno fruit toGod, shouldbe suffered to livealways in a world which is so full of the goodness of God, or that hisgoodnessshouldbespentuponthemforever.

Thisworld, though it is fallen, and isundera curse, and is amiserableplacetowhatitoncewas,yetisfullofthestreamsofdivinegoodness.Butit isnotfitthatthosewhobringforthnofruit toGod,shouldalwaysbecontinued inpartakingof thesestreams.Thereare these threedifferentstates ; a state wherein is nothing but good, which is the state of theblessedinheaven;astatewhereinisamixtureofgoodandevil,whichisthe earthly state ; and a statewherein is nothing but evil,which is thestateofeternaldestructionanddamnation.Nowtheythatbringforthnofruit to God, are not fit for either of the former; it is not fit that theyshouldbecontinuedintheenjoymentofanyofthegoodnessofGod.

Itisnotfitthatanunprofitable,unfruitfulcreature,whowillnotglorify

hisCreator,shouldalwaysliveheretodevourthefruitsoftheearth,andconsumethefruitsofdivinebounty;tohavethegoodthingsofthislife,asGod'swool andhis flax, his corn, andwine, andoil, spentwithhim invain.Whileamanlivesinthisworld,theothercreaturesoftheworldaresubjectedtohim.Thebrutecreaturesservehimwiththeirlaborandwiththeirlives.Thesun,moon,andstars,theclouds,fieldsandtrees,allservehim.Butitisnotfitthatthesecreaturesshouldalwaysbemadetoservehim,who brings forth no fruit to the Creator.Why shouldGod alwayskeephiscreatures insubjection to thatman,whowillnotbe subject tohim?Whyshouldthecreationbealwayskept insuchbondage,astobesubject towickedmen? The creatures aremade subject to vanity for alittletime;Godhathsubjectedthemtowickedmen,andgiventhemfortheiruse. This however hewouldnot have done, but as it is only for alittlewhile;andthecreaturescanbearitthroughthehopeofapproachingdeliverance;andotherwiseitwouldhavebeenintolerable.Romans8:20."Forthecreaturewasmadesubjecttovanity,notwillingly,butbyreasonofhimwhohathsubjectedthesameinhope."

Thecreaturedoth,asitwere,groanbyreasonofthissubjectiontowickedmen,althoughitbebutforawhile.Romans8:22."Forweknowthatthewhole creation groaneth, and travaileth in pain together until now."Thereforesurelyitwouldbenowayfitthatwickedmen,whodonogood,and bring forth no fruit to God, should live here always, to have thevarious creatures subservient to them, as they are now. The earth canscarcelybearwickedmenduringthatshorttimeforwhichtheystayhere,butisreadytospewtheeout.Itisnowayfit,therefore,thatitshouldbeforcedtobearthemalways.MenwhobringforthnofruittoGodarecumberersoftheground.Luke13:7 "And it is not meet that they should be suffered to cumber theground always." God cannot be glorified in this way of disposing ofunfruitfulpersons.Ifsuchmenshouldbesufferedtolivealwaysinsuchastate as this, it would be so far from being to the glory of God, that itwouldbetothedisparagementofthewisdomofGod,tocontinuetheminastatesounsuitableforthem,foreverspendingthefruitsofhisbountyinvainuponthem.Itwouldalsobeadisparagementtohisjustice;forthisisaworldwhere,"allthingscomealiketoall,andthereisoneeventtotherighteous and to the wicked." If there were no other state but this for

wickedmentobein, justicecouldnotpossiblytakeplace.Itwouldalsoreflect upon the holiness of God. Forever to uphold this world for anhabitationofsuchpersons,andforevertocontinuethecommunicationsof his bounty and goodness to them, would appear as though he weredisposedtocountenanceandencouragesinandwickedness.

2.IfmendonotbringforthfruittoGod,theyarenotfittobedisposedofinheaven.Heaven,aboveallothers,isthemostimproperplaceforthem.Every thing appertaining to that state is unsuitable for them. Thecompany ismost unsuitable. The original inhabitants of thatworld aretheangels.Butwhatadisagreeableunionwouldthatbe,tounitewickedmenandangelsinthesamesociety?Theemploymentsofthatworldareunsuitable. The employments are serving and glorifying God. Howunsuitable then would it be to plant barren trees in that heavenlyparadise, trees thatwould bring forth no fruit to the divine glory? Theenjoyments of heaven are unsuitable. The enjoyments are holy andspiritual enjoyments, the happiness of beholding the glory ofGod, andpraisinghisname,andthelike.Buttheseenjoymentsareasunsuitableascan be to the carnal earthly minds of wicked men. They would be noenjoymentstothem;butonthecontrarywouldbemostdisagreeable,andwhattheycannotrelish,butentirelynauseate.

Thedesignofheavenisunsuitabletothem.ThedesignofGodinmakingheavenwas,thatitmightbeaplaceofholyhabitation,fortherewardofthe righteous, and not an habitation for wicked men. It would greatlyreflectonthewisdomofGodtodisposeofwickedmenthere;foritwouldbe the greatest confusion. But God is not the author of confusion, ICorinthians 14:33. Itwould be contrary to the holiness ofGod, to takewickedmensoneartohimselfintohisgloriouspresence,todwellforeverinthatpartofthecreationwhichis,asitwere,hisownpalace,andtositathistable.WereadinPsalm5:4."ThouartnotaGodthathathpleasurein wickedness, neither shall evil dwell with thee." Therefore it woulddoubtless be impossible that the end of the existence of wicked menshouldbeinanywiseansweredbytheplacingoftheminheaven.

IV.MenwhobringforthnofruittoGod,yetinsufferingdestructionmaybeuseful.Althoughtheybenotusefulactively,orbyanythingwhichtheydo;yettheymaybeusefulinwhattheymaysuffer;justasabarrentree,

which is nowayuseful standing in the vineyard, yetmay be good fuel,andbeveryusefulinthefire.Godcanfinduseforthemostwickedmen;hehathhisuseforvesselsofwrathaswellasforvesselsofmercy;as inanhousethereisuseforvesselsuntodishonor,aswellasforvesselsuntohonor.2Timothy2:0."Inagreathousetherearenotonlyvesselsofgold,andofsilver,butalsoofwoodandofearth;andsometohonor,andsometodishonor."Proverbs16:4."TheLordhathmadeallthingsforhimself;yea,eventhewickedforthedayofevil."IshallbrieflytakenoticeofwhatendsGodaccomplishesbyit.

1.UnfruitfulpersonsareofuseintheirdestructionforthegloryofGod'sjustice.ItwasthewillofGodtoglorifyhisjustice,aswellashismercy,onhiscreatures.ThevindictivejusticeofGodisagloriousattribute,aswellas hismercy; and the glory of this attribute appears in the everlastingdestructionandruinofthebarrenandunfruitful.The glory of divine justice in the perdition of ungodly men appearswonderful and glorious in the eyes of the saints and angels in heaven.Hencewehaveanaccount, that they singpraises toGod, andextolhisjustice at the sight of the awful judgments which he inflicts on wickedmen.Revelation 16:5, "Thouart righteous,OLord,whichartandwast,andart tocome,because thouhast judged thus; for theyhaveshed thebloodofsaintsandprophets, and thouhastgiven themblood todrink;for they areworthy:" And Revelation 19:1, 2: "And after these things Iheardagreatvoice,saying,Alleluia:Salvation,andglory,andhonor,andpower,untotheLordourGod;fortrueandrighteousarehisjudgmentsforhehathjudgedthegreatwhore,whichdidcorrupttheearthwithherfornication,andhathavengedthebloodofhisservantsatherhand."

2.UnfruitfulpersonsintheirdestructionareofuseforGodtoglorifyhismajesty upon them. The awful majesty of God remarkably appears inthosedreadfulandamazingpunishmentswhichheinflictsonthosewhorise up against him, and contemn him. A sense of the majesty of anearthlyprinceissupportedverymuchbyasenseof itsbeingadreadfulthingtoaffronthim.Godglorifieshisownmajestyinthedestructionofwickedmen;andhereinheappearsinfinitelygreat, inthatitappearstobeaninfinitelydreadfulthingtooffendhim.HowawfuldoththemajestyofGodappearinthedreadfulnessofhisanger!Thiswemaylearntobe

one end of the damnation of the wicked, from Romans 9:22. "What ifGod,willingtoshowhiswrath,andtomakehispowerknown,enduredwithmuchlongsufferingthevesselsofwrathfittedtodestruction?"It is often spoken of God, that he is a terrible God. It is a part of themajesty and glory ofGod, that he is a terribleGod.God tells Pharaoh,thatforthiscauseheraisedhimup,thathemightshowhispowerinhim,and that his name might be declared through all the earth, in hisdestruction. Exodus 9:15, 16; and again, chapter 14:17: "I will get mehonoruponPharaoh,anduponallhishost,uponhischariots,anduponhishorsemen."

3.Thedestructionoftheunfruitful isofuse,togivethesaintsagreatersenseoftheirhappiness,andofGod'sgracetothem.Thewickedwillbedestroyedandtormentedintheviewofthesaints,andotherinhabitantsofheaven.ThiswearetaughtinRevelation14:10."ThesameshalldrinkofthewineofthewrathofGod,whichispouredoutwithoutmixture,intothe cup of his indignation ; and he shall be tormented with fire andbrimstone,inthepresenceoftheholyangels,andinthepresenceoftheLamb."AndinIsaiah66:24."Andtheyshallgoforthandlookuponthecarcassesofthementhathavetransgressedagainstme:Fortheirwormshall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched, and they shall be anabhorringuntoallflesh."

When the saints in heaven shall look upon the damned in hell, it willserve to give them a greater sense of their own happiness, seeing howvastly different their case is from their own. The view of the dolefulcondition of the damned will make them the more prize their ownblessedness.WhentheyshallseehowdreadfultheangerofGodis,itwillmake themthemoreprizehis love.Theywill rejoicesomuch themorethattheyarenottheobjectsofGod'sanger,butofhisfavor;thattheyarenotthesubjectsofhisdreadfulwrath,butaretreatedashischildren,aretakenneartohim,todwellintheeverlastingembracesofhislove.

Whentheyshallseethemiseryofthedamned,itwillgivethemagreatersense of the distinguishing grace and love of God to them, that Godshould from all eternity set his love on them, and make so great adifference between them and others who are of the same species withthem,arenoworsebynaturethanthey,andhavedeservednoworseof

Godthanthey.Whentheyshalllookuponthemiseryofthedamned,andconsiderhowdifferenttheirownstate is fromtheirs,andthat it isonlyfreeandsovereigngracethatmakesthedifference,whatagreatsensewillthis give themof thewonderful grace ofGod to them!And howwill itheightentheirpraises!WithhowmuchgreateradmirationandexultationofsoulwilltheysingofthefreeandsovereigngraceofGodtothem!

When they shall lookupon thedamned, and see theirmisery, howwillheavenringwiththepraisesofGod'sjusticetowardsthewicked,andhisgrace towards the saints! And with how much greater enlargement ofheart will they praise Jesus Christ their Redeemer, that ever he waspleasedtosethisloveuponthem,hisdyinglove!Andthatheshouldsodistinguish themas tospillhisblood,andmakehissoulanoffering, toredeem them from that so great misery, and to bring them to suchexceedinghappiness!

WithwhatloveandecstasywilltheysingthatsonginRevelation5:9.10."Thouartworthy:Forthouwastslain,andhastredeemedustoGodbythyblood,outofeverytongue,andkindred,andpeople,andnation;andhastmadeusuntoourGodkingsandpriests."Oneendwhichtheapostlementions why God appointed vessels of wrath, is the more to makeknown the wonderfulness of his mercy towards the saints. In Romans9:22,23.therearetwoendsmentioned:"WhatifGod,willingtoshowhiswrath,andtomakehispowerknown,enduredwithmuchlongsufferingthevesselsofwrathfittedtodestruction?"Thatisoneend,thenanotheris mentioned immediately after: "And that he might make known therichesofhisgloryonthevesselsofmercy,whichhehadaforeprepareduntoglory?"

APPLICATION

I.Hencewemaylearn,howjustandrighteousGodisinthedestructionofthosewhobringforthnofruittoGod.Seeingthereisnootherwayinwhich they can be useful, or in which the end of their being can beobtained,certainlyit ismostjustthatGodshouldthusdisposeof them.WhyshouldGodbe frustratedofhisendthroughtheirperverseness?Ifmenwillnotdotheworkforwhichhehathmadeandfittedthem;ifthey,throughaspiritofoppositionandrebellionagainstGod,refuse;yetwhy

shouldGodsufferhimselftobedisappointedofhisendinmakingthem?Itdothnot become the infinite greatness andmajesty ofGod, to sufferhimself to be disappointed and frustrated by the wickedness andperverseness of sinful worms of the dust. If God should suffer this, itwouldseemtoargue,eitherawantofwisdominGodtofixuponagoodend,orawantofpowertoaccomplishit.

Godmadeallmenthattheymightbeuseful;andiftheywillnotbeusefulintheirconductandactions,how just is it thatGodshouldmake themuseful in their sufferings! Godmade all men for his own glory; and ifthey, contrary to the revealedwill ofGod, refuse to glorify himactivelyandwillingly,howjustisitthatGodshouldglorifyhimselfupontheminwhathedothwiththem!

Ithathbeenshown,thatthereisnootherwaywhereinthiscanbedone,butbytheirdestruction.Surely, therefore, itmustbe justandrighteousthatGodshoulddestroythem.

MenareundernonaturalnecessityofbeingputtothisuseofglorifyingGodintheirsufferings.Godgivesthemopportunityofglorifyinghimindoing,inbringingforthfruit,putsthemunderadvantagesforit,andusesmanymeanstobringthemtoit.Butiftheywillnotbeusefulthisway,itisveryjustthatGodshouldmakethemusefulintheonlyremainingwayinwhichtheycanbeuseful,viz.intheirdestruction.Godisnotforwardtoputthemtothisuse.Hetellsus,thathehath"nopleasureinthedeathof thewicked;but that thewicked turn fromhisway,and live;"Ezekiel33:11.Godrepresentsthedestructionofsinnersasaworktowhichheisbackward;yet it ismeetthat theyshouldbedestroyed, rather than thatthey shouldbe suffered to frustrateGodof theendof theirbeing.Whocanblamethehusbandmanforcuttingdownandburningabarrentree,afterhehathdiggedaboutit,anddungedit,andusedallpropermeanstomakeitfruitful?Let thoseamongusconsider this,whohave livedall their liveshithertounprofitably, and never have brought forth any fruit to God's glory,notwithstandingallthemeansthathavebeenusedwiththem.ConsiderhowjustitwouldbeifGodshouldutterlydestroyyou,andglorifyhimselfuponyouinthatway;andwhatawonderofpatienceitis,thatGodhathnotdoneitbeforenow.

II.Thissubjectoughttoputyouuponexaminingyourselves,whetheryoube not wholly useless creatures. You have now heard, that those whobring forthno fruit toGod,are,as toanygood theydo,whollyuseless.Inquire,therefore,whetheryouhaveeverinyourlivesbroughtforthanyfruit to God.Have you ever done any thing from a gracious respect toGod,oroutoflovetoGod?Byonlyseekingyourworldlyinterest,youdonotbringforthfruittoGod.ItistootbringingforthfruittoGod,foryoutocometopublicworshipontheSabbath, topray inyourfamilies,andothersuchlikethings,merelyincompliancewiththegeneralcustom.Itisnot to bring forth fruit toGod, that you be sober,moral and religious,only tobeseenofmen,oroutofrespect toyourowncreditandhonor.HowisthatforGodwhichisonlyforthesakeofcustom,ortheesteemofmen?

ItisnottobringforthfruittoGod,formentopray,andread,andhear,and tobestrict anddiligent in religious andmoralduties,merely fromthe fear of hell. What thanks are due to you for not loving your ownmisery,andforbeingwillingtotakesomepainstoescapeburninginhelltoalleternity?Thereisne'eradevilinhellbutwouldgladlydothesame.Hosea10:1."Israelisanemptyvine;hebringethforthfruituntohimself."ThereisnofruitbroughtforthtoGod,wherethereisnothingdoneinanywisefromlovetoGod,orfromanytruerespecttohim.Godlookethattheheart.Hedothnotstandinneedofourservices,neither ishebenefitedbyanythingthatwecando.Hedothnotreceiveanythingofus,becauseitbenefitshim,butonlyasasuitabletestimonyofourloveandrespecttohim. This is the fruit that he seeks.Men themselves will not accept ofthose shows of friendship,which they think are hypocritical, and comenotfromtheheart.HowmuchlessshouldGod,whosearcheththeheartsand trieth the reinsof thechildrenofmen!John4:23. "God is a spirit,andtheythatworshiphimmustworshiphiminspiritandintruth."Inquire,therefore,whetheryoueverinyourlivesdidtheleastthingoutof love toGod.Have younot done all for yourselves?Zechariah 7:5, 6."Whenyefastedandmournedinthefifthandseventhmonth,eventhoseseventyyears,didyeatallfastuntome,evenuntome?Andwhenyedideat,andwhenyediddrink,didyenoteat foryourselves,anddrinkforyourselves?"

III.Anotheruseof thissubjectmaybeofconvictionandhumiliationtothose who never have brought forth any fruit to God. If, uponexamination,youfindthatyouhaveneverinallyourlivesdoneanythingoutofatruerespecttoGod,thenithathbeendemonstrated, that,astoany thing which you do, you are altogether useless creatures. Andconsider,whatashamefulthingitisforsuchrationalbeingsasyouare,and placed under such advantages for usefulness, yet to be whollyuseless,andtoliveintheworldtonopurpose!

Weesteemitaverymeancharacterinanyperson,thatheisaworthless,insignificantperson;andtobecalledsoistakenasagreatreproach.Butconsiderseriously,whetheryoucanclearyourselvesofthischaracter.Setreasontowork;canyourationallysuppose, thatyoudoinanymeasureanswer theend forwhichGodgaveyouyourbeing,andmade youof anaturesuperior to thebeasts?But thatyoumaybesensiblewhatcauseyouhavetobeashamedofyourunprofitableness,considerthefollowingthings.

1.HowmuchGodhathbestoweduponyou, in theendowmentsofyournature.Godhathmadeyourational,intelligentcreatures,hathendowedyouwithnoblepowers,thoseendowmentswhereinthenaturalimageofGodconsists.Youarevastlyexaltedinyournatureaboveotherkindsofcreaturesherebelow.Youarecapableofathousandtimesasmuchasanyof the brute creatures. He hath given you a power of understanding,which is capable of vastly extending itself, of looking back to thebeginningoftime,andofconsideringwhatwasbeforetheworldwas,andof looking forward beyond the end of time. It is capable of extendingbeyondtheutmostlimitsoftheuniverse;andisafacultywherebyyouareakinto angels, and are capable evenof knowingGod, of contemplatingthe divine Being, and his glorious perfections,manifested in his worksand in hisword. You have souls capable of being the habitation of theHoly Spirit of God, and his divine grace. You are capable of the nobleemploymentsofangels.

How lamentable and shameful it is, that such a creature should bealtogether useless, and live in vain! How lamentable that such a nobleandexcellentpieceofdivineworkmanshipshouldfailof itsend,andbeto no purpose! Was it ever worth while for God to make you such a

creature, with such a noble nature, and somuch above other kinds ofcreatures,onlytoeat,anddrink,andgratifyyoursensualappetites?Howlamentableandshameful toyou, that suchanoble treeshouldbemoreuselessthananytreeoftheforest;thatman,whomGodhaththussetinhonor,shouldmakehimselfmoreworthlessthanthebeaststhatperish!

2. Howmuch God hath done for you in the creation of the world. Hemadetheearth,andseas,andallthefulnessofthem,fortheuseofman,andhathgiventhemtohim.Psalm115:16."Theearthhathhegiventothechildrenofmen."Hemadethevastvarietyofcreaturesforman'suseandservice.Genesis1:28."Havedominionoverthefishof thesea,andoverthe fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon theearth."Forthesamepurposehemadealltheplants,andherbs,andtreesof the field. Genesis 1:29. "I have given you every herb bearing seed,whichisuponthefaceofalltheearth,andeverytree,inthewhichisthefruitofatree,yieldingseed;toyouitshallbeformeat."Hemadethesunin theheavens, thatglorious luminary, thatwonderful globeof light, togivelighttoman,andtoconstitutethedifferencebetweendayandnight.He alsomade themoon, and the vastmultitudeof stars, for theuse ofman,tobetohimforsignsandseasons.

What great provision hath God made for man!What a vast variety ofgoodthingsforfood,andotherwisetobeforhisconvenience,toputhimunderadvantagestobeuseful!Howlamentable is it, thatafterall thesethingsheshouldbeanuselesscreatureintheworld!

3.HowmuchisdoneforyouinthecourseofGod'scommonprovidence!Consider how nature is continually laboring for you. The sun is, at itwere, in a ferment for mankind, unweariedly running his course fromyeartoyear,andfromdaytoday,andspendinghisraysuponman,toputhimunderadvantagetobeuseful;everydaygivinghimlightthathemayhaveopportunity tobehold thegloriouswisdomofGod,andtoseeandserveGod.Thewindsandcloudsarecontinuallylaboringforyou,andthewatersaregoinginaconstantcirculation,ascendingintheair fromtheseas,descendinginrain,gatheringinstreamsandrivers,returningtothesea, and again ascending and descending, for you. The earth iscontinuallylaboringtobringforthherfruitforyoursupport.Thetreesofthefieldarelaboringandspendingtheirstrengthforyou.Andhowmany

ofthepoorbrutecreaturesarecontinuallylaboringforyou,andspendingtheir strength for you!Howmuchof the earth is spentuponyou!HowmanyofGod'screaturesaredevouredbyyou!HowmanyofthelivesofthelivingcreaturesofGodaredestroyedforyoursake,foryoursupportandcomfort!

Now,howlamentablewillitbe,if,afterall,youbealtogetheruseless,andlive to no purpose! What mere cumberers of the ground will you be!Agreeably to Luke 13:7. Nature, which thus continually labors for you,will be burdened with you. This seems to be what the apostle means,Romans7:20,21,22,wherehetellsus,thatthecreationismadesubjecttovanity,andbroughtintothebondageofcorruption;andthatthewholecreationgroans,andtravailsinpain,underthisbondage.

4.Howmuchisdoneforyouintheuseofthemeansofgrace.HowmuchhathGod done to provide youwith suitablemeans and advantages forusefulness!HowmanyprophetshathGodsentintotheworld,indifferentages, inspiring them with his Holy Spirit, and enabling them to workmanymiraclestoconfirmtheirword,wherebyyounowhavethewrittenwordofGodtoinstructyou!

Howgreat a thinghathGoddone for you, to give youopportunity andadvantagetobeuseful,inthathehathsenthisownSonintotheworld!HewhoisreallyandtrulyGod,unitedhimselftothehumannature,andbecameaman,tobeaprophetanteachertoyouandothersinners.Yea,he laid down his life to make atonement for sin, that you might haveencouragementtoserveGodwithhopesofacceptance.

Howmany ordinances have been instituted for you!Howmuch of thelaboroftheministersofGodhathbeenspentuponyou!IsnotthattrueconcerningyouwhichiswritteninIsaiah5atthebeginning,concerningthevineyardplantedinaveryfruitfulhill,andfencedandcultivatedwithpeculiarcareandpains,whichyetprovedunfruitful?Howmuchhaththedresserofthevineyarddiggedaboutthebarrentree,anddungedit,andyetitremainsbarren!

Consider what a shame it is that you should live in vain, when all theother creatures, that are inferior to you, do glorify their Creator,

accordingtotheirnature.Youwhoaresohighlyexaltedintheworld,aremoreuseless than the brute creation; yea, than themeanestworms, orthingswithoutlife,asearthandstones:Fortheyalldoanswertheirend,inthewayinwhichnaturehathfittedthemforit;noneofthemfailofit.Theyareallusefulintheirplaces,allrendertheirpropertributeofpraiseto their Creator; while you are mere nuisances in the creation, andburdenstotheearth;asanytreeoftheforestismoreusefulthanthevine,ifitbearnotfruit.

IV. Let me, in a farther application of this doctrine, exhort you by allmeanstobringforthfruittoGod.Letitbeyourconstantendeavortobeinthiswayactivelyusefulintheworld.Hereconsiderthreethings.

1.What an honor itwill be to such poor creatures as you are, to bringforthfruittothedivineglory.Whatissuchapoorwormasman,thatheshouldbeenabledtobringforthanyfruittoGod!Itisthegreatesthonorofthenatureofman,thatGodhathgivenhimacapacityofglorifyingthegreatCreator.Itiswhatnoothercreatureinthislowerworldcando,inthesamemannerasman.ThereisnocreatureinthevisibleworldthatiscapableofactivelyglorifyingGod,butman.

2. Inbringing forth fruit toGod,youwillbesoprofitable tononeas toyourselves; you cannot thereby be profitable to God. Job 22:2. "Can amanbeprofitabletoGod?"Youmaytherebybeprofitabletoyourfellowcreatures; yet not somuch as to yourselves. The fruit which you bringforthtoGodwillbeagreaterbenefittoyourselvesthantoanyoneliving.Youwillbemoreusefultoyourselvesthantoanyoneelse.Althoughyouareunderanaturalobligationtobring forth fruit toGod,yetGoddothnotrequireitofyouwithoutareward.Hewillrichlyrewardyouforit.Inrequiringyoutobringforthfruittohim,hedothbutrequireyou to bring forth fruit to your own happiness. You will taste thesweetness of your own fruit. It will be most profitable for you in thisworld to bring forth fruit toGod; itwill be exceedingly to your benefitwhilehere. Itwillbepleasant toyou to leada fruitfulandholy life; thepleasurewillbebeyondthelabor.Besidethis,Godhathpromisedtosuchalifeeverlastingrewards,unspeakable,infinitebenefits.Sothatbyityouwillinfinitelyadvanceyourowninterest.

3.Ifyouremainthusunprofitable,andbenotactivelyuseful,surelyGodwillobtainhisendofyou,inyourdestruction.Hewillsayconcerningthebarrentree,"Cutitdown,whycumberethittheground?"Christ,inJohn15:6,tellsus,"ifamanabidenotinme,heiscastforthasabranch,andiswithered;andmengatherthem,andcastthemintothefire,andtheyareburned."This is spokenof thebarrenbranches in thevine.Howwouldyouyourselvesdoinsuchacasewithabarrentreeinanorchard,orwithweeds and tares in your fields? Doubtless, it were in your power, youwouldutterlydestroythem.

Godwillhavehisend;hewillaccomplish it.Thoughallmenanddevilsunite their endeavors, they cannot frustrate God in any thing; and"though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished;"Proverbs 11:1.Godhath swornbyhis great name, that hewill have hisgloryofmen,whethertheywillactivelyglorifyhimorno.Numbers14:21,22,23."ButastrulyasIlive,alltheearthshallbefilledwiththegloryofthe Lord. Because all those men which have seen my glory, and mymiracleswhich Idid inEgypt and in thewilderness, andhave temptedmenowthesetentimes,andhavenothearkenedtomyvoice;surelytheyshallnotseethelandwhichIswareuntotheirfathers,neithershallanyofthemthatprovokedme,seeit."

"Theax liethat therootof the trees;andevery treewhichbringethnotforthgoodfruit,ishewndown,andcastintothefire;"Matthew3:10.Theendofthosemenwhobringforthnothingbutbriersandthornsistobeburned,as inHebrews6:7,8. "For theearthwhichdrinketh in therainthatcomethoftuponit,andbringethforthherbsmeetforthembywhomitisdressed,receivethblessingfromGod:Butthatwhichbeareththornsand briers, is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to beburned."Sowereadofthetares,Matthew13:30."Letbothgrowtogetheruntil the harvest ; and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers,Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burnthem;"andinverses40,41,42,"Asthereforethetaresaregatheredandburnedinthefire,soshallitbeattheendoftheworld.TheSonofmanshall send forthhisangels,and theyshallgatheroutofhiskingdomallthingsthatoffend,andthemwhichdoiniquity,andshallcastthemintoafurnaceoffire:Thereshallbewailingandgnashingofteeth."

Soitissaidofthechaff,Matthew3:12."Whosefanisinhishand,andhewillthoroughlypurgehisfloor,andgatherhiswheatintothegarner;buthewillburnupthechaffwithunquenchablefire."

Ifyoucontinuenottobringforthanyfruittothedivineglory,asyouhavehithertodone,hellwillbetheonlyfitplaceforyou.Itisaplacepreparedonpurpose to be a receptacle of such persons. In hell nature ceases tolaboranymoreforsinners:Thesundothnotrunhiscoursetoshineuponthem,theearthdothnotbringforthherfruittobeconsumeduponthemthere.Theretheywillhavenoopportunitytoconsumethefruitsofdivinegoodnessontheirlusts.Inhelltheycanprejudiceorencumbernothing,uponwhichGodsetsanyvalue.TherethefaithfulservantsandministersofGodwillnolongerspendtheirstrengthinvainuponthem.Whenthebarrentreeisinthefire,theservantsofthehusbandmanarefreedfromanyfurtherlaborortoilindiggingaboutit,andmanuringit.

In hell they will nomore have opportunity to clog and discourage theflourishingofreligion,andtodestroymuchgood,astheyoftendointhisworld. In hell theywill nomore have opportunity to corrupt others bytheirillexample.Inhelltheywillnomorehaveitintheirpowertooffendthegodly;theymayhurtandtormentoneanother;butthegodlywillbeout of their reach. Inhell therewill beno ordinances, noSabbaths, nosacraments, no sacred things, for them to profane and defile by theircarelessandhypocriticalattendance.

Hell,therefore,ifyouremainunfruitfulandcumberersoftheground,willbe the fittestplace for you, and there youwill surelyhaveyourportionassignedyou.ThereGodwill gethimselfhonoruponyou; therehewillmagnifyhimself inyourruin, in thepresenceof theholyangels,and inthepresenceof theLamb;andwillbepraiseduponthataccountbythesaints,atthedayofjudgment;andbyallthehostofheaventhroughouteverlastingages.

THEENDOFTHEWICKEDCONTEMPLATEDBYTHERIGHTEOUS:

or

THETORMENTSOFTHEWICKEDINHELL,NOOCCASIONOFGRIEFTOTHESAINTS

INHEAVEN.

REVELATION18:20

Rejoiceoverherthouheaven,andyeholyapostlesandprophets;forGodhathavengedyouonher.

Introduction

INthischapterwehaveaveryparticularaccountofthefallofBabylon,ortheantichristianchurch,andofthevengeanceofGodexecuteduponher.HereitisproclaimedthatBabylonthegreatisfallen,andbecomethehabitationofdevils,andtheholdofeveryfoulspirit,andacageofeveryuncleanandhatefulbird;thathersinshadreacheduntoheaven,andthatGodhadrememberedheriniquitythatGodgavecommandmenttorewardher,asshehadrewardedothers,todoubleuntoherdoubleaccordingtoherworks;inthecupshehadfilled,tofilltoherdouble,andhowmuchshehadglorifiedherself,andliveddeliciously,somuchtormentandsorrowtogiveher.Anditisdeclared,thattheseplaguesarecomeuponherinoneday,death,mourning,andfamine;andthatsheshouldbeutterlyburntwithfire;becausestrongistheLordwhojudgethher.

Thesethingshaverespectpartlytotheoverthrowoftheantichristianchurchthisworld,andpartlytothevengeanceofGoduponherinthe

worldtocome.Thereisnonecessitytosuppose,thatsuchextremetormentsasareherementionedwilleverbeexecuteduponpapists,orupontheantichristianchurch,inthisworld.Therewillindeedbeadreadfulandvisibleoverthrowofthatidolatrouschurchinthisworld.ButwearenottounderstandtheplaguesherementionedasexclusiveofthevengeancewhichGodwillexecuteonthewickedupholdersandpromotersofantichristianism,andonthecruelantichristianpersecutors,inanotherworld.

Thisisevidentbyver.3,ofthenextchapter,where,withreferencetothesamedestructionofantichristwhichisspokenofinthischapter,itissaid,"Hersmokeroseupforeverandever;"inwhichwordstheeternalpunishmentofantichristisevidentlyspokenof.Antichristishererepresentedasbeingcastintohell,andthereremainingforeverafter;hehathnoplaceanywhereelsebutinhell.Thisisevidentbyver.20ofthenextchapter,where,concerningthedestructionofantichrist,itissaid,"Andthebeastwastaken,andwithhimthefalseprophetthatwroughtmiraclesbeforehim,withwhichhedeceivedthemthatreceivedthemarkofthebeast,andthemthatworshippedhisimage.Thesebothwerecastaliveintoalakeoffireburningwithbrimstone."

Notbutthatthewickedantichristianshaveinallagesgonetohellastheydied,andnotmerelyatthefallofantichrist;butthenthewrathofGodagainstantichrist,ofwhichdamnationisthefruit,willbemadeeminentlyvisiblehereonearth,bymanyremarkabletokens.Thenantichristwillbeconfinedtohell,andwillhavenomoreplacehereonearth;muchafterthesamemannerasthedevilissaidatthebeginningofChrist'sthousandyears'reignonearth,tobecastintothebottomlesspit,asyoumayseeinthebeginningofthetwentiethchapter.Notbutthathehadhisplaceinthebottomlesspitbefore;hewascastdowntohellwhenhefellatfirst:2Peter2:4,"Castthemdowntohell,anddeliveredthemintochainsofdarkness."Butnow,whenheshallbesufferedtodeceivethenationsnomore,hiskingdomwillbeconfinedtohell.

InthistextiscontainedpartofwhatJohnhearduttereduponthisoccasion;andinthesewordswemayobserve,

1.Towhomthisvoiceisdirected,viz.,totheholyprophetsandapostles

andtherestoftheinhabitantsoftheheavenlyworld.WhenGodshallpourouthiswrathupontheantichristianchurch,itwillheseen,andtakennoticeof,byalltheinhabitantsofheaven,evenbyholyprophetsandapostles.Neitherwilltheyseeasunconcernedspectators.

2.Whattheyarecalleduponbythevoicetodo,viz.torejoiceoverBabylonnowdestroyed,andlyingunderthewrathofGod.Theyarenotdirectedtorejoiceoverherinprosperity,butinflames,andbeholdingthesmokeofherburningascendingupforeverandever.

3.Areasongiven:forGodhathavengedYOUONHER;i.e.,Godhathexecutedjustvengeanceuponher,forsheddingyourblood,andcruellypersecutingyou.Forthusthematterisrepresented,thatantichristhadbeenguiltyofsheddingthebloodoftheholyprophetsandapostles,asinchap.16:6,"Fortheyhaveshedthebloodofsaintsandofprophets."Andinver.24ofthiscontext,"Inherwasfoundthebloodofprophetsandofsaints,andofallthemthatwereslainontheearth."Notthatantichristhadliterallyshedtheblood,oftheprophetsandapostles;buthehadshedthebloodofthosewhoweretheirfollowers,whowereofthesamespirit,andofthesamechurch,andsamemysticalbody.Theprophetsandapostlesinheavenarenearlyrelatedandunitedtothesaintsonearth;theylive,asitwere,intrueChristiansinallages.Sothatbyslayingthese,persecutorsshowthattheywouldslaytheprophetsandapostles,iftheycould;andtheyindeeddoitasmuchasinthemlies.

Onthesameaccount,ChristsaysoftheJewsinhistime,Luke11:50,"Thatthebloodofalltheprophets,whichwasshedfromthefoundationoftheworld,mayberequiredofthisgeneration;fromthebloodofAbel,untothebloodofZacharias,whichperishedbetweenthealtarandthetemple:verilyIsayuntoyou,itshallberequiredofthisgeneration."SoChristhimselfissaidtohavebeencrucifiedintheantichristianchurch,chap.11:8:"Andtheirdead;bodiesshalllieinthestreetofthegreatCity,whichspirituallyiscalledSodomandEgypt,wherealsoourLordwascrucified."Soalltheinhabitantsofheaven,allthesaintsfromthebeginningoftheworld,andtheangelsalso,arecalledupontorejoiceoverBabylon,becauseofGod'svengeanceuponher,whereinheavengesthem:theyallofthemhadineffectbeeninjuredandpersecutedbyantichrist.Indeedtheyarenotcalledupontorejoiceinhavingtheir

revengeglutted,butinseeingjusticeexecuted,andinseeingtheloveandtendernessofGodtowardsthem,manifestedinhisseveritytowardstheirenemies.

SECTION1.(WhenthesaintsingloryshallseethewrathofGodexecutedonungodly

men,itwillbenooccasionofgrieftothem,butofrejoicing.)

ItisnotonlythesightofGod'swrathexecutedonthosewickedmenwhoareoftheantichristianchurch,whichwillbeoccasionofrejoicingtothesaintsinglory;butalsothesightofthedestructionofallGod'senemies:whethertheyhavebeenthefollowersofantichristornot,thataltersnotthecase,iftheyhavebeentheenemiesofGod,andofJesusChrist.Allwickedmenwillatlastbedestroyedtogether,asbeingunitedinthesamecauseandinterest,asbeingallofSatan'sarmy.Theywillallstandtogetheratthedayofjudgment,asbeingallofthesamecompany.

AndifweunderstandthetexttohaverespectonlytoatemporalexecutionofGod'swrathonhisenemies,thatwillnotalterthecase.Thethingtheyarecalledupontorejoiceat,istheexecutionofGod'swrathuponhisandtheirenemies.Andifitbematterofrejoicingtothemtoseejusticeexecutedinpartuponthem,ortoseethebeginningoftheexecutionofitinthisworld;forthesamereasonwilltheyrejoicewithgreaterjoy,inbeholdingitfullyexecuted.Forthethingherementionedasthefoundationoftheirjoy,istheexecutionofjustvengeance:Rejoice,forGodhathavengedyouonher.

Prop.I.TheglorifiedsaintswillseethewrathofGodexecuteduponungodlymen.ThistheScripturesplainlyteachus,thattherighteousandthewickedintheotherworldseeeachother'sstate.Thustherichmaninhell,andLazarusandAbrahaminheaven,arerepresentedasseeingeachother'soppositestates,inthe16thchap.ofLuke.Thewickedintheirmiserywillseethesaintsinthekingdomofheaven.Luke13:28,29,"Thereshallbeweepingandgnashingofteeth,whenyeshallseeAbraham,andIsaac,andJacob,andalltheprophetsinthekingdomofGod,andyouyourselvesthrustout."SothesaintsinglorywillseethemiseryofthewickedunderthewrathofGod.Isa.64:24,"Andtheyshallgoforthandlookonthecarcassesofthe

menthathavetransgressedagainstme:fortheirwormshallnotdie,neithershalltheirfirebequenched."AndRev.14:.9,10,"Ifanymanworshipthebeastandhisimage,andreceivehismarkinhisforehead,orinhishand,thesameshalldrinkofthewineofthewrathofGod,whichispouredoutwithoutmixture,intothecupofhisindignation;andheshallbetormentedwithfireandbrimstone,inthepresenceoftheholyangels,andinthepresenceoftheLamb."Thesaintsarenotherementioned,beingincludedinChrist,ashismembers.ThechurchisthefulnessofChrist,andiscalledChrist,ICor.12:12+Sointhe19thchapter,ver.2,3,thesmokeofBabylon'stormentisrepresentedasrisingupforeverandever,inthesightoftheheavenlyinhabitants.

Atthedayofjudgment,thesaintsingloryatChrist'srighthand,willseethewickedatthelefthandintheiramazementandhorror,willhearthejudgepronouncesentenceuponthem,saying,"Depart,yecursed,intoeverlastingfire,preparedforthedevilandhisangels;"andwillseethemgoawayintoeverlastingpunishment.ButtheScriptureseemstoholdforthtous,thatthesaintswillnotonlyseethemiseryofthewickedatthedayofjudgment,buttheforementionedtextsimply,thatthestateofthedamnedinhellwillbeintheviewoftheheavenlyinhabitants;thatthetwoworldsofhappinessandmiserywillbeinviewofeachother.Thoughweknownotbywhatmeans,norafterwhatmanner,itwillbe;yettheScripturescertainlyleadustothink,thattheywillsomewayorotherhaveadirectandimmediateapprehensionofeachother'sstate.Thesaintsinglorywillseehowthedamnedaretormented;theywillseeGod'sthreateningsfulfilled,andhiswrathexecuteduponthem.

Prop.II.Whentheyshallseeit,itwillbenooccasionofgrieftothem.Themiseriesofthedamnedinhellwillbeinconceivablygreat.WhentheyshallcometobearthewrathoftheAlmightypouredoutuponthemwithoutmixture,andexecuteduponthemwithoutpityorrestraint,oranymitigation;itwilldoubtlesscauseanguish,andhorror,andamazementvastlybeyondallthesufferingsandtormentsthateveranymanenduredinthisworld;yea,beyondallextentofourwordsorthoughts.ForGodinexecutingwrathuponungodlymenwillactlikeanAlmightyGod.TheScripturecallsthiswrath,God'sandthefiercenessofhiswrath;andwearetoldthatthisistoshowGod'swrath,andtomake

hispowerknown;ortomakeknownhowdreadfulhiswrathis,andhowgreathispower.

Thesaintsinglorywillseethis,andbefarmoresensibleofitthannowwecanpossiblybe.TheywillbefarmoresensiblehowdreadfulthewrathofGodis,andwillbetterunderstandhowterriblethesufferingsofthedamnedare;yetthiswillbenooccasionofgrieftothem.Theywillnotbesorryforthedamned;itwillcausenouneasinessordissatisfactiontothem;butonthecontrary,whentheyhavethissight,itwillexcitethemtojoyfulpraises.-Thesetwothingsareevidencesofit:

1.ThattheseeingofthewrathofGodexecuteduponthedamned,shouldcausegriefinthesaintsinglory,isinconsistentwiththatstateofperfecthappinessinwhichtheyare.Therecannosuchthingasgriefenter,tobeanalloytothehappinessandjoyofthatworldofblessedness.Griefisanutterstrangerinthatworld.Godhathpromisedthathewillwipeawayalltearsfromtheireyes,andthereshallhenomoresorrow.Rev.20:4,andchap.7:17.

2.Thesaintsinheavenpossessallthingsastheirown,andthereforeallthingscontributetotheirjoyandhappiness.TheScripturesteachthatthesaintsingloryinheritallthings.ThisGodsaidinJohn'shearing,whenhehadthevisionoftheNewJerusalem,Rev.21:7.AndtheScripturesteachustounderstandthisabsolutelyofalltheworksofcreationandprovidence.1,Cor.3:21,22,"Allthingsareyours,whetherPaul,orApollos,orCephas,ortheworld,orlife,ordeath,orthingspresent,orthingstocome;allareyours.Heretheapostleteaches,thatallthingsintheworldtocome,orinthefutureandeternalworld,arethesaints;notonlylife,butdeath;men,andangels,anddevils,heavenandhell,aretheirs,tocontributetotheirjoyandhappiness.Thereforethedamnedandtheirmisery,theirsufferingsandthewrathofGodpouredoutuponthem,willbeanoccasionofjoytothem.Iftherewereanythingwhatsoeverthatdidnotcontributetotheirjoy,butcausedgrief,thentherewouldbesomethingwhichwouldnotbetheirs.

Thatthetormentsofthedamnedarenomatterofgrief,butofjoy,totheinhabitantsofheaven,isveryclearlyexpressedinseveralpassagesofthisbookofRevelation;particularlybychap.16:57,andchap.19atthe

beginning.

SECTIONII.(Whythesufferingsofthewickedwillnotbecauseofgrieftothe

righteous,butthecontrary.)

1.Negatively;itwillnotbebecausethesaintsinheavenarethesubjectsofanyilldisposition;butonthecontrary,thisrejoicingoftheirswillbethefruitofanamiableandexcellentdisposition:itwillbethefruitofaperfectholinessandconformitytoChrist,theholyLambofGod.Thedevildelightsinthemiseryofmenfromcruelty,andfromenvyandrevenge,andbecausehedelightsinmisery,foritsownsake,fromamaliciousdisposition.

Itwillbefromexceedinglydifferentprinciples,andforquiteotherreasons,thatthejustdamnationofthewickedwillbeanoccasionofrejoicingtothesaintsinglory.Itwillnotbebecausetheydelightinseeingthemiseryofothersabsolutelyconsidered.Thedamnedsufferingdivinevengeancewillbenooccasionofjoytothesaintsmerelyasitisthemiseryofothers,orbecauseitispleasanttothemtobeholdthemiseryofothersmerelyforitsownsake.Therejoicingofthesaintsonthisoccasionisnoargument,thattheyarenotofamostamiableandexcellentspirit,orthatthereisanydefectonthataccount,thatthereisanythingwanting,whichwouldrenderthemofamoreamiabledisposition.Itisnoargumentthattheyhavenotaspiritofgoodnessandlovereigningintheminabsoluteperfection,orthathereintheydonotexcelthegreatestinstancesofitonearth,asmuchasthestarsarehigherthantheearth,orthesunbrighterthanaglowworm.

AndwhereastheheavenlyinhabitantsareinthetextcalledupontorejoiceoverBabylon,becauseGodhadavengedthemonher;itisnottobeunderstoodthattheyaretorejoiceinhavingtheirrevengeglutted,buttorejoice,inseeingthejusticeofGodexecuted,andinseeinghislovetotheminexecutingitonhisenemies.

2.Positively;thesufferingsofthedamnedwillbenooccasionofgrieftotheheavenlyinhabitants,astheywillhavenolovenorpitytothedamnedassuch.Itwillbenoargumentofwantofaspiritofloveinthem,that

theydonotlovethedamned;fortheheavenlyinhabitantswillknowthatitisnotfitthattheyshouldlovethem,becausetheywillknowthen,thatGodhasnolovetothem,norpityforthem;butthattheyaretheobjectsofGod'seternalhatred.AndtheywillthenbeperfectlyconformedtoGodintheirwillsandaffections.TheywilllovewhatGodloves,andthatonly.Howeverthesaintsinheavenmayhavelovedthedamnedwhilehere,especiallythoseofthemwhowerenearanddeartotheminthisworld,theywillhavenolovetothemhereafter.

Itwillbeanoccasionoftheirrejoicing,asthegloryofGodwillappearinit.ThegloryofGodappearsinallhisworks:andthereforethereisnoworkofGodwhichthesaintsingloryshallbeholdandcontemplatebutwhatwillbeanoccasionofrejoicingtothem.Godglorifieshimselfintheeternaldamnationoftheungodlymen.Godglorifieshimselfinallthathedoth;butheglorifieshimselfprincipallyin,hiseternaldisposalofhisintelligentcreatures,someareappointedtoeverlastinglife,andotherslefttoeverlastingdeath.

ThesaintsinheavenwillbeperfectintheirlovetoGod:theirheartswillbeallaflameoflovetoGod,andthereforetheywillgreatlyvaluethegloryofGod,andwillexceedinglydelightinseeinghimglorified.ThesaintshighlyvaluethegloryofGodhereinthis,buthowmuchmorewilltheysodointheworldtocomeTheywillthereforegreatlyrejoiceinallthatcontributestothatglory.ThegloryofGodwillintheiresteembeofgreaterconsequence,thanthewelfareofthousandsandmillionsofsouls.-Particularly,

(1.)TheywillrejoiceinseeingthejusticeofGodglorifiedinthesufferingsofthedamned.Themiseryofthedamned,dreadfulasitis,isbutwhatjusticerequires.Theyinheavenwillseeandknowitmuchmoreclearly,thananyofusdohere.Theywillseehowperfectlyjustandrighteoustheirpunishmentis,andthereforehowproperlyinflictedbythesupremeGovernoroftheworld.Theywillgreatlyrejoicetoseejusticetakeplace,toseethatallthesinandwickednessthathavebeencommittedintheworldisrememberedofGod,andhasitsduepunishment.ThesightofthisstrictandimmutablejusticeofGodwillrenderhimamiableandadorableintheireyes.TheywillrejoicewhentheyseehimwhoistheirFatherandeternalportionsogloriousinhisjustice.

ThentherewillbenoremainingdifficultiesaboutthejusticeofGod,abouttheabsolutedecreesofGod,oranythingpertainingtothedispensationsofGodtowardsmen.Butdivinejusticeinthedestructionofthewickedwillthenappearaslightwithoutdarkness,andwillshineasthesunwithoutclouds,andonthisaccountwilltheysingjoyfulsongsofpraisetoGod,asweseethesaintsandangelsdo,whenGodpoursthevialsofhiswrathuponantichrist;Rev.16:57TheysingjoyfullytoGodonthisaccount,thattrueandrighteousarehisjudgments,Rev.19:16.TheyseeingGodsostrictlyjustwillmakethemvaluehislovethemore.Mercyandgracearemorevaluableonthisaccount.ThemoretheyshallseeofthejusticeofGodthemorewilltheyprizeandrejoiceinhislove.

(2.)Theywillrejoiceinit,asitwillbeagloriousmanifestationofthepowerandmajestyofGod.Godwillshowhisowngreatnessinexecutingvengeanceonungodlymen.Thisismentionedasoneendofthedestructiontheungodly:"WhatifGod,willingtoshowhiswrath,andmakehispowerknown,enduredwithmuchlongsufferingthevesselsofwrathfittedtodestruction?"Godwillherebyshowhowmuchheisabovehisenemies.Therearemanynowintheworld,whoproudlyliftupthemselvesagainstGod.TherearemanyopenopposersofthecauseandinterestofChrist."Theysettheirmouthagainsttheheavens,andtheirtonguewalkeththroughtheearth."ThenGodwillshowhisgloriouspowerindestroyingtheseenemies.

ThepowerofGodissometimesspokenofasveryglorious,asappearinginthetemporaldestructionofhisenemies:Exod.15:6,"Thyrighthand,OLord,isbecomegloriousinpower;thyrighthand,OLord,hathdashedinpiecestheenemy."Buthowmuchmoregloriouswillitappearinhistriumphingover,anddashinginpiecesatonce,allhisenemies,wickedmenanddevilstogether,allhishaughtyfoes!ThepowerofGodwillgloriouslyappearindashingtopieceshisenemiesasapotter'svessel.MosesrejoicedandsangwhenhesawGodglorifyhispowerinthedestructionofPharaohandhishostattheRedSea.ButhowmuchmorewillthesaintsingloryrejoicewhentheyshallseeGodgloriouslytriumphingoverallhisenemiesintheireternalruin!ThenitwillappearhowdreadfulGodis,andhowdreadfulathingitistodisobeyandcondemnhim.ItisoftenmentionedasapartofthegloryofGod,thathe

isaterribleGod.Toseethemajesty,andgreatness,andterriblenessofGod,appearinginthedestructionofhisenemies,willcausethesaintstorejoice;andwhentheyshallseehowgreatandterribleabeingGodis,howwilltheyprizehisfavor!Howwilltheyrejoicethattheyaretheobjectsofhislove!Howwilltheypraisehimthemorejoyfully,thatheshouldchoosethemtobehischildren,andtoliveintheenjoymentofhim!

Itwilloccasionrejoicinginthem,astheywillhavethegreatersensetheirownhappiness,byseeingthecontrarymisery.Itisthenatureofpleasureandpain,ofhappinessandmisery,greatlytoheightenthesenseofeachother.Thustheseeingofthehappinessofotherstendstomakemenmoresensibleoftheirowncalamities;andtheseeingofthecalamitiesofotherstendstoheightenthesenseofourownenjoyments.

Whenthesaintsinglory,therefore,shallseethedolefulstateofthedamned,howwillthisheightentheirsenseoftheblessednessoftheirownstate,soexceedinglydifferentfromit!Whentheyshallseehowmiserableothersoftheirfellowcreaturesare,whowerenaturallyinthesamecircumstanceswiththemselves;whentheyshallseethesmokeoftheirtorment,andtheragingoftheflamesoftheirburning,andheartheirdolorousshrieksandcries,andconsiderthattheyinthemeantimeareinthemostblissfulstate,andshallsurelybeinittoalleternity;howwilltheyrejoice!

ThiswillgivethemajoyfulsenseofthegraceandloveofGodtothem;becauseherebytheywillseehowgreatabenefittheyhavebyit.Whenthey,shallseethedreadfulmiseriesofthedamned,andconsiderthattheydeserved,thesamemisery,andthatitwassovereigngrace,andnothingelse,whichmadethemsomuchtodifferfromthedamned,that,ifithadnotbeenforthat,theywouldhavebeeninthesamecondition;butthatGodfromalleternitywaspleasedtosethisloveuponthem,thatChristhathlaiddownhislifeforthem,andhathmadethemthusgloriouslyhappyforever,OhowwilltheyadmirethatdyingloveofChrist,whichhasredeemedthemfromsogreatamisery,andpurchasedforthemsogreathappiness,andhassodistinguishedthemfromothersoftheirfellowcreatures!HowjoyfullywilltheysingtoGodandtheLamb,whentheybeholdthis!

SECTIONIII.(Anobjectionanswered.)

Theobjectionis,"Ifweareapprehensiveofthedamnationofothersnow,itinnowisebecomesustorejoiceatit,buttolamentit.Ifweseeothersinimminentdangerofgoingtohell,itisaccountedaverysorrowfulthing,anditislookeduponasanargumentofasenselessandwickedspirit,tolookuponitotherwise.Whenitisaverydeadtimewithrespecttoreligion,andaverydegenerateandcorrupttimeamongapeople,itisaccountedathinggreatlytobelamented;andonthisaccount,thatatsuchtimestherearebutfewconvertedandsaved,andmanyperish.Paultellsus,thathehadgreatheavinessandcontinualsorrowinhisheart,becausesomanyoftheJewswereinaperishingstate:Rom.9:1,2,3,"IsaythetruthinChrist,Ilienot,myconsciencesobearingmewitnessintheHolyGhost,thatIhavegreatheavinessandcontinualsorrowinmyheart.ForIcouldwishthatmyselfwereaccursedfromChrist,formybrethren,mykinsmenaccordingtotheflesh."Andifaneighbordie,andhisdeathbeattendedwithcircumstanceswhichlookdarklyastothestateofhissoul,weaccountitasorrowfulthing,becausehehasleftusnomorecomfortablegroundstohopeforhissalvation.

Whyisitnotthenanunbecomingthinginthesaintsinglorytorejoicewhentheyseethedamnationoftheungodly?

Ans.1.Itisnowourdutytoloveallmen,thoughtheyarewicked;butitwillnotbeadutytolovewickedmenhereafter.Christ,bymanypreceptsinhisword,hathmadeitourdutytoloveallmen.Wearecommandedtolovewickedmen,andourenemiesandpersecutors.Butthiscommanddothnotextendtothesaintsinglory,withrespecttothedamnedinhell.Noristherethesamereasonthatitshould.Weoughtnowtoloveall,andevenwickedmen;weknownotbutthatGodlovesthem.Howeverwickedanymanis,yetweknownotbutthatheisonewhomGodlovedfrometernity,weknownotbutthatChristlovedhimwithadyinglove,hadhisnameuponhisheartbeforetheworldwas,andhadrespecttohimwhenheenduredthosebitteragoniesonthecross.Weknownotbutthatheistobeourcompanioninglorytoalleternity.Butthisisnotthecaseinanotherworld.Thesaintsinglorywillknow,

concerningthedamnedinhell,thatGodneverlovedthem,butthathehatesthem,andwillbeforeverhatedofGod.ThishatredofGodwillbefullydeclaredtothem;theywillseeit,andwillseethefruitsofitintheirmisery.Therefore,whenGodhasthusdeclaredhishatredofthedamned,andthesaintsseeit,itwillbenowaybecominginthesaintstolovethem,nortomournoverthem.ItbecomesthesaintsfullyandperfectlytoconsenttowhatGoddoth,withoutanyreluctanceoroppositionofspirit;yea,itbecomesthemtorejoiceineverythingthatGodseesmeettobedone.

Ans2.Weoughtnowtoseekandbeconcernedforthesalvationofwickedmen,becausenowtheyarecapablesubjectsofit.Wickedmen,thoughtheymaybeverywicked,yetarecapablesubjectsofmercy.Itisyetadayofgracewiththem,andtheyhavetheoffersofsalvation.Christisasyetseekingtheirsalvation;heiscallinguponthem,invitingandwooingthem,hestandsatthedoorandknocks.Heisusingmanymeanswiththem,iscallingthem,saying,Turnye,turnye,whywillyedie?Thedayofhispatienceisyetcontinuedtothem;andifChristisseekingtheirsalvation,surelyweoughttoseekit.Godiswontnowtomakementhemeansofoneanother'ssalvation;yea,itishisordinarywaysotodo.HemakestheconcernandendeavorsofhispeoplethemeansofbringinghomemanytoChrist.Thereforetheyoughttobeconcernedforandendeavorit.Butitwillnotbesoinanotherworld;therewickedmenwillbenolongercapablesubjectsofmercy.Thesaintswillknow,thatitisthewillofGodthewickedshouldhemiserabletoalleternity.Itwillthereforeceasetobetheirdutyanymoretoseektheirsalvation,ortoconcernedabouttheirmisery.Ontheotherhand,itwillbetheirdutytorejoiceinthewillandgloryofGod.ItisnotourdutytobesorrythatGodhathexecutedjustvengeanceonthedevils,concerningwhomthewillofGodintheireternalstateisalreadyknowntous.

Ans.3.Rejoicingatthecalamitiesofothersnow,restsnotonthesamegroundsasthatofthesaintsinglory.Theevilofrejoicingatothers'calamitynow,consistsinourenvy,orrevenge,orsomesuchdispositionisgratifiedtherein:andnotthatGodisglorified,thatthemajestyandjusticeofGodgloriouslyshineforth.

Ans.4.Thedifferentcircumstancesofournaturenow,fromwhatwillbehereafter,makethatavirtuenowwhichwillbenovirtuethen.Forinstance,ifamanbeofavirtuousdisposition,thecircumstancesofournaturenowaresuch,thatitwillnecessarily,showitselfbynaturalaffection,andtobewithoutnaturalaffectionisaveryviciousdisposition;andissomentionedinRom.i.31.Butnaturalaffectionisnovirtueinthesaintsinglory.Theirvirtuewillexerciseitselfinahighermanner.

Ans.5.ThevengeanceinflictedonmanyofthewickedwillbeamanifestationofGod'slovetothesaints.OnewaywherebyGodshowshislovetothesaints,isbydestroyingtheirenemies.Godhathsaid,"Hethattouchethyou,toucheththeappleofmineeye."AnditisoftenmentionedinScripture,asinstanceofthegreatloveofGodtohispeople,thathiswrathissoawakened,whentheyarewrongedandinjured.ThusChristhathpromisedthatGodwillavengehisownelect,Luke18:.7,andhathsaid,that"ifanymanoffendoneofhislittleones,itwerebetterforhimthatamillstonewerehangedabouthisneck,andthatheweredrownedinthedepthofthesea,"Matt.18:6.

SothesaintsinglorywillseethegreatloveofGodtothem,inthedreadfulvengeancewhichheshallinflictonthosewhohaveinjuredandpersecutedthem;andtheviewofthisloveofGodtothemwillbejustcauseoftheirrejoicing.Thus,inthetext,heavenandtheholyapostlesandprophetsarecalledtorejoiceovertheirenemies,becauseGodhathavengedthemofthem.

SECTIONIV.(Theungodlywarned.)

Ishallapplythissubjectonlyinoneuse,viz.,ofwarningtoungodlymen.Andinordertothis,Idesiresuchtoconsider,

1.Howdestituteofanycomfortingconsiderationyourconditionwillbe,ifyouperishat last.Youwillhavenone topity you.Lookwhichwayyouwill,beforeorbehind,ontherighthandorleft,lookuptoheaven,orlookabout you in hell, and you will see none to condole your case, or toexerciseanypitytowardsyou,inyourdreadfulcondition.Youmustbeartheseflames,youmustbearthattormentandamazement,dayandnight,

forever,andneverhavethecomfortofconsidering,thatthereissomuchasonethatpitiesyourcase;thereneverwillonetearbedroppedforyou.

(1.)Youhavenowbeentaughtthatyouwillhavenopityfromthecreatedinhabitants of heaven. If you shall look to them, you will see them allrejoicing at the sight of the glory of God's justice, power, and terriblemajesty,manifestedinyourtorment.Youwillseetheminablissfulandglorious state: you will see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all theprophets,inthekingdomofGod;youwillseemanycomefromtheeast,andfromthewest,andfromthenorth,andfromthesouth,andsitdowninthatgloriouskingdom;and,willseethemallwithonevoice,andwithunited joy, praisingGod for glorifying himself in your destruction. Youwillwailandgnashyourteethunderyourowntorments,andwithenvyoftheirhappiness;buttheywillrejoiceandsing:Isa.65:13,14,"ThereforethussaiththeLord,Behold,myservantsshalleat,butyeshallbehungry:behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, myservantsshallrejoice,butyeshallbeashamed:behold,myservantsshallsingforjoyofheart,butyeshallcryforsorrowofheart,andshallhowlforvexationofspirit."

(2.)Godwillexercisenopitytowardsyou.Ifyoumighthavehispity inanydegree,thatwouldbeofmoreworthtoyouthanthousandsofworlds.Thatwouldmakeyourcasetobenotwithoutcomfortandhope.ButGodwillexercisenopitytowardsyou.Hehathoftensaidconcerningwickedmen,thathiseyeshallnotspare,neitherwillhehavepity,Ezek.5:11,and7:4, 9, and 8:18. He will cast upon you, and not spare; you will seenothing inGod, and receive nothing fromhim, but perfect hatred, andthefiercenessofhiswrath;nothingbutthemightyfallsoroutpouringsofwrathuponyoueverymoment;andnocrieswillavailtomoveGodtoanypity, or in the least to move him to lighten his hand, or assuage thefiercenessandabatethepowerofyourtorments.

JesusChrist,theRedeemer,willhavenopityonyou.Thoughhehadsomuchlovetosinners,as tobewillingto laydownhis life for them,andoffersyouthebenefitsofhisblood,whileyouareinthisworld,andoftencalls upon you to accept them; yet thenhewill havenopity upon you.Youneverwillhearanymoreinstructionsfromhim;hewillutterlyrefusetobeyourinstructor:onthecontrary,hewillbeyourjudge,topronounce

sentenceagainstyou.

3.Youwillfindnonethatwillpityyouinhell.Thedevilswillnotpityyou,butwillbeyourtormentors,asroaringlionsorhellhoundstotearyouinpiecescontinually.Andotherwickedmenwhoshallbetherewillbelikedevils;theywillhavenopityonyou,butwillhate,andcurse,andtormentyou. And you yourselves will be like devils; you will be like devils toyourselves,andwillbeyourowntormentors.

2.Considerwhatanaggravationwhatyouhaveheardunderthisdoctrinewill be to yourmisery. Consider how itwill be at the day of judgment,whenyoushallseeChristcominginthecloudsofheaven,whenyoushallbegin to wail and cry, as knowing that you are those who are to becondemned;andperhapsyouwillbeready to fly tosomeofyourgodlyfriends; but you will obtain no help from them: you will see themunconcerned for you, with joyful countenances ascending to meet theLord, andnot the less joyful for thehorror inwhich they see you.Andwhenyoushallstandbeforethetribunalat the lefthand,amongdevils,trembling and astonished, and shall have the dreadful sentence passedupon you, youwill at the same time see the blessed company of saintsandangelsattherighthandrejoicing,andshallhearthemshoutforththepraisesofGod,whiletheyhearyoursentencepronounced.Youwillthenseethosegodlypeople,withwhomyoushallhavebeenacquainted,andwho shall have been your neighbors, and with whom you now oftenconverse,rejoicingatthepronunciationandexecutionofyoursentence.

Perhaps there are now some godly people, to whom you are near anddear,whoaretenderlyconcernedforyou,arereadytopityyouunderallcalamities, and willing to help you; and particularly are tenderlyconcernedforyourpoorsoul,andhaveputupmanyferventprayersforyou.Howwillyoubear tohear thesesinging for joyofheart,whileyouarecryingforsorrowofheartandhowlingforvexationofspirit,andevensingingthemorejoyfulforthegloriousjusticeofGodwhichtheybeholdinyoureternalcondemnation!

Youthathavegodlyparents,whointhisworldhavetenderlylovedyou,whowerewonttolookuponyourwelfareastheirown,andwerewonttobegrievedforyouwhenanythingcalamitousbefellyouinthisworld,and

especiallyweregreatlyconcernedforthegoodofyoursouls,industriouslysought,andearnestlyprayedfortheirsalvation;howwillyoubeartoseetheminthekingdomofGod,crownedwithglory?Orhowwillyoubeartoseethem receiving the blessed sentence, and going upwith shouts andsongs,toenterwithChristintothekingdompreparedforthemfromthefoundationoftheworld,whileyouareamongstacompanyofdevils,andare turned away with the most bitter cries, to enter into everlastingburnings,preparedforthedevilandhisangels?Howwillyoubeartoseeyour parents, who in this life had so dear an affection for you, nowwithoutanylovetoyou,approvingthesentenceofcondemnation,whenChristshallwithindignationbidyoudepart,wretched,cursedcreatures,intoeternalburnings?Howwillyoubeartoseeandhearthempraisingthe Judge, for his justice exercised in pronouncing this sentence, andhearing it with holy joy in their countenances, and shouting forth thepraisesandhallelujahsofGodandChristonthataccount?

When theyshall seewhatmanifestationsofamazement therewillbe inyou,atthehearingofthisdreadfulsentence,andthateverysyllableofitpierces you like a thunderbolt, and sinks you into the lowest depths ofhorror and despair; when they shall behold you with a frightened,amazedcountenance,tremblingandastonished,andshallhearyougroanandgnashyourteeth;thesethingswillnotmovethematalltopityyou,butyouwill see themwithaholy joyfulness in their countenances, andwith songs in theirmouths.When they shall see you turned away andbeginningtoenterintothegreatfurnace,andshallseehowyoushrinkatit,andhearhowyoushriekandcryout;yettheywillnotbeatallgrievedfor you,but at the same timeyouwillhear from themrenewedpraisesandhallelujahsforthetrueandrighteousjudgmentsofGod,insodealingwithyou.

Then you will doubtless remember how those your glorified parentsseemed tobe concerned for your salvation,while youwerehere in thisworld;youwillrememberhowtheywerewonttocounselandwarnyou,andhow little you regarded their counsels, andhow they seemed to beconcerned and grieved, that there appeared no more effect of theirendeavorsforthegoodofyoursouls.YouwillthenseethempraisingGodforexecutingjustvengeanceonyou,forsettingsolightbytheircounsels

andreproofs.Howeverheretheylovedyou,andwereconcernedforyou,nowtheywillriseupinjudgmentagainstyou,andwilldeclarehowyoursinsareaggravatedbytheendeavorswhichtheytonopurposeusedwithyou,tobringyoutoforsakesinandpracticevirtue,andtoseekandserveGod;butyouwereobstinateunderall,andwouldnothearkento them.They will declare how inexcusable you are upon this account. And theJudge shall execute themore terrible wrath upon you on this account,thatyouhavemadenobetterimprovementofyourparents'instructions,theywill joyfullypraiseGod for it.After they shallhave seenyou lie inhellthousandsofyears,andyourtormentshallyetcontinuewithoutanyrest, dayornight; theywill not begin topity you then; theywill praiseGod,thathisjusticeappearsintheeternityofyourmisery.

You that have godly husbands, or wives, or brethren, or sisters, withwhomyouhavebeenwonttodwellunderthesameroof,andtoeatatthesametable,considerhowitwillbewithyou,whenyoushallcometopartwiththem,whentheyshallbetakenandyouleft:Luke17:34,35,36,"Itellyou,inthatnight,thereshallbetwomeninonebed;theoneshallbetakenandtheother left.Twowomenshallbegrindingtogethertheoneshallbetakenandtheother left.Twomenshallbe inthe field; theoneshall be taken and the other left." However youmay wail and lament,whenyouseethempartedfromyou, theybeingtakenandyou left,youwillseeinthemnosignsofsorrow,thatyouarenottakenwiththem;thatyouascendnotwiththemtomeettheLordintheair,butareleftbelowtobeconsumedwiththeworld,whichisreserveduntofire,againstthedayoftheperditionofungodlymen.

Thosewickedmen,who shall go tohell fromunder the laborsofpiousandfaithfulministers,willseethoseministersrejoicingandpraisingGodupontheoccasionoftheirdestruction.Consider,yethathavelonglivedunderMr. Stoddard'sministry, and are yet in a natural condition, howdreadful itwillbe toyou toseehimwhowasso tenderlyconcernedforthegoodof your soulswhilehewashere, and so earnestly sought yoursalvation, to see him risingup in judgment against you, declaring yourinexcusableness,declaringhowoftenhewarnedyou;howplainlyhesetyour danger before you, and told you of the opportunity that you had;howfullyhesetforththemiserableconditioninwhichyouwere,andthe

necessity there was that you should obtain an interest in Christ; howmovingly and earnestly he exhorted you to get into a better state, andhowregardlessyouwere;how littleyoumindedall thathesaid toyou;howyouwentonstillinyourtrespasses,hardenedyournecks,andmadeyourheartsasanadamant,andrefusedtoreturn!Howdreadfulwillitbeto you to hear him declaring how inexcusable you are upon theseaccounts! How will you be cut to the heart, when you shall see himapproving the sentence of condemnation, which the Judge shallpronounceagainstyou,andjudgingandsentencingyouwithChrist,asanassessorinjudgment;forthesaintsshalljudgetheworld(1Cor.6:2);andwhenyoushallseehimrejoicingintheexecutionofjusticeuponyouforallyourunprofitablenessunderhisministry!

3.Considerwhatahappyopportunityyouhaveinyourhandsnow.Nowyourcaseisverydifferentfromthecaseofwickedmeninanotherworld,ofwhichyouhavenowheard;andparticularlyinthefollowingrespects.

(1.)Godmakesitthedutyofallthegodlynowtobeconcernedforyoursalvation.Astothosewhoaredamnedinhell,thesaintsingloryarenotconcernedfortheirwelfare,andhavenolovenorpitytowardsthem;andifyouperishhereafter, itwillbeanoccasionof joy toall thegodly.ButnowGodmakes it the duty of all the godly, to love youwith a sinceregood-will and earnest affection. God doth not excusemen from lovingyou, nor your ill qualities: though you arewicked andundeserving, yetGodmakes it the duty of all sincerely to wish well to you; and it is aheinoussininthesightofGodforanytohateyou.Herequiresalltobeconcernedforyoursalvation,andbyallmeanstoseekit.Itistheirdutynowtolamentyourdanger,andtoprayformercytoyou,thatyoumaybeconvertedandbroughthometoChrist.

Now the godly who know you, desire your salvation, and are ready toseek,andprayforit.Ifyoubenowindistressabouttheconditionofyoursouls,youarenotinsuchaforsaken,helplesscondition,asthosethataredamned;butyoumayfindmanytoprayforyou,manywhoarewillingtoassistyoubytheiradviceandcounsels,andallwithatenderconcern,andwithheartywishes thatyoursoulsmayprosper.Nowsomeofyouhavegodlyfriendswhoarenearanddeartoyou;youarebelovedofthosewhohaveagreat interest inheaven,andwhohavepowerwithGodby their

prayer's:youhavetheblessingof livingunderthesameroofwiththem.Some of you have godly parents to pray for you, and to counsel andinstructyou,whoyoumaybesurewilldoitwithsincereloveandconcernforyou.And there isnotonly thecommandofGod,Godhathnotonlymade it the duty of others to seek your salvation, but hath givenencouragement to others to seek it. He gives encouragement that theymay obtain help for you by their prayers, and that they may beinstrumentalofyourspiritualgood.Godreveals it tobehismanner, tomakeoursincereendeavorsameanofeachother'sgood.Howdifferentisthecasewithyoufromwhatitiswiththosethatarealreadydamned!Andhow happy an opportunity have you in your hands, if you would butimproveit!

(2.)Nowyoulivewherethereisacertainorderofmenappointedtomakeit the business of their lives to seek your salvation. Now you haveministers,nottoriseupinjudgmentagainstyou;butinChrist'sstead,tobeseechyoutobereconciledtoGod,2Cor.5:20.Godhathnotonlymadeitthedutyofalltowishwelltoyoursouls,andoccasionallytoendeavortopromoteyourspiritualinterests,buthehathsetapartcertainpersons,tomake it theirwholework, inwhichtheyshouldspendtheirdaysandtheirstrength.

(3.) Christ himself is now seeking your salvation. He seeks it by theforementionedmeans, by appointing men to make it their business toseek it;heseeks itby them; theyarehis instruments,andtheybeseechyouinChrist'sstead,tobereconciledtoGod.Heseeksitincommandingourneighborstoseekit.ChristisrepresentedinScripture,aswooingthesoulsofsinner's.Heusesmeanstopersuadethemtochooseandacceptof theirown salvation.He often invites them to come to him that theymayhavelife,thattheymayfindresttotheirsouls;tocomeandtakeofthewateroflifefreely.Hestandsatthedoorandknocks;andceasesnot,althoughsinnersfora longtimerefusehim.Hebearsrepeatedrepulsesfromthem,andyetmercifullycontinuesknocking,Saying,"Opentome,thatImaycomeinandsupwithyou,andyouwithme."Atthedoorsofmanysinnershestandsthusknockingformanyyearstogether.Christisbecomeamostimportunatesuitortosinners,thathemaybecometheirsovereign.Heisoftensettingbeforethemtheneedtheyhaveofhim,the

miserable condition in which they are, and the great provision that ismade for the good of their souls and he invites them to accept of thisprovision,andpromisesitshallbetheirsupontheirmereacceptance.

Thus how earnestly did Christ seek the salvation of Jerusalem, and heweptoveritwhentheyrefused:Luke19:41,42,"Andwhenhewascomenear,hebeheld the city, andweptover it, saying, If thouhadstknown,eventhou,atleastinthisthyday,thethingswhichbelonguntothypeace!butnow they arehid from thine eyes."AndMatt. 23:37, "0 Jerusalem,Jerusalem,thouthatkillesttheprophets,andstonestthemthataresentuntothee,howoftenwouldIhavegatheredthychildrentogether,evenasahengatherethherchickensunderherwings,andyewouldnot!"ThusChristisnowseekingyoursalvation;suchanopportunityhaveyounowinyourhands.ConsiderthereforehowmanymeansChristisusingwithyou,tobringyoutosalvation.

Besidesthosethingswhichhavebeennowmentioned,someofyouhaveadegreeoftheinwardstrivingsandinfluencesof theSpirit,whichmakesyour opportunity much greater. You have Christ's internal calls andknockings.AllthepersonsoftheTrinityarenowseekingyoursalvation.GodtheFatherhathsenthisSon,whohathmadewayforyoursalvation,andremovedalldifficulties,exceptthosewhicharewithyourownheart.Andheiswaitingtobegracioustoyou;thedoorofhismercystandsopento you; he hath set a fountain open for you to wash in from sin anduncleanness. Christ is calling, inviting, and wooing you; and the HolyGhostisstrivingwithyoubyhisinternalmotionsandinfluences.

4.Ifyounowrepent,beforeitbetoolate,thesaintsandangelsinglorywillrejoice at your repentance. If you repent not till it is too late, theywill,asyouhaveheard,rejoiceinseeingjusticeexecuteduponyou.Butifyounowrepent,theywillrejoiceatyourwelfare,thatyouwhowerelost,arefound;thatyouwhoweredead,arealiveagain.Theywillrejoicethatyouarecometosohappyastatealready,andthatyouareinduetimetoinherit eternal happiness, Luke 15:10. So that if now you will improveyouropportunity,therewillbeaverydifferentoccasionofjoyinheavenconcerningyou,thanthatofwhichthedoctrinespeaks;notarejoicingonoccasion of your misery, but on occasion of your unspeakableblessedness.

5.Ifyourepentbeforeitistoolate,youyourselvesshallbeofthatjoyfulcompany.Theywillbesofarfromrejoicingonoccasionofyourruin,thatyouyourselveswillbeofthatgloriouscompany,whowillrejoiceinalltheworks of God, who will have all tears wiped away from their eyes, towhom there will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, and fromwhomsorrowandsighingshallfleeaway.YouyourselveswillbeofthosewhowillrejoiceatthegloriousdisplayofGod'smajestyandjusticeinhiswrathonhisenemies.Youwillbeofthosethatshallsingforjoyofheartatthedayofjudgment,whileothersmournforsorrowofheart,andbowlfor vexationof spirit; and youwill enter into the joy of yourLord, andthereshallneverbeanyendorabatementofourjoy.

WickedMenOfThePastAreStillInHell

(DatedJune,1749)

1Peter3:19,20Bywhichalsohewentandpreachedtothespiritsinprison,etc...

TwothingsitismypresentpurposetoobserveconcerningthespiritsorsoulsofthosewickedmenthatNoahpreachedto...

1.Howlongagotheylived.2.Howthosesoulsareherespoken[of]astotheirpresentstate,“spiritsinprison.”

DOCTRINE.—Thosewickedmenwholivedbeforetheflood,andwenttoHellinNoah’stime,aretherestill.

1.IwouldgivesomereasonswhytheyhaveremainedinHellsolong.2.Observeinsomerespectsinwhatcircumstancestheyremainthereallthiswhile.

I.Givesomereasons.

Negatively.

1.’TisnotbecauseHellhasbeentolerableto’em.

2.’Tisnotbecausetheyben’tconvincedoftheirformerfolly...Thattheyhavenotyetbeenbroughttotheirrightmindortotheirjudgmentofthings.

3.’Tisnotbecausetheyarecarelessabouttheirownwelfareandease,andnotwillingtobeatanypossiblelaborsorcostinordertoescape,iftherewereanyhopeofdeliverance.Notbecausetheydon’twishandlong...notthoroughlyoverwhelmed...notbecausetheyben’tinearnest...thattheyben’tthoroughlyengagedintheirspirits...notyetdisposedtoownthatthecoursesthattheywentongoingweren’tgood...notdisposedtoattendtoanyofferofmercy...becausetheybegrudge...wouldbeunwillingtolayoutthemselves...notbecausetheyarecovetous...notwillingtobeshown...

4.’Tisnotbecausetheywereweakerthanthegeneralityofmen.Manyofthemweregiants.

5.Notbecausethereisnotagreatnumberofthosewhoaredisposedtounitetheirstrengthtoburstprison.

Affirmatively.

1.Theirsoulsareimmortal...madeforeternity...ofanatureagreeabletothisdesign...

Thoughtheydesireit,theycan’treturntonothing.“Seekdeathandcannotfindit.”Extremetorment,butnotendencytoannihilatethesoul...tendencytosinkit,butnottoreduceittonothing.’Tisnotwiththesoulas’tiswiththebodyinitspresentmortalstate...extremeoppressiontendstodestroyit.

2.Theyarenotinastateofprobation.

3.Theirdebtiswhattheycan’tpay...GreatdebttoDivinejustice.Havenotwherewith...Nothingtopay...Castintoprisontilltheyshouldpaythelastmite...

4.THEREISNOTGOSPELPREACHEDINHELL.Christdidnotdieforthedamned...hadnorespecttothatworld...tothoseinthisstate...anymorethantothedevil.NomeansofgraceMeansofgracenotaccommodatedtothatstate.Nomannerofprovisionmadeinanyrespectfortheirrelief.Noaid.PreachingoftheWorddon’treachthem.Theprayersofsaints,ofgodlyfriends,don’treachthem.

5.Theplaceandstatetheyareinwasneverdesignedfortheexerciseofmercy.

Godisinfinitelymerciful;buttheexercisesofmercyarenotforever...LimitedbyWisdominvariousrespects:hasdeclaredwhatthepurposesofHiswisdomarewithrespecttotheexercisesofHismercy.Astothekindofbeings;fallenmenandnotangels...Hisdeclarationsareaccordingtotruth...Hispurposesarenotaltered...

HencenomercyinHell...Thoughtheirpainisextreme...Goddon’tpity’em.Thoughtheirwishesfordeliverancearegreat...thoughtheircriesareloud...thoughlongcontinued...thoughitbeexceedingintolerable.

6.BybeinglongerinHell,theyhavenotbecomeanymorefitforanyotherstate...don’tmake’embetter...althoughindeedtheirjudgmentsareconvinced,yettheirheartsarethesame.Nochangeintheirdispositions.TherearenoconversionsinHell.hewrathmakesagreatchangeindeed;butnosavingchange.ThewickedinNoah’sdaysweremostofthemverywickedonearth,yet,insomerespects,theybecomeworsewhentheywenttoHell.NotfitforHeaven.Notfittocomeandliveinthisworld.Fitfornootherplace.hatistheplaceprovidedandfittedforsuch.

7.Theprisonisstrongthatholdsthem.DeliveredupintothehandsofSatan...againstwhomtheyhavenostrength.Andhiscrueltyisasstrongashispower.Andwhatismuchmorethandevils,Godconfinesthem...irreversiblesentencebindsthem.Omniscienceopposesthem.Noescapebysubtletyunobserved.Oftenhere,inthisworld,personsbreakprisonbystealth...getawaybynight,whennooneobservesthem...AndGod’sAlmightypowerholds’emdown.AndGodeverlives.Heisunchangeable.HeneverwillalterHispurpose...neverwillforgetHisownSon...neverwillforgetHisrighteoussentence...

II.Observe,inseveralthings,inwhatcircumstancestheyhavebeenin,allthissolongatime.

1.Theyhavenotbeeninastateofinsensibility.“TheRichman.”Notlesstheirsensibilitybylong-continuedtormentandmisery...hencenotbeendeprivedoftheuseofreason.

2.Havehadnotimeofrespiteallthiswhile.Norest.Rev.14:11—“Norestdaynornight.”Bothdayandnightarementioned,becausethenightinthisworldisatimeofrest.Haveneverbeenasleep...neverfindanyresting-place.Neverfindoutanyassuagingmedicines...anycoolshadows...coolinggreen...neverfoundadropofwater...neverfoundanyexpedientformitigatingtheirtorment.

Theyhavehadmuchtogoad’em,inexercisingtheirinvention.Necessityisthemotherofinvention.Buttheirinventionshavenotsavedthem...havehadnothingtodivertthem....noamusementtotakeofftheirattention....

3.Havenotforgottenthingsthatweresolongago,orwhentheywereonearth.“Son,remember.”...WillrememberoverallattheDayofJudgment.Havenotforgottenpleasantcircumstancestheylivedin...swamindelights...theirliveswerelong...thewickednesstheycommitted...theyopportunitiestheyhad...thewarnings...Noah’spreaching...theirfolly...thethoughtstheyhadconcerningGodandHistestimony.

4.Theirmiseryisnotgrownmoretolerablebytheirbeingsolongusedtoit.

5.Thegreatadditionsthathavebeenmadetothenumbersfromtheirtimehasbeennocomfortto’em.

6.Theyhavehadnohopeallthiswhile...havenonenow...thoughtheirtormentshavebeensolongcontinued.

ThisisverifiedconcerningallthatgodowntothepitofHell.(Isa.38:17-19)—“TheythatgodowntothepitcannothopeforThytruth.”

USE:

Maybeofwarning:Letsinnersinthesedaystakewarning.Thosethatnowliveinunbeliefandimpenitenceareindangerofthesame.

1.Letmecallupon[you]seriouslytoconsiderhowlongatimethosewhohavebeenspokenofhavealreadywornout[themselves]inHell:theyhavebeenthere4000years.Howmanyages?Howmanyandgreatchanges,andsuccessions,andtransactions?Howmanygenerationshavepassed?Howmanysuccessionsofthosewhohadcomeintobeing,graduallygrownup,andgrownold,andthendied?

Notonlyhavemanygenerationsgraduallycomeuponthestageandhavedied;butmanygreatandpopulousnationshavecomeintobeing,andhaveflourished,andmadeagreatfigureintheworldformanyages,andthenbydegreeshavedwindledandwasted,swallowedupbyothernationsandcometonothing,andnothingofthemnowknowbutbyhistory.Andsomeofthemveryancientandpowerful,sothateventheveryhistoryofthemisalmostcometonothingandvanished;andallsincetheyhavebeensufferingtheflamesofHell,withoutanycessationorrest.Theworldhasbeenpeopled...subdued...manymightyprinceshaveappearedandmadeagoodbustle,andnone...whosememoryisnowalmostforgotten...Verygreatandmagnificentcities...andnot’tishardlytobeknownwheretheystood.Manykingdoms,yea,manygreatmonarchies..Thosefourmonarchiesoftheworld.Howmanythingshavewornout!Thestrongestfortunes....strongestempires...mostdurablemonuments....pillarsofbrass...monumentsofmarblestone...Languagesusedasthecommonspeechoflargecountries.Suchthingshavegraduallyperished,andlengthoftimeworn’emout;butyetthetormentsofthe“spiritsinprison”yetremains...notcometonothing...areasfreshandlivelyandinasgreatvigorasthefirstmoment.

Thesoulswhoarethesubjectsofthesemiseriesweresinners,andtheirmiseriesimmortal.SincetheyhavebeeninHelltherehasbeenalongseriesofwonderfuldispensationsofGodtowardsHisChurchandthewholeworld.Aftertheflood,thenationsdegenerated...fellofftoidolatry...Abrahamwas‘called’...childrenofJacobbecameagreatnation...Christwasforetoldofold,fromtimetotime..anciently

prefigured...andinthefullnessoftimeChristactuallycameintotheworld...alltheseancientpropheciesandancienttypeswerefulfilled...theJews,God’sancientpeople,rejected...Gentilescalled...propheciesweregiven...amightychangemadeintheRomankingdom...Antichristarose...reignedforlongtime...butatlengththeReformationcame...Duringallthosemightychangesonearththosesoulsspokenofinthedoctrine,continuedwithouteasedayornightoroneminute’srespite,wrestlingwiththemightytormentsofHell;andsotheycontinuestill...tormentnotabated.Thesegreatandmightychangesonearthhavenotaffectedthemtocauseanychangethere.Therehavebeenmanygoodtimesonearth:daysofgreatgood;but...

2.Howwemaysupposethethingswhichtheyrememberoftheirpastlivesnowaffectsthem...theirworldlyenjoyments...thelengthofthetimeoftheirpasteaseandpleasures...theylivedlonglives...theirpastopportunities...theirlongwarnings...thepreachingtheyhad...theirfollyandstupidity...obstinacy...

3.HowmanysincehavefollowedtheirstepsandhavegonetoHellinlikemanner.’Tisnotthemannerofmentotakewarningbythosethatperishbeforethem...Thosethataregonebeforecanseethefollyofthosethatcomeafter,whomitwilldonogood.TherichmaninHell.ThosethatwenttoHellinNoah’sday,seethefollyofthosethatcometo’emfromgenerationtogeneration.Butthosethatfollowafterdon’tseethefollyofthosewhowentbefore,andsotheyfollowthem...

4.TheythathavewornoutsomanyagesinHell,arenevertheneareranyendoftheirmisery.hetimeisverylongthattheyhavesuffered....manytediousdays...tediousyears...andtediousagesoneafteranother...TheymustwearoutanotherspaceoftimeaslongasthisinHellflames,andanotherafterthat...Soonthetimewillcomewhentheywillactuallyhavewornoutamillionsuchas...yea,amillionandmillions...Godforeseesthetime...knowstheparticularpassageoftheday.Yea,asmanysuchagesasthereareparticlesofdustontheglobeoftheearth...AndeventhenNOMERCY.Itwillbewithoutend.FOREVER,YEA,FOREVER.Thereforetakewarning.IfyouneglecttotakewarningyouwillgotoHell...andthetimewillcomewhenyouwillhavebeenaslongastheynowhavebeen...andyoumustalsobetheremillionsofmillions...and

youwillbeyourwishes,andcries,andstrength,andentreatieswillbeinvain.Youinlikemannerwillreflectonandcurseyourfolly.

5.Thetormentthatthosespokenofinthedoctrinehaveenduredforsolongatime,isbutanimprisonmentinordertoexecution.“Spiritsinprison.”“Chainsofdarkness.”Thereisanotherday.Theirmiseryisgreatnow.WelearnbytheparableofDivesandLazarus...Iknownothingbywhichitcanbedeterminedthatthemiserywillnotbeathousandtimesasgreat...They‘tremble.’Thechainsarestrong.Thereisnothope...norelieftothem.

6.Themeansandopportunitiestheyenjoyedwerenothingtoyours.Littlerevelationofafuturestate.

7.Godhasanappointedtimetowaitonyou.‘TheSpiritwillnotalwaysstrive.’

8.Considerthesudden,unexpectedmannerinwhichtheyweredestroyed(Luke17:26,27)....Youwillprobablybesurprisedastheywere.Theyhadasmuchreasontoflatterthemselvesasyou,(Job27:20).—“Atempeststealethhimawayinthenight.”

DIRECTIONS:

1.AvoidthosethingsbywhichthementhatwenttoHellinNoah’stimeundidthemselves...particularlysensuality,(Gen.6;Luke17:27)....SoitwaswithSodom.Violence.“Evilimagination.”Theywouldnothearken.Theygrewhardenedtolong-continuedcallsandwarnings...habituallymadelight.Istheirnotreasontoapprehendthatthisisthecasewithmanyhere?Youmustreformyourlife...thoroughreformation...

2.YoumustinthisrespectbeasNoahwasinthegenerationofthosesoulsthatare“castaways;”particularly

1.Youmustavoidthoselibertiesofyoungpeoplethatarecustomary.

2.Anotherthingthatisapparentlybecomecustomary,anddoubtlessisveryprovokingtoGod,isprideandextravaganceinapparel.NotthatIcondemnalladorningthebody.’TisevidentbyScripturethatsome

moderatedegreeofthisislawful.Oilthatmakeshisfacetoshine,(Ecc.9:8;Mat.6:17;Pro.31:21,22;Exo.3:22).Butye’tisapparentthatthereisamostsinfulextravaganceinthiskind,(1Tim.2:9;1Pet.3:3,4;Isa.3:16,18etc.).AppearstobeveryprovokingtoGod....whenpersonsgobeyondtheirrank.Oneendofapparelseemstobetodistinguish.(Pro.31:22,23).Commonpeopletoshowanaffectationtobelikethoseofhighrank;countrytownstoaffecttobelikethemetropolis.Whentheygobeyondtheirestate,disablethemselvesfrompayingtheirdebts;deprivethemselvesofotherthingsmorenecessaryandmoreprofitable;disablethemselvesmuchfromdeedsofcharity.Anaffectiontodistinguishthemselvesinimitatingthefashionsofthemoregaypartoftheworld.Complyingwiththegeneralcustomsofacountryinclothingisnotvulgar.Onthecontrary,’tisnotdecenttobesingular.Butsomefashionsinthemselvesareill...extravagance...verycostly...immodest...

Allthiscare,andpains,andcosttoadornthemselvesshowspersonstomuchaffectoutwardornament...seemtoshowthattheymakemuchofthemselves...allthatwhichtendstoencourageageneralexcess.Suchthingsasthesehavebeencondemnedbywisemenofallnations.

’Tisatimewhenthenationsherehavegottoavastexcess.Thelandisbecomeexceedingextravagant.MoresothaninEnglandinproportiontoourabilityandranks.Preventsgreatgoodthatmightbedone...iscontinuallyrunningindebt.Themainthingthatbringsourgreatestnationalcalamities..particularlythepresentstatethecountryisinwithregardtoamedium.*2*Andisthemainsourceofthatgeneralinjusticethathasbeensolongcomplainedof...keepsthecountryinconstantdistress...maintainsconstantinjustice...threatensuswithruin...Weinthistown*3*areevidentlygottoagreatexcess.BostonisextravagantbeyondLondon.Andwe,consideringallthings,Ithinkbeyondthem...howfarbelowwefallshortinrank...state...educationandoursituationintheworld...farbeyondthem.

IhadoccasiontoobservethepeopleatPortsmouth,inboththecongregationsinthatplace.Thatisaplaceverymuchfamedforpoliteness,andisacitymuchlikeBostoninmanyrespects.Ijudgedtheapparelofourcongregationwasfullyascostly.Manythingsthatmightmakeitproperforthemtogobeyondus.

Suchexcessingaietyandcoastlinesofapparelisamanifestationofgreatvanityofmind.Itseemstoshowagreatsenselessnessofourownvileness...becomesustogomodestly...modestapparelwouldbetterbecomesuchsinfulcreatures.Donotconsidertheendforwhichclothingwasgiven...tohideourshame...thatdeformitythatisthefirstofsin...senselessnessofwhatourbodiesarecomingto...showsvanityofmind,asitshowsthehearttobesetonthatwhichisexceedingvainandempty...greatwantofasenseoftheworthofthosespiritualornamentsthatareinfinitelymorevaluable.

Ifpersonshadaproperconcernfortheirsoul,theresurelywouldnotappearverymuchaffectationto...

Ifreligionshouldgreatlyreviveitwouldundoubtedlymakeagreatalteration.

Thisisonething,amongothers,thattendstopreventitsreviving.

GodhasoflateawfullytestifiedHisdispleasurefortheextravaganceofthecountry’smannerofliving.

3.Youmustnotonlyseek,butstrive.Youmustmakeitabusiness...mainbusiness...thorough...Howplainthenecessityofit!HowoftentheWordofGod!Howplainbyexperience!Onmanyaccountsnecessary...Howmuchyouhavehadtoconvinceyouofthenecessity!Andareyou,afterall,inanysenseawake?Andhowcanyouexcusethisfolly?

4.Beseasonable.

ThesinnersoftheoldworldperishedbytheFloodbecausetheywerenotseasonable.Theydoubtless,manyofthem,usedmeansafterwards.Hadneedtomakehaste...Sowearedirectedfromtimetotime.“Haste”...“escapeforthyLIFE.”Onmanyaccountsnecessary.Howmanyhavewereasontothinkperishthroughdelay!

5.Notonlyengageinbutgothroughthatgreatworkthatisnecessaryinordertoyourescapingeternaldamnation.

DointhisrespectasNoahdidforthesavinghimselfandhishousefromtheFlood.

6.Don’twastetimeinhaltingbetweentwoopinions.

Howthereseemtobesomethingsthatgivespecialencouragement.

Isa.55:6,7.

ThePortionOfTheWicked

(DatedNovember,1735.

Romans2:8,9Butuntothemthatarecontentious,anddonotobeythetruth,butobeyunrighteousness,indignationandwrath,tribulationandanguish,uponeverysoulofmanthatdoethevil,oftheJewfirst,andalsooftheGentile.

Subject:Indignation,wrath,andmiseryandanguishofsoulistheportionthatGodhasallottedtowickedmen.

IT is thedriftof theapostle in the three firstchaptersof thisepistle, toshowthatbothJewsandGentilesareundersin,andthereforecannotbejustifiedbyworksoflaw,butonlybyfaithinChrist.InthefirstchapterhehadshownthattheGentileswereundersin.InthisheshowsthattheJews also are under sin, and that however severe they were in theircensuresupontheGentiles,yettheythemselvesdidthesamethings,forwhich the apostle very much blames them. “Therefore, thou artinexcusable,Oman,whosoever thou art that judgest, forwherein thoujudgestanother,thoucondemnestthyself;forthouthatjudgest,doestthesame things.” And he warns them not to go on in such a way, byforewarningthemofthemiserytowhichtheywillexposethemselvesbyit,andbygiving themtounderstand, that insteadof theirmiserybeingless than that of the Gentiles, it would be the greater, for God’sdistinguishing goodness to them above the Gentiles. The Jews thoughtthattheyshouldbeexemptedfromfuturewrathbecauseGodhadchosen

themtobehispeculiarpeople.But theapostle informsthemthatthereshouldbeindignationandwrath,tribulationandanguish,toeverysoulofman,notonlytotheGentiles,buttoeverysoulandtotheJewsfirstandchiefly,whentheydidevil,becausetheirsinsweremoreaggravated.

Inthetextwefind,

I. A description of wicked men, in which may be observed thosequalificationsofwickedmenwhichhavethenatureofacause,andthosewhichhavethenatureofaneffect.

Thosequalificationsofwickedmenherementionedthathavethenatureof a cause, are their being contentious, andnot obeying the truth, butobeying unrighteousness. By their being contentious, is meant theirbeingcontentiousagainstthetruth,theirquarrelingwiththegospel,theirfinding fault with its declarations and offers. Unbelievers find manythingsinthewaysofGodatwhichtheystumble,andbywhichtheyareoffended.Theyarealwaysquarrelingandfindingfaultwithonethingoranother,wherebytheyarekeptfrombelievingthetruthandyieldingtoit.Christ istothemastoneofstumbling,androckofoffense.Theydonotobeythetruth,thatis,theydonotyieldtoit,theydonotreceiveitwithfaith.Thatyieldingtothetruthandembracingit,whichthereisinsavingfaith,iscalledobeying,inScripture.Rom.6:17,“ButGodbethankedthatyeweretheservantsofsin;butyehaveobeyedfromtheheartthatformofdoctrinewhichwasdeliveredyou.”Heb.5:9,“Andbeingmadeperfect,hebecametheauthorofeternalsalvationuntoall themthatobeyhim.”Rom. 1:5, “By whom we have received grace and apostleship, forobedience to the faith among all nations for his name.” But they obeyunrighteousness instead of yielding to the gospel, they are under thepoweranddominionofsin,andareslavestotheirlustsandcorruptions.

Itisinthosequalificationsofwickedmenthattheirwickednessradicallyconsists. Their unbelief and opposition to the truth, and their slavishsubjectiontolust,arethefoundationofallwickedness.

Thosequalificationsofwickedmen,whichhave thenatureof aneffect,aretheirdoingevil.Thisistheleastoftheiroppositionagainstthegospel,and of their slavish subjection to their lusts, that they do evil. Those

wicked principles are the foundation, and their wicked practice is thesuperstructure.Thoseweretheroot,andthisisthefruit.

II. The punishment of wicked men, in which may be also noticed thecauseandtheeffect.

Those thingsmentioned in their punishment that have the nature of acause,areindignationandwrath;i.e.theindignationandwrathofGod.ItistheangerofGodthatwillrenderwickedmenmiserable.Theywillbethesubjectsofdivinewrath,andhencewillarisetheirwholepunishment.

Thosethings in their punishment that have thenature of an effect, aretribulation and anguish. Indignation and wrath in God, will workextremesorrow,trouble,andanguishofheart,inthem.

Doctrine.Indignation,wrath,misery,andanguishofsoul,aretheportionthatGodhasallottedtowickedmen.

Everyone ofmankindmust have the portion that belongs to him. Godallots toeachonehisportion.And theportionof thewicked isnothingbutwrath, anddistress, and anguish of soul. Though theymay enjoy afewemptyandvainpleasuresanddelights,forafewdayswhiletheystayin this world, yet that which is allotted to them by the Possessor andGovernorofallthingstobetheirportion,isonlyindignationandwrath,tribulationandanguish.Thisisnottheportionthatwickedmenchoose.The portion that they choose isworldly happiness, yet it is the portionthatGodcarvesoutforthem.It istheportionthattheyineffectchoosefor themselves. For they choose those things that naturally andnecessarilyleadtoit,andthosethattheyareplainlytold,timeswithoutnumber, will issue in it. Pro. 8:36, “But he that sinneth against me,wrongeth his own soul; all they that hateme love death.” Butwhethertheychooseitornot,thiswillandmustbetheportiontoalleternityofallwholiveanddiewickedmen.Indignationandwrathshallpursuethemaslongastheyliveinthisworld,shalldrivethemoutoftheworld,andshallfollowthemintoanotherworld.Andtherewrathandmiseryshallabideuponthemthroughouteternity.

Themethod that I shall take in treating this subject, is to describe the

wrathandmiseryofwhichwickedmenshallbe the subjects,bothhereandhereafter, inthesuccessivepartsandperiodsof it,accordingtotheorderoftime.

I. I shall describe thewrath that oftenpursueswickedmen in this life.Indignationandwrathoftenbeingwiththemhere.

First,Godoftentimesinwrathleavesthemtothemselves.Theyareleftintheirsins,andlefttoundothemselves,andworkouttheirownruin.Heletsthemaloneinsin.Hos.4:17,“Ephraimisjoinedtohisidols;lethimalone.” He often leaves them to go great lengths in sin, and does notaffordthemthatrestraininggracethathedoestoothers.Heleavesthemtotheirownblindness,so that theyalwaysremain ignorantofGodandChrist,andofthethingsthatbelongtotheirpeace.Theyaresometimeslefttohardnessofheart,tobestupidandsenseless,sothatnothingwilleverthoroughlyawakenthem.Theyarelefttotheirownhearts’lusts,tocontinue in somewickedpractices all their days. Some are left to theircovetousness, some to drunkenness, some to uncleanness, some to aproud, contentious, and envious spirit, and some to a spirit of findingfault and quarreling with God. God leaves them to their folly, to actexceedinglyfoolishly,todelayandputofftheconcernsoftheirsoulsfromtimetotime,nevertothinkthepresenttimethebest,butalwaystokeepitatadistance,andfoolishlytocontinueflatteringthemselveswithhopesof long life,andtoput farawaytheevilday,andtobless themselves intheirhearts, and say, “I shall havepeace, though I adddrunkenness tothirst.”Somearesoleftthattheyaremiserablyhardenedandsenseless,whenothersallaroundthemareawakened,andgreatlyconcerned,andinquirewhattheyshalldotobesaved.

SometimesGodleavesmentoa fatalbackslidingforamisimprovementofthestrivingsofhisSpirit.Theyareletalone,tobackslideperpetually.Dreadful is the lifeandconditionof thosewhoare thus leftofGod.Wehave instancesof themiseryof such inGod’sholyword,particularlyofSaul and Judas. Such are, sometimes, very much left to the power ofSatan to tempt them, to hurry them on in wicked courses, andexceedinglytoaggravatetheirownguiltandmisery.

Second,indignationandwratharesometimesexercisedtowardsthemin

thisworld,bytheirbeingcursedinallthatconcernsthem,TheyhavethiscurseofGod following them in everything. They are cursed in all theirenjoyments.Iftheyareinprosperity,itiscursedtothem.Iftheypossessriches,iftheyhavehonor,iftheyenjoypleasure,thereisthecurseofGodthatattendsit.Psa.92:7,“Whenthewickedspringasthegrass,andwhenall theworkers of iniquity do flourish; it is that theymay be destroyedforever.”

ThereisacurseofGodthatattendstheirordinaryfood.Everymorselofbread which they eat, and every drop of water which they drink. Psa.69:22, “Let their table become a snare before them; and that whichshouldhavebeenfortheirwelfare,letitbecomeatrap.”Theyarecursedin all their employments, in whatsoever they put their hands to: whentheygo into the field to labor,orareatworkat their respective trades.Deu.28:16,“Cursedshaltthoubeinthecity,andcursedshaltthoubeinthefield.”ThecurseofGodremainsinthehouseswheretheydwell,andbrimstone is scattered in theirhabitations. Job 18:15.ThecurseofGodattends them in the afflictions which they meet with, whereas theafflictionsthatgoodmenmeetwith,arefatherlycorrections,andaresentinmercy.Theafflictionswhichwickedmenmeetwithareinwrath,andcome fromGod as an enemy, and are the foretaste of their everlastingpunishment. The curse of God attends them also in their spiritualenjoyments and opportunities, and it would have been better for themnottohavebeenborn ina landof light.Theirhaving theBibleandthesabbath, is only to aggravate their guilt andmisery. TheWord of Godwhenpreachedtothemisasavorofdeathuntodeath.Betterwoulditbeforthem,ifChristhadnevercomeintotheworld,iftherehadneverbeenanyofferofaSavior.Lifeitselfisacursetothem.Theyliveonlytofillupthe measure of their sins. What they seek in all the enjoyments, andemployments,andconcernsoflifeistheirownhappiness,buttheyneverobtainit.Theyneverobtainanytruecomfort,allthecomfortswhichtheyhaveareworthless andunsatisfying. If they lived a hundred yearswithneversomuchof theworld in theirpossession, their life isall filledupwithvanity.Allthattheyhaveisvanityofvanities,theyfindnotruerestfor their souls, they do but feed on the east wind, they have no realcontentment.Whateveroutwardpleasurestheymayhave,theirsoulsarestarving.Theyhavenotruepeaceofconscience,theyhavenothingofthe

favorofGod.Whatevertheydo,theyliveinvain,andtonopurpose.Theyare useless in the creation ofGod, they do not answer the end of theirbeing.TheylivewithoutGod,andhavenotthepresenceofGod,noranycommunionwithhim.Butonthecontrary,allthattheyhaveandallthattheydo,doesbutcontributetotheirownmisery,andrendertheirfutureandeverlastingstatethemoredreadful.Thebestofwickedmenlivebutmiserable and wretched lives, with all their prosperity. Their lives aremostundesirable,andwhatevertheyhave,thewrathofGodabidesuponthem.

Third, after a time they must die. Ecc. 9:3, “This is an evil among allthingsthataredoneunderthesun,thatthereisoneeventuntoall:yea,also theheartof thesonsofmen is fullofevil,andmadness is in theirheartwhiletheylive,andafterthattheygotothedead.”

Deathisafardifferentthingwhenitbefallswickedmen,fromwhatitiswhenitbefallsgoodmen.Tothewickeditisinexecutionofthecurseofthelaw,andofthewrathofGod.Whenawickedmandies,Godcutshimoffinwrath,heistakenawayasbyatempestofwrath,heisdrivenawayin his wickedness. Pro. 14:32, “The wicked is driven away in hiswickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.” Job 18:18. “Heshall be driven from light into darkness, and chased out of theworld.”Job27:21,“Theeastwindcarriethhimaway,andhedeparteth,andasastorm,hurlethhimoutofhisplace.”Thoughwickedmen,whiletheylive,mayliveinworldlyprosperity,yettheycannotliveherealways,buttheymustdie.Theplacethatknowethhimshallknowhimnomore,andtheeyethathathseenhimshallseehimnomoreinthelandoftheliving.

Their bounds are unchangeably set, and when they are come to thoseboundstheymustgo,andmustleavealltheirworldlygoodthings.Iftheyhavelivedinoutwardglorytheirgloryshallnotdescendafterthem.Theyget nothing while they live that they can carry away. Ecc. 5:15, “As hecameforthofhismother’swomb,nakedshallhereturn,togoashecame,andshalltakenothingofhislabor,whichhemaycarryawayinhishand.”He must leave all his substance unto others. It they are at ease andquietness, death will put an end to their quietness, will spoil all theircarnalmirth, andwill strip themofall their glory.As they camenakedinto theworld,sonakedmust theyreturn,andgoas theycame.If they

have laidupmuchgoods formany years, if theyhave laid in stores, astheyhope, forgreat comfortandpleasure,deathwill cut themoff fromall. Luke 12:16-20, “And he spake a parable unto them, saying, Theground of a certain richman brought forth plentifully: and he thoughtwithinhimself,saying,WhatshallIdo,becauseIhavenoroomwheretobestowmyfruits?andhesaid,ThiswillIdo:Iwillpulldownmybarns,andbuildgreater;andtherewillIbestowallmyfruitsandmygoods.AndIwillsaytomysoul,Soul,thouhastmuchgoodslaidupformanyyears:take thine ease, eat, drink andbemerry.ButGod saiduntohim,Thoufool!thisnightthysoulshallberequiredofthee;thenwhoseshallthosethings be which thou hast provided.” If they have many designs andprojects in their breasts for promoting their outward prosperity andworldly advantage, when death comes, it cuts all off at one blow. Psa.146:4,“Hisbreathgoethforth,hereturnethtohisearth;inthatverydayhisthoughtsperish.”Andsowhateverdiligencetheyhavehadinseekingtheirsalvation,deathwilldisappointallsuchdiligence,itwillnotwaitforthem toaccomplish theirdesignsand fulfill their schemes. If theyhavepleased, and pampered, and adorned their bodies, death will spoil alltheirpleasureandtheirglory.Itwillchangetheircountenancestoapaleandghastlyaspect.Insteadoftheirgayapparelandbeautifulornaments,theyshallhaveonlyawinding-sheet.Theirhousemustbethedarkandsilent grave; and that bodywhich they deified, shall turn to loathsomerottenness,shallbeeatenofworms,andturntodust.Somewickedmendieinyouth,wrathpursuesthem,andsoonovertakesthem.Theyarenotsuffered to live out half their days. Job 36:14, “They die in youth, andtheirlifeisamongtheunclean.”Psa.55:23,“Butthou,OGod,shallbringthemdownintothepitofdestruction:bloodyanddeceitfulmenshallnotliveouthalftheirdays.”Theyaresometimesovertakenintheverymidstoftheirsinandvanity,anddeathputsasuddenendtoalltheiryouthfulpleasures.Theyareoftenstoppedinthemidstofacareerinsin,andtheniftheirheartscleaveeversofasttothosethings,theymustberentfromthem. They have no other good but outward good, but then theymusteternally forsake it. They must close their eyes forever on all that hasbeendearandpleasanttothemhere.

Fourth,wickedmenareoftentimesthesubjectsofmuchtribulationandanguishofheart on their death-beds. Sometimes the pains of body are

very extreme anddreadful, andwhat they endure in those agonies andstruggles for life, after theyarepast speaking, andwhenbody and soularerendingasunder,nonecanknow.Hezekiahhadanawfulsenseofit.Hecomparesittoalion’sbreakingallhisbones.Isa.38:12,13,“Mineageisdeparted,andisremovedfrommeasashepherd’stent:Ihavecutoffasaweavermylife;hewillcutmeoffwithpiningsickness:fromdayeventonightwiltthoumakeanendofme.Ireckonedtillmorning,that,asalion,sowillhebreakallmybones:fromdayeventonightwiltthoumakeanendofme.”But this isbut little towhat is sometimesundergonebywicked men in their souls when they are on their death-beds. Deathappearssometimeswithanexceedinglyterribleaspecttothem.Whenitcomes and stares them in the face, they cannot bear to behold it. It isalways so, if thewickedmenhavenoticeof theapproachofdeath, andhave reason and conscience in exercise, and are not either stupid ordistracted.Whenthiskingofterrorscomestoshowhimselftothem,andtheyarecalledforthtomeethim,Ohowdotheydreadtheconflict!Butmeethimtheymust.“Thereisnomanthathathpoweroverthespirittoretainthespirit;neitherhathhepowerinthedayofdeath:andthereisnodischargeinthatwar;neithershallwickednessdeliverthosethataregiven to it.” Death comes to themwith all his dreadful armor, and hisstingnottakenaway.Anditisenoughtofilltheirsoulswithtormentthatcannotbeexpressed.Itisanawfulthingforapersontobelyingonasickbed,tobegivenoverbyphysicians,tohavefriendsstandweepingroundthe bed as expecting to part with him, and in such circumstances asthose,tohavenohope,tobewithoutaninterestinChrist,andtohavetheguiltofhissinslyingonhissoul,tobegoingoutoftheworldwithouthispeacebeingmadewithGod,tostandbeforehisholyjudgment-seatinallhis sins without anything to plead or answer, and to see the onlyopportunitytoprepare foreternitycoming immediately toanend,afterwhich there shall be no more time of probation. But his case will beunalterablyfixed,andthereneverwillbeanotherofferofaSavior:forthesoul tocomejust to theveryedgeof theboundlessgulfofeternity,andinsensiblytolaunchforthintoit,withoutanyGodorSaviortotakecareofit,tobebroughttotheedgeoftheprecipice,andtoseehimselffallingdownintothelakeoffireandbrimstone,andtofeelthathehasnopowerto stophimself.Who can tell the shrinkings andmisgivings of heart insuchacase?Howdoesheendeavortohangback,butyethemustgoon.

Itisinvaintowishforfurtheropportunity!Ohowhappydoeshethinkthose that stand about him, who may yet live, may have their livescontinuedlonger,whenhemustgoimmediatelyintoanendlesseternity!Howdoeshewishitmightbewithhimaswiththosewhohavealongertime to prepare for their trial! But it must not be so. Death, sent onpurposetosummonhim,willgivehimnoreleasenorrespite.Hemustgobefore the holy judgment-seat of God as he is, to have his everlastingstatedeterminedaccordingtohisworks.Tosuchpersons,howdifferentlydothingsappearfromwhattheydidinthetimeofhealth,andwhentheylookedatdeathas at adistance!Howdifferentlydoes sin look to themnow,thosesinswhichtheyusedtomakelightof!Howdreadfulisitnowto look back and consider how they have spent their time, how foolishthey have been, how they have gratified and indulged their lusts, andlivedinwaysofwickedness.Howcarelesstheyhavebeen,andhowtheyhave neglected their opportunities and advantages, how they haverefused tohearken tocounsel, andhavenot repented in spiteof all thewarningsthatweregiven!Pro.5:11,12,13,“Andthoumournatthelast,when thy fleshand thybodyareconsumed,and say,Howhave Ihatedinstruction, and my heart despised reproof; and have not obeyed thevoiceofmyteachers,norinclinedmineeartothemthatinstructedme!”

How differently does the world appear to them now! They used to setmuchbyit,andhavetheirheartstakenupwithit,butwhatdoesitavailthemnow?Howinsignificantarealltheirriches!Pro.11:4,“Richesprofitnotinthedayofwrath:butrighteousnessdeliverethfromdeath.”WhatdifferentthoughtshavetheynowofGod,andofhiswrath!TheyusedtomakelightofthewrathofGod,buthowterribledoesitnowappear!Howdoes theirheartshrinkat the thoughtsofappearingbeforesuchaGod!Howdifferentaretheirthoughtsoftime!Nowtimeappearsprecious.Owhat would they not give for a little more time! Some have in suchcircumstancesbeenbroughttocryout,O,athousandworldsforanhour,foramoment!Andhowdifferentlydoeseternitynowappear!Now it isawfulindeed.Somehavebeenbroughtonadeath-bedtocryout,OthatwordEternity! Eternity! Eternity!What a dismal gulf does it appear tothem,whentheycometotheverybrink!Theyoftenatsuchtimescryformercy,andcryinvain.Godcalled,andtheywouldnothear.“Theysetatnoughthiscounsels,andwouldnoneofhisreproofs.Nowalsohelaughs

at their calamity, and mocks when their fear cometh.” They beseechotherstoprayforthem,theysendforministers,butalloftenfailsthem.They draw nearer and nearer to death, and eternity comes more andmoreimmediatelyinview.Andwhocanexpresstheirhorror,whentheyfeelthemselvesclaspedinthecoldarmsofdeath,whentheirbreathfailsmore and more, and their eyes begin to be fixed and grow dim! Thatwhich is then felt by them, cannot be toldnor conceived. Somewickedmenhavemuchof thehorror anddespair of hell in their last sickness.Ecc. 5:17, “All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath muchsorrowandwrathwithhissickness.”

II.Ishalldescribethewraththatattendswickedmenhereafter.

First,thesoul,whenitisseparatedfromthebody,shallbecastdownintohell.Thereiswithoutdoubtaparticularjudgmentbywhicheverymanistried at death, beside the general judgment. For the soul, as soon as itdepartsfromthebody,appearsbeforeGodtobejudged.Ecc.12:7,“Thenshallthedustreturntotheearthasitwas;andthespiritshallreturnuntoGodwhogaveit.”Thatis,tobejudgedanddisposedofbyhim.Heb.9:27,“It isappointeduntomenoncetodie,butafter this the judgment.”Butthisparticular judgment isprobablynosuchsolemntransactionas thatwhichwillbeatthedayofjudgment.ThesoulmustappearbeforeGod,butnotinthemannerthatmenshallappearattheendoftheworld.ThesoulsofwickedmenshallnotgotoheaventoappearbeforeGod.Neithershall Christ descend from heaven for the soul to appear before him.Neither is it to be supposed, that the soul shall be carried toanyplacewherethereissomespecialsymbolofthedivinepresence,inordertobejudged. But as God is everywhere present, so the soul shall be madeimmediately sensible of his presence. Souls in a separate state shall besensibleofthepresenceofGodandofhisoperationsinanothermannerthanwenoware.AllseparatespiritsmaybesaidtobebeforeGod.Thesaints are in his glorious presence, and the wicked in hell are in hisdreadfulpresence.Theyaresaidtobe tormented in thepresenceof theLamb.Rev.14:10,“ThesameshalldrinkofthewineofthewrathofGod,whichispouredoutwithoutmixtureintothecupofhisindignation;andheshallbetormentedwithfireandbrimstoneinthepresenceoftheholyangels,andinthepresenceoftheLamb.”Sothesoulofawickedman,at

itsdeparturefromthebody,willbemadeimmediatelysensiblethatitisbeforeaninfinitelyholyanddreadfulGodandhisownfinalJudge.Andwill thenseehowterribleaGodheis,hewillseehowholyaGodhe is,howinfinitelyhehatessin.HewillbesensibleofthegreatnessofGod’sanger against sin, andhowdreadful is his displeasure. Thenwill he besensible of the dreadful majesty and power of God, and how fearful athingitistofallintohishands.Thenthesoulshallcomenakedwithallitsguilt,and inall its filthiness,avile, loathsome,abominablecreature,an enemy toGod, a rebel againsthim,with the guilt of all its rebellionand disregard of God’s commands, and contempt of his authority, andslightofthegloriousgospel,beforeGodasitsJudge.Thiswillfillthesoulwithhorrorandamazement.Itisnottobesupposedthatthisjudgmentwillbeattendedwithanyvoiceoranysuchoutwardtransactionsasthejudgmentat theendof theworld.ButGodshallmanifesthimself inhisstrictjusticeinwardly,totheimmediateviewofthesoul,andtothesenseandapprehensionof the conscience.This particular judgmentprobablywillnothinder,butthatthesoulshallbecastintohellimmediatelywhenitgoesfromthebody.Assoonaseverthesouldepartsfromthebody,thesoulshallknowwhatitsstateandconditionaretobealleternity.Aslongasthereislife,thereishope.Theman,whilehelived,thoughhiscasewasexceedinglydreadful,yethadsomehope.Whenhelaydying,therewasapossibilityofsalvation.Butwhenoncetheunionbetweensoulandbodyis broken, then that moment the case becomes desperate, and thereremainsnohope,nopossibility.Ontheirdeath-beds,perhaps,theyhadsome hope that God would pity them and hear their cries, or that hewouldheartheprayersoftheirpiousfriendsforthem.Theywerereadytolay hold on something which they had at some time met with, somereligiousaffectionorsomechangeintheirexternalconduct,andtoflatterthemselves that they were then converted. They were able to indulgesomedegreeofhope fromthemoral lives that theyhad lived, thatGodwouldhaverespecttothemandsavethem,butassoonaseverthesoulparts from the body, from that moment the case will be absolutelydetermined, therewill thenbeanend forever toallhope, toeverythingthatmenhanguponinthislife.Thesoulthenshallknowcertainlythatitistobemiserabletoalleternity,withoutanyremedy.ItshallseethatGodis its enemy. It shall see its Judge clothed in hiswrath and vengeance.Then its misery will begin, it will that moment be swallowed up in

despair.Thegreatgulfwillbefixedbetweenitandhappiness,thedoorofmercy will be forever shut up, the irrevocable sentence will be passed.Thenshallthewickedknowwhatisbeforethem.Before,thesoulwasindistressforfearhowitwouldbe.Butnow,allitsfearsshallcomeuponit.Itshallcomeuponitasamightyflood,andtherewillbenoescaping.Thesoul was full of amazement before through fear. But now, who canconceivetheamazementthatfillsitthatmomentwhenallhopeiscutoff,anditknowsthatthereneverwillbeanydifference!

Whenagoodmandies,his soul is conductedbyholyangels toheaven.Luke16:22,“Anditcametopassthatthebeggardied,andwascarriedbythe angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died and wasburied.”Sowemaywellsupposethatwhenawickedmandies,hissoulisseized bywicked angels, that they are roundhis bed ready to seize themiserable soul as soon as it is parted from the body. And with whatfiercenessandfurydothosecruelspiritsflyupontheirprey,andthesoulshallbe left in theirhands.There shallbenogoodangels toguardanddefendit.Godwilltakenomercifulcareofit.Thereisnothingtohelp itagainstthosecruelspiritsthatshalllayholdofittocarryittohell,theretotormentitforever.Godwillleaveitwhollyintheirhands,andwillgiveitup to theirpossession,when itcomes todie. It shallbecarrieddownintohell,totheabodeofdevilsanddamnedspirits.Ifthefearofhellonadeath-bedsometimesfills thewickedwithamazement,howwill theybeoverwhelmedwhentheyfeelitstorments,whentheyshallfindthemnotonly as great but far greater than their fears! They shall find them farbeyondwhattheycouldconceiveofbeforetheyfeltthem,fornoneknowthepowerofGod’s anger, but they that experience it.Psa. 90:11, “Whoknoweth thepowerof thineanger?evenaccording to thy fear, so is thywrath.”

Departedspiritsofwickedmenaredoubtlesscarriedtosomeparticularplaceintheuniverse,whichGodhaspreparedtobethereceptacleofhiswicked,rebellious,andmiserablesubjects,aplacewhereGod’savengingjusticeshallbeglorified,aplacebuilttobetheprison,andwheredevilsandwickedmenarereservedtillthedayofjudgment.

Second,here thesoulsofwickedmenshall sufferextremeandamazingmisery in a separate state, until the resurrection. This misery is not

indeedtheirfullpunishment,noristhehappinessofthesaintsbeforethedayofjudgmenttheirfullhappiness.Itiswiththesoulsofwickedmenasitiswithdevils.Thoughthedevilssufferextremetormentnow,yettheydo not suffer their complete punishment, and therefore it is said, thattheyarecastdowntohell,andboundinchains.2Pet.2:4,“Godsparednot the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and deliveredthem into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment.” Jude 6,“And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their ownhabitation,hehath reserved in everlasting chainsunderdarkness,untothejudgmentofthegreatday.”Theyarereservedinthestatetheyarein,andforwhataretheyreserved,butforagreaterdegreeofpunishment?Andthereforetheyaresaidtotrembleforfear.Jam.2:19,“Thoubelievestthat there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe andtremble.”HencewhenChristwasonearth,thedevilsweregreatlyafraidthat Christ was come to torment them. Mat. 8:29, “And, behold, theycriedout,saying,Whathavewetodowiththee,Jesus,thouSonofGod?Art thou come hither to torment us before the time?”Mark 5:7, “Andcriedwithaloudvoice,andsaid,WhathaveItodowiththee,Jesus,thouSonof themosthighGod? Iadjure theebyGod, that thou tormentmenot.”

Butyettheyarethereinextremeandinconceivablemisery,theyaretheredeprivedofallgood,theyhavenorestnorcomfort,andtheyaresubjectto thewrathofGod.God thereexecuteswrathon themwithoutmercy,andtheyareswallowedupinwrath.Luke16:24,“Andhecried,andsaid,FatherAbraham,havemercyonme;andsendLazarus,thathemaydipthetipofhisfingerinwaterandcoolmytongue;forIamtormentedinthisflame.”Herewearebeingtoldthat,whentherichmandied,he liftuphiseyesbeingintorment,andhetellsAbrahamthatheistormentedinaflame.Itseemsthattheflamewasnotonlyabouthim,butinhim.Hethereforeasksforadropofwatertocoolhistongue.ThisdoubtlessistorepresenttousthattheyarefullofthewrathofGodasitwerewithfire,and they shall there be tormented in the midst of devils and damnedspirits. And they shall have inexpressible torment from their ownconsciences. God’s wrath is the fire that never shall be quenched, andconscience is thewormthatneverdies.Howmuchdomensuffer fromhorror of conscience sometimes in this world, but how much more in

hell!Whatbitterandtormentingreflectionswilltheyhaveconcerningthefolly theyhavebeenguiltyof in their lives, in soneglecting their souls,whentheyhadsuchanopportunityforrepentance;thattheywentonsofoolishly to treasure up wrath against the day of wrath, to add to therecordoftheirsinsfromdaytoday,tomaketheirmiseryyetgreaterandgreater.Howtheyhavekindledthefiresofhellforthemselves,andspenttheir lives ingathering the fuel!Theywill not be able tohelp revolvingsuch thoughts in their minds. And how tormenting will they be! Andthose who go to hell, never can escape thence. There they remainimprisoned till the day of judgment, and their torments remaincontinually.Thosewickedmenwhodiedmanyyearsago,theirsoulswenttohell,andtheretheyarestill.Thosewhowenttohellinformeragesoftheworld,havebeen inhell ever since, all thewhile suffering torment.Theyhavenothingelsetospendtheirtimeinthere,buttosuffertorment,theyarekeptinbeingfornootherpurpose.Andthoughtheyhavemanycompanions in hell, yet they are no comfort to them, for there is nofriend,nolove,nopity,noquietness,noprospect,nohope.

Third, the separate soulsof thewicked,besides thepresentmisery thattheysuffer,shallbeinamazingfearoftheirmorefullpunishmentattheday of judgment. Though their punishment in their separate state beexceedinglydreadful, and farmore than they can bear, though it be sogreatastosinkandcrushthem,yetthisisnotall.Theyarereservedforamuch greater and more dreadful punishment at the day of judgment.Their torment will then be vastly augmented, and continue in thataugmentation to all eternity.Theirpunishmentwill be somuchgreaterthen, that theirmisery in this separate state isbut as an imprisonmentbefore an execution.They, aswell as thedevils, arebound in chains ofdarkness to the judgment of the great day. Separate spirits are called“spiritsinprison.”1Pet.3:19,“Bywhichalsohewentandpreacheduntothe spirits in prison.” And if the imprisonment be so dreadful, howdreadfulindeedwillbetheexecution!Whenweareunderanygreatpainof body at any time, how do we dread the least addition to it! Itscontinuanceisgreatlydreaded,muchmoreitsincrease.Howmuchmorewill those separate spirits that suffer the torments of hell, dread thataugmentationandcompletingoftheirtormentwhichtherewillbeatthedayofjudgment,whenwhattheyfeelalreadyisvastlymorethantheycan

supportthemselves,whentheyshallbeasitwerebeggingforonedropofwater to cool their tongues, and when they would give ten thousandworldsfortheleastabatementoftheirmisery!Howsinkingwill itbetothink that insteadof that theday is comingwhenGodshall come forthoutofheaventosentencethemtoafarmoredreadfuldegreeofmisery,andtocontinuethemunderitforever!WhatexperiencetheyhaveofthedreadfulnessofGod’swrathconvincesthemfullyhowterribleathinghiswrathis.Theywillthereforebeexceedinglyafraidofthatfullwrathwhichhewillexecuteatthedayofjudgment.Theywillhavenohopeofescapingit,theywillknowassuredlythatitwillcome.

The fear of this makes the devils, those mighty, proud, and stubbornspirits, to tremble. They believe what is threatened, and thereforetremble.Ifthisfearovercomesthem,howmuchmorewill itoverwhelmthesoulsofwickedmen!Allhell tremblesat the thoughtsof thedayofjudgment.

Fourth, when the day of judgment comes they shall rise to theresurrectionofdamnation.Whenthatdaycomes,allmankindthathavediedfromoffthefaceoftheearthshallarise;notonlytherighteous,butalsothewicked.Dan.12:2,“Andmanyof themthatsleepinthedustoftheearth,shallawake;sometoeverlasting life,andsometoshameandeverlastingcontempt.”Rev.20:13,“Andtheseagaveupthedeadwhichwereinit,anddeathandhelldeliveredupthedeadwhichwereinthem:andtheywerejudged,everymanaccordingtohisworks.”Thedamnedinhellknownot the timewhenthedayof judgmentwillbe,butwhenthetimecomesitwillbemadeknown,anditwillbethemostdreadfulnewsthateverwas told in thatworldofmisery. It isalwaysadoleful time inhell.Theworldofdarknessisalwaysfullofshrieksanddolefulcries.Butwhenthenewsisheard,thatthedayappointedforthejudgmentiscome,hellwillbe filledwith louder shrieksandmoredreadful cries thaneverbefore.WhenChristcomesinthecloudsofheaventojudgment,thenewsofitwillfillbothearthandhellwithmourningandbittercrying.Wereadthatallthekindredsoftheearthshallwailbecauseofhim,andsoshallalltheinhabitantsofhell,andthenmustthesoulsofthewickedcomeuptobe united to their bodies, and stand before the Judge. They shall notcomewillingly,butshallbedraggedforthasamalefactorisdraggedout

ofhisdungeontoexecution.Theywereunwillingwhentheydiedtoleavetheearthtogotohell,butnowtheywillbemuchmoreunwillingtocomeoutofhelltogotothelastjudgment.Itwillbenodeliverancetothem,itwillonlybeacoming forth to theirexecution.Theywill hangback, butmustcome.Thedevilsanddamnedspiritsmustcomeup together. Thelast trumpetwill then be heard, thiswill be themost terrible sound towickedmenanddevilsthateverwasheard.Andnotonlythewicked,thatshallthenbefounddwellingontheearth,shallhearit,butalsothosethatare in their graves. John 5:28, 29, “Marvel not at this; for the hour iscoming, in thewhich all that are in the graves shall hearhis voice andshallcomeforth;theythathavedonegooduntotheresurrectionof life,and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation.” Andthenmustthesoulsofthewickedentertheirbodiesagain,whichwillbepreparedonly tobeorgansof tormentandmisery. Itwillbeadreadfulsighttothemwhentheycometotheirbodiesagain, thosebodieswhichwere formerly used by them as the organs and instruments of sin andwickedness, andwhose appetites and lusts they indulged and gratified.Thepartingofsoulandbodywasdreadful to themwhentheydied,buttheirmeetingagainattheresurrectionwillbemoredreadful.Theyshallreceivetheirbodiesloathsomeandhideous,agreeablytothatshameandeverlastingcontempttowhichtheyshallarise.Asthebodiesofthesaintsshall arise more glorious than when on earth, and shall be like untoChrist’s glorious body, so we may well suppose that the bodies of thewickedwillariseproportionablymoredeformedandhideous.Oftentimesinthisworldapollutedsoulishidinafineandcomelybody,butitwillnotbesothenwhenthingsshallappearastheyare.Theformandaspectofthebodyshallappearastheyare,andtheformandaspectofthebodyshallbeanswerable to thehellishdeformityof thesoul.Thusshall theyriseoutoftheirgraves,andshallliftuptheireyes,andseetheSonofGodinthecloudsofheaven,inthegloryofhisFather,withallhisholyangelswithhim.ThenshalltheyseetheirJudgeinhisawfulmajesty,whichwillbethemostamazingsighttothemthatevertheysaw,andwillstilladdnewhorrors.Thatawfulandterriblemajestyinwhichhewillappear,andthe manifestation of his infinite holiness, will pierce their souls. Theyshall come forth out of their graves all trembling and astonished:fearfulnessshallsurprisethem.

Fifth,thenmusttheyappearbeforetheirJudgetogiveuptheiraccount.Theywill findnomountains or rocks to fall upon them, that can coverthem,andhidethemfromthewrathoftheLamb.Manyofthemwillseeothers at that time, who were formerly their acquaintance, who shallappearwithgloriousbodies,andwith joyful countenancesand songsofpraise,andmountingupaswithwingstomeettheLordintheair,whilethey are left behind. Many shall see their former neighbors andacquaintance, their companions, their brothers, and their wives takenand they left. They shall be summoned to go and appear before thejudgment-seat,andgotheymust,howeverunwilling.TheymuststandatChrist’slefthand,inthemidstofdevilsandwickedmen.Thisshallagainadd still further amazement, andwill cause their horror still to be in afurther degree than ever. With what horror will that company cometogether! And then shall they be called to their account; then shall bebrought to light the hidden things of darkness; then shall all thewickedness of their hearts be made know; then shall be declared theactualwickednesstheyhavebeenguiltyof;thenshallappeartheirsecretsins that they have kept hid from the eye of the world; then shall bemanifestedintheirtruelightthosesinsthattheyusedtopleadfor,andtoexcuse and justify. And then shall all their sins be set forth in all theirdreadfulaggravations,alltheirfilthinesswillbebroughttolighttotheireverlastingshameandcontempt.Thenitshallappearhowheinousmanyofthosethingswerethattheyintheirlifetimemadelightof;thenwillitappear how dreadful their guilt is in thus ill-treating so glorious andblessedaSavior.Andalltheworldshallseeit,andmanyshallriseupinjudgment against them and condemn them. Their companions whomtheytemptedtowickedness,otherswhomtheyhavehardened insinbytheirexample,shallriseupagainstmanyofthem;andtheheathenthathavehadnoadvantagesincomparisonofthem,andmanyofwhomhaveyetlivedbetterlivesthanthey,shallriseupagainstthem,andtheyshallbe called to a special account. The Judge will reckon with them. Theyshall be speechless, they shall be struck dumb, their own consciencesbearing testimony against them, and shall cry aloud against them, fortheyshallthenseehowgreatandterribleaGodheis,againstwhomtheyhavesinned.Thenshalltheystandatthelefthand,whiletheyseeotherswhom they knew on earth sitting at the right hand of Christ in glory,shiningforthasthesun,acceptedofChrist,andsittingwithhimtojudge

andcondemnthem.

Sixth, then the sentence of condemnation shall be pronounced by theJudge upon them. Mat. 25:41, “Depart from me, ye cursed, intoeverlastingfire,preparedforthedevilandhisangels.”Thissentencewillbepronouncedwithawfulmajesty,andthereshallbegreatindignation,anddreadfulwrathshallthenappearintheJudge,andinhisvoice,withwhichhe shall pronounce the sentence.What a horror and amazementwillthesewordsstrikeintotheheartsofthewicked,onwhomtheyshallbepronounced!Everywordandsyllable shallbe like themostamazingthunder to them, and shall pierce their souls like the fiercest lightning.TheJudgewill bid themdepart fromhim.Hewill drive them fromhispresence,asexceedinglyabominable tohim,andheshallgive themtheepithetaccursed. They shall be an accursed company, and he will notonlybidthemdepartfromhispresence,butintoeverlastingfire,todwellthereastheironlyfithabitation.Andwhatshowsthedreadfulnessofthefire, is, that it is prepared for the devil and his angels. They shall lieforeverinthesamefireinwhichthedevils,thosegrandenemiesofGod,shallbetormented.Whenthissentenceshallbepronounced,thereshallbe in thevast companyat the lefthand, tremblingsandmourning,andcrying,andgnashingofteeth,inanewmanner,beyondallthateverwasbefore. If the devils, those proud and lofty spirits, tremble many agesbeforehand at the bare thoughts of this sentence, how ill they tremblewhen it comes to be pronounced! And how, alas, will wicked mentremble! Their anguish will be aggravated by hearing that blessedsentencepronouncedonthosewhoshallbeattherighthand,“Come,yeblessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from thefoundationoftheworld.”

Seventh,thenthesentenceshallbeexecuted.WhentheJudgebidsthemdepart,theymustgo;howeverloth,yettheymustgo.Immediatelyuponthe finishingof the judgmentand thepronouncingof thesentence,willcometheendoftheworld.Theframeofthisworldshallbedissolved.Thepronouncing of that sentence will probably be followed with amazingthunders,thatshallrendtheheavens,andshaketheearthoutofitsplace.2Pet.3:10,“ButthedayoftheLordwillcomeasathiefinthenight;inthe which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the

elementsshallmeltwithferventheat,theearthalso,andtheworksthataretherein,shallbeburntup.”Thenshalltheseaandthewavesroar,andtherocksshallbe throwndown,andthemountainsshall rendasunder,andthereshallbeoneuniversalwreckofthisgreatworld.Thenshalltheheavensbedissolved,and then theearthshallbeseton fire.AsGod inwrathoncedestroyedtheworldbyafloodofwater,sonowshallhecauseittobealldrownedinadelugeoffire;andtheheavensbeingonfire,shallbedissolved,andtheelementsshallmeltwith ferventheat,2Pet.3:10,andthatgreat companyofdevils andwickedmenmust thenenter intothoseeverlastingburningstowhichtheyaresentenced.

Eighth, inthisconditiontheyshallremainthroughoutthenever-endingages of eternity. Their punishment shall be then complete, and it shallremain in this completion forever. Now shall all that come upon themwhich they so long trembled for fear of, while their souls were in aseparatestate.Theywilldwellinafirethatnevershallbequenched,andheretheymustwearouteternity.Heretheymustwearoutonethousandyearsafteranother,andthatwithoutend.There isnoreckoningupthemillionsofyearsormillionsofages.Allarithmeticherefails,norulesofmultiplicationcanreachtheamount,forthereisnoend.Theyshallhavenothing to do to pass away their eternity, but to conflict with thosetorments. This will be their work forever and ever. God shall have nootheruseoremploymentforthem.Thisisthewaythattheymustanswerthe end of their being. And they never shall have any rest, nor anyatonement, but their torments will hold up to their height, and shallnevergrowanyeasierbytheirbeingaccustomedtothem.Timewillseemlongtothem,everymomentshallseemlongtothem,buttheyshallneverhavedonewiththeagesoftheirtorment.

APPLICATION

I.HENCEwhatneedhavewetotakecarethatourfoundationforeternitybesure!Theywhobuildona false foundation,arenotsecure fromthismisery.Theywhobuilduparefugeoflies,willfindthattheirrefugemustfailthem.Theirwallthattheyhavedaubedwithuntemperedmortarwillfall.Themoredreadfulthemiseryis,themoreneedhavewetoseethatwearesafefromit.Itwillbedreadfulindeedtobedisappointedinsuchacase.Topleaseourselveswithdreamsandvainimaginationsofourbeing

thechildrenofGod,andofgoingtoheaven,andatlasttoawakeinhell,to seeour refuge swept away, andourhope eternally gone, and to findourselves swallowedup in flames,and to seeandendlessdurationof itbeforeus.Howdreadfulwillthisbe!

Therewillbemanythatwillbethusdisappointed.Manyshallcometothedoorandshallfinditshut,whoexpectedtofinditopen,andshallknock,butChristwill tell them that he knows themnot, andhewill bid themdepart,anditwillbeinvainforthemtotellChristwhataffectionstheyhavehad,andhowreligioustheywere,andhowwelltheywereaccountedof on earth. They shall have no other answer but, “Depart fromme, Iknowyounot,yethatworkiniquity.”Letusallconsiderthis,andgivealldiligence, to see that we build sure if by anymeanswemay at last befoundinChrist.Letusseetoitthatweareindeedwellsecuredfromthisdreadfulmisery.Whatwillitavailustopleaseourselveswithanotionofbeingconverted,andbeingbelovedofGod.Andwhatwill it availus tohavethegoodopinionofourneighborsforafewdays,ifwemustatlastbecastintohell,andappearatthedayofjudgmentatthelefthand,andhaveoureternalportionwithunbelievers?Afalsehopecannotprofitus,itisathousandtimesworsethannone.Andwhoaremoremiserablethanthose who think that God has pardoned their sins, and who expect tohave a portionwith the righteous hereafter, but are all thewhile goingheadlongdownintothisdreadfulmisery?Whatcasecanbemoreawfulthan the case of those who are thus led blindfold to the slaughter,promisingthemselvesahappinessthatisneverliketocome,butonthecontraryaresinkingintoendlesstribulationandanguish!

Let everyone therefore,who entertains hope of his own state, see to it,thathebewellbuilt;and lethimnot rest inpastattainment,but reachforthtowardsthosethingsthatarebeforewithallhismight.

II.Hencewederiveanargumentfortheawakeningofungodlymen.Thisindignationandwrath,tribulationandanguish,istheportionallottedtoyouifyoucontinueinyourpresentcondition.Thouartthemanspokenof;itistotheethatallthismiseryisassignedbythethreateningofGod’sholyword.ItisontheethatthiswrathofGodabides.Thouartnowinastateofcondemnationtothismisery.John3:18,“Hethatbelievethnotiscondemned already; because he hath not believed in the name of the

only-begottenSonofGod.”Itisnotalreadyexecuteduponyou,butyouare already condemned to it; you are not merely exposed tocondemnation,butyouareunder theactual sentenceof condemnation.Thisistheportionthatisalreadyallottedtoyoubythelawandnotundergrace.Thismiseryisthemiseryintowhichyouareeverydayindangerofdropping,youarenotsafefromitonehour.Howsoonitmaycomeuponyou, you know not; you hang over it by a thread, that is continuallygrowingmoreandmorefeeble.Thisdreadfulmiseryinallitssuccessivepartsbelongstoyou,and isyourdue.Your friendsandyourneighbors,andallaroundyou,iftheyknewwhatyourconditionwas,mightwellliftup a loud and bitter cry over you,whenever they behold you, and say,Here is anunhappybeing condemned tobe givenup eternally into thehandsofdevilstobetormentedbythem.Hereisamiserablemanwhoisindangereverydayofbeingswallowedupinthebottomlessgulfofwoeandmisery.Hereisawretchedundonecreaturecondemnedtoliedownforeverinunquenchablefire,andtodwellineverlastingburnings;andhehasnointerestinaSavior,hehasnothingtodefendhim,hehasnothingwherewithtoappease thewrathofanoffendedGod.Hereconsider twothings.

First,youhavenoreasontoquestionwhetherthosefuturemiseriesandtormentswhicharethreatenedinGod’sWordarerealities.Donotflatteryourselfwiththinkingthatitmaynotbeso.Saynot,HowdoIknowthatthereisanysuchmiserytobeinflictedinanotherworld;howdoIknowbutallisafable,andthatwhenIcometodietherewillbeanendofme,andthatitwillbewithmeasitiswiththebeasts.Donotsay,HowdoIknowbutthatallthosethingsareonlybugbearsofman’sinventing.HowdoIknowthattheScriptures,thatthreatenthosethings,aretheWordofGod;orifhehasthreatenedthosethings,itmaybeitisonlytofrightenmentokeep themto theirduty, itmaybehenever intends todoashethreatens.

Isaythatthereisnogroundforanysuchsuspicion,neitheristhereanyreason for it; for that there shouldbeno futurepunishment isnotonlycontrary to Scripture, but reason. It is a most unreasonable thing tosupposethatthereshouldbenofuturepunishment,tosupposethatGod,who had made man a rational creature, able to know his duty, and

sensiblethatheisdeservingpunishmentwhenhedoesitnot;shouldletmanalone,andlethimliveashewill,andneverpunishhimforhissins,and nevermake any difference between the good and the bad; that heshouldmaketheworldofmankindandthenletitalone,andletmenliveall their days in wickedness, in adultery, murder, robbery, andpersecution,andthelike,andsufferthemtoliveinprosperity,andneverpunish them; that he should suffer them to prosper in the world farbeyond many good men, and never punish them hereafter. Howunreasonableisittosuppose,thathewhomadetheworld,shouldleavethings in suchconfusion,andnever takeanycareof thegovernmentofhis creatures, and that he should never judge his reasonable creatures!ReasonteachesthatthereisaGod,andreasonteachesthatiftherebe,hemustbeawiseandjustGod,andthathemusttakecaretoorderthingswiselyandjustlyamonghiscreatures.Andthereforeitisunreasonabletosuppose that man dies like a beast, and that there is no futurepunishment.And if therebea futurepunishment, it isunreasonable tosuppose thatGodhasnotsomewhereorothergivenmenwarningof it,andrevealedtothemwhatkindofpunishmenttheymustexpect.Willawiselawgiverkeephissubjectsinignoranceastowhatpunishmenttheymustexpectforbreakinghislaws?AndifGodhasrevealedit,whereisittobefoundbutintheScripture;whatrevelationhaveweofafuturestateif it is not there revealed?Where does God tellmankindwhat kind ofrewards and punishments they must expect, if not here? And it isabundantlymanifest by innumerable evidences, that these threateningsare the threatenings ofGod, that this awful book is his revelation.AndsinceGodhas threatened, there isnoroomtoquestionwhetherhewillfulfill; for he hath said it, yea, he hath sworn it, that hewill repay thewicked to his face according to threatenings, and that he will glorifyhimself in their destruction, and that this heaven and earth shall passaway.Howfoolishthenis thethoughtthatGodmayonlythreatensuchpunishmenttofrightenmen,andthatheneverintendstoexecuteit!Foras surely asGod isGod, hewill do as he has said.Hewill destroy themountains of iniquity as he has threatened, and there shall be noescaping.HowvainarethethoughtsofthosewhoflatterthemselvesthatGod will not fulfill his threatenings, and that he only frightens anddeceivesmeninthem;as thoughGodcould innootherwaygoverntheworld than bymaking use of fallacious tricks and deceits to delude his

subjects!Those thatentertainsuch thoughts,however theymayhardenthemselvesby themfor thepresent,willcherish thembuta littlewhile.TheirexperiencewillsoonconvincethemthatGodisaGodoftruth,andthathisthreateningsarenodelusions.TheywillbeconvincedthatheisaGodwhowillbynomeanscleartheguilty,andthathisthreateningsaresubstantial, and not mere shadows, when it will be too late to escapethem.Deu.29:18-21,“Lestthereshouldbeamongyouman,orwoman,orfamily,ortribe,whoseheartturnethawaythisdayfromtheLordourGod, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should beamongyouarootthatbearethgallandwormwood;anditcometopass,when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in hisheart, saying , I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination ofmineheart,toadddrunkennesstothirst:theLordwillnotsparehim;butthentheangeroftheLordandhisjealousyshallsmokeagainstthatman,andallthecursesthatarewritteninthisbookshalllieuponhim,andtheLord shall blot out his name from under heaven. And the Lord shallseparatehimuntoeviloutofall thetribesofIsrael,accordingtoall thecurses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law.” Psa.50:21,“Thesethingshastthoudone,andIkeptsilence;thouthoughtestthatIwasaltogethersuchanoneasthyself:butIwillreprovethee,andsettheminorderbeforethineeyes.”

Second,thereisnoreasontosuspectthatpossiblyministerssetforththismatter beyond what it really is, that possibly it is not so dreadful andterrible as is pretended, and that ministers strain the description of itbeyondjustbounds.Somemaybereadytothinkso,becauseitseemstothemincrediblethatthereshouldbesodreadfulamiserytoanycreature.Butthereisnoreasonforanysuchthoughtsasthese,ifweconsider,

1.Howgreatapunishmentthesinsofwickedmendeserve.TheScriptureteachesus that anyone sin deserves eternal death.Rom. 6:23, “For thewages of sin is death: but the gift of God is eternal life through JesusChrist our Lord.” And that it deserves the eternal curse of God. Deu.27:26,“Cursedbehethatconfirmethnotall thewordsof this lawtodothem:andallthepeopleshallsay,Amen.”Gal3:10,“Forasmanyasareof theworks of the law are under the curse: for it iswritten,Cursed iseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthingswhicharewritteninthebook

of the law to do them.”Which things imply that the least sin deservestotal and eternal destruction. Eternal death, in the least degree of it,amounts to such a degree ofmisery as is theperfect destruction of thecreature, the loss of all good, and perfect misery; and so does beingaccursedofGodimplyit.TobecursedofGod,istobedevotedtoperfectandultimatedestruction.TheScriptureteachesthatwickedmenshallbepunishedtotheirfulldesert,thattheyshallpayallthedebt.

2.There isno reason to think thatministersdescribe themiseryof thewickedbeyondwhatitis,becausetheScriptureteachesusthatthisisoneendofungodlymen,toshowthedreadfulnessandpowerofGod’swrath.Rom. 9:22, “What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make hispower known, endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrathfittedtodestruction.”ItisoftenspokenofaspartofthegloryofGod,thatheisaterribleanddreadfulGod.Psa.68:35,“OGod,thouartterribleoutofthyholyplaces:”thatheisaconsumingfire.Psa.66:3,“Howterribleart thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thineenemies submit themselves unto thee:” and that herein onepart of thegloryofGodisrepresentedasconsisting,thatitissodreadfulathingtoinjureandoffendGod.Thewrathofakingisastheroaringofalion,thewrath of a man is sometimes dreadful, but the future punishment ofungodlymen is to showwhat thewrath ofGod is. It is to show to thewhole universe the glory of God’s power. 2 Thes. 1:9, “Who shall bepunishedwitheverlastingdestructionfromthepresenceoftheLord,andfrom the glory of his power.” And therefore the punishment which wehavedescribedisnotatallincredible,andthereisnoreasontothinkthatithasbeenintheleastdescribedbeyondwhatitreallyis.

3.TheScriptureteachesthatthewrathofGodonwickedmenisdreadfulbeyondallthatwecanconceive.Psa.90:11,“Whoknoweththepowerofthineanger?Evenaccordingtothyfear,soisthywrath.”Asitisbutlittlethatwe know ofGod, aswe know and can conceive of but little of hispowerandhisgreatness,soitisbutalittlethatweknoworcanconceiveof the dreadfulness of his wrath. And therefore there is no reason tosupposethatwesetitforthbeyondwhatit is.Wehaveratherreasontosupposethatafterwehavesaidourutmostandthoughtourutmost, allthatwehavesaidorthoughtisbutafaintshadowofthereality.

We are taught that the reward of the saints is beyond all that can bespoken or conceived of. Eph. 3:20, “Now unto him that is able to doexceedingabundantlyaboveallthatwecanaskorthink.”1Cor.2:9,“Eyehathnotseen,norearheard,neitherhaveenteredintotheheartofman,thethingswhichGodhathpreparedforthemthatlovehim.”Andsowemay rationally suppose that the punishment of thewickedwill also beinconceivablydreadful.

4.Thereisnoreasontothinkthatwesetforththemiseryofhellbeyondthe reality, because the Scripture teaches us that the wrath of God isaccording tohis fear.Psa.90:11.This passage asserts that thewrathofGodisaccordingtohisawfulattributes;hisgreatnessandhismight,hisholinessandpower.ThemajestyofGod isexceedinglygreatandawful,butaccordingtohisawfulness,soishiswrath.Thisisthemeaningofthewords;andthereforewemustconcludethat thewrathofGodis indeedbeyond all expressions and signification terrible. How great and awfulindeed is his majesty, who has made heaven and earth, and in whatmajestywillhecometojudgetheworldatthelastday!Hewillcometotake vengeance on ungodly men. The sight of this majesty will strikewickedmenwithapprehensionsandfearsofdestruction.

5. The description which I have given of the tribulation and wrath ofungodlymen,isnotbeyondthetruth,foritistheverydescriptionwhichtheScripturesgiveofit.TheScripturesrepresentthatthewickedshallbecastintoafurnaceoffire;notonlyafire,butafurnace.Mat.13:42,“Andshallcastthemintoafurnaceoffire;thereshallbewailingandgnashingofteeth.”Rev.20:15,“Andwhosoeverwasnotfoundwritteninthebookoflife,wascastintothelakeoffire.”Psa.21:8,9,“Thinehandshallfindoutallthineenemies;thyrighthandshall findoutthosethathatethee.Thoushaltmakethemasafieryoveninthetimeofthineanger;theLordshallswallowthemupinhiswrath,andthefireshalldevourthem.”

If, therefore, I have described this misery beyond the truth, then theScriptureshavedonethesame.Itisevidentthen,thatthereisnoreasontoflatteryourselveswithsuchimaginations.IfGodbetrue,youshallfindthewrathofGod,andyourfuturemisery,fullasgreat;andnotonlyso,butmuchgreater.Youwillfindthatweknowbutlittle,andhavesaidbutlittleaboutit,andthatallourexpressionsarefaintincomparisonofthe

reality.

III.Hencemaybederived an argument to convincewickedmenof thejusticeofGodinallottingsuchaportiontothem.Wickedmen,whentheyhearitdeclaredhowawfulthemiseryisofwhichtheyareindanger,oftenhavetheirheartsliftedupagainstGodforit.ItseemstothemveryhardforGod to deal sowith any of his creatures. They cannot seewhyGodshould be so very severewithwickedmen, for their sin and folly for alittlewhileinthisworld.Andwhentheyconsiderthathehasthreatenedsuch punishments, they are ready to entertain blasphemous thoughtsagainsthim. Iwould thereforeendeavor toshowyouhow justlyyou lieexposedtothatindignationandwrath,tribulationandanguish,ofwhichyouhaveheard.ParticularlyIwouldshow,

First, how just it would be in God forever to leave you to yourself. ItwouldbemostjustinGodtorefusetobewithyou,orhelpyou.

Youhaveembracedandrefusedto letgothosethingswhichGodhates;youhaverefusedtoforsakeyourlusts,andtoabandonthosewaysofsinthatareabominable tohim.WhenGodhascommandedyou to forsakethem, how have you refused, and still have retained them, and beenobstinateinit!Neitherisyourheartyettothisverydaydivertedfromsin.Butitisdeartoyou,youallowitthebestplaceinyourheart,youplaceiton the throne there. Would it be any wonder therefore if God shouldutterlyleaveyou,seeingyouwillnotleavesin?Godhasoftendeclaredhishatred of iniquity; and is it anywonder, that he is notwilling to dwellwiththatwhichissoodioustohim?IsitnotreasonablethatGodshouldinsist thatyoushouldpartwithyour lusts inorder toyourenjoyinghispresence; and seeing you have so long refused, how justwould it be ifGodshouldutterly forsake you?Youhave retainedandharboredGod’smortalenemies,sinandSatan.HowjustlythereforemightGodstandatadistance!IsGodobligedtobepresentwithanywhoharborhisenemies,andrefusetoforsakethem?WouldGodbeunjust,ifheshouldleaveyouutterlytoyourself,solongasyouwillnotforsakeyouridols?

ConsiderhowjustitwouldbeinGodtoletyoualone,sinceyouhaveletGod alone. You have not sought God for his presence and help as yououghttohavedone;youhaveneglectedhim;andwoulditnottherefore

be just if he should neglect you?How long havemany of you lived inneglectingtoseekhim?Howlonghaveyourestrainedprayerbeforehim?SincethereforeyourefusedsomuchastoseekthepresenceandhelpofGod,anddidnotthinkthemworthprayingtohimfor,howjustlymightheforeverwithholdthem,andsoleaveyouwhollytoyourself?

YouhavedonewhatinyouliestodriveGodawayfromyou,andtocausehimwhollyto leaveyou.WhenGodintimespasthasnot letyoualone,but has been unwearied in awakening you, have you not resisted themotions and influences of his Spirit; have you not refused to beconducted by him, or to yield to him? Zec. 7:11, “But they refused tohearken,andpulledawaytheshoulder,andstoppedtheirears,thattheyshouldnothear.”HowjustlythereforemightGodrefusetomoveorstriveanymore!WhenGodhasbeenknockingatyourdoor,youhaverefusedtoopentohim.Howjustisitthereforethatheshouldgoaway,andknockatyourdoornomore!WhentheSpiritofGodhasbeenstrivingwithyou,have younot been guilty of grieving theHoly Spirit by givingway to aquarrelingtemper,andbyyieldingyourselfapreytolust?AndhavenotsomeofyouquenchedtheSpirit,andbeenguiltyofbacksliding?AndisGodobliged,notwithstandingallthis,tocontinuethestrivingofhisSpiritwithyou, toberesistedandgrieved still, as longas youplease?On thecontrary,woulditnotbejustifhisSpiritshouldeverlastinglyleaveyou,andletyoualone?

Second,howjustitwouldbeifyoushouldbecursedinallyourconcernsinthisworld.ItwouldbejustifGodshouldcurseyouineverything,andcause everything you enjoy, or are concerned in, to turn to yourdestruction.

YoulivehereinalltheconcernsoflifeasanenemytoGod;youhaveusedall your enjoyments and possessions against God, and to his dishonor.WoulditnotthereforebejustifGodshouldcurseyouinthem,andturnthem all against you, and to your destruction?What temporal blessinghasGodgivenyou,whichyouhavenotusedintheserviceofyourlusts,intheserviceofsinandSatan?Ifyouhavebeeninprosperity,youhavemade use of it to God’s dishonor.When you havewaxed fat, you haveforgottentheGodthatmadeyou.HowjustthereforewoulditbeifGod’scurse shouldattendall yourenjoyments!Whatsoever employmentsyou

havefollowed,youhavenotservedGodinthem,butGod’senemies.Howjust therefore would it be if you should be cursed in all youremployments!Themeansof grace that youhave enjoyed, youhavenotmadeuseofasyououghttohavedone.Youhavemadelightofthem,andhavetreatedtheminacarelessdisregardfulmanner;youhavebeentheworse and not the better for them. You have so attended and usedsabbaths, and spiritual opportunities, that you have only made themoccasions ofmanifesting your contempt of God and Christ, and divinethings,byyourcarelessandprofanemannerofattendingthem.WoulditnotthereforebemostjustthatGod’scurseshouldattendyourmeansofgrace, and the opportunities which you enjoy for the salvation of yoursoul?

Youhave improvedyour timeonly toheapupprovocations andadd toyourtransgressions,inoppositiontoallthecallsandwarningsthatcouldbegivenyou.HowjustthereforewoulditbeifGodshouldturnlifeitselfintoacurse toyou,andsufferyou to liveonly to fillup themeasureofyoursins!

Youhave,contrarytoGod’scounsel,madeuseofyourownenjoymentstothehurtofyoursoul,andthereforeifGodshouldturntothemtothehurtandruinofyoursoul,hewouldbutdealwithyouasyouhavedealtwithyourself.Godhasearnestlycounseledyou timeswithoutnumber touseyourtemporalenjoymentsforyourspiritualgood,butyouhaverefusedto hearken to him, you have foolishly perverted them to treasure upwrathagainstthedayofwrath,youhavevoluntarilyusedwhatGodhasgivenyouforyourspiritualhurt, to increaseyourguiltandwoundyourownsoul.And therefore ifGodscurse shouldattend them,so that theyshouldall turn to the ruinofyour soul, youwouldbutbedealtwithasyouhavedealtwithyourself.

Third,howjustwoulditbeinGodtocutyouoff,andputanendtoyourlife!

You have greatly abused the patience and long-suffering of God whichhave already been exercised towards you. God with wonderful long-sufferinghasbornewithyou,whenyouhavegoneoninrebellionagainsthim,andrefusedtoturnfromyourevilways.Hehasbeheldyougoingon

obstinatelyinthewaysofprovocationagainsthim,andyethehasnotletloose his wrath against you to destroy you, but has still waited to begracious.Hehassufferedyouyettoliveonhisearth,andbreathehisair.Hehas upheld and preserved you, and continued still to feed you, andclotheyou,andmaintainyou,andstilltogiveyouaspacetorepent;butinstead of being the better for his patience, you have been the worse,insteadofbeingmeltedby it,youhavebeenhardened,andithasmadeyouthemorepresumptuous insin.Ecc.8:11,“Becausesentenceagainstanevilwork isnotexecutedspeedily, therefore theheartof the sonsofmenisfullysetinthemtodoevil.”Youhavebeenguiltyofdespisingtheriches of his goodness, and forbearance, and long-suffering, instead ofbeing ledtorepentby it.Youcannot liveonedaybutasGodmaintainsandprovidesforyou;youcannotdrawabreath,orliveamoment,unlessGodupholdsyou.Forinhishandyourbreathis,andheholdsyoursoulinlife,andhisvisitationpreservesyourspirit.ButwhatthankshasGodhad of it. How have you, instead of being turned to God, been onlyrenderedthemore fullysetanddreadfullyhardened in thewaysofsin!HowjustthereforewoulditbeifGod’spatienceshouldsoonbeatanend,andheshouldceasetobearwithyouanylonger!

You have not only abused his past patience, but have also abused histhoughts of future patience. You have flattered yourself that deathwasnotnear,andthatyoushould live long in theworld,andthishasmadeyouabundantly themorebold insin.Since thereforesuchhasbeen theuseyouhavemadeofyourexpectationofhavingyourlifepreserved,howjustwoulditbeinGodtodisappointthatexpectation,andcutyoushortof that long life with which you have flattered yourself, and in thethoughtsofwhichyouhaveencouragedyourselfinsinagainsthim!Howjustwoulditbeifyourbreathshouldsoonbestopped,andthatsuddenly,when you think not of it, and you should be driven away in yourwickedness!

Aslongasyouliveinsinyoudobutcumbertheground,youarewhollyunprofitable,andliveinvain.HethatrefusestolivetothegloryofGod,doesnotanswertheendofhiscreation,andforwhatshouldhelive?Godmadementoservehim;tothisendhegavethemlife.Andiftheywillnotdevote their lives to this end,how justwould it be inGod if he should

refuse to continue their lives any longer! He has planted you in hisvineyard, to bear fruit; and if you bring forth no fruit, why should hecontinueyouanylonger?Howjustwoulditbeinhimtocutyoudown!

Aslongasyoulive,manyoftheblessingsofGodarespentuponyoufromday today;youdevour the fruitsof theearthandconsumemuchof itsfatnessandsweetness;andalltonopurpose,buttokeepyoualivetosinagainstGod,andspendall inwickedness.Thewholecreationdoesas itweregroanwithyou.Thesunrisesandsetstogiveyoulight,thecloudspour down rain upon you, and the earth brings forth her fruits, andlaborsfromyeartoyeartosupplyyou.Andyouinthemeantimedonotanswer the end ofHimwho has created all things.How just thereforewoulditbeifGodshouldsooncutyouoff,andtakeyouaway,anddelivertheearth from thisburden, that thecreationmayno longergroanwithyou,andcastyououtasanabominablebranch!Luke13:7,“Thensaidheuntothedresserofhisvineyard,Behold,thesethreeyearsIcomeseekingfruiton this fig-tree, and findnone: cut it down;why cumbereth it theground?” John 15:2, 6, “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit hetakethaway;andeverybranchthatbearethfruithepurgethit,thatitmaybringforthmorefruit.—Ifamanabidenot inme,he iscast forthasabranch, and iswithered; andmen gather them, and cast them into thefire,andtheyareburned.”

Fourth,howjustwoulditbeifyoushoulddieinthegreatesthorrorandamazement!

How often have you been exhorted to improve your time, to lay afoundation of peace and comfort on a death-bed; and yet you haverefusedtohearken!Youhavebeenmanyandmanyatimeremindedthatyoumustdie,thatitwasveryuncertainwhen,andthatyoudidnotknowhowsoon,andhavebeentoldhowmeanandinsignificantallyourearthlyenjoyments would then appear, and how unable to afford you anycomfortonadeathbed..Youhavebeenoftentoldhowdreadfulitwouldbeto lieonadeath-bed inaChristlessstate,havingnothingtocomfortyoubutyourworldlyenjoyments.Youhavebeenoftenputinmindofthetorment and amazement which sinners, who have misspent theirprecioustime,aresubjecttowhenarrestedbydeath.YouhavebeentoldhowinfinitelyyouwouldthenneedtohaveGodyourfriend,andtohave

thetestimonyofagoodconscience,andawell-groundedhopeof futureblessedness. And how often have you been exhorted to take care toprovideagainstsuchadayasthis,andtolayuptreasureinheaven,thatyou might have something to depend on when you parted from thisworld, something to hope for when all things here below fail! Butremember how regardless you have been, how dull and negligent fromtime to time,when youhave sat under thehearing of such things, andstillyouobstinatelyrefusetopreparefordeath,andtakenocaretolayagood foundation against that time. And you have not only beencounseled, but you have seen others on their deathbeds in fear anddistress,orhaveheardofthem,andhavenottakenwarning.Yea,someofyou have been sick yourselves, and have been afraid that you were onyourdeath-beds,yetGodwasmercifultoyou,andrestoredyou,butyoudidnottakewarningtopreparefordeath.Howjustlythereforemightyoube thesubjectof thathorrorandamazement,ofwhichyouhaveheard,whenyoucometodie!

And not only so, but how industriously have you spent your time intreasuringupmatter for tribulationandanguishat that time!Youhavenot only been negligent of laying a foundation for peace and comfortthen,buthave spent your time continually andunweariedly in laying afoundation fordistress andhorror.Howhave yougoneon fromday today, heaping upmore andmore guilt; more andmore wounding yourown conscience, still increasing the amount of folly andwickedness foryoutoreflectupon!How just thereforewould itbe that tribulationandanguishshouldthencomeuponyou!

Fifth, how just it is that you should suffer thewrathofGod in anotherworld!

Becauseyouhavewillfullyprovokedandstirredupthatwrath.IfyouarenotwillingtosuffertheangerofGod,thenwhydidyouprovokehimtoanger?Whydidyouactasthoughyouwouldcontrivetomakehimangrywith you? Why did you willfully disobey God? You know that willfuldisobediencetendstoprovokehimwhoisdisobeyed;itissoinanearthlyking, or master, or father. If you have a servant who is willfullydisobedient, it provokes your anger.And again, if youwouldnot sufferGod’swrath,whyhaveyousooftencastaslightonGod?Ifanyonecastsa

slightonmen,ittendstoprovokethem.HowmuchmoremaytheInfiniteMajesty of heaven be provoked, when he is contemned! You have alsorobbedGodofhisproperty,youhaverefusedtogivehimthatwhichishisown.Itprovokesmenwhentheyaredeprivedof theirdueandtheyaredealtinjuriouslyby;howmuchmoremayGodbeprovokedwhenyourobhim!

YouhavealsoslightedthekindnessofGodtoyou,andthatthegreatestloveandkindnessofwhichyoucanconceive.Youhavebeensupremelyungrateful, andhaveonlyabused thatkindness.Nothingprovokesmenmorethantohavetheirkindnessslightedandabused.Howmuchmoremay God be provoked when men requite his infinite mercy only withdisobedienceandingratitude!IfthereforeyougoontoprovokeGod,andto stir up his wrath, how can you expect any other than to suffer hiswrath? If then you should indeed suffer thewrath of an offendedGod,remember it iswhat youhave procured for yourself, it is a fire of yourownkindling.

YouwouldnotacceptofdeliverancefromGod’swrath,whenithasbeenofferedtoyou.WhenGodhadinmercysenthisonly-begottenSonintothe world, you refused to admit him. You loved your sins too well toforsake them to come toChrist, and for the sake of your sins youhaverejectedall theoffersof aSavior, so that youhave chosendeath ratherthanlife.Afteryouhaveprocuredwrathtoyourself,youclovefasttoit,andwouldnotpartwithitformercy.“Alltheythathateme,lovedeath.”

Sixth,how justwould itbe thatyoubedeliveredup into thehadof thedevilandhisangels,tobetormentedbythemhereafter,seeingyouhavevoluntarilygivenyourselfuptoservethemhere!YouhavehearkenedtothemratherthantoGod.HowjustthereforewoulditbeifGodleaveyouto them! You have followed Satan and adhered to his interest inoppositiontoGod,andhavesubjectedyourself tohiswill inthisworld,rather than to the will of God. How just therefore would it be if Godshouldgiveyouuptohiswillhereafter!

Seventh,how justlymayyourbodiesbemadeorgansof torment toyouhereafter, which you have made organs and instruments of sin in thisworld!Youhavegivenupyourbodiesasacrifice tosinandSatan.How

justly therefore may God give them up a sacrifice to wrath! You haveemployedyourbodiesasservantstoyourvileandhatefullusts.HowjustthereforewoulditbeforGodhereaftertoraiseyourbodiestobeorgansandinstrumentsofmisery;andtofillthemasfulloftormentastheyhavebeenfilledfullofsin!

Eighth,butthegreatestobjectionofwickedmenagainstthejusticeofthefuture punishmentwhichGod has threatened, is from the greatness ofthat punishment: that God should inflict upon the finally impenitent,tormentssoextreme,soamazinglydreadful,tohavetheirbodiescastintoa furnace of fire of such immense heat and fierceness, there to lieunconsumed, and yet full of sense and feeling, glowing within andwithout;andthesoulfullofyetmoredreadfulhorrorandtorment;andsotoremainwithoutanyremedyorrestforever,andever,andever.And,therefore,Iwouldmentionseveralthingstoyou,toshowhowjustlyyoulieexposedtosodreadfulapunishment.

1.Thispunishment,asdreadfulasitis,isnotmoresothantheBeingisgreat and glorious against whom you have sinned. It is true thispunishmentisdreadfulbeyondallexpressionorconception,andsoisthegreatness and gloriousness of God as much beyond all expression orconception;andyetyouhavecontinuedtosinagainsthim,yea,youhavebeen bold and presumptuous in your sins, and have multipliedtransgressionsagainsthimwithoutend.ThewrathofGodthatyouhaveheardof,dreadfulasit is, isnotmoredreadfulthanthatMajestywhichyouhavedespisedandtrampledonisawful.Thispunishmentis indeedenoughtofillonewithhorrorbarelytothinkofit.Andsoitwouldfillyouwith at least equal horror to think of sinning so exceedingly against sogreatandgloriousaGod, ifyouconceivedof itaright.Jer.2:12,13,“Beastonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid; be ye verydesolate, saith the Lord: formy people have committed two evils; theyhave forsaken me the fountain of living waters; and hewed them outcisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water!” God’s being soinfinitely great and excellent, has not influenced you not to sin againsthim,butyouhavedone itboldly,andmadenothingof it, thousandsoftimes;andwhyshouldthismisery,beingsoinfinitelygreatanddreadful,hinderGodfrominflictingitonyou?1Sam.2:25,“Ifonemansinagainst

another,thejudgeshalljudgehim:butifamansinagainsttheLord,whoshallentreatforhim?”

2.Yournatureisnotmoreaversefromsuchmiseryasyouhaveheardof,thanGod’snatureisaversefromsuchsinasyouhavebeenguiltyof.Thenatureofmanisveryaversefrompainandtorment,andespecially it isexceedinglyaversefromsuchdreadfulandeternaltorment.Butyetthatdoesnothinderbutthat it is just that itshouldbe inflicted, formendonothatemiserymorethanGodhatessin.Godissoholy,andisofsopureanature, thathehasan infiniteaversion tosin.Butyetyouhavemadelight of sin, and your sins have been exceedingly multiplied andenhanced.TheconsiderationofGod’shatingofithasnotatallhinderedyoufromcommittingit.Why,therefore,shouldtheconsiderationofyourhating misery hinder God from bringing it upon you? God representshimselfinhiswordasburdenedanweariedwiththesinsofwickedmen.Isa. 1:14. “Your newmoons and your appointed feasts,my soul hateth:theyareatroubleuntome;Iamwearytobearthem.”Mal.2:17,“YehaveweariedtheLordwithyourwords:yetyesay,Whereinhaveweweariedhim?Whenyesay,Everyone thatdoethevil isgood in thesightof theLord,andhedelightethinthem;or,WhereistheGodofjudgment?”

3.YouhavenotcaredhowmuchGod’shonorsuffered.AndwhyshouldGodbecarefullestyourmiserybegreat?YouhavebeentoldhowmuchtheseandthosethingswhichyouhavepracticedweretothedishonorofGod; yet you did not care for that, but went on still multiplyingtransgressions. The consideration that the more you sinned, the moreGodwasdishonored,didnotintheleastrestrainyou.Ifithadnotbeenfor fearofGod’sdispleasure,youwouldnothavecaredthoughyouhaddishonored him ten thousand times as much as you did. As for anyrespectyouhad toGod, youdidnot carewhatbecameofGod’shonor,nor of his happiness neither, no, nor of his being. Why then is Godobligedtobecarefulhowmuchyousuffer?Whyshouldhebecarefulofyourwelfare,oruseanycautionlestheshouldlaymoreonyouthanyoucanbear.

4.Asgreatasthiswrathis,itisnotgreaterthanthatloveofGodwhichyouhaveslightedandrejected.God,ininfinitemercytolostsinners,hasprovidedaway for them to escape futuremisery, and to obtain eternal

life.Forthatendhehasgivenhisonly-begottenSon,apersoninfinitelygloriousandhonorableinhimself—beingequalwithGod,andinfinitelynearanddear toGod. Itwas ten thousand timesmore than ifGodhadgiven all the angels inheaven, or thewholeworld, for sinners.Himhegave tobe incarnate, to sufferdeath, tobemade a curse forus, and toundergothedreadfulwrathofGodinourroom,andthustopurchaseforus eternal glory. This glorious person has been offered to you timeswithoutnumber,andhehasstoodandknockedatyourdoor,tillhishairswerewith the dews of the night. But all that he has done has notwonupon you. You see no formnor comeliness in him, no beauty that youshould desire him. When he has thus offered himself to you as yourSavior,youneverfreelyandheartilyacceptofhim.This lovewhichyouhavethusabused,isasgreatasthatwrathofwhichyouareindanger.Ifyouwouldhaveacceptedofit,youmighthavehadtheenjoymentofthisloveinsteadofenduringthisterriblewrath.Sothatthemiseryyouhaveheardofisnotgreaterthantheloveyouhavedespised,andthehappinessandglorywhichyouhaverejected.Howjustthanwould itbe inGodtoexecuteuponyouthisdreadfulwrath,whichisnotgreaterthanthatlovewhichyouhavedespised!Heb.2:3,“Howshallweescapeifweneglectsogreatsalvation?”

5.Ifyoucomplainofthispunishmentasbeingtoogreat,thenwhyhasitnotbeengreatenoughtodeteryoufromsin?Asgreatas it is,youhavemadenothingofit.WhenGodthreatenedtoinflictitonyou,youdidnotmindhisthreatenings,butwereboldtodisobeyhim,andtodothoseverythings for which he threatened this punishment. Great as thispunishment is, it has not been great enough to keep you from living awillfullywickedlife,andgoingoninwaysthatyouknewwereevil.Whenyou have been told that such and such things certainly exposed you tothispunishment,youdidnotabstainonthataccount,butwentonfromdaytodayinamostpresumptuousmanner,andGod’sthreateningsuchapunishmentwasnoeffectualcheckuponyou.Whythereforedoyounowcomplainofthispunishmentastoogreat,andquarrelagainstit,andsaythat God is unreasonable and cruel to inflict it? In so saying you arecondemnedoutofyourownmouth;forifitbesodreadfulapunishment,andmorethanisjust,thenwhywasitnotgreatenoughatleasttoretrainyoufromwillfulsinning?Luke19:21,22,“Ifearedthee,becausethouart

anaustereman, thou takestup that thou laidestnotdown,andreapestthatthoudidstnotsow.Andhesaiduntohim,OutofthineownmouthwillIjudgethee,thouwickedservant,”Youcomplainofthispunishmentastoogreat,butyetyouhaveactedasifitwasnotgreatenough,andyouhavemadelightofit.Ifthepunishmentistoogreat,whyhaveyougoneontomakeitstillgreater?Youhavegoneonfromdaytoday,totreasureup wrath against the day of wrath, to add to your punishment, andincrease it exceedingly.Andyetnowyoucomplainof it as toogreat, asthoughGod couldnot justly inflict so great apunishment.Howabsurdandself-contradictory is the conduct of such an one,who complains ofGod for making his punishment too great, and yet from day to dayindustriouslygathers,andheapsupfuel,tomakethefirethegreater!

6.Youhavenocausetocomplainofthepunishmentbeinggreaterthanisjust;foryouhavemanyandmanyatimeprovokedGodtodohisworst.Ifyoushouldforbidaservanttodoagiventhing,andthreatenthatifhedidit you would inflict some very dreadful punishment upon him, and heshoulddoitnotwithstanding,andyoushouldrenewyourcommand,andwarnhiminthemoststrictmannerpossiblenottodoit,andtellhimyouwould surely punish him if he persisted, and should declare that hispunishment should be exceedingly dreadful, and he should whollydisregardyou,andshoulddisobeyyouagain,andyoushouldcontinuetorepeatyourcommandsandwarnings,stillsettingoutthedreadfulnessofthe punishment, and he should still, without any regard to you, go onagainandagaintodisobeyyoutoyourface,andthisimmediatelyonyourthus forbidding and threatening him: could you take it any otherwisethan as daring you to do yourworst? But thus have you done towardsGod. You have had his commands repeated, and his threatenings setbeforeyouhundredsoftimes,andhavebeenmostsolemnlywarned.Yethaveyounotwithstandinggoneoninwayswhichyouknewweresinful,andhavedonetheverythingswhichhehasforbidden,directlybeforehisface. Job 15:25, 26, “For he stretcheth out his hand against God, andstrengthenethhimselfagainsttheAlmighty.Herunnethuponhim,evenon his neck, upon the thick bosses of his buckler.” You have thus biddefiancetotheAlmighty,evenwhenyousawtheswordofhisvindictivewrathuplifted,thatitmightfalluponyourhead.Willit,therefore,beanywonderifheshallmakeyouknowhowterriblethatwrathis,inyourutter

destruction?

WhentheWickedShallHaveFilledUptheMeasureofTheirSin,WrathWillCome

UponThemtotheUttermost

(DatedMay,1735)

1Thessalonians2:16Tofilluptheirsinsalway;forthewrathiscomeuponthemtothe

uttermost.

Subject:Whenthosethatcontinueinsinhavefilledupthemeasureoftheirsins,thenwrathwillcomeuponthemtotheuttermost.

INverse14,theapostlecommendstheChristianThessaloniansthattheybecamethefollowersofthechurchesofGodinJudea,bothinfaithandinsufferings. In faith, in that they received theWord, not as theword ofman,butasitisintruththeWordofGod.Insufferings,inthattheyhadsuffered like things of their own countrymen, as they had of the Jews.Upon which the apostle sets forth the persecuting, cruel, and perversewickednessofthatpeople,“whobothkilledtheLordJesusandtheirownprophets, andhave,” says he, “persecutedus; and they pleasenotGod,andarecontrarytoallmen, forbiddingustospeaktotheGentiles, thattheymightbesaved.”Thencomeinthewordsofthetext;“Tofilluptheirsinsalway;forthewrathiscomeuponthemtotheuttermost.”

Inthesewordswemayobservetwothings:

1.TowhateffectwastheheinouswickednessandobstinacyoftheJews,viz.tofilluptheirsins.Godhathsetboundstoeveryman’swickedness.Hesuffersmento live,andtogoon insin, till theyhave filledup theirmeasure,andthencuts themoff.To thiseffectwas thewickednessandobstinacyof theJews.Theywereexceedinglywicked,and thereby filledupthemeasureoftheirsinsagreatpace.AndthereasonwhytheywerepermittedtobesoobstinateunderthepreachingandmiraclesofChrist,

andof theapostles, andunderall themeansusedwith them,was, thattheymight fill up themeasure of their sins. This is agreeable to whatChristsaid,Mat.23:31,32,“Whereforeyebewitnessesuntoyourselves,thatyearethechildrenofthemwhichkilledtheprophets.Fillyeupthenthemeasureofyourfathers.”

2.Thepunishmentoftheirwickedness.“Thewrathiscomeuponthemtotheuttermost.”Thereisaconnectionbetweenthemeasureofmen’ssin,andthemeasureofpunishment.Whentheyhavefilledupthemeasureoftheirsin,thenisfilledupthemeasureofGod’swrath.

The degree of their punishment, is the uttermost degree. This mayrespect both a national and personal punishment. If we take it as anationalpunishment,alittleafterthetimewhentheepistlewaswritten,wrathcameuponthenationoftheJewstotheuttermost,intheirterribledestructionbytheRomans;when,asChristsaid,“wasgreattribulation,such as neverwas since the beginning of theworld to that time,”Mat.24:21.Thatnationhadbeforesufferedmanyofthefruitsofdivinewrathfor their sins; but thiswas beyond all, thiswas their highest degree ofpunishmentasanation.Ifwetake itasapersonalpunishment, then itrespects their punishment in hell. God often punishes men verydreadfully in this world; but in hell “wrath comes on them to theuttermost.” — By this expression is also denoted the certainty of thispunishment.Forthoughthepunishmentwasthenfuture,yetitisspokenofaspresent:“Thewrathiscomeuponthemtotheuttermost.”Itwasascertainasifithadalreadytakenplace.God,whoknowsallthings,speaksofthingsthatarenotasthoughtheywere;forthingspresentandthingsfutureareequallycertainwithhim.Italsodenotesthenearapproachofit.ThewrathIScome;i.e.itisjustathand;itisatthedoor;asitprovedwithrespecttothatnation;theirterribledestructionbytheRomanswassoonaftertheapostlewrotethisepistle.

DOCTRINE

Whenthosethatcontinueinsinshallhavefilledupthemeasureoftheirsin,thenwrathwillcomeuponthemtotheuttermost.

I.PROP.ThereisacertainmeasurethatGodhathsettothesinofevery

wickedman.Godsaysconcerningthesinofman,ashesaystotheragingwavesofthesea,Hithertoshaltthoucome,andnofurther.Themeasureof some ismuchgreater thanofothers. Some reprobates commitbut alittlesinincomparisonwithothers,andsoaretoendureproportionablya smaller punishment. There aremany vessels of wrath; but some aresmallerandothersgreatervessels.Somewill containcomparativelybutlittlewrath,othersagreatermeasureofit.Sometimes,whenweseemengotodreadful lengths,andbecomeveryheinouslywicked,wearereadyto wonder that God lets them alone. He sees them go on in suchaudaciouswickedness,andkeepssilence,nordoesanythingtointerruptthem,buttheygosmoothlyon,andmeetwithnohurt.ButsometimesthereasonwhyGod lets them alone is because they have not filled up themeasureoftheirsins.Whentheyliveindreadfulwickedness,theyarebutfilling up the measure which God hath limited for them. This issometimeswhyGodsuffersverywickedmentolivesolong;becausetheiriniquity is not full, Gen. 15:16, “The iniquity of the Amorites is not yetfull.” For this reason also God sometimes suffers them to live inprosperity.Theirprosperity isasnaretothem,andanoccasionof theirsinning a great dealmore.WhereforeGod suffers them to have such asnare, because he suffers them to fill up a largermeasure. So, for thiscause, he sometimes suffers them to live under great light, and greatmeansandadvantages,at thesametime toneglectandmisimproveall.Everyoneshalllivetillhehathfilleduphismeasure.

II. PROP. While men continue in sin, they are filling the measure setthem.Thisistheworkinwhichtheyspendtheirwholelives.Theybeginintheirchildhood;andiftheylivetogrowoldinsin,theystillgoonwiththiswork.Itistheworkwithwhicheverydayisfilledup.Theymayaltertheirbusinessinotherrespects.Theymaysometimesbeaboutonethingandsometimesaboutanother,but theyneverchange fromthisworkoffilling up themeasure of their sins.Whatever they put their hands to,theyare still employed in thiswork.This is the first thing that theysetthemselves about when they awake in themorning, and the last thingtheydoatnight.Theyareall thewhile treasuringupwrathagainst thedayofwrath,andtherevelationoftherighteousjudgmentofGod.Itisa

grossmistakeofsomenaturalmen,whothinkthatwhentheyreadandpraytheydonotaddtotheirsins.Butonthecontrary,[they]thinktheydiminishtheirguiltbytheseexercises.Theythink,thatinsteadofaddingto their sins, they do something to satisfy for their past offenses. Butinsteadofthat,theydobutaddtothemeasurebytheirbestprayers,andbythoseserviceswithwhichtheythemselvesaremostpleased.

III.PROP.Whenonce themeasureof theirsins is filledup, thenwrathwillcomeuponthemtotheuttermost.Godwillthenwaitnolongeruponthem.WickedmenthinkthatGodisaltogethersuchaoneasthemselves,because,whentheycommitsuchwickedness,hekeepssilence.“Becausejudgment against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore theheartofthechildrenofmenisfullysetinthemtodoevil.”Butwhenoncethey shall have filled up the measure of their sins, judgment will beexecuted; God will not bear with them any longer. Now is the day ofgrace,andthedayofpatience,whichtheyspendinfillinguptheirsins.Butwhentheirsinsshallbefull,thenwillcomethedayofwrath,thedayof the fierce anger ofGod.—God often executes hiswrath onungodlymen,inalessdegree,inthisworld.Hesometimesbringsafflictionsuponthem,andthat inwrath.Sometimesheexpresseshiswrath inverysorejudgments. Sometimes he appears in a terrible manner, not onlyoutwardly,butalsointheinwardexpressionsof itontheirconsciences.Some,beforetheydied,havehadthewrathofGodinflictedontheirsoulsin degrees that have been intolerable. But these things are onlyforerunners of their punishment, only slight foretastes of wrath. Godneverstirsupallhiswrathagainstwickedmenwhile inthisworld.Butwhenoncewickedmenshallhavefilledupthemeasureoftheirsins,thenwrathwill comeupon them to the uttermost; and that in the followingrespects:

1.Wrathwillcomeuponthemwithoutanyrestraintormoderationinthedegreeofit.Goddothalwayslay,asitwere,arestraintuponhimself.Hedothnotstiruphiswrath.Hestayshisroughwindinthedayofhiseastwind.Heletsnothisarmlightdownonwickedmenwithitsfullweight.Butwhensinnersshallhavefilledupthemeasureoftheirsins,therewillbe no caution, no restraint. His rough wind will not be stayed normoderated.ThewrathofGodwillbepouredout like fire.Hewill come

forth,notonlyinanger,butinthefiercenessofhisanger;hewillexecutewrathwithpower,soastoshowwhathiswrathis,andmakehispowerknown.Therewillbenothingtoalleviatehiswrath.Hisheavywrathwilllieonthem,withoutanythingtolightentheburden,ortokeepoff,inanymeasure, the fullweightof it frompressingthesoul.—Hiseyewillnotspare,neitherwillheregardthesinner’scriesandlamentations,howeverloudandbitter.ThenshallwickedmenknowthatGodistheLord.Theyshallknowhowgreatthatmajestyiswhichtheyhavedespised,andhowdreadfulthatthreatenedwrathiswhichtheyhavesolittleregarded.Thenshallcomeonwickedmenthatpunishmentwhichtheydeserve.Godwillexactofthemtheuttermostfarthing.Theiriniquitiesaremarkedbeforehim; they are all written in his book. And in the future world he willreckonwiththem,andtheymustpayallthedebt.TheirsinsarelaidupinstorewithGod.Theyaresealedupamonghistreasures;andthemhewillrecompense, even recompense into their bosoms. The consummatedegreeofpunishmentwillnotbeexecutedtill thedayof judgment. Butthewickedaresealedovertothisconsummatepunishmentimmediatelyafterdeath;theyarecastintohell,andthereboundinchainsofdarknesstothejudgmentofthegreatday;andtheyknowthatthehighestdegreeofpunishmentiscominguponthem.Finalwrathwillbeexecutedwithoutany mixture. All mercy [and] all enjoyments will be taken away. Godsometimesexpresses hiswrath in thisworld.But here good things andevilaremixedtogether.Inthefuturetherewillbeonlyevilthings.

2.Wrathwillthenbeexecutedwithoutanymercifulcircumstances.Thejudgments which God executes on ungodly men in this world areattendedwithmanymercifulcircumstances.Thereismuchpatienceandlong-suffering, together with judgment. Judgments are joined withcontinuance of opportunity to seekmercy. But in hell there will be nomoreexercisesofdivinepatience.ThejudgmentswhichGodexercisesonungodly men in this world are warnings to them to avoid greaterpunishments.Butthewrathwhichwillcomeuponthem,whentheyshallhave filled up the measure of their sin, will not be of the nature ofwarnings.Indeedtheywillbeeffectuallyawakened,andmadethoroughlysensible, bywhat they shall suffer.Yet theirbeingawakenedandmadesensiblewill do them no good.Many awickedman hath suffered veryawfulthingsfromGodinthisworld,whichhavebeenameansofsaving

good.Butthatwrathwhichsinnersshallsufferafterdeathwillbenowayfor theirgood.Godwillhavenomercifuldesign in it.Neitherwill itbepossiblethattheyshouldgetanygoodbythatorbyanythingelse.

3.Wrathwillbesoexecuted,astoperfecttheworktowhichwrathtends,viz.utterly toundo the subject of it.Wrath is often so executed in thislife,asgreatlytodistresspersons,andbringthemintogreatcalamity.Yetnotsoastocompletetheruinofthosewhosufferit.Butinanotherworld,it will be so executed, as to finish their destruction, and render themutterlyandperfectlyundone.Itwilltakeawayallcomfort,allhope,andallsupport.Thesoulwillbe,asitwere,utterlycrushed;thewrathwillbewholly intolerable. Itmust sink, andwill utterly sink, andwill have nomorestrengthtokeepitselffromsinkingthanawormwouldhavetokeepitselffrombeingcrushedundertheweightofamountain.Thewrathwillbe sogreat, somightyandpowerful, aswholly toabolishallmannerofwelfare,Mat.21:44,“Butonwhomsoeveritshallfall,itwillgrindhimtopowder.”

4.Whenpersonsshallhavefilledupthemeasureoftheirsin,thatwrathwill come upon them which is eternal. Though men may suffer veryterribleandawfuljudgmentsinthisworld,yetthosejudgmentshaveanend. They may be long continued, yet they commonly admit of relief.Temporal distresses and sorrows have intermissions and respite, andcommonly by degrees abate and wear off. But the wrath that shall beexecuted,whenthemeasureofsinshallhavebeenfilledup,willhavenoend.Thusitwillbetotheuttermostastoitsduration.Itwillbeofsolongcontinuance,thatitwillbeimpossibleitshouldbelonger.Nothingcanbelongerthaneternity.

5.Whenpersonsshallhavefilledupthemeasureoftheirsin,thenwrathwill come upon them to the uttermost of what is threatened. Sin is aninfiniteevil;andthepunishmentwhichGodhaththreatenedagainstitisverydreadful.ThethreateningsofGodagainsttheworkersofiniquityarevery awful; but these threatenings are never fully accomplished in thisworld.Howeverdreadfulthingssomemenmaysufferinthislife,yetGodneverfullyexecuteshisthreateningsforsomuchasonesin,tilltheyhavefilled up the whole measure. The threatenings of the law are neveranswered by anything that any man suffers here. The most awful

judgment in this life doth not answer God’s threatenings, either indegree,orincircumstances,orinduration.Ifthegreatestsufferingsthatever are endured in this life shouldbe eternal, itwouldnot answer thethreatening.Indeedtemporaljudgmentsbelongtothethreateningsofthelaw;but thesearenotansweredby them; theyarebut foretastesof thepunishment.“Thewagesofsinisdeath.”Noexpressionofwraththataresuffered beforemen have filled up themeasure of their sin are its fullwages. But then, Godwill reckonwith them, andwill recompense intotheirbosomsthefulldeservedsum.

APPLICATION

TheuseIwouldmakeof thisdoctrine is,ofwarning tonaturalmen, torestnolongerinsin,andtomakehastetofleefromit.Thethingswhichhave been said, under this doctrine, may well be awakening, awfulconsiderationstoyou.Itisawfultoconsiderwhosewrathitisthatabidesuponyou,andofwhatwrathyouareindanger.Itisimpossibletoexpressthe misery of a natural condition. It is like being in Sodom, with adreadfulstormoffireandbrimstonehangingoverit,justreadytobreakforth,andtobepoureddownuponit.Thecloudsofdivinevengeancearefull,andjustreadytoburst.Hereletthosewhoyetcontinueinsin,inthistown,considerparticularly,

1.Underwhatgreatmeans andadvantagesyoucontinue in sin.God isnow favoring us with very great and extraordinary means andadvantages,inthatwehavesuchextraordinarytokensofthepresenceofGodamongus.HisSpiritissoremarkablypouredout,andmultitudesofall ages, and all sorts, are converted and brought home to Christ. Godappearsamongusinthemostextraordinarymanner,perhaps,thateverhedidinNewEngland.ThechildrenofIsraelsawmanymightyworksofGod,whenhebrought themoutofEgypt.Butweat thisdayseeworksmoremighty,andofamoregloriousnature.

Wewholiveundersuchlight,havehadloudcalls;butnowaboveall.Nowis a day of salvation. The fountain hath been set open among us in anextraordinarymanner,andhathstoodopenforaconsiderabletime.Yetyou continue in sin, and the calls that you have hitherto had have notbroughtyoutobewashedinit.Whatextraordinaryadvantageshaveyou

lately enjoyed to stir youup!Howhath everything in the town, of late,beenoftendency!Thosethingswhichusedtobethegreatesthindranceshavebeenremoved.Youhavenottheillexamplesofimmoralpersonstobea temptation to you.There isnotnow that vainworldly talk, and illcompany,todivertyou,andtobeahindrancetoyou,whichthereusedtobe.Nowyouhavemultitudesofgoodexamplessetbeforeyou.Therearemanynowallaroundyou,who, insteadofdivertingandhinderingyou,areearnestlydesirousofyoursalvation,andwillingtodoallthattheycantomoveyoutofleetoChrist.Theyhaveathirstingdesireforit.Thechieftalkinthetownhasoflatebeenaboutthethingsofreligion,andhasbeensuch as hath tended to promote, and not to hinder, your souls’ good.Everything all around you hath tended to stir you up; andwill you yetcontinueinsin?

Someofyouhavecontinued insin tillyouare faradvanced in life.Youwerewarnedwhenyouwerechildren;andsomeofyouhadawakeningsthen.However, the timewentaway.Youbecamemenandwomen;andthenyoustirredupagain,youhadthestrivingsofGod’sSpirit.Andsomeof you have fixed the times when you would make thorough work ofseeking salvation. Some of you perhaps determined to do it when youshouldbemarriedandsettledintheworld;otherswhenyoushouldhavefinishedsuchabusiness,andwhenyourcircumstancesshouldbesoandsoaltered.Nowthesetimeshavecome,andarepast;yetyoucontinueinsin.

Manyofyouhavehadremarkablewarningsofprovidence.Someofyouhavebeenwarnedbythedeathsofnearrelations.Youhavestoodby,andseen others die and go into eternity; yet this hath not been effectual.Someof youhavebeenneardeathyourselves, have been brought nighthegraveinsoresickness,andwerefullofyourpromiseshowyouwouldbehaveyourselves,ifitshouldpleaseGodtospareyourlives.Someofyouhaveverynarrowlyescapeddeathbydangerousaccidents;butGodwaspleased to spare you, to give you a further space to repent; yet youcontinueinsin.

Someofyouhaveseentimesofremarkableoutpouringsof theSpiritofGod,inthistown,intimespast;butithadnogoodeffectonyou.Youhadthe strivings of theSpirit ofGod too, aswell as others.Goddidnot so

passbyyourdoor,but thathe cameandknocked;yetyoustood itout.Now God hath come again in a more remarkable manner than everbefore,andhathbeenpouringouthisSpiritforsomemonths,initsmostgracious influence;yetyouremain insinuntilnow.In thebeginningofthisawakening,youwerewarnedtofleefromwrathandtoforsakeyoursins.Youweretoldwhatawidedoortherewasopen,whatanacceptedtimeitwas,andwereurgedtopressintothekingdomofGod.Andmanydid press in; they forsook their sins, and believed in Christ. But you,whenyouhadseenit,repentednot,thatyoumightbelievehim.

Then you were warned again, and still others have been pressing andthrongingintothekingdomofGod.Manyhavefledforrefuge,andhavelaidholdonChrist;yetyoucontinueinsinandunbelief.Youhaveseenmultitudesofallsorts,ofallages,youngandold,flockingtoChrist,andmanyofaboutyourageandyourcircumstances.Butyoustillareinthesamemiserableconditioninwhichyouusedtobe.Youhaveseenpersonsdaily flocking to Christ, as doves to their windows. God hath not onlypoured out his Spirit on this town, but also on other towns aroundus,and they are flocking in there, as well as here. This blessing spreadsfurther and further;many, far and near, seem to be setting their facesZionward.Yet youwho livehere,where thiswork first began, continuebehindstill;youhavenolotorportioninthismatter.

2.HowdreadfulthewrathofGodis,whenitisexecutedtotheuttermost.Tomakeyouinsomemeasuresensibleof that, Idesireyou toconsiderwhosewrathitis.Thewrathofakingistheroaringofalion;butthisisthewrathofJehovah, theLordGodOmnipotent.Letus consider,whatcanwerationallythinkofit?HowdreadfulmustbethewrathofsuchaBeing,whenitcomesuponapersontotheuttermost,withoutanypity,ormoderation, ormerciful circumstances!Whatmust be the uttermost ofhiswrath,whomade heaven and earth by theword of his power;whospake,and itwasdone,whocommanded,and it stood fast!Whatmusthiswrathbe,whocommandeththesun,anditrisesnot,andsealethupthestars!Whatmusthiswrathbe,whoshakeththeearthoutofitsplace,and causeth the pillars of heaven to tremble!Whatmust hiswrath be,whorebukeththe sea, andmaketh itdry,who removeth themountainsout of their places, and overturneth them in his anger!Whatmust his

wrathbe,whosemajestyissoawful,thatnomancouldliveinthesightofit! What must the wrath of such a Being be, when it comes to theuttermost, when he makes his majesty appear and shine bright in themiseryofwickedmen!Andwhatisawormofthedustbeforethefuryandundertheweightofthiswrath,whichthestoutestdevilscannotbear,bututterlysink,andarecrushedunderit.—Considerhowdreadfulthewrathof God is sometimes in this world, only in a little taste or view of it.Sometimes,whenGodonlyenlightensconscience,tohavesomesenseofhiswrath, itcausesthestout-heartedtocryout.Nature isreadytosinkunderit,whenindeeditisbutalittleglimpseofdivinewraththatisseen.This hath been observed in many cases. But if a slight taste andapprehension ofwrath be so dreadful and intolerable,whatmust it be,whenitcomesuponpersonstotheuttermost!Whenafewdropsorlittlesprinkling of wrath is so distressing and overbearing to the soul, howmustitbewhenGodopenstheflood-gates,andletsthemightydelugeofhiswrathcomepouringdownuponmen’sguiltyheads,andbringsinallhiswavesandbillowsupontheirsouls!HowlittleofGod’swrathwillsinkthem!Psa. 2:12, “Whenhiswrath is kindledbut a little, blessed are alltheythatputtheirtrustinhim.”

3.Consider,youknownotwhatwrathGodmaybeabouttoexecuteuponwickedmen in thisworld.Wrathmay, in some sense, be coming uponthem,inthepresentlife,totheuttermost,foroughtweknow.WhenitissaidoftheJews,“Thewrathiscomeuponthemtotheuttermost,”respectishad,notonlytotheexecutionofdivinewrathonthatpeopleinhell,butthat terrible destruction of Judea and Jerusalem,whichwas then nearapproaching,bytheRomans.Weknownotbutthewrathisnowcoming,insomepeculiarlyawfulmanner,onthewickedworld.Godseems,bythethingswhich he is doing among us, to be coming forth for some greatthing.Theworkwhichhathbeenlatelywroughtamongusisnoordinarything.Hedothnotworkinhisusualway,butinawayveryextraordinary;andit isprobable, that it is a forerunnerof someverygreat revolution.Wemustnotpretendtosaywhatisinthewombofprovidence,orwhatisinthebookofGod’ssecretdecrees;yetwemayandoughttodiscernthesignsofthesetimes.

Though God be now about to do glorious things for his church and

people, yet it is probable that they will be accompanied with dreadfulthingstohisenemies.ItisthemannerofGod,whenhebringsaboutanygloriousrevolutionforhispeople,atthesametimetoexecuteveryawfuljudgmentsonhis enemies,Deu. 32:43, “Rejoice,O yenations,withhispeople: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will rendervengeance tohisadversaries,andwillbemercifuluntohis land,and tohis people.” Isa. 3:10, 11, “Say ye to the righteous, It shall bewellwithhim:for theyshalleat the fruitof theirdoings.Woeuntothewicked, itshallbeillwithhim:fortherewardofhishandsshallbegivenhim.”Isa.65:13,14,“ThereforethussaiththeLordGod,Behold,myservantsshalleat,butyeshallbehungry:behold,myservantsshalldrink,butyeshallbe thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:behold,myservantsshallsingforjoyofheart,butyeshallcryforsorrowofheart,andshallhowlforvexationofspirit.”WefindinScripture,thatwhere glorious times are prophesied to God’s people, there are at thesame time awful judgments foretold to his enemies.What God is nowabout todo,weknownot.But thiswemayknow, that therewillbenosafetytoanybutthosewhoareintheark.—Thereforeitbehoovesalltohaste and flee for their lives, to get into a safe condition, to get intoChrist. Then they neednot fear, though the earth be removed, and themountains carried into themidst of the sea; though thewaters thereofroar and be troubled; though the mountains shake with the swellingthereof:forGodwillbetheirrefugeandstrength;theyneednotbeafraidofeviltidings;theirheartsmaybefixed,trustingintheLord.

WickedMenInconsistentWithThemselves

(DatedDecember1738)

Matthew11:16-19.ButwhereuntoshallIlikenthisgeneration?Itislikeuntochildrensittinginthemarkets,andcallinguntotheirfellows,andsaying,Wehavepipeduntoyou,andyehavenotdanced;wehavemournedunto

you,andyehavenotlamented...

Matthew11:16-19.

ButwhereuntoshallIlikenthisgeneration?Itislikeuntochildrensittinginthemarkets,andcallinguntotheirfellows,andsaying,Wehavepipeduntoyou,andyehavenotdanced;wehavemourneduntoyou,andyehavenotlamented.ForJohncameneithereatingnordrinking,andtheysay,Hehathadevil.TheSonofmancameeatinganddrinking,andtheysay,Beholdamangluttonous,andawine-bibber,afriendofpublicansandsinners.Butwisdomisjustifiedofherchildren.

Subject:Wickedmenareinconsistentwiththemselves.

THEoccasionof this discoursewas John’s sending toChrist twoof hisdisciples,saying,“Artthouhethatshouldcome,orlookweforanother?”Whenthemessengershadgoneback,Christentersintoadiscoursewiththemultitude concerning John, of which the verses read are a part, inwhich Christ reproves the unreasonableness of the Jews in rejectingGod’smessengers.Wemayobserveinthewordsthefollowingthings:

I.ThemessengersofGodthatarehere instanced in that theyhadbeenrejected,viz.JohntheBaptistandChrist.Theformerisspokenofinthecontext asbeingon someaccounts the greatest of all the prophets thatevercamebeforeChrist,asyoumaysee,verses9-11,“Butwhatwentyeoutfortosee?Aprophet?yea,Isayuntoyou,andmorethanaprophet.Forthisisheofwhomitiswritten,Behold,Isendmymessengerbeforethyface,whichshallpreparethywaybeforethee.VerilyIsayuntoyou,AmongthemthatarebornofwomentherehathnotrisenagreaterthanJohn the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom ofheavenisgreaterthanhe.”Thelatter,evenChrist,wasthegreatprophetofGod,theHeadandLordoftheprophets,God’sonly-begottenSon.

II. Inwhat theunreasonableness of their rejecting thesemessengers ofGod appears, viz. in their inconsistency with themselves in thoseobjectionswhichtheymadeagainstthem.Andherewemayobserve,

First,thenatureoftheirobjectionsagainstthesetwomessengersofGod.Theyobjected against theirmanner of livingwith respect to theirmeat

anddrink.

Second, thedifferentmannerof livingof those twomessengersofGod.Christ came eating and drinking, but John came neither eating nordrinking, i.e. John lived on a very coarse and spare diet, as we read,Mat.3:4, “And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and aleatherngirdleabouthisloins;andhismeatwaslocustsandwildhoney.”He carefully abstained from that free use of pleasantmeats and drinksthatothersallowedthemselves in.ButChristcameeatinganddrinking,i.e.freelyusingthecomfortsandenjoymentsof life, taking indifferentlyallkindsoffoodordrinkthatwerewholesome,comfortable,andlawful.This diverse manner of living of John the Baptist and Christ wasagreeabletothediverseerrandsthattheycameupon.John’serrandwasto callmen to repentance, to awaken them to a sense of their sin andmisery, to bring them tomourn for their sins, and humble themselvesbeforeGod for them, that theymightbeprepared for the comfortsandblessingsof thekingdomofheaventhatweretobe introducedbyJesusChrist. A life of abstinence from the pleasant things of this world wasagreeable to the purpose of awakening the soul and of leading it tomourningandhumiliationforsin,whichitwasespeciallyJohn’sbusinesstopreachandsetanexampleof.

But after John had thus prepared the way with awakenings andrepentance, thenChrist came to administer comfort to those that werethuspreparedfor it, topreachgoodtidings to themeek, tobindup thebroken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening oftheprisontothemthatarebound,toproclaimtheacceptableyearoftheLord,tocomfortthosethatmourn,toappointuntothemthatmourninZion,togiveuntothembeautyforashes,theoilofjoyformourning,thegarment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that theymight be calledtrees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might beglorified. Isa. 61:1-3. And freely eating and drinking, and enjoying thecomfortsandpleasantthingsoflife,[were]agreeabletosuchanerrandasthis, and therefore Christ, in his first beginning of his public ministrywhich succeeded John’s, declares this to be the business he was comeupon. Luke 4:16-19, “And he came to Nazareth, where he had beenbroughtup;and,ashiscustomwas,hewent into thesynagogueon the

sabbathday,andstoodupfortoread.Andtherewasdelivereduntohimthe book of the prophet Esaias: andwhen he had opened the book hefoundtheplacewhereitwaswritten,TheSpiritoftheLordGodisuponme, because he hath anointedme to preach the gospel to the poor; hehath sentme to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to thecaptives,andrecoveringofsighttotheblind;tosetat libertythemthatarebruised;topreachtheacceptableyearoftheLord.”

Third,theirunreasonablenessappearsinthefactthatthoughthewayofliving of these two persons was in this respect so diverse, yet theyobjected against both. John came neither eating nor drinking. And forthat they objected against him, and reviled him, as though hewas onethat was very odd and strange, and beside himself, and under theinfluenceofadiabolicalspirit.Thisobjectionseemedtomanifestadislikeofsuchawayof living,asthoughitwastheiropinionthatamanoughtnot to live thus abstemiously, but should eat and drink freely as otherpeople did. But yetwhenChrist came and did that, then they objectedagainst that too,andbitterly reproachedhim for that, andcalledhimaglutton,andwine-bibber,afriendofpublicansandsinners.Sothattherewasnoescapingtheirreproaches.IfamanofGodlivedalifeoftrialandabstinence,theyspokeofitasmatterofgreatreproach,andyetifhedidnotso,theymadethatamatterofnolessreproach.Itwasacrimewiththemforaprophettoeatanddrink,anditwasalsoacrimetoletitalone.Soinconsistentweretheywiththemselvesthattherewasnotsuchthingasaprophet’ssuitingthem.Theycondemnedthedoingofthatwhichatthe same time they condemned the not doing of, and both theycondemned with great bitterness, and virulent and contemptuousreproaches. This plainly showed that their objections against John theBaptistandChristwerebutvainpretenses,andthatthetruereasonwhytheydisliked themwasnot themanner of livingof either of themwithrespecttoeatinganddrinking,butbecausetheyhatedtheirpersonsandthebusinesstheycameupon.Whenmenhaveaprejudiceagainstotherpersonstheywillbereadytofindfaultwitheverythinginthem,theywillfind out bad names for their virtues, andwill reproach those things inthem which they will approve of and commend in others to whosepersonstheyhavealiking.

III. The thing to which Christ compares their inconsistency withthemselves,towit,tochildrenwhomeettheircompanionsinthestreetsormarket-places,andendeavor toaid themin theirplay, in thingsofadiverse and contrary nature. For it they pipe unto them with notesmanifestingcheerfulnessandmirth,thatdoesnotsuitthem.Theyrefusetofallinwiththis,asthoughtheydidnotlikesuchcheerfulness,andasthoughmourningwouldsuit thembetter.Andthen,whentheysee thattheytookacontrarycourse,theymournedwiththem,butyetneitherdotheyfall inwiththat, theydonot lamentwiththe.Sothat theycomforttheminnothing,neithermirthnormourning.

So John the Baptist preaching repentance came with tokens of sorrowandmourning, andmean apparel, with a garment of camel’s hair, andwith a leathern girdle about his loins, and with great abstinence. ButChristwhenhecomes,comeseatinganddrinkingwithtokensofcomfortand joy.Butneitherof themsuited them.Fromthe text thusexplainedweshallderivethefollowing.

Doctrine.Wickedmenareveryinconsistentwiththemselves.Theyaresointhefollowingrespects:

I. The dictates of their darkened understandings are inconsistent withthemselves.

II.Theirwillsareinconsistentwiththeirreason.

III.Theirwillsareinconsistentwiththemselves.

IV.Theiroutwardshowisinconsistentwiththeirhearts.

V.Theirprofessionisinconsistentwiththeirpractice.

VI.Theirpracticeisinconsistentwiththeirhopes.

VII.Theirpracticeisinconsistentwithitself.

I.Theirunderstandingsareinconsistentwiththemselves.Idonotmean

that the faculty of reason and understanding is inconsistentwith itself.For the faculty of understanding with which God has endowedman iswholly good and right. It is that wherein the natural image of Godconsists, and is the excellency of man’s nature. And if the faculty ofreason be duly improved, it will lead men right. Light is neverinconsistent with itself. But the understandings of natural men arepervertedandblindedbysin,andareinconsistentwiththemselvesintwoways:

First, theirpractical judgment is inconsistentwiththeirownreason.Bytheir practical judgment, I mean that judgment which they make ofthings that prevail, so as to determine their actions and govern theirpractice.This inwickedmen is in innumerable things contrary to theirown reason. For, in forming their judgment of things by which theygovernthemselves,theydonotinquireatthemouthofreason,butatthemouth of their inclinations. Their lusts have a far greater hand in thejudgments that they make of things, and by which they governthemselves,thantheirreason.Asforinstance,theirpracticaljudgmentisthatthethingsofthisfadingworld,theenjoymentsofthisshortlife,arethingsofgreaterimportancethanthethingsoftheeternalworld;andyetif they inquire at the mouth of their own reason, that tells them thecontrary. Their reason tells them that it ismost plain and evident thateternal things, things that are to last forever, are of vastly greaterimportancethanthethingsoftime.

Sotheirreasontells themthat itmustneedsbethepartofwisdomandprudence to improve the present time with the utmost diligence andearnestness,andtomakereadyfordeath.Andyettheyarenotconvincedofit,buttheirgoverningopinionis,thatitisbesttoneglectthebusinessof religion for thepresent, and to enjoy their ease, and sloth, and lustsawhilelonger.

Theirreasontells them, that it iswellworth thewhile foreveryman todeny himself outward pleasure for the good of his soul. But theirgoverning opinion or judgment is contrary,viz. that it is not best. andthatpleasuresandthegratificationoftheirlustsareworthmorethananybenefittheywouldobtainbyseekingtheirsalvation.

The reason of young people tells them that it is their true wisdom toimprovethetimeofyouth.Reasontells themthat life isveryuncertain.But when such persons hear ministers preach concerning the infiniteimportance of eternal things. the uncertainty of life, the peace andcomfort thatwillbe found ina stateofhappier existencewithGod,aretold how light a thing the difficulty and sufferings of a holy life are incomparison,theirreasonassentstoallthis,buttheirpracticaljudgmentsarethecontrary.Whenapersonhaslatelydied,eitherinextremeterrorandamazement,underasenseoftheguiltofamispentlife,orfullofjoyand comfort, in consequence of a life of holy walking with God, theirreasontellsthemthatitwouldbewellworththeirwhiletolaboranddenythemselves all their lifetime to be ready for death, and to have a solidfoundation of peace and comfort laid up against such an hour. But yettheirpracticeisdirectlythereverse.

Second, someof their judgmentsof thingsare inconsistentwithothers.Forinstance,intemporalthings,theyjudgethatthegoodwhichisoflongcontinuanceistobepreferredbeforethatwhichisofshortcontinuance,and that a long-continued calamity ismore to be dreaded and avoidedthanashortone.Theirgoverning judgment is thus in these things,butyetitisthereverseinspiritualthings.

Again,suchargumentsasthey judgetofurnishgoodandclearevidencewith them in those things that are agreeable to their sinful inclination,they thinknot tohaveanyevidence in those things thatarecontrary tothem. In temporal things they think it to be their wisdom to improvetimes of special advantage, and to watch against that which mightensnare them,orendanger theirwelfare,but inother things they thinkthe reverse. In these things, andmanymore thatmight bementioned,theirjudgmentsareinconsistentwiththemselves.

II.Theirwillsare inconsistentwith theirreason.This inconsistency isaconsequenceoftheforegoing.Foriftheirpracticaljudgmentbecontraryto their own reason, it will follow that their wills are contrary to theirreason.Forthewilleverfollowsthedictateofthepracticaljudgment.

Theirwillsarecontrarytotheirreasonintworespects.

First,theywillthosethingswhichtheirreasontellsthemareinconsistentwith their duty. And so they are inconsistent with themselves, as theirwills are inconsistent with their consciences. Conscience is a principleimplantedintheheartofeveryman,andisasessentialtohisnatureasthe facultyof reason, for it is anatural andnecessaryattendantof thatfaculty.But thewillsofwickedmenare contrary to it, and inconsistentwithit.Theychoosethosethingswhichtheyknowtobeevil,andoughtnottobechosen.Theychoosethatwhichtheirownreasontellsthemisunreasonable and vile, and unbecoming men, and justly provoking totheirMaker,andcontrarytotheendforwhichtheyaremade.

Hence arises an inward war in their ownminds. Their wills and theirconscienceswarringoneagainstanother.Thereisnotruepeaceintheirhearts,fortheyareatwarwiththemselves,andthereforetheyarelikethetroubledseathatcannotrest,unlessbyacourseofhorribleviolationsofthedictatesoftheirownconscience,theyhaveproceededsofarintheirwaragainsttheirownconsciencesastostupefyconscience,andlayitasitweredead,whichisthecaseofsomepersons.

Second,theywillthosethingswhichtheirreasontellsthemarecontrarytotheirowninterest,yea,thosethingswhichtheirownreasontellsthemarethewaytotheirruinandmisery.Attheverysametimethatwickedmenare tempted to commit somesin, and their reason then tells themthat it will expose them to the eternal wrath of God, and that it willthereforebeadreadfulfollyforthemtodoit,yettheywilldoit.Orwhentheir reason tells them that the course inwhich theyaregoing leads todestruction,andrepresents to themthat it is thegreatest folly,yet theywillgooninit,andruntheventureofbeingeverlastinglyundone.

Soinconsistentaretheywiththemselves, that theydoandallowthatofwhich theyhope to repent, they choose thatnow for choosingwhichatthesametimetheyexpectandhopehereaftertochargethemselveswithgreatfolly,andtobeconvincedthatitisfolly,andtolamentandbewailit.Nay,theywouldnotdoitiftheydidnotexpecthereaftertoseethatitisveryfoolishinthemsotodo,andheartilytomournforit.

Inthisrespecttheyaresoinconsistentwiththemselvesthattheyaretheirownworstenemies.Theyareinconsistentwiththemselves,astwomortal

enemies cannot consist together, or walk together. By choosing thosethingswhichtheirownreasontellsthemiscontrarytotheirowninterest,andtendstotheirownundoing,theymaybesaidtohatetheirownsouls,and to love their own ruin. Pro. 8:36, “He that sinneth against me,wrongethhisownsoul;alltheythathateme,lovedeath.”

III. Their wills and dispositions are inconsistent with their wills. TheJews would neither have a prophet to come eating and drinking, norwould they have him otherwise. They knew not what they would havethemselves,therewasnopleasingthem.Toeatanddrinkdidnotpleasethem; that they reproached as drunkenness, and gluttony. Nor did itpleasethemanymorenottoeatnordrink.Thistheyreproachednolessvirulently,asthoughitwereanargumentthatamanwasoutofhiswits,andpossessedbythedevil.Theinconsistencyofwickedmen’swillswiththemselvesappearsinthefollowingthings:

First,theydo,insomerespects,chooseandrefusethesamethings.

Ishallmentionsomeinstances.

1.Insomerespects,manyofthemwishtobeconvertedfromsintoGod.Theythinkthattheyshouldbereadytogivealmostallthattheyhaveintheworld to be converted, and they pray to God to convert them, andseekforconversion,andtakeadvicetothatend,anduseagreatdealoflabor for it. But yet if it be considered what conversion is, or what ismeant by conversion, viz. the being turned from all their sins to God.Theyhavenodesiretobeconverted,theywillnothaveconversionwhenitisofferedthem,whenitcomestothemtheyarenotwillingtobesavedfromsin,fortheyarenotwillingtopartwiththeirsins.Whentheythinkofthethinginthegeneral,theywishthattheywereturnedfromsin.Butwhenitcomestoparticulars,theycannotcomplywithit,theylovetheirsinstoowell.Whenaparticularlustcomesandpleadstobeindulgedandgratified,theninthisinstancetheyhavenowishtobeconverted,theyarenot willing to be turned from their sin altogether, they cannot bearentirely and forever to renounce and reject it. They have a wish to beconverted,butnotfromenjoyingtheirrighthands,andrighteyes.Theypray that theymay be thoroughly and savingly converted, and seem towishandprayforit.Butyetwhenitcomestothem,theyarenotwilling

for any more than a partial conversion. They cannot comply with athoroughconversion, fora thoroughconversion isa turning fromeveryone of their sins. And that proves that they would be willing to beconvertedfromtheirsinsforalittlewhile,buttopartwiththemfinallyiswhattheycannotfinditintheirheartstocomplywith.

2. Some wicked men do in certain respects desire that a work ofhumiliation may be wrought in them, and yet are utterly opposed tohumiliation.Theydomany things that theymaybehumbled, andpraythattheymaybebroughtofffromtheirownrighteousness,andyetwouldbynomeansletitgo,butareindeedbuildinguptheirownrighteousnessallthetime.

TheyseeminsomerespectstowishthattheymightsubmittothejusticeandsovereigntyofGodintheircondemnation,butyetareutterlyaverseto any such thing as owning God’s justice. They are averse to thissubmission,asappearsfromtheirshowingsuchaspritofstrifewithGod.TheydonotbelievethatGodisjustandsovereign,andhowthereforeisitpossible that they should desire really to submit to God’s justice andsovereignty?TheycannotheartilyandferventlydesiretosubmittoGodas justandsovereign,when theydonotbelieve thathepossessesthoseattributes,butthinkhimunjustandtyrannical.

3.TheyinsomerespectswishthattheymightcometoChrist,butindeedare utterly averse to come to him, so that their will is in this alsoinconsistentwithitself.TheypraythattheymaycometoChrist,theyarereadytosay that theywouldgiveall theworld foran interest inChrist;andyet theywillnothavean interest inhim, for that iswhat isofferedthem,andwhatChristiscontinuallyinvitingandurgingthemtoaccept,but they refuse it. It is true they like some things in Christ, they likesalvation from the pains of hell, they like that safety from everlastingmiserywhichtheyhearistobehadinhim.Butthereareotherthingsinhimwhichtheydonotlike,hisholiness,hissalvationfromsin,hiskinglyoffice,andthereforetheywillnotaccepthimasheis.IftheycouldhaveapartofChristwithouttheresttheywould,buttheywillnotacceptofthewhole of Christ. Indeed they are not willing to come to Christ andcordiallyacceptofhimasaSaviorfromhell,fortheydonotseethatheissufficient to save. And besides, they are not convinced that they have

deservedit.ThereisnosuchthingasbeingcordiallywillingtoacceptofaSavior, who offered to deliver us from an unjust and undeservedpunishment. For the hearty accepting of him as a Savior from thepunishment would be allowing the punishment to be just. And God’soffering a Savior from undeserved punishment is an imposition uponthem.Aman therefore cannever heartily and sincerely accept such anoffer. At the same time that naturalmen seem to wish, and pray, andstrive to come toChrist, they are in theirhearts bitter enemies tohim.And there is no such thing as a sincere willingness to accept of onetowardswhomatthesametimewearebitterenemies.

4.Naturalmeninsomerespectsaredesiroustogotoheaven,andyetareaversetoheaven.Theyarefullofdesignsastowhattheywilldohereafterthat theymaygo toheaven,butyethaveno inclination to thatwhereinheaven really consists. The employments of heaven, which consistaltogetherinholyactsandholycontemplation,inholyexercisesandholypraises,arethat forwhichtheyhavenodesiresnor inclination.Andforthehappinessofheaventheyhavenorelish,butonthecontrary,adislikeandanaversion.ForthehappinessofheavenconsistsinholycommunionwithGodandChrist,towhichtheirnaturesareopposite.Norhavetheyany desire for the company of heaven. And when it is observed whatheavenreallyis,theychoosethisworldbeforeheaven.

5.Theywish tohave salvation frommisery, but yet are averse to thosethingswhereinsalvationconsists.AndatthesametimethattheypraytoChrist to serve them, they undo themselves as fast as they can. Theyspendtheirtimedailyinworkingouttheirownruin.Theypraythattheymaybedelivered fromhell, andyet areall thewhilepilingup fuel andkindling and blowing the fire. Thus their wills are inconsistent withthemselves, as they do in some respects choose and refuse the samethings.

Second,theydislikeandrefusespiritualthingsastheyare,andyetrefusetohavethemotherwise.ThiswastheverycasewiththeJewsinthetext,theywouldnothave a prophet come eating and drinking. If he did so,theylookedonhimveryreproachfully.Noryetwouldtheyhavehimnotcomeeatinganddrinking,forifhedidsotheycalledhimamadman,andpossessedwithadevil,whichisalivelyspecimenoftheinconsistencyof

wickedmen,ofwhichwearespeaking.

I will mention several instances of this inconsistency on the part ofwickedmen.

1.TheydonotlikeGodasheis,andyettheywouldnotlikehimifhewereotherwise. They would not like him if he were otherwise than he is inthoseverythingsforwhichtheymostdislikehim.

(1.) They dislike God because he is a holy God. This is the mainfoundationoftheenmitythatwickedmenhaveagainstGod.Hisperfectpurity and holiness make them enemies to him, because from thisperfectionofhisnaturehenecessarilyhatessin,andsohatestheirsins,whichtheylove,andhewillnotandcannotallowofanysininthem.TheyareutterenemiestosuchaholyGod.Andyettheywouldnotlikehimiftheysupposedhimtobeanunholybeing,oriftheysupposedhimtobeatallwantinginperfectholiness,forthenhecouldnotbedependedupon.If he were unholy, they know that if he promised them anything theycouldhavenocertaindependenceuponit,foranunholybeingisliabletobreakhispromises.Ifhewereunholytheycouldhavenodependenceonhis faithfulness, and therefore they would never be willing to give upthemselvestohimastheirGod, fortheywouldnotknowhowhewoulddispose of them, what he would do with them. If he were to obligatehimself by covenant, yet they could have no dependence upon it; andthereforetheywouldbynomeansacceptofsuchaGodtobetheirGod,toruleoverthem,anddisposeofthem.

(2.)TheydonotlikeGod,becauseheisaGodofjustice.Thisindeedisabranchofhisholiness,forbeingstrictlyandperfectlyjust,heisdisposedtoexecutejustpunishmentonall iniquity.Thereforetheyareexceedingenemiestohim,fortheyarethepersonswhoareobnoxious,beingthosethat have committed iniquity, and exposed themselves to justpunishment.AndyettheywouldnotlikeGodifhewereanunjustGod.Ifhe were an unjust being, that would be an insuperable objection withthemagainstacceptinghimastheirGod,forthentheywouldthinkwiththemselves, "how do I know how unjustly hemay deal with me.” Andwicked men, however unjust they are, never like injustice againstthemselves.AndtheyneverwouldbepersuadedtoacceptofsuchaGod

astheirLord andKing, for they should then expect tobewrongedandabusedbyhim.TheywoulddreadcommittingthemselvesintothehandsofaGodthatisinfiniteinpower,andcandowhathewillwiththem,andhasnoprincipleofholinessorjusticetokeephimfromusingthatpowerinthemostunjustandabusivemannertowardsthem.

Thoughtheyareenemies toGodbecauseofhis justice,yetwheneveratanytimetheythinkGoddealsunjustly,theyquarrelwithhimforit.Howfrequent is it fornaturalmen,when there are any ofGod’smethods ofprovidence, the justice ofwhich they cannot see through, to have theirhearts swell with enmity, and to be full of blasphemous, malignantthoughts against God, if they do no even manifest it outwardly by afretful,discontentedbehavior,andmurmuringspeeches?

(3.)Theydonot likeGodbecausehe isanAlmightyGodand isable todestroythemwhenhepleases.Noryetwouldthey likehimifhewereaweakbeingandofbutlittlepower.TheywouldonthisaccountrefusetoclosewithhimastheirGod,fortheywouldhaveaGodabletodogreatthingsforthem.Theywishtohavemanythingsdoneforthem,andtheywouldhaveaGodthatcandothem.

(4.)TheydonotlikeGodbecauseheisanomniscientGod,forherebyheseesalltheirwickedness.Butyetneitherwouldtheylikehimifhedidnotknow all things, for then inmany cases hewould not knowwhat theircase is, andwhat it requires, andwhat is best for them.Hemight ruintheminthedisposalofthemthroughmistake,hemightnotknowhowtoextricatethemoutofdifficultiesinwhichtheyareormaybeinvolved.

(5.) Naturalmen oftentimes dislike God in the exercises of his infinitesovereignmercy, when it is exercised towards others. They are greatlydispleasedatGod’sbeingsogracioustoothers.TheydislikeitmuchthatGod bestows converting grace upon them and pardoningmercy, and atitle to eternal lifeupon them.When theyhear of their conversion it isunpleasantnews,andtheyfindfaultwith it themorewhen thepersonswhoseemtohavereceivedsuchmercyareveryunworthy,andhavebeenverygreatsinners.Theythinkofthesinsofwhichtheyhavebeenguilty,andreckonupall the instancesofwickednesstheycanthinkof,so thatthe mercy exercised towards them is the more displeasing because it

appears so great in being bestowed on one so unworthy, like the elderbrother,Luke15:30,“Butassoonasthisthysonwascome,whichhathdevouredthylivingwithharlots,thouhastkilledforhimthefattedcalf.”And yet theywould not like God if he were not infinitelymerciful, forthentheywouldhavelesshopesofobtainingmercythemselves.Theyareangry becauseGod appears somerciful in the exercises of his grace toothers.ButyettheyshouldhaveGodmerciful,andareatthesametimeafraid thathe isnotmerciful enough tobewilling topardon their sins,andbestowhisblessingonthem.ThusnaturalmendonotlikeGodasheis,noryetwouldtheylikehimifhewereotherwise.

2.Theydonotlikementhatareholy,noryetdothey likementhatarewicked. They do not like holy men, for they know that such do notapprove of thatwhich themselves love, and the lives of the godly are acondemnation of the wickedness of their own hearts and lives. Hencethere is an enmity between the seed of thewoman and the seed of theserpent.Gen.3:15,“AndIwillputenmitybetweentheeandthewoman,andbetweenthyseedandherseed;itshallbruisethyheadandthoushaltbruisehisheel.”Butalthoughtheydonot likemenif theyaregodly,soneitherdotheylikethemiftheyareungodly.Theyaremoreforwardthanthegodlyaretoreproveothersfortheirviceandwickedness,andbitterlytoreflectonothersfortheirpride,theircovetousness,andtheiridleness.Nonearemoreapttofindfaultwithwickednessinothersthanthosewhoare wicked themselves, and one great reason is that other men’s lustsclashwiththeirs.Thusoneman’spridecrossestheprideofanother,foritisthenatureofpridetodesiretobealoneinadvancement,tomakethepersoninwhomitisaffecttobeaGod,toappropriateallpowerandallhonor to himself as his own prerogative. But such an aim in onemanclasheswithsuchanaiminanother.Hencetherearenonethatcanbearprideinotherssoill,asthosethatareveryproudthemselves,andthereneveraresuchstrifeandenmityasbetweenproud,haughtymen.Proudmenlovetohaveotherswalkhumblybeforethem,andnothingenragesthemsomuchastohaveotherscarrythemselvesproudly.Forthesamereasoncovetousmendislikecovetousmen,forthislustclasheswiththesamelust inanother.Everycovetousmanstrivestogetall intohisownhands,togetandkeepallthathecantohimselffromhisneighbor.Sothelustsofenvy,andmalice,andrevenge,arehatedinothersbyenviousand

maliciousmen;becausenonearesoobnoxioustomalice,andenvy,andrevenge,asthosethathavethemostofthesequalities.Hencethewickedworldonearth,whoareatenmitywiththechurchofGodforitsholiness,donotatallagreetogether.Thoughtheyagree inbeingalikeunder thepowerofwickedness,yethowfullistheworldofwickedmenofstrifeandcontention,ofperpetualjars,animosities,andconfusion!Rom.1:29,30,31, 32, “Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness,covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit,malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud,inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,withoutunderstanding,covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:who,knowingthejudgmentofGod,thattheywhichcommitsuchthingsareworthyofdeath,notonlydothesame,buthavepleasureinthemthatdo them.” So Tit. 3:3, “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish,disobedient,deceived,servingdiverslustsandpleasures,livinginmaliceandenvy,hateful, andhatingoneanother.”Andhencealso it comes topass that devils and wicked men in hell, though they hate angels andsaints in heaven for their holiness, have yet no love one to another.Thoughtheyallagreeinbeingperfectlywicked,yettheyhateoneanotherwith implacable hatred, and are continuallymortifying and tormentingoneanothersothathellisaworldofperfectmaliceandcontention.

3.Theyrefusetoacceptofheavenasitis.Yettheywouldnotlikeitifitwereotherwise.Ashasbeenobservedbefore,theyhavenorelishfortheholyenjoymentsandemploymentsofheaven.Theydislikeheavenforitsholiness,andyet theywouldnot like it if itwereunholy.For then theywouldbe liable to the same troubles and vexations in heaven that theymeetwithinthisworld.Ifitwerenotthatheavendiffersfromthisworldin holiness, it would be as full of pride and malice, envy, revenge,contention,injustice,violence,andcruelty,asthisworldis,andsowouldbeasvexatiousaworldasthisis.Wickedmenareasliabletothetroubleandvexationof theworld,whicharisefromthosethings,asgodlymen,and insomerespectsmoreso, for theyhavenodivinesupports againstthosethings,nosaferportiontowhichtheirheartsbetakethemselves.

Third,thethingsthatwickedmenchoose,implyaninconsistencyintheirown nature. The things which they would have are impossibilities and

self-contradictions.

1.TheywouldhaveasufficientSavior,andnotaholyone.TheywouldnothaveaholySavior,becausesuchaSaviordoesnotatallagreewiththeirlusts.ButyettheywouldhaveasufficientSavior,onethatissufficienttosave them from hell, and so one that is sufficient to make a properatonementforalltheirsins,tomakefullsatisfactiontothejusticeofGod,thattheymayescapethepenaltyofthatjustice.Butthesethingsproveagreat inconsistency, for how is it possible that a Savior, who is notperfectly holy himself, should make satisfaction for the unholiness ofothers? How is it possible that one who deserves to suffer the eternalwrath ofGodhimself for his own sin, should by his sufferings appeaseGod’swrathforthesinofothers?

They would have a worthy Savior, as appears in this; when they areawakened, and in some measure sensible of their guilt, they dare notcometoChrist,becausetheycannotseethathehasworthinessenoughtocommend them to God. They are afraid that he is not worthy enough.And yet they dislike Christ because he is a holy Savior! And what aninconsistencyisthis!HowcanhebeaworthySavior,andnotaholyone?So that their choice does in effect contain this inconsistency in it, thattheywouldhaveaSaviorwhoisinfinitelyworthy,withoutworthiness.

2.Theywishforsalvationfrommiserywithoutsalvationfromsin.Theydonotlovemiseryanybetterthanothers,andhopetobesavedfromit.Andsomeofthemare indistress for fearofmisery.Butyet theywouldhave itwithoutbeingparted from their sins,which is in itsownnatureimpossible,forthecreaturethatissinful,mustbemiserable.Formiseryconsists in separation from the fountain of happiness, and an enmitybetweenthecreatureandthechiefgood.Butsinimpliesinitsownnaturesuchaseparation.ItisaseparationfromthatGodwhoisthefountainofgood,andisenmityagainsthim,andthereforenecessarilybringsenmityfromthatbeingagainst thesinner, if itbecontinued.Sin is the seedofmisery.Miseryisthenecessaryfruitofit.ItisnecessaryfromthenatureofGod,who,beinginfinitelyholy,necessarilyhatesit,andsonecessarilyarrays himself against that beingwho remains under the pollution andguiltofit.Anditisnecessaryfromthenatureofman,andthenatureofsin.Misery is the natural fruit of sin, as the bud and blossom are the

naturalfruitofthatonwhichtheygrow,andissospokenof,Eze.7:9,10,“Andmineeyeshallnotspare,neitherwillIhavepity:Iwillrecompensetheeaccordingtothyways,andthineabominationsthatareinthemidstofthee; and ye shall know that I am theLord that smiteth.Behold theday, behold it is come; the morning is gone forth; the rod hathblossomed;pridehathbudded.”

Natural men would be freed from hell without being saved from sin,which is an inconsistency and impossibility. Forwhere sin remains thereigningpower, itwillnecessarily kindleup the flamesofhell, andwillbringonthetormentsofhell.Indeed,whilemenremaininthebody,inthemidstofthecarnalobjectsofthisworldtoengrossthemind,topleasethe carnal appetites, to stupefy the conscience, and lull the soul asleep,theymayavoidthetormentsofhellforalittlewhile.Butwhenthebodycomes to be dissolved, and all worldly objects, diversions, andentertainmentscometoanend,andthepollutedandguiltysoulcomestobe stripped and turned out naked, infernal horror and misery willnaturally and necessarily arise in such a soul. So that there is no suchthingasbeingsavedfromhell,withoutbeingsavedfromsin.

3.Theydesirehappinesswithoutholiness.Wickedmenhaveasearnestadesireofhappinessasothers.Theyarerestlesslysaying,“Whowillshowusanygood?”Andyet theyareenemies toholiness.Herealso theyareinconsistent with themselves, for there is no such thing as happinesswithoutholiness.Thehappinessofthecreatureconsistsinholiness.Itisas great an inconsistency to suppose that a creature should be happywithoutbeingholy,asthatamanshouldenjoyallthestrength,andease,and activity, and other comforts of health, in sore sickness; or that thenotes of a tune should be harmonious that are disproportionate anddiscordant. So that theywould be happy, and yetwould not be happy.Thethingtheychoosecontainsasgreataninconsistencyasiftheyshouldchooselightorbrightness,consistingintheblacknessofdarkness.

Fourth, in things that do most nearly concern them, they will neitherchoosenorrefuse.Thethingsofreligionarethingsthatconcerntheminthehighestdegree.It isnomatterofindifferencetothem,whethertheywillbetakethemselvesingoodearnesttothebusinessofreligionornot,whethertheywillobtainheaven,orbecontentwithaportioninthislife.

Butyetmanynaturalmenseemtoremaininsuspenseaboutthesethingsall the days of their lives. They are always at a loss, always haltingbetween two opinions,which Elijah reproves, 1 Kin. 18:21, “AndElijahcame unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between twoopinions? if the Lord beGod, followhim; but if Baal, then followhim.And the people answered him not a word.” No wonder that they hadnothing to answer, for their unreasonableness and inconsistency toomanifestly appeared in it.Many,who hear of these subjects from theirinfancy, never come to a thorough conclusion in their own minds,whether theywill continue togoon in theway tohell,orwhether theywilldowhatmustbedonetoescapeit.Theyneitherresolvethattheywillforsake all their sins, nor yet that they will retain them. They do notdeterminetohearkentothewarningsandcounselsgiventothem,noryetdotheyfullyrejectthem.Theyhavelifeanddeathsetbeforethem,oneortheother,buttheynevercometoadeterminationwhichtheywillchoose.

Fifth, in pursuing the objects which they desire, their lusts areinconsistentwitheachother. Ithasbeforebeen shown that the lustsofonewickedmanclashwiththoseofanother.Butnotonlyisitthus.Someof the lusts of the same person disagree with other lusts of his. Often,wickedmen’scovetousnessclasheswiththeirpride.Theirpridepromptsthem to many things that their covetousness forbids. It would beagreeable tomen’s pride tomake a splendid show in their houses andapparel, and manner of living, who yet are not willing, through theircovetousness,tobeatthecostof it.Sotheircovetousnessoftenthwartstheir sensuality. Their sensual disposition inclines them to feast theirappetites,buttheircovetousnesswillnotallowit.

Sometimes men’s sloth and idleness clash with their other lusts, withtheirpride,theircovetousness,andsensuality.Theselustsdrawthemoneway toobtainmuchof theworld, inorder topamperandgratify them.But their slothfulness draws another, or rather holds them and bindstheirhandsfromobtainingthesethings.

IV.Theoutward showofwickedmendisagreeswith their hearts. Theyveryoftenmakeanappearancethatisexceedinglydifferentandcontrarytowhattheyreallyareinwardly.Theyhavetheclothingofsheep,butthenature of wolves, Mat. 7:15. They are like whited sepulchers, which

indeedappearbeautifuloutward,butarewithinfullofdeadmen’sbones,and of all uncleanness. Theymake a show as though they believed thetruthofthegospel,andbelievedthatGodwasaninfinitelygreatandaninfinitely excellent being. Theymake a show of great respect toGod, ashowofreverenceandlove,whenindeedtheyhavenosuchthingintheirhearts, but the contrary.Theoutward show theymake,which is atwarwiththeirhearts,consistseitherintheirwords,orintheirbehavior.

Theshowtheymakeinwords is inconsistentwiththeirhearts.Manyofthem profess to believe that God is an infinitely excellent being, whenindeed they think that themeanest of their carnal enjoyments ismoreexcellent thanhe.Theyprofess tobelieve that there isanotherworld,aheavenandahell,whenindeedtheyrealizenosuchthing.TheyprofesstobelievethatChrististheonlySavior,andthattheycanbesavedinnoother. And yet they all the while believe in their hearts that there areothersaviors,andparticularlythattheycanbesaviorsforthemselvesbytheirownstrengthandrighteousness.

TheydoabominablydissembleintheprofessiontheymakeofthefavorofGod,andoflovetohim,andwillingnesstoobeyhim,anddesiretoglorifyhim.Theyhavenot a jot of these things in their hearts, but are all thewhilewhollyundertheinfluenceofvilecarnalprinciplesinallthattheydo,andareonlyaimingatselfishendsandservingtheirlustsinall.

Sodid thoseJewsdissemble that came toJeremiahanddesiredhim toinquireoftheLord.Jer.42:20,“Foryedissembledinyourhearts,whenyesentmeuntotheLordyourGod,saying,PrayforusuntotheLordourGod;andaccordinguntoall that theLordourGodshall say, sodeclareuntous,andwewilldoit.”SodidtheJewsofwhomwereadinthetestdissemble.Theypretendedtobeenemiesofgluttony,anddrunkenness,andtodislikeanysuchthingasassociatingwithsinners.Andsomadeapretenseof zeal againstwickedness, in theiropposition toChrist;whenindeedtheywereactuatedbyalovetowickedness,andwereenemiestoChrist,forthesakeofhisholiness.SotheypretendedtobeinfluencedbyenmityagainstthedevilintheiroppositiontoJohntheBaptist,whotheypretendedhadadevil;whenindeeditwasnotenmityagainstthedevil,butagainstGod.Manypretendagreatdealof lovetoGodinwhat theydo, when it is only love to the world at bottom. Eze. 33:31, “And they

come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as mypeople,andtheyhearthywords,buttheywillnotdothem:forwiththeirmouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after theircovetousness.”

The show which they make in their prayers is quite inconsistent withtheir hearts. Their very approach to God in this duty has a show ofreligion in it without the reality. And those things they say in theirprayers are hypocritical dissembling pretenses. They profess honor,reverence, trust, humility, a senseof unworthiness, repentance towardsGod, trust in Christ as a Mediator, a willingness to forsake sin, fromwhichtheypraytobedelivered,andthankfulnessforthedivinemercies.In this manner they resemble the Jews spoken of in Isa. 29:13,“WhereforetheLordsaid,Forasmuchasthispeopledrawnearmewiththeirmouth;andwith their lipsdohonourme,buthave removedtheirheart far fromme,and their fear towardme is taughtby thepreceptofmen;”andinPsa.78:36,37,“Neverthelesstheydidflatterhimwiththeirmouth,andtheylieduntohimwiththeirtongues.Fortheirheartwasnotrightwithhim,neitherweretheystedfastinhiscovenant.”Andmanyofthemmakeashowinwords,inconversationwiththeirneighbor,thatisquite inconsistent with their hearts. They are forward in religiousconversation, ingivinganaccountof theirexperience inashowofzeal,merelytobeseenofmen,theirGodisthemselves,theirownhonor,andthe esteem of men. It is themselves whom they love and honor ineverything,andnotGod.

Theyoftenmakethatshowintheirexternalbehaviorthatisinconsistentwith their hearts.Many who are destitute of the least spark of love toGod,andareatutterenmitywithhim,willmakeagreatshowofrespectto him in many things in their behavior. They may put on a religioussaint-likevisage,mayseemdevout inkeeping the sabbath, and in theirattendance on religious duties and the ordinances of worship, may insomethingsbeverystrict,andmayappeartodoallfromaholyrespecttoGod.SoitwasofoldwiththeIsraelites.Isa.58:1,2,3,“Cryaloud,sparenot; lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people theirtransgression,andthehouseofJacobtheirsins.Yettheyseekmedaily,and delight to knowmy ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and

forsooknottheordinanceoftheirGod:theyaskofmetheordinancesofjustice; they take delight in approaching to God. Wherefore have wefasted,saythey,andthouseestnot?whereforehaveweafflictedoursoul,and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye findpleasure,andexactallyourlabours.”

So did the Pharisees of old. Theymade a great show of love and holyregardtoGodintheirbehavior.Theyaboundedinreligiousduties,theyfastedtwiceaweek,andtheywereverystrictinmanythings.Theywereso in many duties of the moral law, they were not extortioners, norunjust,noradulterers.And theywereexceedinglyexact indutiesof theceremoniallaw.Theygavetithesofallthattheypossessed,andsoexactweretheyinpayingtithes,thattheytithedalltheherbsoftheirgardens,as mint, anise, and the like, and put on an exceedingly religiouscountenance,andworearighteousgarmentforashowofgreathumility.And yet had no love to God in their hearts, but were a generation ofvipers,andmostbitterenemiestoGodandChrist,andcruelpersecutorsofgoodmen.

V. The practice of wicked men is often very inconsistent with theirprofession.

It isso,whetherwe lookat theprofessionwhichtheymakeincommonwithotherswhoarebroughtupunder the lightof thegospel, or at thedistinguishingandextraordinaryprofessionwhichsomeofthemmake.

First,ifwelookattheprofessionswhichtheymakeincommonwiththegenerality of those who are brought up under the gospel. These do ingeneralprofessthatthereisaGod,aninfinitelygreatandholyGod,whohatessin,andwhoiseverywherepresent,whoalwaysseesthem,hashiseyecontinuallyuponthem,seeswhattheydoinsecretaswellaswhatisdoneopenly.AGod,whonotonlyknowsalltheirwordsandactions,butseesalltheirthoughts,andwhoisabletodowhathepleaseswiththem,andcansaveordestroythemashewill.

Buthowdoesthepracticeof thegreaterpartof themconsistwith theirprofessionwhen they live in direct opposition to his commands, whentheyliveasthoughtherewerenoGodthathadthecareandgovernment

oftheworld,andasthoughhewerenotaholyGod,butaltogethersuchanoneasthemselves,likingwaysofsinaswellasthey,orasthoughtheythoughthimaweakbeing,andnotable todothemanygreatmatterofhurt,orasthoughtheythoughttheywerestrongerthanhe,andshouldbeabletomaketheirpartgoodwithhimanotherday?1Cor.10:22,“DoweprovoketheLordtojealousy?arewestrongerthanhe?”

How does that wickedness, which many persons who are brought upundergospellightcommitinsecret,thoseabominablesecretpracticesofwhichmanyyoungpeopleareguilty,agreewiththeirprofessingthatGodiseverywherepresent?Thesethingstheydonotcommitopenlyfor fearof human punishment, or for fear of shame and disgrace amongmen.Andyettheycommitthemboldly,andliveontheminthesightofGod,upon whose favor they profess that their happiness infinitely moredependsthanontheesteemofmen.

They profess to believe that there is another world, and a futurejudgment,andthattheymustinalittletimestandbeforethejudgment-seatofGod,togiveanaccountof themselves tohim.Andthat thenthehidden thingsofdarknessshallbebrought to light,andthecounselsofthe heart made manifest. And that then God will call them to a strictaccountoftheirimprovementoftheirtime,andalltheirtalents,andthatforevery idlewordmenmustgiveaccount inthedayof judgment.Andthat then every man shall have his state everlastingly and unalterablyfixedbythesentenceofthegreatJudge,accordingtothethingsdoneinthe body, that they who have done well shall be invited into heaven,where they shall enjoy honor, and glory, and pleasure unspeakableforevermore,and that theywho have done evil, shall be sentenced andsent down to hell, into everlasting fire, with the devil and his angels,where they shall endure unspeakable torments, as in a furnace of fire,without any end,or anyhope, and that they shallhaveno restdaynornight;andthattheirsoulsshallbefixedinoneorotherofthosestatesinalittletime,assoonaseverthebodydies.

Nowhowdoes their practice consistwith such aprofession,while theyliveidle,carelesslives,littletroublingthemselvesaboutthegoodoftheirsouls,andhavetheirheartsandpursuitsafterthevanitiesof theworld,justas if theyneverexpectedanyotherworldbut this,goingon insins

against theplainest commands, and loudestwarnings, and fullest light,andconvictionof theirownconscience?Howdoes thisconsistwith theprofession of a belief that they must in a little time be called to giveaccount of themselves to God?Would any spectator who should judgeonlybytheirpractice,intheleastimaginethatthesemenexpectedwithinafewyearstoburnineverlastingfire,iftheydidnotpleaseandserveaninfinitely holy God, and to be received to an everlasting paradise ofblessednessiftheydid.Couldhebepersuadedtothinkthatsuchmenarein heart, as they profess to be, the followers of the meek, holy, andhumbleLambofGod,ofhimwholaiddownhislifeforhisenemies?

Second,ifwelookattheprofessionwhichsomeofthemmakeofspecialand distinguishing experiences of the influence of God’s grace in theirhearts, their practice is very inconsistentwith their profession.Personsmaymakeaprofessionofsuchexperiences,andyetbecarnalandwickedmen.SodidsomeoftheGalatians,ofwhomtheapostlewasafraid, lesthe had bestowed upon them labor in vain. They professed greatexperience of the sweetness and blessedness which is to be had inreligion,andexperiencedinthetruthsofthegospel.Gal.4:11,15,“Iamafraidofyou,lestIhavebestoweduponyoulabourinvain.Whereisthenthe blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had beenpossible,yewouldhavepluckedoutyourowneyes,andhavegiventhemtome.”Attheirfirstseemingconversion,theyappearedtobeexceedinglylifted up with their new light, and full of joy and comfort, and full ofaffection. But by this expostulation of the apostle it appears that theirlives afterwards did not well agree with their profession. Some wickedmenmay profess that they have seen their own utter insufficiency andhelplessness,theirownvilenessandwickedness,andhavebeenbroughttoGod’s footstool self-emptiedand self-abased, aswretched,miserable,poor,blind,andnaked.Butyethowilldoestheirwalkandlifeagreewithsuch a profession! In this none appear fuller of themselves than they.None seem to manifest more of a spirit of self-sufficiency, and ofdependence on their own righteousness, or more high conceit of theirowngoodness,oraremorereadytosaytoothers,“Standbythyself,comenotnightome,forIamholierthanthou.”Noneappearintheirwalkandconversation further from lying in thedust asbeingpoor in spirit thanthey.So itwaswith thePharisees, theypretended tobe extraordinarily

emptiedofthemselves,andtohavealowthoughtofthemselves,intheirwearingaroughgarment,andinsooftenkeepingdaysoffasting.Andyetnoneweremore self-righteous and self-sufficient than these verymen,who are set forth in sacred history as living examples of self-righteousnesstoallsucceedingages.

SosomeofthemmayprofessthattheyhavehadgreatdiscoveriesmadetotheirsoulsofGod’sgloryandexcellency,andthattheyhaveseenhowmuchmoregloriousGodisthanallearthlythings.Butifitbeso,whydonottheycleavetoGod,andfollowhim,ratherthanotherthings?Iftheyhave known God to be somuchmore excellent than the things of theworld, because they have had acquaintance with God, why do they intheirpracticecastoffGodforthesakeofthethingsoftheworld?Whydothey in theirpracticeprefer a little of theworld, a littleworldlygain, alittle worldly honor, or a little worldly convenience or pleasure, beforeGod?Certainly, ifGodbemoreexcellent than thewholeworld, astheyprofessthattheyhaveseenhimtobe,thensurelyheisworthmorethansosmallapartoftheworld.

So theymay tellwhat love theyhave found in theirhearts toGod,howtheyhavefoundtheirheartsdrawnoutinlovetohimatdifferenttimes.Butiftheylovehimsowell,whydotheytakenomorecaretopleasehim?Whyaretheysocarelessofhishonor,andoftheirdutytohim?Whydotheyallowthemselvesinpracticeswhichtheyknowhehates,andutterlyforbids?

Sotheymayprofessthattheyhaveseenthetruthofthegospel,andthattheynotonlythink,butknow,thattheScriptureistheWordofGod.Butifitbeso,whydotheynottakemoreheedtoit?whydotheylivenotonlyasiftheywerenotcertainofit,butasiftheywerecertainofthecontrary?If they know that those commands which are in the Bible are thecommands ofGod, then they areworthy of the greatest regard. If theyknowthatthosepromisesandthreateningswhicharefoundtherearethepromises and threatenings of God, then surely they should be of greatweightwithus.Whydotheyseemtobeofsolittleweightwiththem?

SotheymaytellhowGodhasmanifestedhislovetotheirsouls,hasgivenhis Spirit towitnesswith their spirit that they are the children ofGod,

andthattheyhavemuchcommunionwithGod.ButifGodhasdonesuchgreat things for them, and they are admitted to such unspeakableprivilegesaboveothers, surely theyought todomore thanothers.Theyshould not appear more carnal, and careless, and unchristian in theirtemper and walk than other men who make no such pretenses. Thuswicked men’s practice is very often inconsistent with their profession,agreeably to Tit. 1:16, “They profess that they knowGod, but inworksthey deny him; being abominable and disobedient, and to every goodworkreprobate.”

VI.Theirpractice is inconsistentwith theirhopeof eternal life.Men ingeneralwholiveinChristiancountries,hopetogotoheaven,andtheretopossess eternal glorywithGod, andChrist, andholy saints and angels,though some of them have a much more confident hope than others.SomeofthemthinkthatGodhasalreadymadeoverthisglorytothembyfirmpromises,theylookonheavenastheirown,theythinktheybelongtothatworld,andhaveaninheritancereservedthereforthem.

Butthepracticeofwickedmenisveryinconsistentwithsuchahope,itisvery displeasing to that God, and that glorious Redeemer, with whomtheyhope to spend their eternity inheaven.Though they livewickedly,yettheyhopeinalittletimetogotobewithaninfinitelyholyGod,tobereceivedbyhimwithperfectapprobationanddelight,tobeneartohim,andtodwellinthecourtsofhislove.Theyhopetoenterintothatsameholyofholies,intowhichChristtheforerunnerofsaintshasentered,andtheretodwell,theretobeasapillarinthetempleofGod,togonomoreout. Yea, they hope there to sit in that heavenly holy of holies, to beadmitted to a higher privilege than the high priests were of old in theearthlyholy ofholies,whowere admittedonly to appear in theholy ofholiesonceayear.Whatholinesswasexpectedofthehighpriestsofoldwho were admitted to this privilege! What holiness then may well beexpectedofthosewhohopetobeadmittedtoasomuchgreaterprivilege!Theirwickedlifeisveryunsuitabletothatstateofheaven.Thosewhoareinheavenareallperfectlyholy,andsomusttheybecomeifevertheygotoheaven.Theywillperfectlyhateallwickedness,andperfectlydelightinthecontrary.Howdisagreeablethereforeisthehopeofspendingeternity

insuchaheaven,totheirwallowinglikeswineinthefilthandmireofsin,andfeedingwithsucheagernessanddelightontheloathsomeobjectsoftheirlusts,aswormsfeedwithpleasureontheloathsomecarcass!

Theirwickedlifeisveryunfitforthecompanyofheaven,withwhichtheymustspendaneternity,ifevertheyarrivethere,evenwiththeholyangelsandsaints.Heb.12:22,23,“ButyearecomeuntomountSion,anduntothecityofthelivingGod,theheavenlyJerusalem,andtoaninnumerablecompanyofangels;tothegeneralassemblyandchurchofthefirst-born,whicharewritteninheaven,andtoGodthejudgeofall,andtothespiritsofjustmenmadeperfect.”Howdisagreeableisacarnal,worldly,sensual,impure life, to a hope of being one of such an assembly as this to alleternity!

Theirwicked life is verydisagreeable to the eternalbusinessofheaven,whichconsistsinemployingtheirfacultiesaltogetheronholyobjects,inemploying their understandings in viewing and contemplating the holyperfections of God, and his wonderful works, and their wills andaffections in loving God, and delighting themselves in him, and theirwholesoulsinpraisingandservinghim.Rev.22:3,4,“Andthereshallbenomorecurse:butthethroneofGodandoftheLambshallbeinit;andhis servants shall serve him; and they shall see his face; and his nameshallbeintheirforeheads.”Howinconsistentisalifespentinthisworldin the serviceof lust andof thedevil, toahopeof spendingeternity insuchaholymannerasthis!

Theirwickedlifeisunfittedforthepleasureandentertainmentofheaven,which consist in delighting and rejoicing inGod, in loving him, and inholy communionwithhim.Howunsuited to ahope of enjoying such ahappinessas this throughouteternity is it toplaceallone’sdelightandhappiness here in hoarding up worldly pelf, in gratifying the bodilyappetitesandsensitivedesires,andinthosepleasuresthatarecommontothecattleandtheswine?

Wickedmenhopetospendtheireternityinthatworld,whichisaworldofperfectpeace and love, and todwell there forever,where areno jarsnorstrife,butperfectagreement,harmony,andloveforever.Yetmanyofthemlivea lifeofmaliceandcontentioninthisworld,areveryoftenin

onestrifeorother,andalwayscarryaboutintheirbreastsamaliceandhatredtowardssomeoftheirneighbors,andtowardssomeofthosesamepersonswithwhomtheypretendtohopetospendtheireternityinsuchperfectloveandamity.Ifweinourthoughtscomparethelifethatmanymenactually live in thisworld,with that lifewhich theyhope to live inanother world, how ill do they consist together; how disagreeable andshockingis thecomparison,ortheunionof theminourthoughts!Howmanyaretherewhonowaredrunkardsoruncleanpersons,orwholiveinthe neglect of secret prayer, and who cast off fear and restrain prayerbeforeGod.Andhowmany thataremereearth-worms in covetousnessandeagernessaftertheworld;howmanyproudmenwhoseGodistheirearthlyhonor;howmanywrathfulmenwhospendtheirdaysinhatredoftheirneighbor;howmanysucharetherewhohopeinalittletimetobewithaninfinitelyholyGod,inhisgloriouspresence,inhisholyofholies,and with Jesus Christ, and in the arms of his love, and to be of theassemblyofholyangelsandsaints inperfectpurity,holiness, and love,loving, contemplating, and admiring God’s glory, and enjoyingunspeakable blessedness in communion with God! Thus wicked men’spracticedisagreeswiththeirhopes.

VII.Thepracticeofwickedmenisinconsistentwithitself.

First, their practice at one time is inconsistent with their practice atanother.Theyarenotofapiecewith themselvesatdifferent times,butaresuchastheapostleJamescomparesto“awaveof thesea,drivenofthewindandtossed;”andsuchashecalled“double-minded.”Atonetimethey are of one mind, with respect to the things of religion; and atanother,ofanother;andsohaveonemindagainstanother.Itissowithfalseprofessorsofreligion.TheyarenotsteadfastinGod’scovenant,norinthepracticeofreligion.Atonetimetheymayseemtobemuchaffectedwiththethingsofreligion,andgreatlyengagedintheirspiritsaboutit,asthough they could even pluck out their own eyes for God and Christ’ssake, may be full of religious conversation, and may seem forward inreligious deeds. But, if we observe them, all their goodness is as themorningcloud,alltheirreligiousnessisover,andtheyappearascarnal,andsenseless,andasirreligiousasever.Theirreligiousaffectionsareall

gone, their religious practice is gone, and “it is happened unto themaccordingtothetrueproverb.Thedogisturnedtohisownvomitagain;andthesowthatwaswashedtoherwallowinginthemire.”

So it iswith thehearers, thathear theWordofGod,andanonwith joyreceive it, but in time of temptation fall away. So it was withmany ofChrist’sfollowers.Theyfollowedhimforawhile,andbyandbylefthim.

ThereweresomewhoseemedtobelieveinChristandfollowedhimforawhile.ButChristdidnotcommithimselftothem,heknewtheywereofanunstablemind,andwouldnotbeconsistentwiththemselves.Someofthemwere for awhile greatly affectedwith his preaching andwith themiraclesthathewrought,anditissaidofthemthattheglorifiedGodwhohadgivensuchpowertomen,andsaid,“Nevermanspakelikethisman.”John7:46.AnditseemsasthoughsomeofthesameJewswhohadtheiraffections so raised when Christ was coming into Jerusalem, and whocried, “Hosannah to the son ofDavid, blessed is he that cometh in thename of the Lord;” did presently after cry, “Crucify him, crucify him!”There aremany professors like those, and like the Israelites, that sangGod’spraise,andsoonforgathisworks,andwaitednot forhiscounsel,that “turned back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers. They wereturnedasidelikeadeceitfulbow.”Thatis,abowthatmissedthemarktowhichitseemedtodirectthearrow.Thearrowseemstobepointedright,asthoughitwouldhitthemark,butyetthebowunexpectedlytendsquiteanotherway.

TherearemanydiscipleslikeJudas,whowasatonetimeadisciple,andatraitoratanother.Itiscommonlysothatwhenfalseprofessorscometobe tried by any remarkable allurements of the world, or by specialdifficultieswhichtheymeetwithinthewayofduty,thattheirpracticeassuchtimesisquiteinconsistentwiththeirpracticeatothertimes.Whiletimesaresmooth,andthewayplain,andtheexternalpracticeofreligionseems to be consistent with their worldly interests, they are veryreligious. But when times are changed, and they cannot be religiouswithoutseeingthemcrossed,theyappearquiteanothersortofmen.

Thus their practice at one time is inconsistent with their practice atanother.

Second,theirpracticeinsomethingsisinconsistentwiththeirpracticeinothersatthesametime.

1.Theirmoralandreligiouspracticeinsomethingsdoesnotconsistwiththeirirreligiousandimpurepractice inothers.Falseprofessorsareverycommonlywidelydifferentinthisrespectfromthosewhoaresincereandupright.SincereChristiansareuniversallyholy.Theyhave regard toallGod’scommands.Itistheirsinceredesire,aim,andendeavortodotheirdutyineveryrespect.Butitisgenerallyfarotherwisewithhypocrites.InsomethingstheyarelikeChristians,inotherslikeheathens.SometimestheyappearearnestlyreligiousindutiesthatimmediatelyrespectGod,asinattendingordinances,andinappearingdevoutinexternaldutiesofthefirst table. But in duties that respect their neighbor, there is but littleappearanceofChristianity.Somebehavethemselveslikesaints inGod’shouse,andlikedevilsathome.Someseemtobeveryreligiousabroad,inthe house of God, and also at the houses of their neighbors, at privatemeetings,andinreligiousconferences.Butifyoufollowthemintotheirown families, andobserve their carriage there towards thosewhodwellunder the same roof, towards theirwives, or husbands, or children, orservants, their behavior there does not at all consistwith the other. Sosomemaycarrythemselveswellintheirfamilies,andyetarewretchedlynegligent of the religion of the closet. Some seem to be religiousmen,who are not honestmen. Some are honestmen, and are not religious.They arewilling topay their debts, to speak the truth, and to avoid allknavish actions, all low and underground management. But as toreligion,ortoseekingGodinthereligioususeofhisordinances,andinreadinghisholyword,inmeditationandprayer,thereisbutlittleofthistobeseeninthem.

Somearehonestmenwithrespecttostrictcommutativejustice,buttheyarenotcharitablemen.Theyareselfish,covetous,close,andunmerciful.Some seem to be generous and liberal, and yet are very proud andhaughty.TheirhonoristheirGod.Someareverystrictandexemplaryastoallthatcanbeseenofmen,butsecretlytheyliveinsomeabominablepractice.Sotheirpracticedoesnotconsistwithitself.Itisnotofapiece.God complains of this self-inconsistency in Israel of old. Hos. 7:8,“Ephraimhathmixedhimselfamong thepeople;Ephraim isacakenot

turned.” “He hath mixed himself among the people;” that is, he wasconversant with the heathen nations, and mingled the religion andcustoms of an Israelite with those of the heathen; so that he wasinconsistentwithhimself,hewaspartlyanIsraeliteandpartlyaheathen.“Heisacakenotturned,”alludingtotheircustomofbakingcakesonthehearth,orinthesun;where, if theywerenotturned,onesidewouldbebaked,andtheotherraw.Sotheyononesideseemedtoappearreligious,andlikesaints,butontheother,wickedandimpure.So itwaswiththePharisees. In some things they appeared eminently religious, but inotherstheybehavedthemselvesassomeofthevilestofme.Mat.23:14,23, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devourwidows’houses,andforapretence,makelongprayers;thereforeyeshallreceive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees,hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint, and anise, and cumin, and haveomitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith:theseoughtyetohavedone,andnotto leavetheotherundone.”Atruesaintissanctifiedthroughout,insoul,body,andspirit.Hehasputofftheoldmanwithhisdeeds,andhasputonthenewman.Heisalloveranewcreature.Hehasnotonlyanewhandandhead,butheisanewman,allthemembersarenew.Buthypocritesaremonsters.Theyhavea saint’stongue, and a devil’s heart. Themembers do not well consist together.They are inconsistent with themselves as they go about to serve twomasters, God andMammon, which Christ has taught us to be a greatinconsistency. They are alike inconsistent as the Samaritans were, whowould serve theGodof Israel and their owngod too. 2Kin. 17:28, etc.“Then one of the priests, whom they had carried away from Samaria,came and dwelt in Bethel, and taught them how they should fear theLord.Howbeiteverynationmadegodsoftheirown,andputtheminthehousesofthehighplaceswhichtheSamaritanshadmade,everynationintheircitieswhereintheydwelt.”

There is the like inconsistency in them as was in Judas, who betrayedChristwithakiss.HowilldidthosetwothingsinJudasconsisttogether,his coming to him and kissing him, his seeming to show himself hisfriend, and at the same time betraying him to death! But it was notgreater inconsistency than is commonly found with hypocriticalprofessors, who carry themselves as Christ’s friends, and as though he

were very dear to them in some things, and yet act the part ofmortalenemies in others, and by their wicked behavior do indeed betray hiscauseandinterest.

2. Their wicked practice in one thing is inconsistent with their wickedpractice inothers.It isacommonthing forwickedmentoquarrelwithGod for permitting those things which they allow themselves, andpracticewithdelight.ItiscommonforwickedmentoascribetheblameoftheirwickednesstoGod,thereinfollowingtheirfirstfather,Adam.Somenwilloftenlaytheblameoftheirbeingunconverted,andhavinglivedsowickedalife,socarnal,careless,andevilalife,toGod,andespeciallyunder conviction, to quarrel with God for it. And yet they approved ofthose things which they did themselves, with full consent andapprobation.

Andagain.Itiscommonforwickedmentocontendwithmen,andhatetheir neighbor, for doing the same thing that they do themselves, andallow in themselves. So an unjust man, a backbiter and reviler, arevengeful man, will condemn in others the sin which he allows inhimself.And so,manyother instancesmightbementioned.And thus Ihave showed through all the instances proposed, how wickedmen areinconsistentwiththemselves.

APPLICATION

I.Hencewemayseethewoefulruinwhichsinhasbroughtonthenatureofman.Manwasnot thus inhis first estate. Ifwehadnothingbut thelightofnature,orthelightofourownreasontoguideus,thatwouldbesufficienttoleadustoconcludethatmaninhisfirstestatewasnotmadethusbyhisCreator,whohasmadeother things insuchexcellentorderandharmony.Wesee thatGodhath somade theworld, thatone thingsweetlyharmonizeswithanother,allthingsareadaptedtoeachother,thenatureofonethingtothenatureofanother;onethingtobesubservienttoanother;andallthingssubjecttothelawsthattheCreatorhasfixed.

Wetherefore,without theScripture, shouldhaveall reason toconclude

thatman,themostnobleofallthecreaturesinthevisibleworld,wasnotmade in this state of woeful inconsistencywith himself; so that all thefaculties of his nature are at war with each other, and at war withthemselves;sothatnowthereisnothingbutthemostdreadfulconfusiontobeseen.

ButtheScriptureteachesusplainly thatGodsawall things thathehadcreatedandmade,andbehold,theywereverygood;andparticularlythatGodmademanupright,andthatitishimselfthathasbroughtruinonhisownnature. Inman’s first estate all thingswere inperfect order inhisnature.Thereshonesuchalightinhisunderstandingasledhimtorightjudgmentsofthings,allthedictatesofhisunderstandingwereconsistentonewithanother.Andthenhisreason,thesuperiorfaculty,keptitsplace,andbareruleinhimovertheotherfaculties,andtherewasnoprincipleorfacultyofhisnaturebutwhatwassubjecttoitsdictates,nothingroseupinrebellionagainstit.Hiswillthenwasagreeabletohisreason,andagreeablewithitself.Therewasaperfectharmonybetweenhisoutwardappearance andhis inward character.Hismouth andhisheart andhismouthandpracticethenagreedtogether,andhispracticethenwasofapiece.Until he ate of the forbidden fruit, all was in perfect order, andpeace,anddecorum,bothwithinandwithout.

But what was the consequence whenman hearkened to the devil, andrebelledagainsthisMaker?Welearn,bywhathasbeensaidunder thisdoctrine, that then the Spirit of God departed from him, and with hisinfluence, God’s holy image also, the life, the crown, and glory of hisnaturelefthim,andalllight,andregularity,andorderweregone,andaworsedarknessandconfusionsucceededthanwasintheprimitivechaoswhen itwaswithout formandvoid, anddarknesswasupon the faceofthedeep.Andsuchisthewoefulconfusionofthenatureofallmennowin their fallen state. Now their reason determines one thing, and theirgoverning practical judgment the reverse of it. And their judgment insomethingsisutterlyinconsistentwiththeirjudgmentinothers.Nowthewill is in no consistency with the reason, but commonly determinesdirectly contrary to its dictates. Men’s wills are in such bondage andslaverytotheirlusts,thattheyarenotonlydeterminedcontrarytotheirownconsciencestochoosethosethingswhichtheirreasontellsthemare

unjust, and vile, and unbecoming their nature, but also those thingswhich their reason at the same time declares to be exceedingly againsttheir own highest interest, even so as to tend to their everlastingperdition. Yea, their dispositions are not only contrary to their ownreasonandconsciences,butcontrarytothemselves.Thereisnotonlywarbetweenfacultyandfaculty,buttheverysamefacultyisatwarwithitself,sothattheydoinsomerespectschooseandrefusethesamethingsatthesametime.Thereare some things that they seemearnestly towish for,andyetindeedareatthesametimeutterlyaversetoandrefuse,andwillbynomeansacceptofwhenoffered.Yea,theywillnothavethemthoughthey are urged, and entreated, and pleaded with for years together toaccept of them. So inconsistent are their dispositions with themselves,thattheywillnothavespiritualanddivinethingsastheyare,noryetwillthey have them otherwise. They do not like God as he is, they findabundanceoffaultwithhim,theyareurgedtoacceptofhimastheirGod,but theywillbynomeanscomplywith it.Theyrejecthim,andhaveanenmityagainsthim.Theylovetokeepatadistancefromhim,andtohaveaslittleaspossibletodowithhim,andwillnothearkentohim,orsubmittohim,butareevermaintainingakindofwarfareagainsthim,becausetheydonotlikehimasheis.Andyettheywouldnotlikehimifhewereanyotherwise.Ifitwerepossiblethathecouldbealteredfromwhatheisin any respect whatsoever, they would refuse to accept of him as theirGodthen.TheyareenemiestohimbecauseheissoholyandjustaGod,andyettheywouldnotlikehimifhewereunholyandunjust.Theydonotlikehisalmightypower,andyettheywouldnotlikehimifhewereweak.Theyalsodislikehisknowingallthings,andyettheywoulddislikehimifhewere ignorant.TheyquarrelwithGod for the exerciseofhis infinitemercyandgrace toothers, and themore for its being so great in someinstances,inbeingexercisedtowardsthosewhoaresounworthy.Andyetthey would not like him if he were not infinitely merciful. They wouldwishhim to bemerciful enough to pardon themostunworthy, and yetsometimesquarrelwithhimbecauseheisnomoremerciful.

Nowthereisasimilarinconsistencyinthemwiththemselvesinthattheydonotlikemenforbeinggodly.Theyhaveanenmityagainstsuchsortofmen.Andat the same time, they donot like thosewho are godly, theyhatemenforbeingwicked,andwillhaveabitterspiritagainstthemfor

it.TheworldinitsfallenstatecannotagreewiththechurchofGod.Ithasalwayshadaspiteagainstit,andhasalmostalwaysfromthebeginningofthe world hitherto been persecuting it. And yet neither can they agreeamong themselves,butareat thesame timecontendingand quarrelingwithoneanother.Andasthereisnosuitingtheminthisworld,soneitheris there any suiting them in another.Theywouldneither go toheaven,nortohell.Theydonotlikeheavenbecauseitisholy.Andyettheywouldnot like it if itwereaworldofwickedness.And such is the jarringandconfusion that is in their disposition, that those things that they dochoose are impossibilities, and self-contradictions, and self-inconsistencies.TheywouldhaveasufficientSaviorandnotaholyone.Theywouldhaveonegood,andexcellent,andholyenoughtosavethem,andyetwouldnothaveonewithanyholinessatall.Theyhaveamindtohavesalvationfrommisery,withoutsalvationfromsin;whensinistheirmisery.Theyhaveamindtohavelight,andyettokeepdarknesswithoutlight. They would have a light consisting in darkness; and sweet,consisting in bitterness; and good, consisting in evil. They would havesuch a sort of happiness as is impossible in its own nature. For theywouldhavehappinesswithunholiness,which isasmuchas to say theywouldbehappymen,andyet remaindestroyed andruined.Andwhenlifeanddeatharesetbeforethemtochoose,andtheyareurgedtomaketheirchoice,andtoldthattheymustcertainlyhaveoneortheother,thatthere isnopossibility of avoiding it; yet theywill come to a deliberate,determinate choice to have neither one nor the other. They are alwayshalting between two opinions, they are always choosing and yet nevercome to a choice. Instead of those holy principles thatman had in hisheart at first, that sweetly consented one with another, he has nowintroducedintohissoulanumberofvileandhatefullusts,thatclashonewith another: pride clashing with covetousness, and covetousnessthwarting sensuality, and sloth crushing all these. And instead of thepurityinbodyandmind,whichmanhadatfirst,heisnow,ifhehasanyshow of purity, become like a whited sepulcher, that is beautifullyadorned outside, and within full of dead men’s bones, and alluncleanness. Their faces disagree with their hearts, and their mouthsdisagreewiththeirhearts.Theyhavethevisageandshowofsaints,andthe hearts of devils. Their prayers are filled up with thanksgiving,adoration, great honor to God, praise and glory to him, a show of

humility before him, a show of repentance for sin, trust, thankfulness,desireofobedience,andtrustinChristalone;whenwithinisnothingbutaslightandcontemptofGod,enmityagainstGod,distrustofGod,pride,self-righteousness,obstinacy,anddisobedience,withoutone jotor tittleof honor, or love, or trust, or humility, or repentance, or obedience, oranyofthosethingsthatthereisashowofintheirprayers.Andnowtheysayandprofessonething,andpracticeanother.TheywillshowonethingtoGod,anddoanother,andwilllivealltheirdaysinthisworldcarnally,contentious, and alienated fromGod, in the indulgenceof brutish lustsandfilthiness.Andyethopewhentheydietogotobewithhim,andineternalcommunionwith him in perfect holiness, andwith holy angels,spendinganeternityinholycontemplationandpraise,andtohavethesethings for their everlasting happiness. Andwhen they seem to practicewellforatimeit lastsbutalittlewhile,buttheirpracticeatonetimeisutterly inconsistent with that at another. Yea, if they were narrowlyobserved,theirpracticeatthesametimeisinconsistentwithitself:saintsat church, and heathen at home; saints before the world, heathen insecret;with the tongues and faces of the childrenofGod, andwith theheartsofthechildrenofthedevil.

Suchworkhasthefallmadeinthenatureofman,suchacreatureasthisismanbecome,insteadofshiningasatfirst,intheholyandlovelyimageofGod.ThushasthefallofmanruinedGod’sworkmanship.And if thefallhasthusruinedman,whatcanbemoreeffectuallyruined?Doesnotthisshowthatitisindeedso,thatmanisinalostandundonecondition.Andcanitbeexpectedthatanyothercaneverrestoretohimthedivineimage,butonlythatsameGodthatmadehimatfirst?Andhowvainaretheattemptsofnaturalmentorectifytheirnaturesintheirownstrength,wherein is suchwoeful ruin and confusion! And is there not need of amightySaviorinordertothis?

II.Thissubjectmaybeappliedinthewayofconvictiontonaturalmen,inseveralparticulars.

First,henceyoumayseeyourfolly.Wisdomiseverconsistentwithitself,and wisemen are not wont to act inconsistently. Self-inconsistency in

temporalthingsiseverlookeduponasanoteoffolly.Thosementhattalkveryinconsistently,areaccountedtotalkveryfoolishly.Andsothosementhat act inconsistentlywith themselves in temporalmatters, are lookeduponasactingveryabsurdlyandridiculously,anditiscommonwithmento treat such with derision. Certainly, then, to be so exceedingly self-inconsistent insuchgreatconcernsaswehavespokenof, is thehighestdegreeoffolly.

The inconsistency of the judgment of wickedmen shows their folly. Itshows the foolishness of those practical judgments they governthemselvesby,thattheymakethemcontrarytotheplaindictatesoftheirownreason.Menoftentimescountthejudgmentsofothersveryfoolish,becausetheyareveryinconsistentwithothermen’sreason,thoughtheirjudgmentsareformedaccordingtothebestlightoftheirownreason.Buthowmuchmorefoolishisitformen,insuchthingsasinfinitelyconcernthem,tomakesuchpracticaljudgmentsofthingsasareplainlycontrarynotonlytoothermen’sreason,buttotheirown;soastodeterminetheirwillandtheirpracticebythose judgments!As for instance,whenmen’spractical judgment and conclusion within themselves, by which theydetermine their choice and practice, is that it is best for them for thepresent,toneglecttheirsoulsandseekthevanitiesofthisworld,whicharebutforamoment,morethantheireternalwelfare.

And howdoes it show the folly ofmen’s judgmentwhen some of theirjudgments are inconsistentwith others; aswhen in one thing theywilljudgethatalong-continuedeternityisoflessimportancethanthisshortand fleeting life! So it shows the great folly of men’s wills anddispositions,thattheyaresoinconsistent,thatinsomerespectstheywillbothchooseandrefusethesamethings,willwishandprayforthem,andtakepainsforthem,andyetwillnothavethemwhenoffered.Howmadlywould a man be looked upon to act, that should so act in temporalconcerns,ifhewassickandliketoperishforwantofacertainmedicine,andshouldwishandlongforthatmedicine,andaskotherstoseekitforhim,andyetwhenitwasboughtandoffered,heshouldutterlyrefuseit!

Whatfollydoesitarguethatmen’sdispositionsaresoinconsistentwitheachother,thatthereisnosuitingthemwithanything!Theyarepleasedneitherwithpipingnormourning,witheatingnorfasting.Theywillnot

haveGod,orChrist,orheavenas theyare, andyetwillnothaveeitheranyotherwise.Howwouldmen,iftheymanifestedsuchadispositionintemporal things, often be hissed at, as most ridiculous, childish, andfoolish.Yea,andbeaccountedtoactlikemadmen!Andwhatfollydoesitdiscover that they will choose and accept of nothing but that which isimpossibleinitsownnature,andaself-contradiction,aswhentheywillhavehappinesswithoutholiness!Ifanymanshouldactthusintemporalthings,ifhewouldhavenohousebecausehecouldnotbuildoneintheair, if he refused to go because he could not go without feet, or to seebecause he could not see without eyes, what words would be thoughtadequate to describe his folly! Yet this is the very folly of sinnerswithregardtotheirsalvation.

How would men be looked upon if they acted thus in their temporalaffairs!Iftheymustinevitablyperishinthewinteriftheydidnotlaborinthe summer, and yet spend all the summer in halting between twoopinions.Or if theywere sickwith some deadly disease, andwere toldthattheymustinevitablydieiftheydidnotsendforaphysician,yetwereundetermined, and when the distemper increased upon them, stillcontinued undetermined, and when it was come to extremity, andseemedveryneardeath,stillcouldnotcometoaconclusion;orifahouseshould be on fire over their heads, and they could not make up theirmindstofleefromunderit.

And what folly does it argue for men, that their practices are soinconsistent with their hearts, and that they say one thing and doanother, and so are unsteady in their practice, and inconsistent withthemselvesatdifferent times! It is lookeduponasgreat folly,andwhatpersons are much to be ashamed of, to be so unsteady in temporalmatters,toundoonedaywhattheydidanother.Andso,intheirpracticein some things to be inconsistent with their practice in others. In onethingtoactlikeafriend,andinanotherlikeanenemy.Personsthatdosointemporalsareabhorredofmen,andlookeduponasnotfitforhumansociety.

Second,youmayherebybeconvincedofyourmisery.Amancannotbehappy,andcannotbutbemiserable,withwhomitisthus.Itshowsamanto be undone. He, whose nature is brought into such violation, is

evidently brought into a state of ruin. Where there is such self-inconsistency and self-opposition, a man is at war with himself, andthereforemustbemiserable.Itisacalamityforamannottobeatpeacewithhisneighbor,andtoliveincontentionwiththosethatareabouthim.But certainly it is a much greater calamity for him to be at war withhimself, tohavehis judgmentatwarwithhis judgment, andhiswill atwarwithhis reasonand conscience, andhiswill atwarwith itself, andonelustthwartinganother,andhisoutwardmanatwarwithhisinwardman, his mouth contradicting his heart, his practice contradicting hisprofession, and contradicting itself. It is impossible that such a manshould enjoy any happiness as long as things are thus within him. Dowhat you will here, you cannotmake him happy. If you take him andplace him in a palace, and set him on a throne, and clothe him in therobesofprinces,andputacrownofgoldonhishead,andsetbeforehimtherichestdainties,feedhimandfeasthimasmuchasyouwill,stillhethatsodisagreeswithhimself,isamiserablewretch.Thoughhemaybestupid,yet it is impossibleheshouldenjoyany truepeaceor rest.Howshould he, in whom all things are in such utter confusion and uproarwithin,andinwhomthereissomuchself-opposition.

Thismayconvinceusofthetruth,andshowusthereason,ofIsa.57:20,21,“Butthewickedarelikethetroubledsea,whenitcannotrest,whosewaters cast upmire and dirt. There is no peace, saithmy God, to thewicked.”

Howshouldhehaveanypeace,whoishisownenemy,whochoosesandpracticesthesethingswhichhisownconsciencecondemns,andwhichhisown reason tells him tend to his own ruin? How should he have anypeace,thathateshisownsoulandloveshisowndeath,andthathasonelust holding him one way, and another the contrary, so as in somerespectstochooseandrefusethesamething,towishforathingthatatthe same timehehatesand refuses, and sogoeson fromday today inwarringagainsthimself?

Third, this shows your inexcusableness. By this inconsistency withyourself, you are condemned out of your own mouth in that you actcontrarytoyourownconscience.Yourownconsciencecondemnsyouinyour will and practice being contrary to your own reason. Your own

reason condemns you in acting contrary to your profession. Your ownprofession condemns you in the sense inwhich the apostle speaks of aheretic as being condemned of himself. Tit. 3:10, 11, “Aman that is aheretic, after the first and second admonition, reject; knowing that hethatissuchissubverted,andsinneth,beingcondemnedofhimself:”i.e.he indeparting fromhis formerprofession is inconsistentwithhimself.Hispresenthereticaltenetsarecontrarytohisformersolemnprofession,andthereforethatformerprofessioncondemnshim.

Considerhowinexcusableyou,whoarethusinconsistentwithyourselfinyour wickedness, will appear at the last day, when you come to standbefore the judgment-seat of God, when you are by him called to anaccountforyourwickedlife,howwillyourmouthbestopped.Whenyouarecalledtoanaccountwhyyouhavepreferredthingsofsuchshortanduncertaincontinuanceasthethingsofthisvainworld,tothegreatthingsoftheeternalworld,whatwillyouhavetosayforyourself,whenitshallappearthathereinyouactedindirectoppositiontotheplaindictatesofyourownreason,andthatthischoice is inconsistentwiththe judgmentandchoiceyouwerewonttomakeintemporalthings?AndwhatwillyousayforyourselfwhenyouarecalledtogiveanaccountwhyyourejectedGod,andChrist,andheavenfortheirholiness;whenitsoplainlyappearsthatyouwouldnotlikethem,andwouldnothaveacceptedthem,iftheyhadbeenanyotherwaythanholy?

ItwillthenappearthatyouhavevoluntarilyrejectedChristandhisgreatsalvation,andrefusedtoacceptofheaven,andthatyouarecondemnedofyourselfinit,inthatatthesametimeyouevincedthegreatnecessityofthosethingsinprayingforthem,anddoingmanythingsinordertotheobtainingofthem.

Whenitshallthenappearhowyouhadamindtohaveimpossibilities:asasufficientlyworthySavior, andnot aholyone; salvation frommisery,and not salvation from sin, the source of all misery; and happinesswithoutholiness.Itshallfromhencemostplainlyappear,thatyoudidineffect utterly refuse to accept of any Savior or any salvation at all, andwould not be saved from misery at all, and refused to accept of anyhappinessatall,becauseyouwouldhavenosalvation,nohappiness,butsuchaswasimpossibleinthenatureofthings,suchasalvationaswasnot

and could not be. And then how just will it appear to your ownconscience,andtotheworld,thatyoushoulde’engowithoutsalvation!

Andwhenitshallappearhowyouhadlifeanddeathsetbeforeyou,andweretoldthenecessityofcomingtoachoice,andweresooftenurgedtoit,andhadsomuchopportunityfor it,andyetrefused.Howjustwill itappear that divine justice shouldmake your choice for you, when yourefusedtomakeanyforyourself!

Andhowwillyouappearcondemnedoutofyourownmouth,whenyoushallbecalledtoanaccountbytheJudge,whyyousooftenprofessedtoGodinyourprayersthathewasaninfinitelygreatandholyGod,andyetnever feared him. And why you so often said to God that he was asovereignandrighteousGod,andyetneversubmittedtohim.Andwhyyousooftensaid tohimthat thewasanall-sufficientand faithfulGod,andyetneverwouldputyourtrustinhim.Andwhyyousooftensaidtohimthathewasaninfinitelyglorious,andexcellent,andgoodGod,andyet never loved him. And why you so often owned that he was aninfinitely gracious and bountiful God, and what you had receivedabundanceofkindnessfromhim,andownedhimtobetheauthorofallthose good things of your life that you enjoy, and yet neverwere trulythankfultohim,butimprovedthosethingsthatyouownedwerethegiftsof God, against himself who was the giver of them.Why you so oftenowned in your prayers before God that you were a poor sinful, vilecreatureforyoursins,andyetneverwouldforsakeyoursins,andbeggedofGodtokeepyoufromsin,andyetcarelesslyandwillfullywenton inthecommission of sin?Whatwill you say to such interrogations of theJudgeofheavenandearth?Willnotyourmouthbestoppedwhenitshallappearthatwhathasalreadysooftenproceededoutofyourownmouth,does so much condemn you? And what will hypocrites and self-pretenderstoexperiencessay,whohavetoldwhatdiscoveriestheyhadofthe glory ofGod, ofChrist, andofheaven.When the Judge inquires ofthem,whytheysetsolightbythisGod,anddidsopreferthedustoftheearth and the filth of sin before him?When thosewho have often toldwhatlovetheyhavefelttotheLordJesusChrist,areaskedwhytheytooknomorecaretopleaseandhonorhim,andwhytheyratherchosefromtimetotimetorejecthimthansacrificetheirworldlyinterest.

Sowhenwickedmenareinquiredofwhy,whentheyprofessedtobelieveafuturestate,theytooknomorepainstoprepareforit.Why,whentheyprofessed to be the followers of Christ the Lamb of God, theywere nomorelikehim?Why,whentheyownedhimfortheirhead,andexpressedsuchwonderful love to him, they could turn and become his enemies?Why, when they lived in hope of a life of such unspeakable glory inheaven,theyset theiraffectionswhollyonthisworld?Why,seeingtheymade such a show of regard to God and their duty at one time, theydiscoveredsuchatotaldisregardatanother?Why,whentheymadesuchpretensestoreligion,andhadsuchappearancesofitinsomethings,theyweresoirreligiousandwickedinothers?Whatwilltheyanswer?Wickedmenwill appear self-condemnedeveryway: their own reasonand theirown consciences, their own mouths and their own actions, havecondemnedthem.Theirreasonandconscienceswillstillcondemnthem,andGodwillcondemnthem,andmenandangelswillandmustcondemnthem. So that they will appear universally condemned, they will havenothingtosayforthemselves,norwillanyonehaveanythingtosayforthem.

Fourth,ifyouaresoinconsistentwithyourself,youneednotwonderthatGodwillenterintonofriendshipwithyou,orthathedoesnotreceiveyouintohis favor.Manynaturalmenare ready towonder thatgodwillnotreceivethemintofavor—theydosomuchinreligion.

Butifyouconsiderwhathasbeensaid,youneednotwonderatit.Awisemanwillmakenofriendshipwithanotherwhoisveryinconsistentwithhimselfinthosethingswhereinmenareconcernedwithhim.Hewillnotassociatehimselfwithhim,norcare tohave such to communicatewithhim.Formenknow that suchpersons arenot to be dependedon.Onedoesnotknowwheretofindthem,norhowtosuitthem,andiftheywillbe so inconsistent with themselves, certainly they will not be veryconsistent with others that trust them. God therefore justly refuses toreceive such persons into unionwith him. It is not consistent with hisdivinewisdomtogivehimselftotheminacovenantrelation.

NowonderthatChristwillnotcommithimselftosuchpersonsasthese.John2:23,24,25, “Now,whenhewas inJerusalemat thepassover, inthe feast day,many believed in his name, when they saw themiracles

whichhedid.ButJesusdidnotcommithimselfunto them,becauseheknewallmen,andneedednotthatanyshouldtestifyofman;forheknewwhatwasinman.”Christknewthattherewasnodependencetobehaduponthem.Heknewtheywouldnotproveconsistentwiththemselves.

Fifth, how vain and inconsistent is the dependence of wicked men onthemselves!Ifthisbethecasewithnaturalmen,ifallnaturalmenareaswe have heard, so absurdly inconsistent with themselves, howunreasonable is their high thought of themselves, and their trusting totheirowngoodness,totheirownprayers,andtheirotherperformances!

And that they do so, is an evident sign of their woeful ignorance ofthemselves.Ifsuchpersonssawthemselvesastheyare,andtobesuchaswehavedescribedthem,certainlytheywouldbefarfromtrustingintheirownexcellencyandgoodness, butwould see themselves to bepolluted,wretched, miserable, lost creatures, and would no more say in theirhearts,“Iamrich,andincreasedwithgoods;”butwouldrathercondemnthemselves,andcryoutwithself-abhorrenceandamazement,“Unclean,unclean,undone,undone!”

SinnersInZionTenderlyWarned

OrTHEFEARFULNESSWHICHWILLHEREAFTERSURPRISESINNERSINZION,REPRESENTEDANDIMPROVED

Isaiah33:14ThesinnersinZionareafraid;fearfulnesshathsurprisedthe

hypocrites.Whoamongusshalldwellwiththedevouringfire?whoamongusshalldwellwitheverlastingburnings?

Subject:ThetimewillcomewhenfearfulnesswillsurprisethesinnersinZion;becausetheywillknowthattheyaregoingtobecastintoa

devouringfire,whichtheymustsufferforeverandever,andwhichnonecanendure.

SECTIONI

ShowingwhoaresinnersinZion.

THERE are two kinds of persons among God’s professing people. Theone,thosewhoaretrulygodly,spokenofintheversefollowingthetext,“He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly,” etc. The otherkindconsistsof sinners inZion,orhypocrites. It is tobeobserved thattheprophet inthischapterspeaks interchangeably, first totheone,andthen to the other of these characters of men, awfully threatening anddenouncingthewrathofGodagainsttheone,andcomforting theotherwithgraciouspromises.Thusyoumayobserve,inthe5thand6thverses,therearecomfortablepromisestothegodly.Thenintheeightfollowingverses, awful judgments are threatened against the sinners in Zion.Again,inthetwonextversesareblessedpromisestothesincerelygodly,andintheformerpartofverse17.Andtheninthelatterpartofverse17.andinverse18and19areterriblethreateningstosinnersinZion.Thenintheversesthatfollowaregraciouspromisestothegodly.

OurtextispartofwhatissaidinthischaptertosinnersinZion.Inverse

10,itissaid,“NowwillIrise,saiththeLord;nowwillIbeexalted;nowwill I lift up myself,” i.e.Now will I arise to execute wrath upon theungodly.Iwillnotletthemaloneanylonger.TheyshallseethatIamnotasleep,andthatIamnotregardlessofmineownhonor.“Nowwill Ibeexalted.”Though theyhave cast contemptuponme, yet Iwill vindicatethehonorofmyownmajesty.Iwillexaltmyself,andshowmygreatness,andmy awfulmajesty in their destruction. “Nowwill I lift upmyself.”NowIwillnolongerhaveminehonortrampledinthedustbythem.Butmygloryshallbemanifestedintheirmisery.

Inverse11,theprophetproceeds,“Yeshallconceivechaff,yeshallbringforthstubble,”i.e.Yeshallpursuehappiness inwaysofwickedness,butyoushallnotobtainit.Youareasgroundwhichbringsforthnofruit,asifonlychaffweresowedinit.Itbringsforthnothingbutstubble,whichisfitfornothingbuttobeburned.

Itseemstohavebeenthemannerinthatlandwherethecorngrewveryrank, when they had reaped the wheat, and gathered it off from theground,tosetfiretothestubble,whichisalludedtohere.Andthereforeitisadded,“Yourbreath,asfire,shalldevouryou.”i.e.Yourownwickedspeeches, your wickedness that you commit with your breath, or withyourtongues,shallsetfiretothestubbleanddevourit.

Then it follows inverse12, “And thepeople shallbeas theburningsoflime.”Astheyarewonttoburnlimeinagreatandexceedingfiercefire,till stones, and bones, and other things are burnt to lime, so shall thewickedbeburntinthefireofGod’swrath.“Asthornscutupshalltheybeburntinthefire.”Asbriersandthornsaretheencumbranceandcurseofthegroundwheretheygrow,andarewonttobeburnt,soshallitbewiththewicked that are amongGod’speople, andgrow inGod’s field.Heb.6:7,8,“Fortheearthwhichdrinkethintherainthatcomethoftuponit,andbringethforthherbsmeetforthembywhomitisdressed,receivethblessingfromGod:butthatwhichbeareththornsandbriers,isrejected,andisnighuntocursing;whoseendistobeburned.”

Then it follows inverse13, “Hearye thatare faroff,what Ihavedone;andyethatarenear,acknowledgemymight.”ThisimpliesthatGodwillbythedestructionofungodlymen,manifesthisgloryverypublicly,even

inthesightof thewholeworld,both inthesightof those thatarenear,andofthosethatarefaroff.“Acknowledgemymight.”WhichimpliesthatGod will execute wrath upon ungodly men in such a manner asextraordinarilytoshowforthhisgreatandmightypower.Thedestructionand misery of the wicked will be so dreadful, that it will be amanifestationoftheomnipotentpowerofGod,thathecanexecutesuchmisery;agreeabletoRom.9:22,“WhatifGod,willingtoshowhiswrath,and to make his power known, endured with much long-suffering thevesselsofwrathfittedtodestruction.”

Nextfollowthesewords:“ThesinnersinZionareafraid;fearfulnesshathsurprised thehypocrites.Whoamongus shalldwellwith thedevouringfire?whoamongusshalldwellwitheverlastingburnings?”Thesenseis,That the time will come, when fearfulness will surprise the sinners inZion, because they will know, that they are about to be cast into adevouringfire,whichtheymustsufferforeverandever,andwhichnonecanendure.

Itmaybeinquired,whoarethesinnersinZion?—Ianswer,thattheyarethosewho are in a natural condition among the visible people of God.Zion,orthecityofDavidofold,wasatypeofthechurch.AndthechurchofGodinScriptureisperhapsmorefrequentlycalledbythenameofZionthanbyanyothername.AndcommonlybyZionismeantthetruechurchof Christ, or the invisible church of true saints. But sometimes by thisnameismeantthevisiblechurch,consistingofthosewhoareoutwardly,byprofessionandexternalprivileges,thepeopleofGod.ThisisintendedbyZioninthistext.

Thegreaterpartoftheworldaresinners.Christ’sflockis,andeverhathbeen, but a little flock. And the sinners of theworld are of two sorts:thosewhoarevisiblyofSatan’skingdom,whoarewithoutthepaleofthevisiblechurch;andthosewhodonotprofessthetruereligion,norattendtheexternalordinancesof it.Besidethesetherearethesinners inZion.BotharetheobjectsofthedispleasureandwrathofGod.ButhiswrathismoreespeciallymanifestedinScriptureagainstthelatter.SinnersinZionwill have by far the lowest place in hell. They are exalted nearest toheaveninthisworld,andtheywillbelowestinhellinanother.Thesameismeantbyhypocrites.SinnersinZionareallhypocrites.Fortheymake

aprofessionofthetruereligion.TheyattendGod’sordinances,andmakeashowofbeingtheworshippersofGod.Butallishypocrisy.

SECTIONII

HowfearfulnesswillhereaftersurprisesinnersinZion.

I.Theywillhereafterbeafraid.Nowmanyofthemseemtohavelittleornofear.Theyarequietandsecure.Nothingwillawakenthem.Themostawful threatenings and the loudest warnings do notmuchmove them.Theyarenotsomuchmovedwiththem,buttheycaneat,anddrink,andsleep, and go about their worldly concerns without much disturbance.Butthetimewillcome,whenthehardestandmoststupidwretcheswillbe awakened. Though now preaching will not awaken them, and thedeath of others will not make them afraid, though seeing othersawakened and converted will not much affect them, though they canstandallthatistobeheardandseeninatimeofgeneralout-pouringofthe Spirit of God, without beingmuchmoved; yet the time will come,whentheywillbeawakened,andfearwilltakeholdofthem.Theywillbeafraid of the wrath of God. However senseless they be now, they willhereafterbesensibleoftheawfulgreatnessofGod,andthatitisafearfulthingtofallintohishands.

II.Theywillbesurprisedwithfear.Thisseemstoimplytwothings;viz.thegreatnessoftheirfear,andthesuddennessofit.

First, thegreatness of their fear. Surprise argues ahighdegreeof fear.Theirfearswillbetothedegreeofastonishment.SomeofthesinnersinZionaresomewhatafraidnow.Theynowandthenhavesomedegreeoffear.Theyarenotindeedconvincedthatthereissuchaplaceashell.Buttheyareafraid there is.Theyarenotthoroughlyawakened.Neitherarethey quite easy. They have at certain times inward molestations fromtheirconsciences.Buttheyhavenosuchdegreesoffear,astoputthemuponanythroughendeavorstoescapefuturewrath.

However,hereaftertheywillhavefearenough,asmuch,andagreatdeal

more, than they will be able to stand under. Their fear will be to thedegreeofhorror.Theywillbehorriblyafraidandterrorswilltakeholdonthemaswater.Thuswereadoftheirfearcomingasadesolation,andofdistress and anguish coming upon them; Pro. 1:27. It is also veryemphatically saidof thewicked, that troubleandanguish shall prevailagainsthim,asakingreadytothebattle.Job15:24.

Thestoutestheartofthemallwillthenmeltwithfear.Theheartsofthosewhoareofasturdyspirit,andperhapsscorntoownthemselvesafraidofanyman,andareevenashamedtoownthemselvesafraidofthewrathofGod,will thenbecomeasweakaswater,asweakas theheartofa littlechild.And themost reservedof themwillnotbeable tohidehis fears.Their faces will turn pale. They will appear with amazement in theircountenances.Everyjointinthemwilltremble.Alltheirboneswillshakeand theirkneeswill smiteoneagainstanother.Norwill theybeable torefrainfromcryingoutwithfear,andfromrendingtheairwiththemostdismalshrieks.

Second,theywillbesuddenlyseizedwithfear.ThesinnersinZionoftenremainsecuretilltheyaresurprised,aswithacryatmidnight.Theywillbe,asitwere,awakenedoutoftheirsecuresleepinadismalfright.Theywill see an unexpected calamity coming upon them, farmore dreadfulthantheywereawareof,andcomingatanunexpectedseason.

WithrespecttotheTIMEwhenthewickedshallbe thussurprisedwithfear.

1.Itisoftensoonadeath-bed.Manythingspassintheirlifetime,whichonewouldthinkmightwellstriketerrorintotheirsouls,aswhentheyseeothers die, who are as young as they, and of like condition andcircumstances with themselves, whereby they may see how uncertaintheir lives are, and how unsafe their souls. It may well surprise manysinners, toconsiderhowold theyaregrown,andareyet inaChristlessstate. How much or their opportunity to get an interest in Christ isirrecoverablygone,andhowlittleremains.Alsohowmuchgreatertheirdisadvantages now are, than they have been. But these things do notterrify them.Asage increases,sodothehardnessandstupidityof theirheartsgrowuponthem.

Butwhendeathcomes,thenthesinnerisoftenfilledwithastonishment.Itmay be, when he is first taken sick, he has great hope that he shallrecover; asmen are ready to flatter themselveswith hopes, that thingswillbeastheyfainwouldhavethem.Butwhenthedistempercomestoprevailmuchuponhim,andheseesthatheisgoing intoeternity,whenheseesthatall themedicinesofphysiciansare invain, thatall thecareandendeavorsof friendsare tonopurpose, thatnothingseems tohelphim thathis strength is gone, thathis friendsweepoverhim, and lookupon his case as desperate; when he sees, by the countenance andbehaviorofthephysician,thathelooksuponhiscaseaspasthope,andperhapsoverhearsawhisperingintheroom,whereinhisfriendssignifyone to another, that they look upon it that he is struck with death, orwhereintheytelloneanother,thathisextremepartsgrowcold,thathiscountenance andmanner of breathing, and his pulse, show death, andthathebeginstobeinacolddeath-sweat;andwhenperhaps,byandby,someonethinkshimselfboundindutyandfaithfulnesstolethimknowtheworst,andthereforecomesandaskshimwhetherornohebesensiblethat he is a dying:— then how does fearfulness surprise the sinner inZion!Howdoeshisheartmeltwithfear!Thisisthethingwhichhefearedever since he was taken sick. But till now he had hope that he shouldrecover.Thephysiciandidnotspeak.Orifhedespaired,hespokeofsuchandsuchmedicinesasbeingveryproper.Andhehopedthattheywouldbe effectual. And when these failed, he changed his medicines, andappliedsomethingnew.Then thesinnerhoped thatwouldbe effectual.Thus, although he constantly grew worse and worse, still he hoped torecover.

AtthesametimehecriedtoGodtosparehim,andmadepromiseshowhewouldlive,ifGodwouldsparehim,andhehopedthatGodwouldhearhim.Heobservedalso,thathisfriends,andperhapstheminister,seemedtoprayearnestlyforhim.Andhecouldnotbuthopethatthoseprayerswould be answered, and he should be restored. But now how does hisheartsinkanddiewithinhim!Howdoeshelookaboutwithafreightedcountenance!Howquick is themotionofhis eye, through inwardfear!And how quick and sudden are all hismotions!What a frightful hurrydoesheseemtobein!Howdoesforeverlooktohimwhenheseespalegrimdeathstaringhimintheface,andavasteternitywithinafewhours

orminutesofhim!

Itmaybe,hestillstrugglesforalittlehope.Heislothtobelievewhatistoldhim.He tellshis informers that hehopes they aremore affrightedthantheyneedbe.Hehopesthatthosesymptomsarisefromsomeothercause.And, likeapoordrowningman,hecatchesatslenderandbrittletwigs,andclincheshishandsaboutwhateverheseeswithinhisreach.

Butasdeathcreepsmoreandmoreonhim,heseeshis twigsbreak,allhis hopes of life fail, and he sees hemust die. O! there is nothing butdeathbeforehim!Hehasbeenhoping,buthishopesarealldashed.Hesees this world, and all that belongs to it, are gone. Now come thethoughtsofhellintohismindwithamazement.O!howshallhegooutoftheworld?Heknowshehasno interest inChrist.Hissinsstarehim inthe face. O the dreadful gulf of eternity! He had been crying to God,perhapssincehewassick,tosavehim.Andhehadsomehope,ifitwerehis last sickness, that yetGodwouldpityhim, and givehimpardoninggracebefore he shoulddie.Hebegged andpleaded, andhehoped thatGodwouldhavepityonhispoorsoul.Atthesametimeheaskedotherstoprayforhim,andhehadbeenlookingdayafterdayforsomelighttoshineintohissoul.But,alas!nowheisadying,andhisfriendsaskhim,howdeathappearstohim?whetheranylightappear?whetherGodhavenotgivenhimsometokenofhisfavor?Andheanswers,No,withapoor,faltering, trembling voice, if able to speak at all.Or if his friends ask asignalofhope,hecangivenone.

Nowdeathcomesonhimmoreandmore,andheisjustonthebrinkofeternity.Who can express the fear, themisgivings, and hangings back,and thehorrible frightandamazement,ofhis soul?Somewho, in suchcircumstances,havebeenable to speak,havebeenknown to cryout,Oeternity!eternity!andsome,O!athousandworldsforaninchof time!O!iftheymightbutlivealittlewhilelonger!Butitmustnotbe.Gotheymust.They feel the frameofnaturedissolving, andperceive the soul isjustagoing.For sometimes theexerciseof reasonseems tohold to thelast.

What,insuchacase,isfeltinthesoul,inthoselastmoments,whenitisjustbreakingitsbandswiththebody,abouttofetchitsleap,ontheedge

of eternity, and the very brink of hell, without any Savior, or the lesttestimony of divine mercy. I say, what is sometimes felt by Christlesssoulsinthesemoments,nonecantell.Norisitwithinthecompassofourconception.

2.Themiseryofthedepartedsoulofasinner,besideswhatitnowfeels,consistsinagreatpartinamazingfearsofwhatisyettocome.Whentheunionofthesoulandbodyisactuallybroken,andthebodyhasfetchedits lastgasp, the soul forsakes itsoldhabitation,and then falls into thehands of devils, who fly upon it, and seize it more violently than everhungry lionsflewupontheirprey.Andwithwhathorrorwill it fall intothosecruelhands!

Ifweimaginetoourselvesthedreadfulfearwithwhichalamborkidfallsintothepawsofaworld,whichlaysholdofitwithopenmouth;orifweimaginetoourselvesthefeelingofalittlechild,thathasbeenpursuedbya lion,when it is takenhold of, and sees the terrible creature openhisdevouring jaws to tear it inpieces;or the feelingof those twoand fortychildren, who hadmocked Elisha, when they fell into the paws of thebearsthat[tore]theminpieces;Isay ifwecouldhaveaperfect ideaofthatterrorandastonishmentwhichalittlechildhasinsuchacase,yetweshould have but a faint idea of what is felt in the departing soul of asinner, when it falls into the hands of those cruel devils those roaringlions,whichthenseizeofit!

Andwhenthesouliscarriedtohell,andthere is tormented,suffersthewrath of theAlmighty, and is overwhelmed and crushedwith it, itwillalsobeamazedwiththeapprehensionsofwhatshallyetremain.Tothinkofaneternityofthistormentremaining,Ohowwillitfill,andoverbear,andsinkdownthewretchedsoul!Howwillthethoughtofthedurationofthistormentwithoutendcausethehearttomelt likewax!Howwillthethought of it sink the soul into the bottomless pit of darkness andgloominess!Even those proud and sturdy spirits, thedevils, tremble atthethoughtsofthatgreatertormentwhichtheyaretosufferatthedayofjudgment.Sowillthepoordamnedsoulsofmen.Theyhavealreadymorethantheywillbeabletobear.Howthenwilltheytrembleatthethoughtofhavingtheirmiserysovastlyaugmented!

Persons sometimes in this world are afraid of the day of judgment. Iftherebe an earthquake, or if therebemore than common thunderandlightning,or if therebesomeunusual sight in theheavens, theirheartsarereadytotrembleforfearthatthedayofjudgmentisathand.Ohowthendothepoorsoulsinhellfearit,whoknowsomuchmoreabout it,whoknowbywhattheyfeelalready,andknowcertainly,thatwheneveritcomes they shall stand on the left hand of the judge, to receive thedreadfulsentence.Andthatthen,insoulandbody,theymustenterintothose everlasting burnings which are prepared for the devil and hisangels,andwhoprobablyknowthattheirmiseryistobeanhundred-foldgreaterthanitisnow.

3.Fearfulnesswillsurprisethematthelastjudgment.WhenChristshallappear in the clouds of heaven, and the last trumpet shall sound, thenwill the hearts of wicked men be surprised with fearfulness. The poordamnedsoul,inexpectationofit,trembleseverydayandeveryhourfromthetimeofitsdeparturefromthebody.Itknowsnot,indeed,when it istobe,butitknowsitistobe.Butwhenthealarmisgiveninhellthatthedayiscome,itwillbeadreadfulalarmindeed.Itwill,asitwere,fillthecaverns of hell with shrieks. And when the souls of the damned shallenterintotheirbodies,itwillbewithamazinghorrorofwhatiscoming.Andwhentheyshallliftuptheirheadsoutoftheirgraves,andshallseethe judge, itwillbeamost terriblesight.Gladlywould they return intohell, their former state of misery, to hide themselves from this awfulsight,ifthatwouldexcusethem.

SothosesinnersinZion,whoshallthenbefoundaliveontheearth,whentheyshallseethissight,willbesurprisedwithfearfulness.Thefearandhorrorwhichmanypoorsinners feelwhen theyaredying, isgreat,andbeyondallthatofwhichwecanhaveanyidea.Butthatisnothingtothehorrorthatwillseizethemwhentheyshallcometoseethissight.

Therewillnotbeawickedmanuponearthwhowillbeabletobearit,lethimbewhohewill.Lethimberichorpoor,oldoryoung,maleorfemale,servantormaster,kingorsubject,learnedorunlearned.Lethimbeeversoproud,eversocourageous,andeversosturdy.There isnotonewhowillbeableatalltosupporthimself.Whenheshallseethissight,itwillimmediatelysinkhisspirit.Itwillloosethejointsofhisloins.Itwillmake

hiscountenancemoreghastlythandeath.Therichcaptains,andvaliantgeneralsandprinces,whonowscorn toshowany fearat the faceofanenemy,whoscorntotrembleattheroaringofcannon,will trembleandshriekwhentheyshallhearthelasttrumpet,andseethemajestyoftheirjudge. It will make their teeth to chatter, and make them fly to hidethemselvesinthecavesandrocksofmountains,cryingtotherocksandmountainstofallonthem,andcoverthemfromthewrathofthejudge.

Fearfulness will surprise them when they shall be dragged before thejudgment-seat.Thewickedhangbackwhentheyareabouttomeetdeath.Butinnomeasureastheywillhangbackwhentheycometomeettheirgreatjudge.Andwhentheycometostandbeforethejudge,andareputon his left hand, fearfulness and amazement will surprise them. Themajestyof the judgewillbe intolerable to them.Hispureandholy eye,which will behold and search them, and pierce them through, will bemore terrible to their souls a thousand times than flashes of lightningpiercing their hearts. They will they stand in a trembling, expectation,thatbyandbytheyshallhearthewordsofthatdreadfulsentenceproceedoutofthemouthofChrist.Theywillhaveahorribleexpectationofthatsentence.Andwhatshalltheydo,whithershalltheyfly,soastobeoutofitshearing?Theycannotshuttheirears,soasnottohearit.

Fearfulness will surprise them when the sentence shall come to bepronounced. At the close of the judgment, that dreadful doom will beutteredbythejudge.Anditwillbethemostterriblevoicethateverwasheard.Thesoundofthelasttrumpet,thatshallcallmentojudgment,willbeamoreterriblesoundtowickedmenthanevertheyshallhaveheardtill that time. But the sound of the last sentence will be much moreterrible than that.Therewill notbeoneof all thosemillions at the lefthand,whetherhighor low,kingor subject,whowillbeabletosupporthimself at all under the sound of that sentence. But they will all sinkunderit.

Lastly,fearfulnesswillsurprisethem,whentheyshallcometoseethefirekindleupontheworld,inwhichtheyaretobetormentedforever.Whenthesentenceshallhavebeenpronounced,Christ,withhisblessedsaintsandgloriousangels,willleavethislowerworld,andascendintoheaven.Then will the flames begin to kindle, and fire will probably be seen

coming down from heaven. And soon will the fire lay hold of thataccursedmultitude.Thenwilltheirheartsbesurprisedwithfearfulness.Thatfirewillappearadreadfulfire indeed.Owhatchatteringsofteeth,whatshakingofloins,whatdistortionsofbody,willtherebeatthattime,whentheyshallsee,andbegintofeel,thefiercenessoftheflames!Whatshall theydo,whithershall theygo, toavoid those flames?Whereshalltheyhidethemselves?Iftheycreepintoholes,orcreepintocavesoftheearth,yeaiftheycouldcreepdowntothecenteroftheearth,itwillbeinvain.Foritwillsetonfirethebottomsofthemountains,andburntothelowesthell.Theywillseenoplacetoflyto,noplacetohidethemselves.

Then their heartswill be filledwith fearfulness andwill utterly sink indespair.Thusitshallhereafterbewitheveryonethatshallthenbefoundtobeasinner,andespeciallywithsinnersinZion.

SECTIONIII

Whysinnersingeneralwillhereafterbesurprisedwithfear.

I.Fearfulnesswillsurprisethembecausetheywillknowthattheyaretobecast intodevouringfire.There isnothingwhichseems togiveoneamoreterribleideaoftormentandmiserythantothinkofbeingcastaliveintoagreatfire,especiallyifweconceiveofthesensesremainingquick,and not benumbed by the fire. The wicked will hereafter have that tomake themafraid, that theyarenotonly tobe cast intoa fire, but intodevouring fire; which implies, that it will be a fire of extraordinaryfiercenessofheat,andbeforewhichnothingcanstand.

Thefireintowhichmenaretobecastiscalledafurnaceoffire.Furnacesarecontrivedforanextremedegreeofheat,thisbeingnecessaryforthepurposes for which they are designed, as the running and refining ofmetals, and themeltingofmaterials intoglass.The fireof suchearthlyfurnacesmay be called devouring fire,as the heat of some of them issuch, that in them even stones will presently be dissolved. Now, if aperson should be brought to the mouth of such a furnace, and thereshould see how the fire glows, so as presently tomake everything cast

into it all overwhite andbrightwith fire, and at the same time shouldknow that he was immediately to be cast into this furnace, would notfearfulnesssurprisehim?

Insomeheathencountries,themannerofdisposingofdeadbodiesistodigagreatpit,toputinitagreatquantityoffuel,toputthedeadbodiesonthepile,andtosetitonfire.Thisissomeimageoftheburningofdeadsoulsinthepitofhell.Now,ifapersonwerebroughttotheedgeofsuchapit,allfilledwithglowingflames,tobeimmediatelycastintoit,woulditnotsurprisetheheartwithfearfulness?

The flames of a very great fire, aswhen ahouse is all on fire, give onesome ideaof the fiercenessof thewrathofGod.Such is therageof theflames.Andweseethatthegreaterafireis,thefiercerisitsheatineverypart. And the reason is because one part heats another. The heat in aparticularplace,besides theheatwhichproceedsoutof the fuel in thatplaceisincreasedbytheadditionalheatofthefireallaroundit.Hencewemay conceive something of what fierceness that fire will be, when thisvisible world shall be turned into one great furnace. That will bedevouringfireindeed.Suchwillbetheheatofit,that,astheapostlesays,“theelementsshallmeltwithferventheat,”2Pet.3:10.

Mencanartificially raise suchadegreeofheatwithburningglasses,aswill quicklymelt the very stones and sand. And it is probable that theheatofthatgreatfirewhichwillburntheworld,willbesuchastomelttherocks,andtheveryground,andturnthemintoakindofliquidfire,sothat the whole world will probably be converted into a great lake, orliquid globe of fire, a vast ocean of fire, in which the wicked shall betossedtoandfro,havingnorestdaynornight,vastwavesorbillowsoffirecontinuallyrollingovertheirheads.

ButallthiswillbeonlyanimageofthatdreadfulfireofthewrathofGod,whichthewickedshallatthesametimesufferintheirsouls.WereadinRev. 19:15 of “the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” This is anextraordinaryexpression,carryingaterribleideaofthefuturemiseryofthewicked.IfithadbeenonlysaidofthewrathofGodthatwouldhaveexpressedwhat isdreadful. If thewrathofakingbeas theroaringofalion,whatisthewrathofGod?But it isnotonlysaidthewrathofGod,

butthefiercenessandwrath ofGod, or the rage of hiswrath; andnotonlyso,butthefiercenessandwrathofAlmightyGod.Owhatisthat!thefierceness and rage or fury of Omnipotence! of a being of infinitestrength!What an idea does that give of the state of thoseworms thatsufferthefiercenessandwrathofsuchanAlmightyBeing!Andisitanywonderthatfearfulnesssurprisestheirheartswhentheyseethisabouttobeexecuteduponthem?

II. Another reason given in the text, why fearfulness will hereaftersurprise sinners, is that theywill be sensible this devouring firewill beeverlasting.Ifamanwerebroughttothemouthofagreatfurnacetobecast into themidst of it, if at the same time he knew he should suffertormentbutforoneminute,yetthatminutewouldbesoterribletohim,thatfearfulnesswouldsurpriseandastonishhim.Howmuchmore,ifheweretobecastintoafiremuchfiercer,thefireinwhichwickedmenarehereaftertobetormented!Andifthethoughtofsufferingthisdevouringfire for one minute would be enough to fill one with such surprisingfearfulness,whatwillseize them,whentheyshallknowthat theyaretobearit,notforoneminute,norforoneday,norforoneyear,norforoneage,norforahundredages,norforamillionofages,oneafteranother,butforeverandever;withoutanyend,andnever,neverbedelivered!

They shall know that the fire itself will be everlasting fire, a fire thatnevershallbequenched.Mark9:43,44,“Togointohell,intothefirethatnevershallbequenched;wheretheirwormdiethnot,andthefireisnotquenched.”Andtheyshallknowthattheirtormentinthatfireneverwillhaveanend,Rev.14:10,11.Theyshallknowthattheyshallforeverbefullofquicksensewithinandwithout;theirheads,theireves,theirtongues,theirhands,theirfeet,theirloins,andtheirvitals,shallforeverbefullofglowingmeltingfire,fierceenoughtomelttheveryrocksandelements.Andalsothattheyshalleternallybefullofthemostquickandlivelysensetofeelthetorment.

Theyshallknowthattheyshallneverceaserestlesslytoplungeandrollinthatmightyoceanoffire.Theyshallknowthatthosebillowsoffire,whichare greater than the greatest mountains, will never cease to roll overthem,followingoneanotherforeverandever.

At thesametime theywillhaveamore lively senseof eternity thanweever can have here.We can have but a little sense of what an eternalduration is. And indeed none can comprehend it. It swallows up allthought and imagination. If we set ourselves to think upon it, we arepresentlylost.Buttheywillhaveanotherandfarclearersenseofitthanwe have. O how vast will eternity appear to them, when they think ofspendingitinsuchburnings!Thisisanotherreasonthatfearfulnesswillsurprisethem.Thethoughtsofeternitywillalwaysamazethem,andwillsinkanddepressthemtoabottomlessdepthofdespair.

III.Thethirdreasongiveninthetextwhyfearfulnesswillsurprisethemattheapprehensionofthispunishmentisthattheywillknowtheyshallnot be able to bear it.When they shall see themselves going into thatdevouringfire,theywillknowthattheyarenotabletobearit.Theywillknow that they are not able to grapple with the fierceness and rage ofthoseflames.FortheywillseethefiercenessofthewrathofGodinthem.TheywillseeanawfulmanifestationofOmnipotence inthefuryof thatglowing furnace.And in those views, their heartswill utterly fail them.Theirhandswillnotbestrong,norcantheirheartsendure.Theywillseethat their strength isweakness, and that they candonothing in such aconflict.

Whentheyshallhavecometotheedgeofthepitandoftheburninglake,andshall lookintothefurnace,thentheywillcryoutwithexclamationslikethese:O!whatshallIdo?HowshallIbearthetormentsofthisfire?Howcan I endure them?Whocanendure?Where is themanso stout-hearted,whereisthegiantofsuchstrengthandsuchcourage,thathecanbearthis?O!whatshallIdo?MustIbecastinthither?Icannotbearit.Icanneverendureit.OthatIcouldreturntomyfirstnothing!HowcanIendureitonemoment?HowmuchlesscanIendureitforeverandever!AndmustIbearitforever?What!foreverandever,withoutanyend,andneverfindanyrefuge,neverbesufferedtoreturntomyfirstnothing,andbenonearertotheendofthesesufferingsaftermillionsofages?Owhatdismal contentions and shrieks, and shaking of loins, and gnashing ofteeth,will there be then!Nowonder that fearfulnesswill then surprisethewicked.

SECTIONIV

WhyitwillbeespeciallythuswithsinnersinZion,whodwellamongGod’svisiblepeople.

Therewill hereafter be a very great difference between sinners in Zionandothersinners;agreatdifferencebetweenthemostpointedhypocriteofthemall,andthedrunkards,theadulterers,theSodomites,thethieves,and murderers among the heathen, who sin against only the light ofnature. The fearfulness which will be in no measure so amazing andhorrible,asthatwhichwillseizethesinnersinZion.ThatfiercenessandwrathofAlmightyGod,whichtheywillsuffer,willbemildandmoderateincomparisonwiththatwhichthesinnersinZionwillsuffer.

ThewrathofGodisinhiswordmanifestedagainstthewickedheathens.But it is ten timesasmuchmanifestedagainst those sinnerswhomakethe profession and enjoy the privileges of the people of God; and yetremainenemiesofGod.BoththeOldTestamentandtheNewarefullofterrible denunciations against such.Read the books ofMoses, read theprophets, and you will find them full of dreadful threatenings againstsuch. Read over the history of Christ’s life and the speeches which hemade when upon earth. There you will see what woes and curses hefrequentlydenouncedagainstsuch.Howoftendidhesay,thatitshouldbemoretolerableforSodomandGomorrahinthedayofjudgment,thanforthecitiesinwhichmostofhismightyworksweredone!ReadoverthehistoryoftheActsoftheApostles,andtheirepistles.Thereyouwillfindthe same. It is the sinners in Zion, or hypocrites, that are always inScripturespokenofas thepeopleofGod’swrath. Isa. 10:6, “Iwill sendhimagainstahypocriticalnation, against thepeopleofmywrathwill Igivehimacharge,totakethespoil.”—Thereasonsarechieflythese:

I.Thattheysinagainstsomuchgreaterlight.ThisisoftenspokenofinScriptureasanaggravationtothesinandwickednessofsinnersinZion.HethatknowsnothisLord’swill,anddoethitnot,isdeclarednottobeworthyofsomanystripes,ashewho,beinginformedofhisLord’swill,isinlikemannerdisobedient.Ifmenbeblind,theyhavecomparativelynosin.But then they see,when theyhave light toknow theirduty, and to

knowtheirobligation, thentheirsin isgreat,John9:14.Whenthe lightthatisinamanisdarkness,howgreatisthatdarkness!Andwhenmenlive inwickedness, inthemidstofgreat light, that light is liketobetheblacknessofdarknessindeed.

II.Thattheysinagainstsuchprofessionsandvows.TheheathensneverpretendedtobetheworshippersofthetrueGod.TheyneverpretendedtobeChrist’sdisciples.Theynevercameunderanycovenant-obligationstobe such.But this isnot the casewith sinners inZion.Now,Godhighlyresentsfalsehoodandtreachery.Judas,whobetrayedChristwithakiss,was a greater sinner, and much more the object of God’s wrath, thanPilate,whocondemnedhimtobecrucified,andwashismurderer.

III.Thattheysinagainstsomuchgreatermercy.Theyhavethe infinitemercyofGod,ingivinghisownSon,oftensetbeforethem.Theyhavethedying love of Christ represented to them. They have this mercy, thisgloriousSavior,hisbloodandrighteousness,oftenofferedtothem.Theyhave a blessed opportunity to obtain salvation for their souls. A greatpriceisputintotheirhandstothisend.Theyhavethatprecioustreasure,theHolyScriptures,andenjoySabbaths,andsacraments,andthevariousmeansofgrace.Butallthesemeansandadvantages,theseopportunities,offersmercies,andinvitations,theyabuse,despise,andreject.

But there is no wrath like that which arises from mercy abused andrejected.Whenmercyisinthiswayturnedintowrath,thisisthefiercestwrath.—Sinners inZion,besidetheir fallbythefirstAdam,havea fallalsoby thesecond.He isa stoneof stumblinganda rockofoffense, atwhichtheystumbleandfall.Andthereisnofalllikethis.ThefallbythefirstAdamislightincomparisonwithit.

Ontheseaccounts,wheneverweseethedayofjudgment,aseveryoneofusshallseeit,weshalleasilydistinguishbetweenthesinnersinZionandother sinners by their shriller cries, their louder, more bitter, anddolorousshrieks, thegreateramazementof theircountenances,andthemoredismalshakingoftheirlimbs,andcontortionsoftheirbodies.

SECTIONV

AnearnestexhortationtosinnersinZion,nowtoflyfromthedevouringfireandeverlastingburnings.

You have often been exhorted to fly from the “wrath to come.” Thisdevouring fire, these everlasting burnings, of which we have beenspeaking,arethewrathtocome.Youhearofthisfire,oftheseburnings,and of that fearfulness which will seize and surprise sinners in Zionhereafter.AndOwhatreasonhaveyouofthankfulnessthatyouonlyhearofthem,thatyoudonotasyetfeelthem,andthattheyhavenotalreadytakenholdofyou!Theyare,asitwere,followingyou,andcomingnearerand nearer every day. Those fierce flames are already kindled in thewrathofGod.Yea,thefiercenessandwrathofAlmightyGodburnagainstyou.It isreadyforyou.Thatpit ispreparedforyouwithfireandmuchwood,andthewrathoftheLord,asastreamofbrimstone,doeskindleit.

LotwaswithgreaturgencyhastenedoutofSodom,andcommanded tomake haste, and fly for his life, and escape to the mountains, lest heshould be consumed in those flames which burned up Sodom andGomorrah.Butthatburningwasameresparktothatdevouringfire,andthose everlasting burnings, of which you are in danger. Thereforeimprovethepresentopportunity.

Now,GodispleasedagaintoputouthisSpirituponus.Andheisdoinggreatthingsamongstus.Godis indeedcomeagain, thesamegreatGodwho so wonderfully appeared among us some years ago, and who hassince,foroursins,departedfromus,leftussolonginsodullanddeadastate, and has let sinners alone in their sins, so that there have beenscarcelyanysins tobeseenofanysuchworkasconversion.That sameGodisnowcomeagain.Heisreallycomeinlikemanner,andbegins,ashedidbefore,gloriouslytomanifesthismightypower,andtherichesofhis grace. He brings sinners out of darkness into marvelous light. Herescues poor captive souls out of the hands of Satan.He saves personsfromthedevouringfire.Heplucksoneandanotherasbrandsoutoftheburnings. He opens the prison-doors and knocks off their chains andbringsoutpoorprisoners.He isnowworking salvationamongus fromthisverydestructionofwhichyouhavenowheard.

Now, now, then, is the time, now is the blessed opportunity to escape

those everlasting burnings. Now God has again set open the samefountain amongus, and gives onemorehappyopportunity for souls toescape.Nowhehassetopenawidedoor,andhestandsinthedoor-way,callingandbeggingwithaloudvoicetothesinnersofZion:Come,saithhe,come,flyfromthewrathtocome.Hereisarefugeforyou.Flyhitherforrefuge.Layholdonthehopesetbeforeyou.

A littlewhileago, itwasuncertainwhetherwe should ever see suchanopportunity again. If it had always continued as it has been for someyearspast, almost all of youwould surelyhave gone tohell. In a littletimefearfulnesswouldhavesurprisedyouandyouwouldhavebeencastinto that devouring fire and those everlasting burnings. But in infinitemercy God gives another opportunity. And blessed are your eyes, thattheyseeit,ifyoudidbutknowyourownopportunity.

Youhavehadyour life spared through these sixyearspast, to thisverytime, toanotheroutpouringof theSpirit.Whatwouldyouhavedone ifyouhaddiedbefore it came?Howdolefulwould your casehavebeen !ButyouhavereasontoblessGodthatitwasnotso,andthatyouareyetalive,andnowagainseeablesseddayofgrace.Andwillyounotimproveit?Haveyounotsomuchlovetoyourpoorsouls,astoimprovesuchanopportunityasthis?

Some,thereisreasontothink,have lately fledforrefugetoChrist.Andwill you be willing to stay behind still, poor miserable captives,condemned to suffer forever in the lake of fire?Hereafter you will seethoseofyourneighborsandacquaintancewhoareconverted,mountingupaswithwings,withsongsofjoy,tomeettheirLord.Andifyouremainunconverted,youatthesametimewillbesurprisedwithfearandhorrorwill takeholdof you,becauseof thedevouring fire, and the everlastingburnings.

It isanawfulthingto thinkof, that therearenowsomepersons in thisvery congregation,hereand there,whowillbe the subjectsof that verymisery of which we have now heard, although it be eternal! There areprobablysomenowreadingorhearingthisdiscourse,whoshallbeseenat thedayof judgment, among thedevils, at the lefthandof the judge,with freighted, ghastly countenances, wringing their hands, gnashing

theirteeth,shriekingandcryingout.

Now we know not their names, nor where to look for them. But Godknoweththeirnames,andnowseethandknowethwhattheythink,andhowmuchtheyregardthewarningswhicharegiven themthisday.Wehavenottheleastreasontosupposeanyotherthanthatsomeofyouwillhereafter see others entering into glory with Christ, and saints, andangels,whileyou,withdreadfulhorror,shallseethefirebegintokindleabout you. Itmay be, that the persons are now blessing themselves intheirownhearts,andeachonesayingwithhimself,Well,IdonotintenditshallbeI.Everyonehopestogotoheave.Nonewouldbyanymeansmiss of it. If any thought they shouldmiss of it, theywould be greatlyamazed.Butallwillnotgothither;itwillundoubtedlybetheportionofsometotossandtumbleforeveramongthefierybillowsofGod’swrath.

Itisnottobesupposed,butthattherearesomeherewhowillnotbeinearnest. Let them have ever so good an opportunity to obtain heaven,theywillnotthoroughlyimproveit.Tellthemofhellasoftenasyouwill,andsetitoutinaslivelycolorsasyouwill,theywillbeslackandslothful.Andtheywillneverbelikelytoobtainheavenwhiletheyaresleeping,anddreaming,andintending,andhoping.ThewrathofGod,whichpursuesthem,will take themby theheels.Hell, that follows after,will overtakethem.Andatempestwillstealthemaway.

Norisittobesupposed,thatallwhoarenowseekingwillholdout.Somewillbackslide.Theywillbeunsteady.Ifnowtheyseemtobeprettymuchengaged, itwillnothold.Timeswillprobablyalterbyandby, and theyhavingnotobtainedgrace,therewillbemanytemptationstobacksliding,withwhichtheywillcomply.Theheartsofmenareveryunsteady.Theyarenottobetrusted.Menareveryshort-winded.Theycannottellhowtohavepatience towaituponGod.Theyare soondiscouraged.Some thatarenowunderconvictionsmaylosethem.Perhapstheywillnotleaveoffseeking salvation at once. But they will come to it by degrees. After awhile,theywillbegintohearkentoexcuses,nottobequitesoconstantinduty.Theywillbegintothinkthattheyneednotbequitesostrict.Theywillsaytothemselves,theyseenohurtinsuchandsuchthings.Theyseeintobuttheymaypracticethemwithoutanygreatguilt.Thusgivingwaytotemptations,andhearkeningtoexcuses,theywillbydegreeslosetheir

convictions,andbecomesecureinsin.

There were some who were guilty of backsliding, the last time of therevivalof religionamongus.While the talkuponreligioussubjectswasgenerallykeptalive,theycontinuedtoseek.Butwhenthisbegantoabate,andtheysawotherslesszealousthantheyhadbeen,andespeciallywhenthey saw some miscarriages of professors, they began to grow morecareless, to seek less earnestly, and to plead these things as an excuse.And they are left behind still. They are to this day in a miserablecondemned state, in danger of the devouring fire, and of everlastingburnings,intwicesodangerousastateastheywereinbeforetheywereawakened.AndGodonlyknowswhatwillbecomeofthem.Andasitwasthen,sowedreaditwillbenow.

Somewhoarenowinanaturalcondition,aredoubtlessneardeath.Theyhavenot long to live in theworld.And if they seek in adullway, or if,after theyhave sought for awhile, they are guilty of backsliding, deathwill comeupon them long enoughbefore therewill come such anotheropportunity.Whentheyleaveoffseeking,itwillnotbewithoutadesignofseekingagainsometimeorother.Butdeathwillbetooquickforthem.It isnotthemannerofdeathtowaituponmen,whiletheytaketimetoindulge their sloth, and gratify their lusts. When his appointed timecomes, hewill do hiswork.Will you put off in hope of seeing anothersuchtimesevenyearshence?Alas!howmanyofthosewhoarenowinanatural conditionmay be in hell before another seven years shall haveelapsed!

Therefore now let every one look to himself. It is for your own souls’salvation. If you be foolish, and will not hearken to counsel, will notimprovetheopportunitywhenitisgivenyou,andwillnotenterintosuchanopendoor,youalonemustbearit.Ifyoushallmissthisopportunity,andquenchyourconvictionsnow,andthereshallcomeanothertimeoftheoutpouringoftheSpirit,youwillbefarlesslikelytohaveanyprofitby it.Aswe seenowGodchieflymoveson thehearts of thosewho areveryyoung,whoarebrought forwarduponthestageofactionsincethelastoutpouringoftheSpirit,whowerenotthencometoyearsofsomuchunderstanding, and consequently not so much in the way of theinfluences of the Spirit. As to those who were grown up, and had

convictionsthen,andquenchedthem,themostof theseareabundantlymorehardened,andseemtobemorepassedover.Soitwillprobablybewith you hereafter, if you miss this opportunity, and quench theconvictionsoftheSpiritwhichyouhavenow.

As to you who had awakenings the last time of the outpouring of theSpirit, and have quenched them, and remain to this day in a naturalcondition,letmecalluponyoualso,nowthatGodisgivingyouonemoresuch opportunity. If passing in impenitence through one suchopportunityhassohardenedyou,andhasbeensuchagreatdisadvantagetoyou,howsadwillyourcasebe,ifyoushallnowmissanother!Willyounot thoroughly awake out of sleep, bestir yourselves for your salvation,andresolvenowtobeginagain,andneverleaveoffmore?Manyfledforrefuge fromthedevouring firebefore,andyouwere leftbehind.Othershavefledforrefugenow,andstillyouareleftbehind.Andwillyoualwaysremain behind? Consider, can you dwell with devouring fire? Can youdwellwitheverlastingburnings?Shallchildren,babesandsucklings,gointothekingdomofGodbeforeyou?

Howwill youhereafterbear to see themcoming and sittingdownwithAbraham,Isaac,andJacob,inthekingdomofGod,whenyourselvesarethrust out, and are surprised with fearfulness at the sight of thatdevouringfire,andthoseeverlastingburnings,intowhichyouareaboutto be cast? Take heed lest a like threatening be fulfilledupon youwiththatwhichwehaveinNum.14:22,23,“Becauseallthosemenwhichhaveseen my glory, and my miracles which I did in Egypt, and in thewilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have nothearkenedtomyvoice;surely theyshallnotseethe landwhichIswareunto their fathers; neither shall any of them that provokedme see it.”Togetherwithverse31, “Butyour littleones,whichye said shouldbeaprey, themwill I bring in, and they shall know the landwhich yehavedespised.”

THEETERNITYOFHELLSTORMENTS

(DatedApril,1739)

Matthew25:46Theseshallgoawayintoeverlastingpunishment.

Subject:Themiseryofthewickedinhellwillbeabsolutelyeternal.

IN this chapter we have the most particular description of the day ofjudgment,of any in thewholeBible.Christ here declares thatwhenheshallhereaftersitonthethroneofhisglory,therighteousandthewickedshallbesetbeforehim,andseparatedonefromtheother,asashepherddivideshissheepfromthegoats.Thenwehaveanaccounthowbothwillbe judgedaccordingtotheirworks:howthegoodworksof theoneandtheevilworksoftheotherwillberehearsed,andhowthesentenceshallbe pronounced accordingly. We are told what the sentence will be oneach, and thenwehave an accountof the executionof the sentence onboth. In the words of the text is the account of the execution of thesentence on the wicked or the ungodly, concerning which, it is to mypurposetoobservetwothings.

I.Thedurationofthepunishmentonwhichtheyareheresaidtoenter:itiscalledeverlastingpunishment.

II.The timeof their entranceon this everlastingpunishment,viz. afterthe day of judgment, when all these things that are of a temporarycontinuanceshallhavecometoanendandeventhoseof themthataremost lasting— the frame of theworld itself, the earthwhich is said toabideforever,theancientmountainsandeverlastinghills,[and]thesun,moon,andstars.Whentheheavensshallhavewaxedoldlikeagarmentandasavestureshallbechanged,thenshallbethetimewhenthewickedshallenterontheirpunishment.

Doctrine.—Themiseryofthewickedinhellwillbeabsolutelyeternal.

TherearetwoopinionswhichImeantooppose in thisdoctrine.One isthattheeternaldeathwithwhichwickedmenarethreatenedinScripture,signifies nomore than eternal annihilation: that God will punish their

wickednessbyeternallyabolishingtheirbeing.

TheotheropinionwhichImeantoopposeisthatthoughthepunishmentofthewickedshallconsistinsensiblemisery,yetitshallnotbeabsolutelyeternal,butonlyofaverylongcontinuance.

Therefore, to establish the doctrine in opposition to these differentopinions,Ishallundertaketoshow,

I.Thatitisnotcontrarytothedivineperfectionstoinflictonwickedmenapunishmentthatisabsolutelyeternal.

II.ThattheeternaldeathwhichGodthreatensisnotannihilation,butanabidingsensiblepunishmentormisery.

III.Thatthismiserywillnotonlycontinueforaverylongtime,butwillbeabsolutelywithoutend.

IV.Thatvariousgoodendswillbeobtainedbytheeternalpunishmentofthewicked.

I.Iamtoshowthatitisnotcontrarytothedivineperfectionstoinflictonwickedmenapunishmentthatisabsolutelyeternal.

Thisisthesumoftheobjectionsusuallymadeagainstthisdoctrine:thatitisinconsistentwiththejustice,andespeciallywiththemercy,ofGod.Andsomesay[that] if itbestrictly just,yethowcanwesuppose thatamercifulGodcanbeareternallytotormenthiscreatures.

First,IshallbrieflyshowthatitisnotinconsistentwiththejusticeofGodto inflict an eternal punishment. To evince this, I shall use only oneargument,viz.thatsinisheinousenoughtodeservesuchapunishment,and such a punishment is no more than proportionable to the evil ordemeritofsin.Iftheevilofsinbeinfinite,asthepunishmentis,thenitismanifestthatthepunishmentisnomorethanproportionabletothesinpunished,andisnomorethansindeserves.Andiftheobligationtolove,honor, andobeyGodbe infinite, then sinwhich is the violationof this

obligation, isaviolationof infiniteobligation,andso is an infinite evil.Again,ifGodbeinfinitelyworthyoflove,honor,andobedience,thenourobligationtolove,andhonor,andobeyhimisinfinitelygreat.—SothatGodbeinginfinitelyglorious,orinfinitelyworthyofourlove,honor,andobedience,ourobligationto love,honor,andobeyhim(andsotoavoidallsin) is infinitelygreat.Again,ourobligationto love,honor,andobeyGodbeinginfinitelygreat,sinistheviolationofinfiniteobligation,andsois an infinite evil. Once more, sin being an infinite evil, deserves aninfinitepunishment.Aninfinitepunishmentisnomorethanitdeserves.Therefore such punishment is just, which was the thing to be proved.Thereisnoevadingtheforceofthisreasoning,butbydenyingthatGod,thesovereignoftheuniverse,isinfinitelyglorious,whichIpresumenoneofmyhearerswillventuretodo.

Second,IamtoshowthatitisnotinconsistentwiththemercyofGod,toinflictaneternalpunishmentonwickedmen.It isanunreasonableandunscriptural notion of themercy of God, that he is merciful in such asensethathecannotbearthatpenaljusticeshouldbeexecuted.ThisistoconceiveofthemercyofGodasapassiontowhichhisnatureissosubjectthatGod is liable tobemoved, andaffected, andovercomeby seeing acreatureinmisery,sothathecannotbeartoseejusticeexecuted:whichisamostunworthyandabsurdnotionof themercyofGod,andwould, iftrue, argue great weakness. — It would be a great defect, and not aperfection, in the sovereign and supreme Judge of the world, to bemerciful in such a sense that he could not bear to have penal justiceexecuted. It is a very unscriptural notion of the mercy of God. TheScriptureseverywhererepresentthemercyofGodasfreeandsovereign,and not that the exercises of it are necessary, so that God cannot bearjustice should take place. The Scriptures abundantly speak of it as thegloryof thedivineattributeofmercy, that it is freeandsovereign in itsexercises,andnotthatGodcannotbutdeliversinnersfrommisery.Thisisameanandmostunworthyideaofthedivinemercy.

It ismostabsurdalsoas it is contrary toplain fact.For if therebeanymeaning in the objection, this is supposed in it, that all misery of thecreature,whetherjustorunjust,isinitselfcontrarytothenatureofGod.For ifhismercybeof suchanature thata very greatdegreeofmisery,

thoughjust,iscontrarytohisnature,thenitisonlytoaddtothemercy.Andthena lessdegreeofmisery iscontrarytohisnature(againtoaddfurther to it), anda still lessdegreeofmisery is contrary tohisnature.AndsothemercyofGodbeinginfinite,allmiserymustbecontrarytohisnature,whichwe see tobe contrary to fact. Forwe see thatGod inhisprovidence,doesindeedinflictverygreatcalamitiesonmankindeveninthislife.

Howeverstrongsuchkindofobjectionsagainsttheeternalmiseryofthewicked, may seem to the carnal, senseless hearts of men, as though itwere againstGod’s justice andmercy, yet their seeming strength arisesfrom a want of sense of the infinite evil, odiousness, and provocationthere is insin.Hence it seemstousnotsuitable thatanypoorcreatureshould be the subject of such misery, because we have no sense ofanythingabominableandprovoking inanycreatureanswerable to it. Ifwehad, then this infinite calamitywouldnot seemunsuitable. For onethingwouldbutappearanswerableandproportionabletoanother,andsothemindwouldrest in it as fit and suitable, andnomore thanwhat ispropertobeorderedbythejust,holy,andgoodGovernoroftheworld.

Thatthisisso,wemaybeconvincedbythisconsideration,viz.thatwhenwehear or readof somehorrid instances of cruelty, itmaybe to somepoor innocentchildorsomeholymartyr—and their cruelpersecutors,havingnoregardtotheirshrieksandcries,onlysportedthemselveswiththeirmisery,andwouldnotvouchsafeeventoputanendtotheirlives—wehaveasenseoftheevilofthem,andtheymakeadeepimpressiononour minds. Hence it seems just, every way fit and suitable, that Godshould inflict a very terrible punishment on persons who haveperpetrated such wickedness. It seems no way disagreeable to anyperfectionoftheJudgeoftheworld.Wecanthinkofitwithoutbeingatall shocked. The reason is that we have a sense of the evil of theirconduct, and a sense of the proportion there is between the evil ordemeritandthepunishment.

Just so, if we saw a proportion between the evil of sin and eternalpunishment,i.e. ifwesawsomethinginwickedmenthatshouldappearas hateful to us, as eternal misery appears dreadful (something thatshould as much stir up indignation and detestation, as eternal misery

does terror), all objections against this doctrine would vanish at once.Though now it seem incredible, [and] though when we hear of such adegree and duration of torments as are held forth in this doctrine andthinkwhateternityis, it isreadytoseemimpossiblethatsuchtormentsshouldbeinflictedonpoorfeeblecreaturesbyaCreatorofinfinitemercy.Yetthisarisesprincipallyfromthesetwocauses:1.Itissocontrarytothedepravedinclinationsofmankind,thattheyhatetobelieveitandcannotbear it should be true. 2. They see not the suitableness of eternalpunishment to the evil of sin. They see not that it is no more thanproportionabletothedemeritofsin.

Having thus shown that the eternal punishment of the wicked is notinconsistentwiththedivineperfections,Ishallnowproceedtoshowthatitissofarfrombeinginconsistentwiththedivineperfections,thatthoseperfectionsevidentlyrequire it; i.e. theyrequire thatsinshouldhavesogreatapunishment,either in thepersonwhohas committed it, or in asurety.And thereforewith respect to thosewhobelievenot ina surety,and have no interest in him, the divine perfections require that thispunishmentshouldbeinflictedonthem.

This appears as it is not only not unsuitable that sin should be thuspunished, but it is positively suitable, decent, and proper.— If this bemade to appear, that it is positively suitable that sin should be thuspunished, then itwill follow that the perfections ofGod require it. Forcertainly theperfectionsofGod requirewhat is proper tobedone.Theperfection and excellency of God require that to take place which isperfect, excellent, and proper in its ownnature. But that sin shouldbepunished eternally is such a thing, which appears by the followingconsiderations.

1. It is suitable that God should infinitely hate sin, and be an infiniteenemytoit.Sin,asIhavebeforeshown,isaninfiniteevil,andthereforeisinfinitelyodiousanddetestable.ItisproperthatGodshouldhateeveryevil, and hate it according to its odious and detestable nature. And sinbeing infinitely evil and odious, it is proper that God should hate itinfinitely.

2. If infinite hatred of sin be suitable to the divine character, then the

expressions of such hatred are also suitable to this character. Becausethat which is suitable to be, is suitable to be expressed. That which islovelyinitself,islovelywhenitappears.IfitbesuitablethatGodshouldbeaninfiniteenemytosin,orthatheshouldhateitinfinitely,thenitissuitable that he should act as such an enemy. If it be suitable that heshould hate and have enmity against sin, then it is suitable for him toexpressthathatredandenmityinthattowhichhatredandenmitybyitsown nature tends. But certainly hatred in its own nature tends toopposition,andtosetitselfagainstthatwhichishated,andtoprocureitsevilandnotitsgood,andthatinproportiontothehatred.Greathatrednaturallytendstothegreatevil,andinfinitehatredtotheinfiniteevil,ofitsobject.

WhenceitfollowsthatifitbesuitablethatthereshouldbeinfinitehatredofsininGod,asIhaveshownitis,itissuitablethatheshouldexecuteaninfinitepunishmentonit.AndsotheperfectionsofGodrequirethatheshould punish sinwith an infinite, orwhich is the same thingwith aneternal,punishment.

Thusweseenotonlythegreatobjectionagainstthisdoctrineanswered,butthetruthofthedoctrineestablishedbyreason.Inowproceedfurtherto establish it by considering the remaining particulars under thedoctrine.

II.ThateternaldeathorpunishmentwhichGodthreatenstothewicked,isnotannihilation,butanabidingsensiblepunishmentormisery.—Thetruthofthispropositionwillappearbythefollowingparticulars.

First,theScriptureeverywhererepresentsthepunishmentofthewicked,asimplyingveryextremepainsandsufferings.Butastateofannihilationisnostateofsufferingatall.Personsannihilatedhavenosenseorfeelingofpainorpleasure, andmuch less do they feel that punishmentwhichcarriesinitanextremepainorsuffering.Theynomoresuffertoeternitythantheydidsufferfrometernity.

Second, it isagreeablebothtoScriptureandreasontosupposethat thewickedshallbepunishedinsuchamannerthattheyshallbesensibleofthe punishment they are under: that they should be sensible that now

Godhasexecutedandfulfilledwhathethreatened,whattheydisregardedandwouldnot believe. They should know themselves that justice takesplaceuponthem,thatGodvindicatesthatmajestywhichtheydespised,[and] thatGod is not so despicable a being as they thought him to be.Theyshouldbesensibleforwhattheyarepunished,whiletheyareunderthethreatenedpunishment.Itisreasonablethattheyshouldbesensibleoftheirownguilt,andshouldremembertheirformeropportunitiesandobligations, and should see their own folly and God’s justice. — If thepunishmentthreatenedbeeternalannihilation,theywillneverknowthatitisinflicted.TheywillneverknowthatGodisjustintheirpunishment,or that they have their deserts. And how is this agreeable to theScriptures, inwhichGod threatens, thathewill repay thewicked tohisface,Deu.7:10.AndtothatinJob21:19,20,“Godrewardethhim,andheshallknowit;hiseyesshallseehisdestruction,andheshalldrinkofthewrathoftheAlmighty.”AndtothatinEze.22:21,22,“Yea,Iwillgatheryou,andblowuponyouinthefireofmywrath,andyeshallbemeltedinthemidstthereof.Assilverismeltedinthemidstofthefurnace,soshallyebemeltedinthemidstthereof;andyeshallknowthatItheLordhavepoured out my fury upon you.” — And how is it agreeable to thatexpression so often annexed to the threatenings ofGod’swrath againstwickedmen,AndyeshallknowthatIamtheLord?

Third,theScriptureteachesthatthewickedwillsufferdifferentdegreesof torment, according to the different aggravations of their sins. Mat.5:22,“Whosoever is angrywithhisbrotherwithout a cause, shall be indanger of the judgment: andwhosoever shall say to his brother, Raca,shallbeindangerofthecouncil:butwhosoevershallsay,Thoufool,shallbe in danger of hell-fire.” Here Christ teaches us that the torments ofwicked men will be different in different persons, according to thedifferent degrees of their guilt.— It shall bemore tolerable for Sodomand Gomorrah, for Tyre and Sidon, than for the cities where most ofChrist’smightyworkswerewrought.—Again,ourLordassuresus thathe that knows his Lord’s will, and prepares not himself, nor doesaccording to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he thatknows not, and commits thingsworthy of stripes, shall be beatenwithfew stripes.— These several passages of Scripture infallibly prove thatthere will be different degrees of punishment in hell, which is utterly

inconsistent with the supposition that the punishment consists inannihilation,inwhichtherecanbenodegrees.

Fourth,theScripturesareveryexpressandabundantinthismatter:thattheeternalpunishmentofthewickedwillconsistinsensiblemiseryandtorment,andnotinannihilation.—WhatissaidofJudasisworthytobeobservedhere,“Ithadbeengoodforthatmanifhehadnotbeenborn;”Mat.26:24.—Thisseemsplainlytoteachus,thatthepunishmentofthewicked is such that theirexistence,upon thewhole, isworse thannon-existence.Butiftheirpunishmentconsistsmerelyinannihilation,thisisnottrue.—Thewicked,intheirpunishment,aresaidtoweep,andwail,and gnash their teeth; which implies not only real existence, but life,knowledge,andactivity,andthattheyareinaverysensibleandexquisitemanneraffectedwiththeirpunishment,Isa.33:14.Sinnersinthestateoftheirpunishmentarerepresentedtodwellwitheverlastingburnings.Butif they are only turned into nothing, where is the foundation for thisrepresentation? It is absurd to say that sinners will dwell withannihilation,forthereisnodwellinginthecase.Itisalsoabsurdtocallannihilationaburning,whichimpliesastateofexistence,sensibility,andextremepain:whereasinannihilationthereisneither.

Itissaidthattheyshallbecastintoalakeoffireandbrimstone.Howcanthis expression with any propriety be understood to mean a state ofannihilation?Yea, theyareexpresslysaidtohavenorestdaynornight,buttobetormentedwithfireandbrimstoneforeverandever,Rev.20:10.Butannihilationisastateofrest,astateinwhichnottheleasttormentcanpossiblybesuffered.Therichmaninhelllifteduphiseyesbeingintorment, and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom, andentered into a particular conversation with Abraham: all which provesthathewasnotannihilated.

Thespiritsofungodlymenbefore the resurrectionarenot in a stateofannihilation, but in a state ofmisery. They are spirits in prison, as theapostlesaysofthemthatweredrownedintheflood,1Pet.3:19.—Andthis appears very plainly from the instance of the rich man beforementioned, if we consider him as representing the wicked in theirseparatestatebetweendeathandtheresurrection.Butifthewickedeventhenare inastateof torment,muchmorewill theybe,whentheyshall

cometosufferthatwhichistheproperpunishmentoftheirsins.

Annihilation is not so great a calamity but that some men haveundoubtedly chosen it, rather thana state of suffering even in this life.ThiswasthecaseofJob,agoodman.Butifagoodmaninthisworldmaysuffer that which is worse than annihilation, doubtless the properpunishmentofthewicked,inwhichGodmeanstomanifesthispeculiarabhorrenceoftheirwickedness,willbeacalamityvastlygreaterstill,andthereforecannotbeannihilation.Thatmustbeaverymeancontemptibletestimony of God’s wrath towards those who have rebelled against hiscrownanddignity—brokenhis laws, anddespisedbothhis vengeanceand his grace — which is not so great a calamity as some of his truechildrenhavesufferedinlife.

Theeternalpunishmentofthewickedissaidtobetheseconddeath,asRev.20:14,and21:8.Itisdoubtlesscalledtheseconddeathinreferenceto the death of the body, and as the death of the body is ordinarilyattended with great pain and distress, so the like, or something vastlygreater, is implied in calling the eternal punishment of the wicked thesecond death. And there would be no propriety in calling it so, if itconsistedmerelyinannihilation.Andthisseconddeathwickedmenwillsuffer,foritcannotbecalledtheseconddeathwithrespecttoanyotherthanmen. It cannot be called so with respect to devils, as they die notemporaldeath,whichisthefirstdeath.InRev.2:11,it issaid,“Hethatovercometh,shallnotbehurtoftheseconddeath;”implyingthatallwhodonotovercometheirlusts,butliveinsin,shallsuffertheseconddeath.

Again,wickedmenwillsufferthesamekindofdeathwiththedevils;asinverse41ofthecontext,“Depart,yecursed,intoeverlastingfire,preparedfor the devil and his angels.” Now the punishment of the devil is notannihilation,buttorment.Hethereforetremblesforfearofit.notforfearofbeingannihilated—hewouldbegladofthat.Whereheisafraidofistorment, as appears by Luke 8:28, where he cries out and beseechesChristthathewouldnottormenthimbeforethetime.Anditissaid,Rev.20:10, “The devil that deceived themwas cast into the lake of fire andbrimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall betormenteddayandnight,foreverandever.”

Itisstrangehowmenwillgodirectlyagainstsoplainandfullrevelationsof Scripture, as to suppose notwithstanding all these things, that theeternalpunishmentthreatenedagainstthewickedsignifiesnomorethanannihilation.

III.Asthefuturepunishmentofthewickedconsistsinsensiblemisery,soit shall not only continue for a very long time, but shall be absolutelywithoutend.

Of those who have held that the torments of hell are not absolutelyeternal,therehavebeentwosorts.Somesupposethatinthethreateningsof everlasting punishment, the terms used do not necessarily import apropereternity,butonlyaverylongduration.Otherssupposethatiftheydo importapropereternity,yetwecannotnecessarily conclude thence,thatGodwillfulfillhisthreatenings.—ThereforeIshall,

First, show that the threateningsof eternalpunishmentdoveryplainlyand fully import a proper, absolute eternity, and not merely a longduration.—Thisappears,

1.Becausewhen theScripture speaks of thewicked being sentenced totheir punishment at the timewhen all temporal things are come to anend,itthenspeaksofitaseverlasting,asinthetext,andelsewhere.Itistrue that the term forever is not always in Scripture used to signifyeternity.Sometimesitmeans“aslongasamanlives.”InthissenseitissaidthattheHebrewservant,whochosetoabidewithhismaster,shouldhave his ear bored and should serve his master forever. Sometimes itmeans“during thecontinuanceof thestateandchurchof theJews.”Inthissense,several laws,whichwerepeculiartothatchurchandweretocontinue in force no longer than that church should last, are calledstatutes forever.SeeExo.27:21,28:43,etc.Sometimes itmeansas longas theworld stands. So inEcc. 1:4, “One generationpasseth away, andanothergenerationcometh,buttheearthabidethforever.”

And this last is the longest temporal duration that such a term is everused to signify. For the duration of the world is the longest of thingstemporal,asitsbeginningwastheearliest.ThereforewhentheScripturespeaks of things as being before the foundation of theworld, itmeans

that they existed before the beginning of time. So those things whichcontinueaftertheendoftheworld,areeternalthings.Whenheavenandearth are shaken and removed, those things that remain will be whatcannotbeshaken,butwillremainforever,Heb.12:26-27.

But thepunishmentof thewickedwillnotonly remainafter theendoftheworld,but is called everlasting, as in the text, “These shall go awayinto everlasting punishment.” So in 2 Thes. 1:9-10, “Who shall bepunishedwitheverlastingdestructionfromthepresenceoftheLord,andfrom the glory of his power; when he shall come to be glorified in hissaints,”etc.—Now,whatcanbemeantbyathingbeingeverlasting,afterall temporal thingsarecometoanend,butthat it isabsolutelywithoutend!

2.Suchexpressionsareusedtosetforththedurationofthepunishmentofthewicked,asareneverusedinthescripturesoftheNewTestamenttosignify anything but a proper eternity. It is said, not only that thepunishment shall be forever, but for ever and ever. Rev. 14:11, “Thesmoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever.” Rev. 20:10,“Shallbetormenteddayandnight,foreverandever.”DoubtlesstheNewTestamenthas someexpression to signifyaproper eternity, ofwhich ithassooftenoccasiontospeak.Butithasnohigherexpressionthanthis:ifthisdonotsignifyanabsoluteeternity,thereisnonethatdoes.

3.TheScriptureusesthesamewayofspeakingtosetforththeeternityofpunishment and the eternity of happiness, yea, the eternity of Godhimself.Mat. 25:46, “These shall go away into everlasting punishment:buttherighteousintolifeeternal.”Thewordseverlastingandeternal,inthe original, are the very same. Rev. 22:5, “And they (the saints) shallreign foreverandever.”AndtheScripturehasnohigherexpressiontosignify the eternity ofGodhimself, than that of his being for ever andever,asRev.4:9,“Tohimwhosatonthethrone,wholivethforeverandever;”andinthe10thverse,andinRev.5:14;10:6,and15:7.

Again, the Scripture expresses God’s eternity by this: that it shall beforever, after theworld is come to an end, Psa. 102:26-27, “They shallperish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like agarment;asavestureshaltthouchangethem,andtheyshallbechanged.

Butthouartthesame,andthyyearsshallhavenoend.”

4.TheScripturesaysthatwickedmenshallnotbedeliveredtilltheyhavepaidtheuttermostfarthingof theirdebt,Mat.5:26.The lastmite,Luke12:59,i.e.theutmostthat isdeserved,andallmercy isexcludedbythisexpression.Butwehaveshownthattheydeservean infinite,anendlesspunishment.

5.TheScripturesaysabsolutelythattheirpunishmentshallnothaveanend, Mark 9:44, “Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is notquenched.”Nowitwillnotdotosaythatthemeaningis[that]theirwormshallliveagreatwhile,orthatitshallbeagreatwhilebeforetheirfireisquenched.Ifeverthetimecomesthattheirwormshalldie, ifeverthereshallbeaquenchingofthefireatall,thenitisnottruethattheirwormdiethnotandthatthefireisnotquenched.Foriftherebeadyingofthewormandaquenchingofthefire,letitbeatwhattimeitwill,nearerorfurtheroff,itisequallycontrarytosuchanegation—itdiethnot,itisnotquenched.

Second, there are others who allow that the expression of thethreateningsdodenoteapropereternity.Butthen,theysay, itdoesnotcertainly followthat thepunishmentwill reallybeeternal,becauseGodmaythreaten,andyetnotfulfillhisthreatenings.Thoughtheyallowthatthe threatenings are positive and peremptory, without any reserve, yettheysay[that]Godisnotobligedtofulfillabsolutepositivethreatenings,asheisabsolutepromises.Becauseinpromisesarightisconveyedthatthecreaturetowhomthepromisesaremadewillclaim.But there isnodangerofthecreature’sclaiminganyrightbyathreatening.ThereforeIam now to show that what God has positively declared in this matter,does indeedmake it certain that it shall be as he has declared. To thisend,Ishallmentiontwothings:

1. It is evidently contrary to the divine truth, positively to declareanythingtobereal,whetherpast,present,ortocome,whichGodatthesametimeknowsisnotso.Absolutelythreateningthatanythingshallbe,isthesameasabsolutelydeclaringthatitistobe.ForanytosupposethatGodabsolutelydeclaresthatanythingwillbe,whichbeatthesametimeknowswillnotbe,isblasphemy,iftherebeanysuchthingasblasphemy.

Indeed,itisverytruethatthereisnoobligationonGod,arisingfromtheclaimof the creature, as there is in promises. They seem to reckon thewrongway,whosupposethenecessityoftheexecutionofthethreateningto arise from a proper obligation on God to the creature to executeconsequentonhisthreatening.Forindeedthecertaintyoftheexecutionarisestheotherway,viz.ontheobligation therewason theomniscientGod, in threatening, toconformhis threatening towhatheknewwouldbe future in execution. Though, strictly speaking, God is not properlyobligedtothecreaturetoexecutebecausehehasthreatened,yethewasobligednotabsolutely to threaten, if at the same timeheknew thatheshould not or would not fulfill, because this would not have beenconsistent with his truth. So that from the truth of God there is aninviolableconnectionbetweenpositivethreateningsandexecution.Theywho suppose thatGodpositivelydeclared thathewoulddo contrary towhatheknewwouldcometopass,dothereinsuppose,thatheabsolutelythreatenedcontrary towhat he knew to be truth.Andhowanyone canspeakcontrarytowhatheknowstobetruth,indeclaring,promising,orthreatening, or any other way, consistently with inviolable truth, isinconceivable.

Threatenings are significations of something, and if they are madeconsistently with truth, they are true significations, or significations oftruth,thatwhich shall be. If absolute threatenings are significations ofanything,theyaresignificationsofthefuturityofthethingsthreatened.Butifthefuturityofthethingsthreatenedbenottrueandreal,thenhowcanthethreateningbeatruesignification?AndifGod, inthem,speakscontrarytowhatheknows,andcontrarytowhatheintends,howhecanspeaktrueisinconceivable.

Absolutethreateningsareakindofpredictions.And thoughGod isnotproperlyobligedbyanyclaimofourstofulfillpredictions,unlesstheyareofthenatureofpromises,yet itcertainlywouldbecontrary to truth, topredictthatsuchathingwouldcometopass,whichheknewatthesametimewouldnotcometopass.Threateningsaredeclarationsofsomethingfuture, and they must be declarations of future truth, if they are truedeclarations.Itsbeingfuturealtersnotthecaseanymorethanifitwerepresent.Itisequallycontrarytotruth,todeclarecontrarytowhatatthe

sametimeisknowntobetruth,whetheritbeofthingspast,present,ortocome:forallarealiketoGod.

Beside, we have often declarations in Scripture of the future eternalpunishmentofthewicked,intheproperformofpredictions,andnotinthe form of threatenings. So in the text, “These shall go away intoeverlasting punishment.” So in those frequent assertions of eternalpunishmentintheRevelation,someofwhichIhavealreadyquoted.TheRevelationisaprophecy,andissocalledinthebookitself.Soarethosedeclarationsofeternalpunishment.—ThelikedeclarationswehavealsoinmanyotherplacesofScripture.

2. The doctrine of those who teach that it is not certain that God willfulfillthoseabsolutethreatenings,isblasphemousanotherway,andthatis,asGod,according to their supposition,wasobliged tomakeuseofafallacytogoverntheworld.Theyownthatitisneedfulthatmenshouldapprehend themselves liable to aneternalpunishment, that theymightthereby be restrained from sin, and that God has threatened such apunishment,fortheveryendthattheymightbelievethemselvesexposedto it. But what an unworthy opinion does this convey of God and hisgovernment, ofhis infinitemajesty, andwisdom, andall-sufficiency!—Beside,theysupposethatthoughGodhasmadeuseofsuchafallacy,yetit isnotsuchanonebut that theyhavedetectedhimin it.ThoughGodintendedmenshouldbelieveittobecertainthatsinnersareliabletoaneternalpunishment,yettheysupposethattheyhavebeensocunningastofindoutthatitisnotcertain.AndsothatGodhadnotlaidhisdesignso deep, but that such cunningmen as they can discern the cheat anddefeatthedesign,becausetheyhavefoundoutthatthereisnonecessaryconnection between the threatening of eternal punishment, and theexecutionofthatthreatening.

Considering these things, is it not greatly to be wondered at, thatArchbishop Tillotson, who hasmade so great a figure among the new-fashioneddivines,shouldadvancesuchanopinionasthis?

Before I conclude this head, it may be proper for me to answer anobjectionortwothatmayariseinthemindsofsome.

Objection1.Itmaybeheresaid[that]wehaveinstanceswhereinGodhasnotfulfilledhisthreatenings:ashisthreateningtoAdam,andinhimtomankind, that they should surely die, if they should eat the forbiddenfruit.Ianswer,itisnottruethatGoddidnotfulfillthatthreatening.Hefulfilleditandwillfulfillitineveryjotandtittle.WhenGodsaid,“Thoushaltsurelydie,” ifwerespect spiritualdeath, itwas fulfilled inAdam’spersoninthedaythatheate.Forimmediatelyhis image,hisholyspiritandoriginalrighteousness,whichwasthehighestandbestlifeofourfirstparents, were lost, and they were immediately in a doleful state ofspiritualdeath.

Ifwe respect temporal death, that was also fulfilled.He brought deathuponhimselfandallhisposterity,andhevirtuallysufferedthatdeathonthatverydayonwhichheate.Hisbodywasbrought intoacorruptible,mortal,anddyingcondition,andso it continued till itwasdissolved. Ifwelookatallthatdeathwhichwascomprehendedinthethreatening,itwas, properly speaking, fulfilled inChrist.WhenGod said toAdam, “Ifthou eatest, thou shalt die,” he spoke not only to him, and of himpersonally, but the words respectedmankind, Adam and his race, anddoubtless were so understood by him.His offspring were to be lookedupon as sinning in him, and so should die with him. Thewords do asjustly allow of an imputation of death as of sin. They are as wellconsistentwithdying inasurety,aswithsinning inone.Therefore, thethreateningisfulfilledinthedeathofChrist,thesurety.

Objection 2. Another objection may arise from God’s threatening toNineveh.Hethreatened,thatinfortydaysNinevehshouldbedestroyed,whichyethedidnot fulfill.—Ianswer, thatthreateningcould justlybelookeduponnootherwise thanasconditional. Itwasof thenatureofawarning, andnot of an absolutedenunciation.Whywas Jonah sent totheNinevites,buttogivethemwarning,thattheymighthaveopportunityto repent, reform, and avert the approaching destruction? God had nootherdesignorendinsendingtheprophettothem,butthattheymightbe warned and tried by him, as God warned the Israelites, Judah andJerusalem, before their destruction. Therefore the prophets, togetherwith their prophecies of approaching destruction, joined earnestexhortationstorepentandreform,thatitmightbeaverted.

Nomorecouldjustlybeunderstoodtobecertainlythreatened,thanthatNinevehshouldbedestroyed in fortydays,continuingas itwas.For itwasfortheirwickednessthatthatdestructionwasthreatened,andsotheNinevites took it. Therefore, when the cause was removed, the effectceased.ItwascontrarytoGod’sknownmanner,tothreatenpunishmentanddestruction for sin in thisworld absolutely, so that it should comeupon the persons threatened unavoidably, let them repent and reformand do what they would; Jer. 18:7, 8, “At what instant I shall speakconcerninganation,andconcerningakingdom,topluckup,andtopulldown,andtodestroyit; if thatnationagainstwhomIhavepronouncedturn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do untothem.”Sothatallthreateningsofthisnaturehadacondition implied inthem,accordingtotheknownanddeclaredmannerofGod’sdealing.AndtheNinevitesdidnot take itasanabsolute sentenceofdenunciation: ifthey had, they would have despaired of any benefit by fasting andreformation.

Butthethreateningsofeternalwratharepositiveandabsolute.ThereisnothingintheWordofGodfromwhichwecangatheranycondition.Theonlyopportunityofescapingisinthisworld.Thisistheonlystateoftrial,whereinwehaveanyoffersofmercy,orplaceforrepentance.

IV. I shall mention several good and important ends, which will beobtainedbytheeternalpunishmentofthewicked.

First, herebyGod vindicates his injuredmajesty.Wherein sinners castcontemptuponit,andtrampleitinthedust,Godvindicatesandhonorsitandmakesitappear,asitisindeedinfinite,byshowingthatitisinfinitelydreadfultocondemnoroffendit.

Second,Godglorifieshisjustice.—ThegloryofGodisthegreatestgood.Itisthatwhichisthechiefendofthecreation.Itisofgreaterimportancethananythingelse.ButthisonewaywhereinGodwillglorifyhimself,asin the eternal destruction of ungodly men, he will glorify his justice.Therein he will appear as a just governor of the world. The vindictivejusticeofGodwillappearstrict,exact,awful,andterrible,andthereforeglorious.

Third,Godherebyindirectlyglorifieshisgraceonthevesselsofmercy.—Thesaintsinheavenwillbeholdthetormentsofthedamned:“thesmokeoftheir tormentascendethup for ever andever.” Isa.66:24, “And theyshall go forth and look upon the carcasses of the men that havetrangressedagainstme: for theirwormshallnotdie,neither shall theirfirebequenched,andtheyshallbeanabhorringuntoall flesh.”And inRev.14:10it issaid, thattheyshallbe tormented in thepresenceof theholyangels,andinthepresenceoftheLamb.Sotheywillbetormentedinthepresencealsooftheglorifiedsaints.

Hereby the saints will be made the more sensible how great theirsalvationis.WhentheyshallseehowgreatthemiseryisfromwhichGodhas saved them,andhowgreatadifferencehehasmadebetween theirstateandthestateofothers,whowerebynature(andperhapsforatimebypractice)nomoresinfulandill-deservingthanany,itwillgivethemagreater sense of the wonderfulness of God’s grace to them. Every timethey lookuponthedamned, itwillexcite in thema livelyandadmiringsenseof thegraceofGod, inmaking themso todiffer.This theapostleinformsus isoneendof thedamnationofungodlymen;Rom.9:22-23,“What ifGodwilling toshowhiswrath,and tomakehispowerknown,endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted todestruction:andthathemightmakeknowntherichesofhisgloryonthevesselsofmercy,whichhehadaforeprepareduntoglory?”Theviewofthemiseryofthedamnedwilldoubletheardoroftheloveandgratitudeofthesaintsinheaven.

Fourth, the sight of hell tormentswill exalt the happiness of the saintsforever. Itwill not onlymake themmore sensible of the greatness andfreeness of the grace of God in their happiness, but it will reallymaketheirhappiness thegreater, as itwillmake themmore sensibleof theirownhappiness. Itwill give themamore lively relish of it: itwillmakethemprizeitmore.Whentheyseeothers,whowereofthesamenatureand born under the same circumstances, plunged in such misery, andtheysodistinguished,Oitwillmakethemsensiblehowhappytheyare.Asenseof theoppositemisery, inall cases, greatly increases the relishofanyjoyorpleasure.

The sight of thewonderful power, the great and dreadfulmajesty, and

awfuljusticeandholinessofGod,manifestedintheeternalpunishmentofungodlymen,willmakethemprizehisfavorandlovevastlythemore.Andtheywillbesomuchthemorehappyintheenjoymentofit.

APPLICATION

I.Fromwhathasbeensaid,wemay learn the follyandmadnessof thegreater part of mankind, in that for the sake of present momentarygratification,theyruntheventureofenduringalltheseeternaltorments.Theyprefera smallpleasure,ora littlewealth, or a little earthlyhonorandgreatness,whichcan lastbut foramoment, toanescape fromthispunishment.Ifitbetruethatthetormentsofhellareeternal,whatwillitprofit aman ifhegain thewholeworldand losehis own soul, orwhatshall aman give in exchange for his soul?What is there in thisworld,which is not a trifle and lighter than vanity, in comparison with theseeternalthings?

Howmad are men, who so often hear of these things and pretend tobelieve them;who can live but a little while (a few years); who do notevenexpecttoliveherelongerthanothersoftheirspeciesordinarilydo;andwho yet are careless aboutwhat becomesof themselves in anotherworld,where there isno change andno end!Howmad are they,whentheyhearthatiftheygooninsin,theyshallbeeternallymiserable—thatthey are not moved by it, but hear it with as much carelessness andcoldness as if theywere noway concerned in thematter—when theyknownotbutthatitmaybetheircase,thattheymaybesufferingthesetormentsbeforeaweekisatanend!

How canmenbe so careless of such amatter as their own eternal anddesperate destruction and torment! What a strange stupor andsenselessnesspossessestheheartsofmen!Howcommonathingisittoseemen,who are told fromSabbath to Sabbath of eternalmisery, andwhoareasmortalasothermen,socarelessaboutitthattheyseemnottobeatallrestrainedbyitfromwhatevertheirsoulslustafter!Itisnothalfsomuch their care to escape eternalmisery, as it is to getmoney andland,andtobeconsiderableintheworld,andtogratifytheirsense.Their

thoughtsaremuchmoreexercisedaboutthesethings,andmuchmoreoftheir care and concern is about them. Eternal misery, though they lieevery day exposed to it, is a thing neglected, it is but now and thenthoughtof,andthenwithagreatdealofstupidity,andnotwithconcernenoughtostirthemuptodoanythingconsiderableinordertoescapeit.Theyarenotsensiblethatitisworththeirwhiletotakeanyconsiderablepainsinordertoit.Andiftheydotakepainsforalittlewhile,theysoonleaveoff,andsomethingelsetakesuptheirthoughtsandconcern.

Thusyouseeitamongyoungandold.Multitudesofyouthleadacarelesslife, taking little care about their salvation. So you may see it amongpersonsofmiddleage,andwithmanyadvancedinyears,andwhentheycertainlydrawneartothegrave.—Yetthesesamepersonswillseemtoacknowledge that the greater part ofmen go to hell and suffer eternalmisery,andthisthroughcarelessnessaboutit.However,theywilldothesame.How strange is it thatmen can enjoy themselves and be at rest,when they are thus hanging over eternal burnings: at the same time,havingno lease of their lives andnot knowinghow soon the thread bywhichtheyhangwillbreak.Norindeeddotheypretendtoknow.Andifitbreaks,theyaregone:theyarelostforever,andthereisnoremedy!Yettheytroublenotthemselvesmuchaboutit,norwilltheyhearkentothosewhocrytothem,andentreatthemtotakecareforthemselves,andlaborto get out of that dangerous condition. They are not willing to take somuch pains. They choose not to be diverted from amusing themselveswithtoysandvanities.Thus,wellmightthewisemansay,Ecc.9:3,“Theheartofthesonsofmenisfullofevil.Madnessisintheirheartwhiletheylive;andafterthattheygotothedead.”—Howmuchwiserarethosefew,whomakeittheirmainbusinesstolayafoundationforeternity,tosecuretheirsalvation!

II.Ishallimprovethissubjectinauseofexhortationtosinners,totakecaretoescapetheseeternaltorments.Iftheybeeternal,onewouldthinkthatwouldbeenoughtoawakenyourconcern,andexciteyourdiligence.If the punishment be eternal, it is infinite, as we said before. Andtherefore no other evil, no death, no temporary torment that ever youheardof,orthatyoucanimagine,isanythingincomparisonwithit,butisasmuchlessandlessconsiderable,notonlyasagrainofsandis less

thanthewholeuniverse,butasitislessthantheboundlessspacewhichencompassestheuniverse.—Thereforehere,

First, be entreated to consider attentively how great and awful a thingeternityis.Althoughyoucannotcomprehenditthemorebyconsidering,yet you may be made more sensible that it is not a thing to bedisregarded. — Do but consider what it is to suffer extreme tormentforeverandever:tosufferitdayandnightfromoneyeartoanother,fromone age to another, and from one thousand ages to another (and soaddingagetoage,andthousandstothousands), inpain, inwailingandlamenting,groaningandshrieking,andgnashingyourteeth—withyoursouls full of dreadful grief and amazement, [and]with yourbodies andeverymember full of racking torture;without any possibility of gettingease;withoutanypossibilityofmovingGodtopitybyyourcries;withoutanypossibilityofhidingyourselvesfromhim;withoutanypossibilityofdiverting your thoughts from your pain; without any possibility ofobtaininganymannerofmitigation,orhelp,orchangeforthebetter.

Second, do but consider how dreadful despairwill be in such torment.How dismal will it be, when you are under these racking torments, toknowassuredly that younever, never shall be delivered from them. Tohavenohope:whenyoushallwishthatyoumightbeturnedintonothing,but shall have no hope of it; when you shall wish that you might beturned intoa toadora serpent,but shallhavenohopeof it;whenyouwould rejoice if you might but have any relief; after you shall haveendured these tormentsmillions of ages, but shall have no hope of it.Afteryoushallhavewornouttheageofthesun,moon,andstars,inyourdolorous groans and lamentations, without rest day and night, or oneminute’sease, yet you shallhavenohopeof everbeingdelivered.Afteryoushallhavewornathousandmoresuchages,youshallhavenohope,but shall know that you are not one whit nearer to the end of yourtorments.Butthatstilltherearethesamegroans,thesameshrieks,thesamedolefulcries,incessantlytobemadebyyou,andthatthesmokeofyour torment shall still ascend up forever and ever. Your souls, whichshall have been agitated with the wrath of God all this while, will stillexisttobearmorewrath.Yourbodies,whichshallhavebeenburningallthiswhileintheseglowingflames,shallnothavebeenconsumed,butwill

remain to roast through eternity, which will not have been at allshortenedbywhatshallhavebeenpast.

You may by considering make yourselves more sensible than youordinarilyare.But it isa littleyoucanconceiveofwhat it is tohavenohope insuch torments.Howsinkingwould itbe toyou, toenduresuchpainasyouhavefeltinthisworld,withoutanyhopes,andtoknowthatyounever shouldbedelivered from it, norhave oneminute’s rest!Youcannowscarcelyconceivehowdolefulthatwouldbe.HowmuchmoretoendurethevastweightofthewrathofGodwithouthope!Themorethedamnedinhellthinkoftheeternityoftheirtorments,themoreamazingwill it appear to them.And alas, theywill not be able to keep it out oftheirminds!Theirtortureswillnotdivertthemfromit,butwillfixtheirattention to it. O how dreadful will eternity appear to them after theyshallhavebeenthinkingonitforagestogether,andshallhavesolonganexperienceoftheirtorments!Thedamnedinhellwillhavetwoinfinitesperpetuallytoamazethem,andswallowthemup:oneisaninfiniteGod,whosewrath theywillbear, and inwhom theywillbehold theirperfectand irreconcilable enemy. The other is the infinite duration of theirtorment.

If it were possible for the damned in hell to have a comprehensiveknowledgeofeternity,theirsorrowandgriefwouldbeinfiniteindegree.The comprehensive view of somuch sorrow, which they must endure,would cause infinite grief for the present. Though they will not have acomprehensiveknowledgeofit,yettheywilldoubtlesshaveavastlymorelivelyandstrongapprehensionofitthanwecanhaveinthisworld.Theirtormentswillgivethemanimpressionofit.—Amaninhispresentstate,withoutanyenlargementofhiscapacity,wouldhaveavastlymorelivelyimpression of eternity than he has, if he were only under some prettysharp pain in some member of his body, and were at the same timeassuredthathemustendurethatpainforever.Hispainwouldgivehimagreatersenseofeternitythanothermenhave.Howmuchmorewillthoseexcruciatingtorments,whichthedamnedwillsuffer,havethiseffect!

Besides, their capacity will probably be enlarged, their understandingswillbequickerandstrongerinafuturestate,andGodcangivethemasgreat a sense andas strong an impression of eternity, as he pleases, to

increase their grief and torment. — O be entreated, ye that are in aChristlessstateandaregoingoninawaytohell,thataredailyexposedtodamnation,toconsiderthesethings.Ifyoudonot,itwillsurelybebutalittlewhilebeforeyouwillexperiencethem,andthenyouwillknowhowdreadful it is to despair in hell. And itmay be before this year, or thismonth, or thisweek, is at an end: before another Sabbath, or ever youshallhaveopportunitytohearanothersermon.

Third,thatyoumayeffectuallyescapethesedreadfulandawfultorments.Beentreated to flee and embracehimwho came into theworld for theveryendofsavingsinnersfromthesetorments,whohaspaidthewholedebtduetothedivinelaw,andexhaustedeternalintemporalsufferings.Whatgreatencouragementisittothoseofyouwhoaresensiblethatyouareexposedtoeternalpunishment,thatthereisaSaviorprovided,whoisableandwhofreelyofferstosaveyoufromthatpunishment,andthatinaway which is perfectly consistent with the glory of God: yea, which ismoretothegloryofGodthanitwouldbeifyoushouldsuffertheeternalpunishmentofhell.Forifyoushouldsufferthatpunishmentyouwouldnever pay thewhole of the debt. Thosewho are sent to hell neverwillhavepaidthewholeofthedebtwhichtheyowetoGod,norindeedapartwhichbearsanyproportiontothewhole.Theyneverwillhavepaidapartwhich bears so great a proportion to the whole, as one mite to tenthousandtalents.Justicethereforenevercanbeactuallysatisfiedinyourdamnation.ButitisactuallysatisfiedinChrist.ThereforeheisacceptedoftheFather,andthereforeallwhobelieveareacceptedandjustifiedinhim.Thereforebelieveinhim,cometohim,commityoursoulstohimtobe savedbyhim. Inhimyoushallbe safe from the eternal torments ofhell. Nor is that all: but through him you shall inherit inconceivableblessednessandglory,whichwillbeofequaldurationwiththetormentsofhell.For,asat the lastday thewickedshallgoaway intoeverlastingpunishment,soshalltherighteous,orthosewhotrustinChrist,gointolifeeternal.

SinnersDelayConcernsOfTheSoul

(DatedAug,1752)

Acts24:25Andashereasonedofrighteousness,temperance,andjudgmenttocome,Felixtrembled,andanswered,Gothywayforthistime;whenI

haveaconvenientseason,Iwillcallforthee.

I.ThesubjectoftheApostle’spreaching.

II.HowFelixwasaffectedbyit.

III.Howheconductedhimselfinthesecircumstances.

Subject:Sinnersdelayinginputtingoffthegreatconcernoftheirsoulstillasupposedmoreconvenientseason.

1.Howsinnersoftentimesdodelay.

2.Thereasonsorcauseswhysinnersdothus.

3.Theendofit.

I.Iwouldbrieflyobservehowsinnersdofrequentlydelayandputoffthegreatconcernoftheirsoulstillasupposedmoreconvenientseason.

(1.)Theysometimesputofftocertaintimestheyset,whentheyintend...Childrensometimes...Shallknowmore—KnowbetterhowtoprayandperformotherdutiesofReligionthatgrown-uppersonsperform.

’Tisacommonthingforyoungpeople.Tillsettledintheworld.

“Moreconvenientseason:”abetterinclination...notsomuchinclinedtomirthandyouthfulvanities...fewertemptations...outofthewayofyoungcompany...moreinthewayofthosewhoaresolidandseriouspersons.

Theyesteemthepresentseasonveryinconvenientforreligion...beingso

veryconvenientforotherpurposes...Nowaveryconvenienttimetotakelibertyinmirthandyouthfuldelights.

Many that are past their youth put off to a supposedmore convenientseason...whengotthroughsuchandsuchparticularaffairswhereintheyarenowinvolved...whentheyhopetheyshallbemoreatliberty...ortillin this and the other respect they are got into more convenientcircumstances.

(2.)Therearemanythatdelayandputoffwithoutfixinganytimeintheirmind...hopingforamoreconvenientfuturetime...

The present time appears peculiarly inconvenient... feel a greatopposition...havemanytemptations...hopeitwillbebetterwiththem...notfeelsuchanaversion...fewertemptations...

WaittohavetheSpiritofGodstrivewiththem.

Nowatimeofgeneraldeadness,andveryinconvenientonthataccount...allthetalkisofotherthings...putofftillatimeoftheoutpouringoftheSpiritofGod...

Or, perhaps, they are hoping for some greater advantage in otherrespects,somebettermeansthannowtheyenjoy,orabetterconcurrenceofcircumstancestofavoradesignofseekingGodandtheirsalvation.

II.Thecauseofpersonsthusdelaying.

1.Stupidity...senselessnessoftheirdangerandnecessity.

Insensible of the reality... insensible of the greatness... senseless of theheinousnessoftheirsin...abrutishstupidity...

2. The importunity of lust... Job 20:12 — “Wickedness is sweet in hismouth;hehidesitunderhistongue;hesparesit,andforsakesitnot,hekeepsitstillinhismouth.”

3.Aversiontotheirduty.

4.Ignoranceofthemselvesandself-confidence.

Trustinwisdom...strength...steadfastness...

5.Aspiritofself-blinding...Theblindinginfluenceofasinfulself-love...promise themselves future opportunity... better opportunity... that Godwillhear...

6.ThesubtletemptationsoftheDevil...

III.Theevilofit.

1.’Tisexceedingwicked.

Direct disobedience...willful, resolved, wickedness....determine tocontinueinsin,andanallowanceofit...

’Tis not only designedly committing one act of wickedness, butdeliberately determining on a course of it... a course of manifestedwickedness...neglectofmanycommands... gratificationofmany lusts...horrible ingratitude, abusing the past “long suffering”... horriblepresumptiononfuturemercy...contemptofofferedmercy...

2. ’Tis exceeding foolish... Hereby they reject and miss a good deal ofpresentgood...willfullycontinueinamiserablestate...bringagreatdealofcertainfuturemiseryuponthem...

They run a dreadful risk...depend on innumerable uncertainties.. lifecontinued...meansofgracecontinued...useofreason...disposed...“moreconvenient season”...givenone... if disposedwhether succeed...whetherGodwon’tgiveovertodelusionandtohard-heartedness...

Depend on many things that are not only uncertain, but veryimprobable...disposition...convenientseason... thoughtwhentheywerechildren... make their case more and more dangerous...depending on

greaterconveniencestheymakeinconveniencesforthemselves...andbythismeansmanythousandsareactuallyundone...

APPLICATION:

Thismaybeofwarningtosinnersnottodelayandputoff...

Youhaveheardhowcommon this is...Menare exceedingprone to it...Does your own experience confirmwhat has been said in thismatter?Andaretherenotsomeherewhoarenowdoingashasbeenrepresented?HavewenotreasontothinkthattherearemanyherepresentthatsayasFelix,“When...”etc.?

Undoubted,bywhat is everywhere tobe seenat sucha timeof generaldeadnessandregardlessnessofreligionasthisis:agoodevidenceoftheexceedingpronenesstoputoff...

Letalltakewarning...

Youhaveheard something in general ofwickedness and folly; buthereconsidermoreparticularly—

1.Whatguiltyoucontract:whatahorriblethingitistoliveinknownandwillfuldisobediencetoGod;...whatgreatlightyewillsinagainstifyou...

2.WhatwouldyouthinkofyourdelaysifGodshouldsaytoyou,“Thoufool,thisnight...?”

3.Ifthefuturetimeyouareputtingofftoshouldnevercome,howfaritwillprobablybefrombeinga“moreconvenientseason.”...

Inmanyrespects,farmoreinconvenient...God’sanger increased...yourheartharder,morestupid...everyevilhabitestablished...sloth...acarnal,worldly disposition... an habitual making light of things affecting suchawakenings... Satan’s great opportunity to establish his interest...commonly an increase of inconvenience of outward circumstances...increase of temptations... commonly many inconveniences arise that

neverwouldbethoughtof...lesslikelyevertosetaboutthework...Satanhath greater advantages if they do... more likely to be unsteady...morelikelysoontobediscouraged... theworkisgreaterandharderthat theyhavetodo...lesstimetodoit...

4. Others have lamented their folly in delaying... many when underconcern...Iwhohavelongbeenintheworkoftheministry...manyonadeath-bed.

5.HowmuchotherwiseyoudealwithGod,anddesire thatGodshoulddealwithyou.

6.Ifyoucontinuestilltodelayafterthewarningyouhavethisday,howaggravatedyourwickednesswillbe!

Howhaveyoubeenwarnedhereofbefore...andhowhaveyougonefromthemeeting-houseandstill...

Howcanyouexcuseyourselftogohometonightanddonothing?ortodoalittlethisevening,andthento-morrow,orinafewdays?...

Considerhowunreasonablethisis...

And if now again, ... and there be a God,... howmany you reasonablysupposeHewillresentit?

7. Ifyoustill...whatdanger thatyouwillbeutterlygivenupbefore thetimecomes...Givingupacommonthing...

8.Inquirewhetheryouyourselfdon’tbelieve[that]therearemanynowinHellthroughthisverymeans?

Heresome,perhaps,maysay,toexcusethemselves,andquiettheirownconscienceswithrespecttothis,“Idon’tdelayandputofftheconcernofmysoul.Iaminawayofseekingmysalvation.”

HereIwouldputtwoorthreequestionstosuchpersons.

1.Whetheryouare inawayofminding thisaffairmore thanallother?

“SeekingFIRSTthekingdomofGod,”—“onething.”...

2.Isyourreformationuniversal?Sinsofomission...commission...

3.[Doyoufeel]asmuchpainsaseveryoutakewillbeneedful?Forsakenall practices you think you would need to forsake? Complied with allduties?Asearnestly?...Doyouintendtocontinue?Howhassecret,closetreligion beenwith you?Howhave you kept the Sabbath?Attended thesermons? If not, ... you are guilty of the forementionedwickedness,...willfuldisobedience—guiltyoffolly.Therefore,ifyouhaveany regard to... think on your mercies, and “turn your feet,”... andwhatever“yourhandsfindtodo.”...

NaturalMenInADreadfulCondition

DatedFebruary,1753.PreachedtotheStockbridgeIndians

Acts16:29,30Thenhecalledforalight,andsprangin,andcametrembling,andfelldownbeforePaulandSilas,andbroughtthemout,andsaid,Sirswhat

mustIdotobesaved?

WEhave here and in the context and account of the conversion of thejailer,which isoneof themost remarkable instancesof thekind in theScriptures. The jailer before seems not only to have been whollyinsensibletothethingsofreligion,buttohavebeenapersecutor,andtohavepersecutedtheseverymen,PaulandSilas;thoughhenowcomestotheminsoearnestamanner,askingthemwhathemustdotobesaved.Weare told in thecontext thatall themagistratesandmultitudeof thecity rose up jointly in a tumult against them, and took them, and castthemintoprison,chargingthejailertokeepthemsafely.Whereuponhethrustthemintotheinnerprison,andmadetheirfeetfastinthestocks.And it is probable he did not act in this merely as the servant orinstrument of the magistrates, but that he joined with the rest of thepeopleintheirrageagainstthem.Andthathedidwhathedidurgedonbyhisownwill,aswellasthemagistrates’commands,whichmadehim

executetheircommandswithsuchrigor.

ButwhenPaulandSilasprayed,andsangpraisesatmidnight,andtherewassuddenlyagreatearthquake,andGodhadinsowonderfulamannerset open the prison doors, and everyman’s bandswere loosed, hewasgreatly terrified. And in a kind of desperation, [he] was about to killhimself.ButPaulandSilascryingouttohim,“Dothyselfnoharm,forweare all here,” then he called for a light, and sprang in, as we have theaccountinthetext.Wemayobserve:

First,theobjectsofhisconcern.Heisanxiousabouthissalvation.Heisterrifiedbyhis guilt, especially by his guilt in his ill treatment of theseministersofChrist.Heisconcernedtoescapefromthatguiltystate,themiserablestatehewasinbyreasonofsin.

Second, thesensewhichhehasof thedreadfulnessofhispresentstate.Thishemanifestsinseveralways.

1. By his great haste to escape from that state. By his haste to inquirewhat hemust do.He seems to be urgedby themost pressing concern,sensibleofhispresentnecessityofdeliverance,withoutanydelay.Before,hewasquietandsecureinhisnaturalstate.Butnowhiseyesareopened.Heisintheutmosthaste.Ifthehousehadbeenonfireoverhishead,hecould not have askedmore earnestly, or as being in greater haste. HecouldsoonhavecometoPaulandSilas,toaskthemwhathemustdo,ifhehadonlywalked.Buthewasintoogreathastetowalkonly,ortorun;forhesprangin.Heleapedintotheplacewheretheywere.Hefledfromwrath.Hefledfromthefireofdivinejustice,andsohastened,asonethatfledforhislife.

2.ByhisbehaviorandgesturebeforePaulandSilas.Hefelldown.Thathe felldownbefore thosewhomhehadpersecuted, and thrust into theinnerprison,andmadetheirfeetfastinthestocks,showswhatwasthestate of his mind. It shows some great distress, that makes such analterationinhim,thatbringshimtothis.Hewasbrokendown,asitwere,bythedistressofhismind,inasenseofthedreadfulnessofhiscondition.

3.His earnestmanner of inquiring of themwhat he shall do to escape

from this miserable condition; “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Sodistressed, that he is brought to be willing to do anything; to havesalvationonanyterms,andbyanymeans,howeverdifficult;brought,asitwere,towriteablank,andgiveitintoGod,thatGodmayprescribehisownterms.

Doctrine. They who are in a natural condition, are in a dreadfulcondition. This I shall endeavor to make appear by a particularconsiderationofthestateandconditionofunregeneratepersons.

I.Astotheiractualconditioninthisworld.

II.Astotheirrelationstothefutureworld.

I. The condition of those who are in a natural state, is dreadful in thepresentworld.

First, On account of the depraved state of their natures. Asmen comeinto the world, their natures are dreadfully depraved. Man in hisprimitivestatewasanoblepieceofdivineworkmanship;butbythefallitisdreadfullydefaced. It isawful to think that soexcellenta creatureasman is, should be so ruined. The dreadfulness of the condition, whichunconvertedmenarein,inthisrespect,appearsinthefollowingthings:

1.Thedreadfulnessoftheirdepravityappearsinthattheyaresosottishlyblindandignorant.Godgavemanafacultyofreasonandunderstanding,which isanoble faculty.Hereinhediffers fromallothercreaturesherebelow.Heisexaltedinhisnatureabovethem,andisinthisrespectliketheangels,andismadecapabletoknowGod,andtoknowspiritualandeternal things. And God gave him understanding for this end, that hemightknowhim,andknowheavenlythingsandmadehimascapabletoknowthese thingsasanyothers.Butmanhasdebasedhimselfandhaslosthisgloryinthisrespect.Hehasbecomeasignorantoftheexcellencyof God, as the very beasts. His understanding is full of darkness. Hismindisblind.[It]isaltogetherblindtospiritualthings.MenareignorantofGod,andignorantofChrist,ignorantofthewayofsalvation,ignorant

of their ownhappiness, blind in themidst of thebrightest and clearestlight,ignorantunderallmannerof instructions.Rom.3:17,“Thewayofpeace they have not known.” Isa. 27:11, “It is a people of nounderstanding.” Jer. 4:22, “My people is foolish, they have not knownme; theyare sottish children, andhavenoneunderstanding:” Jer. 5:21,“Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding.” Psa.95:10, 11, “It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have notknownmyways;untowhomI sware inmywrath, that theyshouldnotenterintomyrest.”1Cor.15:34,“SomehavenottheknowledgeofGod;Ispeakthistoyourshame.”

There is a spirit of atheism prevailing in the hearts of men; a strangedispositiontodoubtoftheverybeingofGod,andofanotherworld,andofeverythingwhichcannotbeseenwiththebodilyeyes.Psa.121:1,“Thefoolhathsaidinhisheart,thereisnoGod.”TheydonotrealizethatGodseesthemwhentheycommitsin,andwillcallthemtoanaccountforit.And therefore, if they can hide sin from the eyes ofmen, they are notconcerned,butarebold tocommit it.Psa.94:7,8,9, “Yet they say, theLordshallnotsee,neithershalltheGodofJacobregardit.Understand,yebrutishamongthepeople;and,yefools,whenwillyebewise?Hethatplantedtheear,shallhenothear?Hethat formedtheeye,shallhenotsee?”Psa.73:11,“Theysay,HowdothGodknow?andisthereknowledgeintheMostHigh?”Sosottishlyunbelievingaretheyof futurethings,ofheavenandhell,andwillcommonlyruntheventureofdamnationsoonerthan be convinced. They are stupidly senseless to the importance ofeternal things.Howhardtomakethembelieve,andtogivethemarealconviction, that tobehappytoalleternity isbetter thanallothergood;andto bemiserable for ever under thewrath ofGod, isworse than allother evil.Men show themselves senseless enough in temporal things;but in spiritual things far more so. Luke 12:56, “Ye hypocrites, ye candiscernthefaceofthesky,andoftheearth;buthowisitthatyedonotdiscern this time?” They are very subtle in evil designs, but sottish inthose thingswhichmost concern them. Jer. 4:22, “They arewise todoevil, but to do good they have no knowledge.” Wicked men showthemselvesmorefoolishandsenselessofwhatisbestforthem,thantheverybrutes.Isa.1:3,“Theoxknowethhisowner,andtheasshismaster’scrib; but Israel doth not know,mypeople doth not consider.” Jer. 8:7,

“Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and theturtle,andthecrane,andtheswallowobservethetimeoftheircoming;butmypeopleknownotthejudgmentoftheLord.”

2.Theyhavenogoodnessinthem.Rom.7:18,“Inme,thatis,inmyflesh,dwelleth no good thing.” They have no principle that disposes them toanything that is good. Natural men have no higher principle in theirheartsthanself-love.Andhereintheydonotexcelthedevils.Thedevilslove themselves, and love their own happiness, and are afraid of theirownmisery.Andtheygonofurther.Andthedevilswouldbeasreligiousasthebestofnaturalmeniftheywereinthesamecircumstances.Theywouldbeasmoral,andwouldprayasearnestlytoGod,andtakeasmuchpainsforsalvation,iftherewerethelikeopportunity.Andasthereisnogoodprincipleintheheartsofnaturalmen,sothereareneveranygoodexercisesofheart,neveronegood thought,ormotionofheart in them.Particularly, there is no love toGod in them. They never had the leastdegreeof love to the infinitely gloriousBeing.Theyneverhad the leasttruerespecttotheBeingthatmadethem,andinwhosehandtheirbreathis,and fromwhomareall theirmercies.However theymayseemtodothings at times out of respect to God, and wear a face as though theyhonored him, and highly esteemed him, it is all in mere hypocrisy.Though there may be a fair outside, they are like painted sepulchers.Within, there is nothingbutputrefaction and rottenness. They have nolovetoChrist,thegloriousSonofGod,whoissoworthyoftheirlove,andhasshownsuchwonderfulgracetosinnersindyingforthem.Theyneverdidanythingoutofanyrealrespect to theRedeemerof theworldsincetheywereborn.TheyneverbroughtforthanyfruittothatGodwhomadethemandinwhomtheyliveandmoveandhavetheirbeing.Theyneverhaveinanywayansweredtheendforwhichtheyweremade.Theyhavehithertolivedaltogetherinvain,andtonopurpose.Theyneversomuchas sincerely obeyedone commonofGod;never somuch asmovedonefingeroutofa truespiritofobedience tohim,whomake themtoservehim. And when they have seemed outwardly to comply with God’scommands,theirheartswerenotinit.Theydidnotdoitoutofanyspiritof subjection to God, or any disposition to obey him, but weremerelydriventoitbyfear,or insomewayinfluencedbytheirworldly interest.TheynevergaveGodthehonorofoneofhisattributes.Theynevergave

himthehonorofhisauthoritybyobeyinghim.Theynevergavehimthehonorofhissovereigntybysubmittingtohim.Theynevergavehimthehonorofhisholinessandmercybylovinghim.Theynevergavehimthehonor of his sufficiency and faithfulness by trusting in him. But havelookeduponGodasonenotfittobebelievedortrusted,andhavetreatedhim as if hewere a liar. 1 John 5:10, “He that believeth not God hathmadehima liar.”Theynever somuchasheartily thankedGod for onemercy they have received in their whole lives, though God has alwaysmaintained them, and they have always lived upon his bounty. TheyneversomuchasonceheartilythankedChristforcomingintotheworldand dying to give them an opportunity to be saved. They never wouldshowhimsomuchgratitudeastoreceivehim,whenhehasknockedattheir door; but have always shut the door against him, though he hascome to knock at their door upon no other ground but only to offerhimself tobe their Savior.Theynever somuch ashad any truedesiresafterGodorChristintheirwholelives.WhenGodhasofferedhimselftothemtobetheirportion,andChrist tobethefriendof theirsouls, theydid not desire it. They never desired to have God and Christ for theirportion.Theyhadratherbewithout themthanwiththem, if theycouldavoid going to hell without them. They never had so much as anhonorable thought of God. They always have esteemed earthly thingsbeforehim.AndnotwithstandingalltheyhaveheardinthecommandsofGodandChrist,theyhavealwayspreferredalittleworldlyprofitorsinfulpleasurebeforethem.

3.Unconvertedmenareinadreadfulconditionbyreasonofthedreadfulwickednesswhichthereisinthem.

(1)Sin isa thingof adreadfulnature, and thatbecause it is against aninfinitelygreatandaninfinitelyholyGod.ThereisinthenatureofmanenmityagainstGod,contemptofGod,rebellionagainstGod.SinrisesupasanenemyagainsttheMostHigh.Itisadreadfulthingforacreaturetobe an enemy to the Creator, or to have any such thing in his heart asenmity against him; aswill be very clear, if we consider the differencebetween God and the creature, and how all creatures, compared withhim, are as the small dust of the balance, are as nothing, less thannothing, and vanity. There is an infinite evil in sin. If we saw the

hundredthpartoftheevilthereisinsin,itwouldmakeussensiblethatthosewhohaveanysin,letitbeeversosmall,areinadreadfulcondition.

(2)Theheartsofnaturalmenareexceedinglyfullofsin.Iftheyhadbutone sin in their hearts, it would be sufficient to render their conditionverydreadful.Buttheyhavenotonlyonesin,butallmannerofsin.Thereis every kind of lust. The heart is a mere sink of sin, a fountain ofcorruption, whence issue all manner of filthy streams. Mark 7:21, 22,“Fromwithin,outoftheheartofmen,proceedevilthoughts,adulteries,fornication’s, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit,lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.” There is noonelustintheheartofthedevil,thatisnotintheheartofman.Naturalmenareintheimageofthedevil.TheimageofGodisrasedout,andtheimage of the devil is stamped upon them.God is graciously pleased torestrain thewickedness ofmen, principally by fear and respect to theircredit and reputation, and by education. And if it were not for suchrestraints as these, there is no kind of wickedness thatmenwould notcommit,wheneveritcameintheirway.Thecommissionofthosethings,at the mention of which men are now ready to start, and seem to beshockedwhentheyhearthemread,wouldbecommonandgeneral;andearthwouldbeakindofhell.Whatwouldnotnaturalmendoiftheywerenotafraid?Mat.7:17,“Butbewareofmen.”Menhavenotonlyeverykindof lust, and wicked and perverse dispositions in their hearts, but theyhavethemtoadreadfuldegree.Thereisnotonlypride,butanamazingdegreeofit:pride,wherebyamanisdisposedtosethimselfevenabovethe throne of God itself. The hearts of natural men are mere sinks ofsensuality.Manisbecomelikeabeastinplacinghishappinessinsensualenjoyments. The heart is full of themost loathsome lusts. The souls ofnaturalmenaremorevileandabominablethananyreptile.IfGodshouldopenawindowintheheartsothatwemightlookintoit,itwouldbethemostloathsomespectaclethateverwassetbeforeoureyes.Thereisnotonly malice in the hearts of natural men, but a fountain of it. MennaturallythereforedeservethelanguageappliedtothembyChrist,Mat.3:7,“Ogenerationofvipers;”andMat.23:33,“Yeserpents,yegenerationofvipers.”Men,ifitwerenotforfearandothersuchrestraints,wouldnotonlycommitallmannerofsin,buttowhatdegree,towhatlengthwouldthey not proceed! What has a natural man to keep him from openly

blaspheming God, as much as any of the devils; yea, from dethroninghim,ifthatwerepossible,andfearandothersuchrestraintswereoutoftheway?Yea,woulditnotbethuswithmanyofthose,whonowappearwithafairface,andwillspeakmostofGod,andmakemanypretensesofworshippingandservinghim?Theexceedingwickednessofnaturalmenappears abundantly in the sins they commit, notwithstanding all theserestraints.Everynaturalman,ifhereflects,mayseeenoughtoshowhimhow exceedingly sinful he is. Sin flows from the heart as constantly aswater flows from a fountain. Jer. 6:7, “As a fountain casteth out herwaters,soshecastethoutherwickedness.”Andthiswickedness,thatsoabounds in theirhearts,hasdominionover them.Theyare slaves to it.Rom.7:14,“Soldundersin.”Theyaresounderthepowerofsin,thattheyaredrivenonbytheirlustsinacourseagainsttheirownconscience,andagainsttheirowninterest.Theyarehurriedontotheirownruin,andthatatthesametimetheirreasontellsthem,itwillprobablybetheirruin.2Pet.2:14,“Cannotceasefromsin.”Onaccountofwickedmen’sbeingsounderthepowerofsin,theheartofmanissaidtobedesperatelywicked.Jer.17:9andEph.2:1,“Deadintrespassesandsins.”

(3)Theheartsofnaturalmenaredreadfullyhardandincorrigible.ThereisnothingbutthemightypowerofGodwillmovethem.Theywillcleaveto sin, and go on in sin, let what will be done with them. Pro. 27:22,“Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with apestle,yetwillnothisfoolishnessdepartfromhim.”Thereisnothingthatwill awe our hearts; and there is nothing that will draw them toobedience: let there be mercies or afflictions, threatenings or graciouscallsandinvitations,frowning,orpatienceandlong-suffering,orfatherlycounselsandexhortations.Isa.26:10,“Letfavorbeshowedtothewicked,yetwillhenotlearnrighteousness;inthelandofuprightnesswillhedealunjustly,andwillnotbeholdthemajestyoftheLord.”

Secondly.Therelativestateofthosewhoareinanunconvertedconditionisdreadful.Thiswillappearifweconsider,

1.TheirrelativestatewithrespecttoGod;andthatbecause,

(1)TheyarewithoutGod in theworld.Theyhaveno interestorpart inGod.HeisnottheirGod.HehathdeclaredhewillnotbetheirGod(Hos.

1:9).Godandbelievershaveamutualcovenantrelationandrighttoeachother.Theyarehispeople,andheistheirGod.ButheisnotthecovenantGodofthosewhoareinanunconvertedstate.Thereisagreatalienationand estrangement betweenGod and thewicked.He is not their Fatherandportion.TheyhavenothingtochallengeofGod,theyhavenorighttoanyoneofhisattributes.ThebelievercanchallengearightinthepowerofGod,inhiswisdomandholiness,hisgraceandlove.Allaremadeovertohim, tobe forhisbenefit.But theunconvertedcanclaimnoright inanyofGod’sperfections.TheyhavenoGodtoprotectanddefendtheminthisevilworld:todefendthemfromsin,orfromSatan,oranyevil.Theyhave no God to guide and direct them in any doubts or difficulties, tocomfortandsupporttheirmindsunderafflictions.TheyarewithoutGodin all their affairs, in all the business they undertake, in their familyaffairs,andintheirpersonalaffairs,intheiroutwardconcerns,andintheconcernsoftheirsouls.

How can a creature be more miserable than to be separated from theCreator and to have no God whom he can call his own God? He iswretchedindeed,whogoesupanddownintheworld,withoutaGodtotake careofhim, tobehisguideandprotector, and toblesshim inhisaffairs.Thevery lightofnatureteachesthataman’sGodishisall.Jdg.18:24,“Yehavetakenawaymygods,andwhathaveImore?”Thereisbutone God, and in him they have no right. They are without that God,whosewillmustdeterminetheirwholewellbeing,bothhereandforever.ThatunconvertedmenarewithoutGodshowsthat theyare liable toallmannerofevil.Theyareliabletothepowerofthedevil,tothepowerofallmanneroftemptation,fortheyarewithoutGodtoprotectthem.Theyare liable to be deceived and seduced into erroneous opinions, and toembrace damnable doctrines. It is not possible to deceive the saints inthis way. But the unconverted may be deceived. They may becomepapists,orheathens,oratheists.Theyhavenothingtosecurethemfromit.TheyareliabletobegivenupofGodtojudicialhardnessofheart.Theydeserve it. And sinceGod is not theirGod, they have no certainty thatGodwillnotinflictthisawful judgmentuponthem.AstheyarewithoutGodintheworld, theyare liable tocommitallmannerofsin,andeventheunpardonable sin itself. They cannot be sure they shall not committhatsin.Theyareliabletobuildupafalsehopeofheaven,andsotogo

hopingtohell.Theyareliabletodiesenselessandstupid,asmanyhavedied.TheyareliabletodieinsuchacaseasSaulandJudasdid,fearlessof hell. They have no security from it. They are liable to allmanner ofmischief, since theyarewithoutGod.They cannot tellwhat shall befallthem, nor when they are secure from anything. They are not safe onemoment.Ten thousand fatalmischiefsmaybefall them, thatmaymakethemmiserableforever.They,whohaveGodfortheirGod,aresafefromallsuchevils.Itisnotpossiblethattheyshouldbefallthem.GodistheircovenantGod,andtheyhavehisfaithfulpromisetobetheirrefuge.Butwhat mischief is there which may not befall natural men? Whateverhopestheymayhavemaybedisappointed.Whateverfairprospecttheremay seem to be of their conversion and salvation, itmay vanish away.They may make great progress towards the kingdom of God, and yetcome short at last. They may seem to be in a very hopeful way to beconverted,andyetneverbeconverted.Anaturalmanissureofnothing.Heissureofnogood,norishesureofescapinganyevil.Itisthereforeadreadful condition that anaturalman is in.They,whoare in anaturalstate, are lost. They have wandered from God, and they are like lostsheep, thathavewandered fromtheir shepherd.Theyarepoorhelplesscreaturesinahowlingwilderness,andhavenoshepherdtoprotectortoguide them. They are desolate, and exposed to innumerable fatalmischief’s.

(2) They are not only without God, but the wrath of God abides uponthem.John3:36,“HethatbelievethnottheSon,shallnotseelife,butthewrathofGodabidethonhim.”ThereisnopeacebetweenGodandthem,butGod isangrywith themeveryday.He isnotonlyangrywith them,but that to a dreadful degree. There is a fire kindled inGod’s anger; itburnslikefire.Wrathabidesuponthem,whichif itshouldbeexecuted,wouldplungethemintothelowesthell,andmakethemmiserabletheretoalleternity.TheyhaveprovokedtheHolyOneofIsraeltoanger.Godhas been angry with them every since they began to sin. He has beenprovokedbythemeveryday,everysincetheyexercisedanyreason.Andhe is provoked by them more and more every hour. The flame of hiswrath is continually burning. There are many now in hell that neverprovokedGodmorethanthey,norsomuchasmanyofthem.Wherevertheygo,theygoaboutwiththedreadfulwrathofGodabidingonthem.

They eat, and drink, and sleep underwrath.How dreadful a conditionthereforeare they in!It is themostawful thingfor thecreaturetohavethe wrath of his Creator abiding on him. The wrath of God is a thinginfinitely dreadful. Thewrath of a king is as the roaring of a lion. Butwhatisthewrathofaking,whoisbutawormofthedust,tothewrathoftheinfinitelygreatanddreadfulGod?Howdreadfulisittobeunderthewrath of the First Being, the Being of beings, the great Creator andmightypossessorofheavenandearth!Howdreadfulisitforapersontogo about under thewrath ofGod,who gave him being, and inwho helives and moves, who is everywhere present, and without whom hecannotmoveastep,nordrawabreath!Naturalmen, inasmuchastheyareunderwrath,areunderacurse.God’swrathandcursearecontinuallyupon them. They can have no reasonable comfort, therefore, in any oftheirenjoyments; for theydonotknowbut that theyaregiven them inwrath,andshallbecursestothem,andnotblessings.AsitissaidinJob18:15,“Brimstoneshallbescattereduponhishabitation.”Howcantheytakeanycomfortintheirfood,orintheirpossessions,whentheydonotknowbutallaregiventhemtofitthemfortheslaughter.

2.Theirrelativestatewillappeardreadful,ifweconsiderhowtheystandrelatedtothedevil.

(1)Theywhoare inanatural state are the childrenof thedevil.As thesaints are the children of God, so the ungodly are the children of thedevil. 1 John 3:10, “In this the children of God are manifest, and thechildren of the devil.”Mat 13:38, 39, “The field is the world; the goodseed are the children of the kingdom: but the tares are the children ofwickedone.Theenemythatsowedthemisthedevil.”John8:44,“Yeareofyourfather,thedevil,andthelustsofyourfatheryewilldo.”Theyare,asitwere,begottenofthedevil.Theyproceedfromhim.1John3:8,“Hethat committeth sin, is of the devil.” As Adam begat a son in his ownlikeness,soarewickedmeninthelikenessandimageofthedevil.Theyacknowledge this relation,andown themselveschildrenof thedevil,byconsentingthatheshouldbetheirfather.Theysubjectthemselvestohim,hearkentothiscounsels,aschildrenhearkentothecounselsofafather.Theylearnofhimtoimitatehim,anddoashedoes,aschildrenlearntoimitatetheirparents.John8:38,“IspeakthatwhichIhaveseenwithmy

Father,andyedothatwhichyehaveseenwithyourfather.”Howawfulastate is this! How dreadful is it to be a child of the devil, the spirit ofdarkness,theprinceofhell, thatwicked,malignant,andcruelspirit!Tohaveanythingtodowithhim isverydreadful. Itwouldbeaccountedadreadful, frightful thingonly tomeet thedevil, tohavehimappear toaperson inavisibleshape.Howdreadful thenmust itbe tobehischild;howdreadfulforanypersontohavethedevilforhisfather!

(2)Theyarethedevil’scaptivesandservants.Manbeforehisfallwasinastateof liberty;butnowhehas fallen intoSatan’shands.Thedevilhasgot the victory and carried him captive. Natural men are in Satan’spossession and they are under his dominion. They are brought by himinto subjection to his will, to go at his bidding, and do what hecommands. 2 Tim. 2:26, “Taken captive by him at his will.” The devilrulesoverungodlymen.Theyareallhisslaves,anddohisdrudging.Thisarguestheirstatetobedreadful.Menaccountitanunhappystateoflifetobe slaves; and especially to be slaves to a badmaster, to onewho isvery hard, unreasonable, and cruel. How miserable do we look uponthose persons, who are taken captive by the Turks, or other suchbarbarous nations, and put by them to the meanest and most cruelslavery,andtreatednobetterthantheytreattheircattle!Butwhatisthistobeingtakencaptivebythedevil,theprinceofhell,andmadeaslavetohim?Had not aman better be a slave to anyone on earth than to thedevil?Thedevilis,ofallmasters,themostcruel,andtreatshisservantstheworst.Heputs them to the vilest service, to thatwhich is themostdishonorable of any in the world. No work is so dishonorable as thepracticeofsin.Thedevilputshisservantstosuchworkasdebasesthembelow the dignity of human nature. They must make themselves likebeasts to do that work to serve their filthy lusts. And besides themeannessofthework,itisaveryhardservice.Thedevilcausesthemtoserve him at the expense of the peace of their own conscience, andoftentimes at the expense of their reputation, at the expense of theirestates,andshorteningoftheirdays.Thedevilisacruelmaster;fortheservice uponwhich he puts his slaves is to undo themselves.He keepsthem hard at work day and night, to work their own ruin. He neverintends to give them any reward for their pains, but their pains are toworkouttheirowneverlastingdestruction.Itistogatherfuelandkindle

thefireforthemselvestobetormentedintoalleternity.

(3)Thesoulofanaturalman is thehabitationof thedevil.Thedevil isnotonlytheir fatherandrulesover them,buthedwells in them. It isadreadfulthingforamantohavethedevilnearhim,oftencomingtohim.Butitisamoredreadfulthingtohavehimdwellwithaman,totakeuphisconstantabodewithhim;andmoredreadfulyettohavehimdwellinhim, to takeuphisabode inhisheart.But thus it iswitheverynaturalman.Hetakesuphisabodeinhisheart.Asthesoulofagodlymanisthehabitation of the Spirit of God, so is the soul of a wicked man thehabitationofuncleanspirits.AsthesoulofagodlymanisthetempleofGod, so the soul of awickedman is the synagogue of Satan. Awickedman’ssoulisinScripturecalledSatan’shouse,andSatan’spalace.Mat.12:29, “How can one enter into a strong man’ s house?” meaning thedevil.AndLuke11:21,“Whenastrongmanarmedkeepethhispalace,hisgoods are in peace.” Satan not only lives, but reigns, in the heart of awickedman.Hehasnotonlytakenuphisabodethere,buthehassetuphis throne there. The heart of awickedman, is the place of the devil’srendezvous.Thedoorsofawickedman’sheartareopentodevils.Theyhavefreeaccessthere,thoughtheyareshutagainstGodandJesusChrist.Therearemanydevils,nodoubt, thathavetodowithonewickedman,andhisheartistheplacewheretheymeet.Thesoulofawickedmanis,asitwassaidofBabylon,thehabitationofdevils,andtheholdofeveryfoulspirit,andacageofeveryuncleanandhatefulbird.Thusdreadfulistheconditionofanaturalmanbyreasonoftherelationinwhichhestandstothedevil.

II. The state of unconverted men is very dreadful, if we consider itsrelationtothefutureworld.Ourstatehereisnotlasting,buttransitory.We are pilgrims and strangers here, and are principally designed for afutureworld.Wecontinueinthispresentstatebutashorttime;butwearetobeinthatfuturestatetoalleternity.Andthereforemenaretobedenominatedeitherhappyormiserable,chieflywithregardtothatfuturestate.Itmattersbutlittlecomparativelywhatourstateishere,butitwillcontinue but a short time; it is nothing to eternity. But that man is ahappymanwho is entitled to happiness, andhe ismiserablewho is indanger of misery, in his eternal state. Prosperity or adversity in the

present state alters thembut very littlebecause this state isof so shortcontinuance.

First, those who are in a natural condition, have no title to anyinheritanceinanotherworld.Therearegloriousthingsinanotherworld.There are unsearchable riches, an unspeakable and inconceivableabundance; but they have nothing to do with it. Heaven is a world ofgloryandblessedness.Buttheyhavenorighttotheleastportionofthoseblessings. If they should die and go out of the world as they are, theywouldgodestitute,havingnoinheritance,nofriend,noenjoymentstogoto.TheywillhavenoGodtowhomtheymaygo,noRedeemertoreceivetheirdepartingsouls,noangeltobeaministeringspirittothem,totakecareofthem,toguardordefendthem,nointerestinthatRedeemer,whohas purchased those blessings.What is said of theEphesians is trueofthose who are in a natural condition. “At that time ye were withoutChrist,beingaliensfromthecommonwealthofIsrael,andstrangersfromthecovenantofpromise,havingnohope,andwithoutGodintheworld.”Whatadreadfulcasetheyare in,wholive intheworldhavingnohope,without any title to any benefits hereafter, and without any ground tohopeforanygoodintheirfutureandeternalstate!

Second,naturalmenareinadreadfulconditionbecauseofthemiserytowhich they are exposed in the futureworld. Thiswill be obvious, ifweconsider,

1.Howgreatthemiseryisofwhichtheyareindanger;

2.Howgreatistheirdangerofthismisery.

1.Howgreatthemiseryisofwhichtheyareindanger.Itisgreatintworespects: (1) The torment andmisery are great in themselves. And (2)Theyareofendlessduration.

(1) The torment and misery, of which natural men are in danger, areexceedinglygreatinthemselves.Theyaregreatbeyondanyofourwordsor thoughts.Whenwe speakof them,ourwords are swallowedup.Wesaytheyaregreat,andexceedinglygreat,andverydreadful.Butwhenwehaveusedallthewordswecantoexpressthem,howfaintistheideathat

is raised in ourminds in comparisonwith the reality! Thismiserywillappearverydreadfulifweconsiderwhatcalamitiesmeettogetherinit.Initthewickedaredeprivedofallgood,separatedfromGodandallfruitsofhis mercy. In this world they enjoy many of the streams of God’sgoodness.ButinthefutureworldtheywillhavenomoresmilesofGod,nomoremanifestations of hismercy by benefits, bywarnings, by callsandinvitations.Hewillnevermoremanifesthismercybytheexerciseofpatienceandlong-suffering,bywaitingtobegracious.Nomoreuseanyforbearance with them for their good. No more exercise his mercy bystrivingsofhisSpirit,bysendingmessengersandusingmeans.TheywillhavenomoretestimoniesofthefruitsofGod’sgoodnessinenjoyingfoodand raiment, and comfortable dwellings and convenientaccommodations, nor any of the comforts of this life. No moremanifestationsofhismercybysufferingthemtodrawneartohimwiththeir prayers, to pray for what they need. God will exercise no pitytowardsthem,noregardfortheirwelfare.Cutofffromallthecomfortsofthis life,shutoutofheaven, theywill seeAbraham,Isaac,andJacob inthekingdomofheaven.ButtheyshallbeturnedawayfromGodandfromallgoodintotheblacknessofdarkness,intothepitofhell,intothatgreatreceptacle,whichGodhasprovidedonpurposetocast into it thefilthy,and polluted, and abominable of the universe. They will be in a mostdreadful condition.Theywillhaveno friends.Godwill be their enemy,angelsandthespiritsofthejustwillbetheirenemies,devilsanddamnedspiritswillbetheirenemies.Theywillbehatedwithperfecthatred,willhavenonetopitythem,nonetobemoantheircase,ortobeanycomfortto them. It appears that the state of the damned will be exceedinglydreadful in that they will suffer the wrath of God, executed to the fulluponthem,pouredoutwithoutmixture.TheyshallbearthewrathoftheAlmighty.TheyshallknowhowdreadfulthewrathofanAlmightyGodis.Now none knows, none can conceive. Psa. 90:11, “Who knoweth thepowerofthineanger?”ThentheyshallfeeltheweightofGod’swrath.InthisworldtheyhavethewrathofGodabidingonthem,butthenitwillbeexecuteduponthem.Nowtheyaretheobjectsofit,butthentheywillbethesubjectsofit.Nowithangsoverthem,butthenitshallfallupontheminitsfullweightwithoutalleviation,oranymoderationorrestraint.Theirsouls and their bodies shall then be filled full with the wrath of God.Wickedmenshallbeasfullofwrathasanythingthatglowsinthemidst

ofafurnaceisoffire.ThewrathofGodis infinitelymoredreadfulthanfire. Fire, yea the fiercest fire, is but an image and shadow of it. Thevesselsofwrathshallbefilledupwithwrathtothebrim.Yes,theyshallbeplungedintoaseaofwrath.Andthereforehelliscomparedtoalakeoffire and brimstone, because there wicked men are overwhelmed andswelledupinwrath,asmenwhoarecastintoalakeorsea,areswallowedup inwater.Owhocanconceiveof thedreadfulnessof thewrathofanAlmightyGod!EverythinginGodisanswerabletohisinfinitegreatness.WhenGodshowsmercy,heshowsmercylikeaGod.HisloveisinfinitelydesirablebecauseitistheloveofGod.Andsowhenheexecuteswrathitis likeaGod.ThisGodwillpouroutwithoutmixture.Rev. 14:10, “Thesame shall drink of thewine of thewrath ofGod,which is poured outwithout mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall betormentedwithfireandbrimstoneinthepresenceoftheholyangels,andin the presence of the Lamb.” No mixture of mercy or pity; nothingthrown into thecupofwrath toassuageormoderate it. “Godshallcastuponhimandnot spare.” (Job27:22)Theyshallbecast into thewine-pressofthewrathofGod,wheretheyshallbepresseddownwithwrath,as grapes are pressed in a wine-press. Rev. 14:19, “Cast into the greatwine-press of the wrath of God.” God will then make appear in theirmisery how terrible his wrath is, that men and angels may know howmuchmoredreadfulthewrathofGodis,thanthewrathofkings,oranycreatures. They shall knowwhatGod can do towards his enemies, andhowfearfulathingitistoprovokehimtoanger.

Ifafewdropsofwrathdosometimessodistressthemindsofmeninthisworld, so as to bemore dreadful than fire, or any bodily torment, howdreadfulwillbeadelugeofwrath.Howdreadfulwillitbe,whenallGod’smightywavesandbillowsofwrathpassover them!Every facultyof thesoulshallbefilledwithwrath,andeverypartof thebodyshallbefilledwith fire. After the resurrection the body shall be cast into that greatfurnace, which shall be so great as to burn up the whole world. Theselowerheavens,thisairandthisearth,shallallbecomeonegreatfurnace,afurnacethatshallburntheearth,eventoitsverycenter.Inthisfurnaceshall the bodies of thewicked lie to all eternity, and yet live, and havetheir senseofpainand tormentnotalldiminished.O,how fullwill theheart,thevitals,thebrain,theeyes,thetongue,thehands,andthefeetbe

offire;ofthisfireofsuchaninconceivablefierceness!Howfullwilleverymember,andeverybone,andeveryvein,andeverysinew,beofthisfire!SurelyitisafearfulthingtofallintothehandsofthelivingGod.Whocanbearsuchwrath?Alittleofitisenoughtodestroyus.Psa.2:12,“KisstheSon, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath iskindled but a little.” But howwillmen be overwhelmed, howwill theysink,whenGod’swrath isexecuted insodreadfuladegree!Themiserywhich the damned will endure, will be their perfect destruction. Psa.50:22, “Nowconsider this, ye that forgetGod, lest I tear you inpieces,andtherebenonetodeliver.”

Inseveralplaces thewickedare compared to the stubble, and tobriersand thorns before devouring flames, and to the fat of lambs, whichconsumes intosmoke.Psa.37:20, “But thewickedshallperish,and theenemiesoftheLordshallbeasthefatoflambs;theyshallconsume;intosmoke shall they consume away.” They shall be as it were ground topowderundertheweightofGod’swrath.Mat.21:24.Theirmiseryshallbeperfectmisery;andbecausedamnationistheperfectdestructionofacreature,thereforeitiscalleddeath.Itiseternaldeath,ofwhichtemporaldeath,withallitsawfulcircumstances,isbutafaintshadowofthestateofthesoulundertheseconddeath.Howdreadfulthestateofthedamnedis,wemayargue fromthedesertof sin.Onesindeserveseternaldeathanddamnation,which,intheleastdegreeofit,isthetotaldestructionofthecreature.Howdreadful,then,isthemiseryofwhichnaturalpersonsare in danger, who have lived some time in the world, and havecommitted thousands and thousands of sins, and have filled up manyyearswithacourseofsinning,andhavecommittedmanygreatsins,withhighaggravations,whohavesinnedagainstthegloriousgospelofChrist,andagainstgreat light,whoseguilt if farmoredreadfulthanthatofthepeople of Sodom and Gomorrah! How dreadful is the punishment towhich they are exposed, in which all their sins shall be punishedaccording to theirdesert,andtheuttermost farthingshallbeexactedofthem!Thepunishmentofoneidleword,orsinfulthought,wouldbemorethantheycouldbear.Howthenwilltheybearallthewraththatshallbeheapeduponthemforalltheirmultipliedandaggravatedtransgressions?Ifonesindeserveseternaldeathanddamnation,howmanydeathsanddamnations will they have accumulated upon them at once! Such an

aggravated,multiplied deathmust they die every moment, and alwayscontinuedyingsuchadeath,andyetneverbedead.Suchmiseryasthismaywellbecalledtheblacknessofdarkness.Hellmaywellbecalledthebottomless pit, if themisery is so unfathomably great.Men sometimeshave suffered extreme torment in this world. Dreadful have been thesufferingsofsomeofthemartyrs.Buthowlittlethoseare,incomparisonofthe sufferings of the damned,wemay learn from 1 Pet. 4:16, 17, 18,“YetifanymansufferasaChristian,lethimnotbeashamed,butlethimglorify God on this behalf. For the time is come, that judgment mustbeginatthehouseofGod.Andifitfirstbeginatus,whatshalltheendbeofthosethatobeynotthegospelofGod?Andiftherighteousscarcelybesaved,where shall theungodlyand sinnerappear?”Theapostle isherespeakingofthesufferingsofChristians.Andfromthenceheargues,thatseeing their sufferings are so great, how unspeakably great will be thesufferingsofthewicked!Andifjudgmentbeginswiththem,whatshallbethe end of those who obey not the gospel! As much as to say, thesufferingsof the righteousarenothing towhat those,whoobeynot thegospel,are.Howdreadful, therefore,doesthisarguetheirmisery tobe!Wellmaythesinners inZionbeafraid,andfearful,andsurprised.Wellmay thekingsof theearth,and thegreatmen,andrichmen,andchiefcaptains,andeverybondman,andeveryfreeman,hidethemselvesinthedens,andintherocksofthemountains,atChrist’ssecondcoming;andcryandsaytothemountainsandrocks,"Fallonus,andhideusfromthefaceofhimthatsittethonthethrone,andfromthewrathof theLamb;forthegreatdayofhiswrath iscome,andwhoshallbeable tostand?"Wellmaytherebeweepingandgnashingofteethinhell,wherethereissuchmisery.Thusthemiseryofthosewhoareinanaturalcondition,is,initself,exceedinglygreat.

(2)Itisofendlessduration.Themiseryisnotonlyamazinglygreat,andextreme,butof long continuance; yea, of infinitely long continuance. Itneverwillhaveanyend.Therewillbenodeliverance,norest,nohope.Buttheywilllastthroughoutalleternity.Eternityisathinginthethoughtofwhich ourminds are swallowed up. As it is infinite in itself, so it isinfinitelybeyondthecomprehensionofourminds.Themorewethinkofit,themoreamazingwillitseemtous.Eternityisaduration,towhichalong period of time bears no greater proportion than a short period. A

thousand years, or a thousand ages, bear no greater proportion toeternitythanaminute;orwhichisthesamething,athousandagesareasmuchlessthaneternityasaminute.Aminutecomesasnearanequalitytoit;oryoumaytakeasmanythousandagesoutofeternity,asyoucanminutes. If a man by the utmost skill in arithmetic, should denote orenumerateagreatnumberofages,andshould risebymultiplication toever so prodigious numbers, shouldmake as great figures as he could,andrise inmultiplyingas fast ashe could, and should spendhis life inmultiplying;theproductofallwouldbenonearerequaltothedurationwhich the wicked must spend in the misery of hell, than one minute.Eternity is that, which cannot be made less by subtraction. If we takefrometernityathousandyearsorages,theremainderisnotthelessforit.Eternityisthatwhichwillforeverbebutbeginning,andthatbecauseall the timewhich is past, let it be ever so long, is but a point towhatremains.Thewicked,aftertheyhavesufferedmillionsofages,willbe,asitwere,butinthefirstpoint,onlysettingoutintheirsufferings.Itwillbenocomforttothemthatsomuchisgone,fortheywillhavenonethelesstobear.Therewillneveratimecome,when,ifwhatispastiscomparedto what is to come, it will not be as a point, and as nothing. Thecontinuanceof their torment cannotbemeasuredoutby revolutionsofthe sun, or moon, or stars, by centuries or ages. They shall continuesufferingafter theseheavensand thisearthshallwaxoldasagarment,tillthewholevisibleuniverseisdissolved.Yea,theyshallremainintheirmiserythroughmillionsofsuchagesasareequal to theageof thesun,andmoon,andstars,andstill itwillbeallone,astowhatremains,stillno nearer the end of their misery. Mat. 25:41, “Depart from me, yecursed,intoeverlastingfire,preparedforthedevilandhisangels.”Mark9:44, “Where theirwormdiethnot, and the fire isnotquenched.”Rev.20:10, “They shall be tormentedday andnight for ever and ever.”And14:11,“Thesmokeoftheirtormentascendethupforeverandever.”Thedamned in hell in their misery will be in absolute despair. They shallknowthattheirmiserywillhavenoend,andthereforetheywillhavenohopesofit.O,whocanconceivethedreadfulnessofsuchdespairasthisin themidst of such torment!Who can express, or think anythinghowdreadful the thought of eternity is to them, who are under so greattorment! To what unfathomable depths of woe will it sink them!Withwhat a gloom and blackness of darkness will it fill them! What a

boundless gulf of sorrow and woe is the thought of eternity to thedamned,whoshallbeinabsoluteandutterdespairofanydeliverance!

Howdreadful,then,istheconditionofthosewhoareinanaturalstate,whoareindangerofsuchmisery.

2. The dreadfulness of their condition will appear by considering howgreat their danger is of this misery. This will be obvious from thefollowingthings:

(1)Theirdangerissuch, thatcontinuingintheirpresentstate, theywillunavoidablysinkintothismisery.

First, the state inwhich natural persons now are, naturally tends to it.And this, because they are separate from God, and destitute of anyspiritualgood.Thesoul that is inastateofseparationfromitsCreator,mustbemiserablebecausehe isseparate fromthe fountainofallgood.He that is separate fromGod, is in great danger of ruin because he iswithout any defense. He that is separate from God, must perish, if hecontinueso,becauseitisfromGodonlythathecanhavethosesupplieswhichcanmakehimhappy.Itiswiththesoulasitiswiththebody.Thebodywithoutsuppliesofsustenancewillmiserablyfamishanddie.Sothesoulsofnaturalmenareinafamishingcondition.TheyareseparatefromGod,andthereforearedestituteofanyspiritualgood,whichcannourishthesoul,orkeepitalive;likeonethatisremoteinawilderness,wherehehas nothing to eat or drink, and therefore, if he continue so, willunavoidably die. So the state of natural men naturally tends to thatdreadfulmisery of the damned in hell, because they are separate fromGod.

Second, they are under the power of a mortal disease, which if it nothealed,will surely bring them to this death. They are under the poweranddominionofsin,andsin isamortaldiseaseof the soul. If it isnotcured,itwillcertainlybringthemtodeath;viz.Tothatseconddeathofwhichwehaveheard.Theinfectionof thediseasehaspowerfullyseizedtheirvitalparts.Thewholeheadissick,thewholeheartfaint.Thediseaseis inveterate. The infection is spread throughout the whole frame. Theverynatureiscorruptedandruined;andthewholemustcometoruin,if

Godbyhismightypowerdoesnotheal thedisease.Thesoul isunderamortalwound; awould deep and dreadfully confirmed. Its roots reachthe most vital parts; yea, they are principally seated there. There is aplague upon the heart, which corrupts and destroys the source of life,ruinsthewholeframeofnature,andhastensaninevitabledeath.Thereisamostdeadlypoison,whichhasbeeninfusedinto,andspreadover, theman.Hehasbeenbittenbya fieryserpent,whosebite issues inamosttormentingdeath.Sinisthat,whichdoesasnaturallytendtothemiseryandruinofthesoul,asthemostmortalpoisontendstothedeathofthebody. We look upon persons far gone in a consumption, or with anincurablecancer,or somemalady,as indolefulcircumstances.But thatmortaldisease,underwhosepowernaturalmenare,makestheircaseathousandtimesmoredoleful.Thatmortaldiseaseofnaturalmendoes,asitwere,ripenthemfordamnation.Wereadoftheclustersofthevineoftheearthbeingforthewine-pressofthewrathofGod,Rev.14:18,whereby the clusters of the vine are meant wicked men. The wickedness ofnaturalmen tends to sink them down to hell, as theweight of a stonecausesittotendtowardthecenteroftheearth.Naturalmenhave,as itwere, the seeds of hell within their own hearts. Those principles of sinand corruption, which are in them, if they remain unmortified, will atlength breed the torment of hell in them, and that necessarily, and oftheirowntendency.Thesoulthatremainsunderthepowerofsinwillatlengthtakefireofitself.Hellwillkindleinthem.

(2) If they continue in their present state, this misery appears to beunavoidable,ifweconsiderthejusticeandtruthofGod.

First,iftheycontinueintheirpresentcondition,sosurelyasGodisjust,theyshallsuffertheeternalmiseryofwhichwehaveheard.ThehonorofGod’s justicerequires it,andGodwillnotdisparagehisownjustice.Hewill not deny his own honor and glory, but will glorify himself on thewickedaswellasthegodly.Hewillnot losehishonorofanyoneofhiscreatureswhichhehasmade.

It is impossible that God should be frustrated or disappointed. And sosurelyasGodwillnotbefrustrated,sosurelyshalltheywhocontinueinanaturalcondition,sufferthateternalmisery,ofwhichwehaveheard.TheavengingjusticeofGodisoneoftheperfectionsofhisnature.Andhewill

glorifyallhisperfections.God isunalterable in thisaswellashisotherperfections.Hisjusticeshallandmustbesatisfied.Hehasdeclaredthathewillbynomeanscleartheguilty,Exo.34:7.Andthathewillnotjustifythewicked,Exo.23:7.Andthathewillnotatallacquitthewicked,Nah.1:3.GodisastrictlyjustJudge.Whenmencometostandbeforehim,hewillsurelyjudgethemaccordingtotheirworks.Theythathaveguiltlyingupon them, hewill surely judge according to their guilt. The debt theyowetojusticemustbepaidtotheuttermostfarthing.Itisimpossiblethatanyone, who dies in his sins, should escape everlasting condemnationand punishment before such a Judge. He will render to every manaccordingtohisdeeds.Rom.2:8,“Untothemthatarecontentious,anddonotobeythetruth,butobeyunrighteousness,indignationandwrath,tribulation and anguish, upon every soul ofman that doeth evil.” It isimpossibletoinfluenceGodtobeotherwisethanjustinjudgingungodlymen.Thereisnobribinghim.Heacceptethnotthepersonofprinces,norregardeth the rich more than the poor. Deu. 10:17, “He regardeth notpersons, nor taketh reward.” It is impossible to influence him to beotherwisethanstrictlyjust,byanysupplications,ortears,orcries.Godisinexorably just.Thecriesand themoansof themalefactorwillhavenoinfluenceuponthisJudgetopassamorefavorablejudgmentonthem,soasinanywaytoacquitorreleasethem.Theeternalcries,andgroans,andlamentationsofthewickedwillhavenoinfluenceuponhim.Thoughtheyareeversolongcontinued,theywillnotprevailuponGod.

Second,sosurelyasGodistrue,iftheydieinthestatetheyarenowin,theyshallsuffer thateternalmisery.Godhas threatened it inapositiveandabsolutemanner.Thethreateningsofthelawareabsolute.Andthey,whoare inanatural state,areunder thecondemnationof the law.Thethreateningofthelawtakesholduponthem.Andiftheycontinueunderguilt, God is obliged by his word to punish them according to thatthreatening.Andhehasoften,inthemostpositiveandabsolutemanner,declaredthatthewickedshallbecastintohell;thattheywhobelievenotshallbedamned;thattheyshallhavetheirportioninthelakethatburnswith fireandbrimstone;and that theirmisery shallneverhaveanend.Andtherefore, if therebeanytruth inGod, itshallsurelybeso.It isasimpossible that he who dies in a natural condition, should escapesufferingthateternalmisery,asthatGodshouldlie.TheWordofGodis

strongerandfirmerthanmountainsofbrass,andshallnotfail.Weshallsoonerseeheavenandearthpassaway, thanone jotor tittleofall thatGodhath said inhisWordnot be fulfilled. Somuch for the first thing,thatevincesthegreatnessof thedanger thatnaturalmenare inofhell;viz. that theywill unavoidably sink intohell, if they continue in such acondition.

(3)Theirdangerwillappearverydreadful,ifweconsiderhowuncertainitis,whethertheywillevergetoutofthiscondition.Itisveryuncertainwhether theywill everbe converted. If they should die in their presentcondition, theirmisery is certain and inevitable.But it is very doubtfulwhethertheywillnotdieinsuchacondition,theirmiseryiscertainandinevitable. But it is very doubtful whether they will not die in such acondition.Thereisgreatdangerthattheywill;greatdangeroftheirneverbeingconverted.Andthiswillappear,ifweconsidertwothings.

First, theyhavenothingonwhich todepend for conversion.Theyhavenothing in the world, by which to persuade themselves that they shalleverbeconverted.Lefttothemselves,theyneverwillrepentandturntoGod.Iftheyareeverconverted,therefore,it isGodwhomustdoit.ButtheyhavenopromiseofGod,thattheyevershallbeconverted.Theydonotknowhowsoontheymaydie.Godhasnotpromisedthemlonglife;andhehasnotpromisedthemthattheyshallbereadyfordeathbeforethey die. It is but a peradventure, whether God will ever give themrepentance to the acknowledging of the truth. 2 Tim. 2:25. Theirresolutionsarenottobedependedon.Iftheyhaveconvictions,theyarenottobedependedon;theymaylosethoseconvictions.Theirconversiondependsoninnumerableuncertainties.Itisveryuncertain,then,whethertheywillbeconvertedbeforetheydie.

Second, another thing which shows the danger there is that they shallneverbeconverted,is,thattherearebutfew,comparatively,whoareeverconverted.Butfewofthose,whohavebeennaturalpersonsintimepast,havebeenconverted.Mostofthemhavediedunconverted.Soithasbeeninallages,andhencewehavereasontothinkthatbutfewofthem,whoare uncovered now, will ever be converted; thatmost of them will dieunconverted, and will go to hell. Natural persons are ready to flatterthemselves,thattheyshallbeconverted.Theythinktherearesignsofit.

Butamanwouldnotruntheventureofsomuchasasixpenceinsuchanuncertaintyastheyare,abouttheireverbeingconverted,ornotgoingtohell.This shows thedoleful conditionofnaturalmen,as it isuncertainwhethertheyshalleverbeconverted.

Third,theywhoareinanaturalconditionareindangerofgoingtohellevery day. Those now present, who are in a natural condition, are indanger of dropping into hell before tomorrow morning. They havenothingtodependon,tokeepthemoutofhelloneday,oronenight.Weknow not what a daymay bring forth. God has not promised to sparethemoneday;andheiseverydayangrywiththem.Theblackclouds,thatare fullof the thunderofGod’swrath,hangover theirheadseveryday,and they know not how soon the thunder will break forth upon theirheads. Natural men are in Scripture compared to those that walk inslippery places. They know not when their feet will slip. They arecontinuallyindanger.Psa.73:18,“Surelythoudidstsettheminslipperyplaces;thoucastedstthemdownintodestruction.Howaretheybroughtintodesolationasinamoment.”Naturalmenhangoverthepitofhell,asitwere,byathread,thathasamothcontinuallygnawingit.Theyknownotwhenitwillsnapintwain,andletthemdrop.Theyareintheutmostuncertainty.Theyarenotsecureonemoment.Anaturalmannevergoestosleep,butthatheisindangerofwakinginhell.Experienceabundantlyteachesthemattertobeso.Itshows,bymillionsofinstances,thatmanisnot certain of life one day.Andhow common a thing is it for death tocomesuddenlyandunexpectedly!Andthousands,beyondallreasonablequestion, are going to hell every day, and death comes upon themunexpectedly. “When they shall say, peace and safety, then suddendestructioncomethuponthem,astravailuponawomanwithchild;andtheyshallnotescape.”Itisadreadfulconditionthatnaturalpersonsareinuponthisaccount.Andnowisepersonwouldbeintheirconditionforaquarterofanhourforthewholeworld,becausesuchisthedangerthattheywilldropintohellbeforethatquarterofanhourisexpired.

Thus I have shown how dreadful the condition of natural men is,relativelyconsidered.Ishallmentiontwoorthreethingsmore,whichyetfurthermakeitappearhowdolefultheirconditionis.

1. The longer it continues, the worse it grows. This is an awful

circumstance in the condition of a natural man. Any disease is lookeduponasthemoredreadful,foritsgrowingandincreasingnature.Thusacancer and gangrene are regarded as dreadful calamities, because theycontinuallygrowandspread.Andthefastertheygrow,themoredreadfularetheyaccounted.Itwouldbedreadfultobeinanaturalcondition,ifaperson could continue as he is, andhis condition grownoworse; if hecould live in a natural condition, and never have it anymore dreadful,thanwhenhefirstbeginstosin.Butitisyetmuchmoredreadful,whenweconsiderthatiteverydaybecomesworseandworse.Theconditionofnaturalmen is worse today than it was yesterday, and that on severalaccounts. The heart growsmore andmore polluted and hardened. Thelongersincontinuesunmortified,themoreisitstrengthenedandrooted.Theirguiltalsogrowsgreater,andhelleverydaygrowshotter; for theyare everyday adding sin to sin, and so their iniquity is increasing overtheir headsmore andmore. Every new sin adds to the guilt. Every sindeserveseternaldeathforitspunishment.Andthereforeineverysinthatamancommits,thereissomuchaddedtothepunishment,towhichheliesexposed.Thereis,asitwere,anothereternaldeathaddedtoaugmenthis damnation. And howmuch is added to the account in God’s bookeveryday.Howmanynew sins are setdown, that allmaybe answeredfor;eachoneofwhichsinsmustbepunished,thatbyitselfwouldbeaneternal death!How fast dowickedmen heap up guilt, and treasure upwrath,solongastheycontinueinanaturalcondition!HowisGodmoreandmoreprovoked, hiswrathmore andmore incensed; andhowdoeshell-fire continually grow hotter and hotter! If aman has lived twentyyears inanaturalcondition, thefirehasbeenincreasedeverydaysincehehas lived. It has been, as itwere, blownup to a greater and greaterdegreeof fierceness.Yea,howdreadfullydoesoneday’s continuance insinaddtotheheatofhell-fire!

2.Allblessingsareturnedintocursestothosewholiveanddieinsuchacondition. Those things which aremost pleasant and comfortable, andwhichmenesteemtheblessingsoflife,arebutcursesuntosuch;astheirmeat,andtheirdrink,andtheirraiment.Thereisacursegoeswitheverymouthfulofmeat,andeverydropofdrink, tosuchaperson.There isacursewithhisraimentwhichheputson.Itallcontributestohismisery.Though itmaypleasehim,yet itdoeshimnogood,buthe is themore

miserableforit.Ifhehasanyenjoymentwhichissweetandpleasanttohim,thepleasureisacursetohim.Heisreallythemoremiserableforit.It is an occasion of death to him. His possessions, which he valueshimselfupon,andsetshisheartupon,areturnedintoacursetohim.HishousehasthecurseofGoduponit,andhistableisasnareandatraptohim.Psa.69:22.HisbedhasGod’scurseuponit.Whenheliesdowntosleep, a curse attends his rest; and when he goes forth to labor, he isfollowedwithacurseonthat.ThecurseofGodisuponhisfields,onhiscorn,andherds,andallhehas.Ifhehasfriendsandrelations,whoarepleasant anddear tohim, they arenoblessings tohim.He receivesnocomfortbythem,buttheyproveacursetohim.Isayitisthuswiththosewho live anddie in a natural condition.Deu. 28:16, etc., “Cursed shaltthoubeinthecity,andcursedshaltthoubeinthefield.Cursedshallbethybasket,andthystore.Cursedshallbe the fruitof thybody,and thefruitofthyland,andtheincreaseofthykine,andtheflocksofthysheep.Cursedshaltthoubewhenthoucomestin,andcursedshaltthoubewhenthou goest out. The Lord shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, andrebuke, in all that thou settest thinghandunto for todo,until thoubedestroyed,anduntilthouperishquickly;becauseofthewickednessofthydoings,whereby thou hast forsakenme.”Man’s faculties of reason andunderstanding,andallhisnaturalpowers,are turned intoacurse.Yea,spiritualmerciesandprivilegesshallalsobeturnedintoacursetothosewholiveanddieinanaturalcondition.AcursegoeswiththeworshipofGod,andwithsabbathsandsacraments,with instruction,andcounsels,andwarnings,andwiththemostpreciousadvantages.Theyareallturnedintoacurse.Theyareasaviorofdeathuntodeath.Theydobuthardenthe heart, and aggravate the guilt and misery, and inflame the divinewrath.Isaiah6:9,10.“Go,maketheheartofthispeoplefat.”2Cor.2:16,“To the onewe are the savour of death unto death.” It will only be anoccasionoftheirmisery,thatGodeversentChristintotheworldtosavesinners.ThatwhichisinitselfsogloriousamanifestationofGod’smercy,so unspeakable a gift, that which is an infinite blessing to others whoreceiveChrist,willbeacurseuntothem.1Pet.2:8,“Astoneofstumbling,andarockofoffense.”ThebloodofChrist,whichisthepriceofeternallifeandglorytosome,isanoccasionofsinkingthemvastlythelowerintoeternalburnings.Andthatisthecaseofsuchpersons.Themorepreciousanymerciesareinthemselves,themoreofacursearetheytothem.The

betterthethingsareinthemselves,themorewilltheycontributetotheirmisery.Andspiritualprivileges,whichareinthemselvesgreatermerciesthananyoutwardenjoyments,willaboveallotherthingsproveacursetothem. Nothing will enhance their condemnation somuch as these. Onaccountofthese,itwillbemoretolerableforSodomandGomorrahinthedayofjudgment,thanforthem.Yea,sodolefulistheconditionofnaturalmen,thatiftheyliveanddieinthatcondition,notonlytheenjoymentsoflife,butlifeitself,willbeacursetothem.Thelongertheylive,themoremiserablewilltheybe;thesoonertheydie,thebetter.Iftheylivelonginsuchacondition,anddieinitatlast,itwouldhavebeenbetterforthemiftheyhaddiedbefore.Itwouldhavebeenfarbetterforthemtohavespentthe time in hell, than on earth. Yea, better for them to have spent tenthousandyearsinhell,insteadofoneonearth.Whentheylookback,andconsiderwhatenjoyments theyhavehad, theywillwish theyhadneverhad them.Thoughwhenon earth they set their hearts on their earthlyenjoyments,theywillhereafterwishtheyhadbeenwithoutthem;fortheywillseetheyhaveonlyfittedthemfortheslaughter.Theywillwishtheynever had had their houses and lands, their garments, their earthlyfriends,andtheirearthlypossessions.Andsotheywillwishthattheyhadneverenjoyedthelightofthegospel,thattheyhadbeenbornamongtheheatheninsomeofthemostdarkandbarbarousplacesoftheearth.TheywillwishthatChristhadnevercomeintotheworldtodieforsinners,soastogivemenanyopportunitytobesaved.TheywillwishthatGodhadcastofffallenman,ashedidthefallenangels,andhadnevermadehimtheofferofaSavior.Theywillwishthat theyhaddiedsooner,andhadnot had so much opportunity to increase their guilt and their misery.Theywill wish they had died in their childhood, and been sent to hellthen.Theywillcursethedaythatevertheywereborn,andwishtheyhadbeen made vipers and scorpions, or anything, rather than rationalcreatures.

3.Theyhavenosecurityfromthemostdismalhorrorsofmindinthislife.They have no security, but their stupidity. A naturalman can have nocomfortorpeaceinanaturalcondition,butthatofwhichblindnessandsenselessness are the foundation.And fromwhat has been said, that istheveryevil.Anaturalmancanhavenocomfortinanythinginthisworldany further, than thought and consideration ofmind are kept down in

him. As youmake a condemnedmalefactor senseless of his misery byputting him to sleep with opium, or make him merry just before hisexecutionbygivinghimsomethingtodeprivehimoftheuseofreason,sothatheshallnotbesensibleofhisowncircumstances.Otherwise,thereisno peace or comfort, which a natural man can have in a naturalcondition. Isa. 57:21, “There isnopeace, saithmyGod, to thewicked.”Job15:20,“Thewickedmantravailethwithpainallhisdays.Adreadfulsoundisinhisears.”Thedolefulstateofanaturalmanappearsespeciallyfromthehorrorandamazementtowhichheisliableonadeath-bed.TohavetheheavyhandofGodupononeinsomedangeroussickness,whichiswastingandconsumingthebody,andlikelytodestroyit,andtohaveaprospectofapproachingdeath,andofsoongoing intoeternity, there tobeinsuchaconditionasthis:towhatamazingapprehensionsmustthesinnerbeliable!Howdismalmusthisstatebe,whenthediseaseprevails,sothatthereisnohopethatheshallrecover,whenthephysicianbeginstogivehimover,andfriendstodespairofhislife;whendeathseemstohasten on, and he is at the same time perfectly blind to any spiritualobject,altogetherignorantofGod,ofChrist,andofthewayofsalvation,havingneverexercisedoneactoflovetoGodinhislife,ordoneonethingforhis glory; having then every lust and corruption in its full strength;having then such enmity in the heart against God, as to be ready todethronehim,ifthatwerepossible;havingnorightinGod,orinterestinChrist; having the terrible wrath of God abiding on him; being yet thechildofthedevil,entirelyinhispossessionandunderhispower;withnohopetomaintainhim,andwiththefullviewofnever-endingmiseryjustat the door.What a dismal casemust a naturalman be in under suchcircumstances! How will his heart die within him at the news of hisapproachingdeath,whenhefindsthathemustgo,thathecannotdeliverhimself,thatdeathstandswithhisgrimcountenancelookinghimintheface,andisjustabouttoseizehim,andcarryhimoutoftheworld.Andthatheatthesametimehasnothingtodependon!Howoftenarethereinstances of dismal distress of unconverted persons on a deathbed!Noone knows the fears, the exercise and torment in their hearts, but theywhofeelthem.Theyaresuchthatallthepleasuresofsin,whichtheyhavehadintheirwholelives,willnotpaythemfor.Asyoumaysometimesseegodlymengotriumphingoutoftheworldfullofjoy,withtheforetastesofheaven,sosometimeswickedmen,whendying,anticipatesomething

ofhellbeforetheyarrivethere.Theflamesofhelldo,asitwere,comeupand reach them, in some measure, before they are dead. God thenwithdraws, and ceases to protect them. The tormentor begins his workwhile they are alive. Thus it was with Saul and Judas; and there havebeenmanyothersimilarinstancessince;andnone,whoareinanaturalcondition,haveanysecurityfromit.Thestateofanaturalmanisdolefulon this account, though this is but a prelude and foretaste of theeverlastingmiserywhichfollows.

ThusIhave, insomemeasure,shown inwhatadolefulcondition thosearewhoareinanaturalcondition.StillIhavesaidbutlittle.Itisbeyondwhatwecanspeakorthink.Theywhosaymostofthedreadfulnessofanatural condition, say but little. And they who are most sensible, aresensibleofbutasmallpartofthemiseryofanaturalstate.

——————————