[1.] Observe this consumption, how it is accomplished. If we find Antichrist risen, discovered, and consumed, why should we be in doubt any longer ? The pomp and height was much about 1500 years after Christ ; what a consumption hath happened since, by the reviving re- ligion and learning, the Christian Avorld should with thankfulness take notice of, by the falling of Germany, England, France, and Hun-
C2 THE SIXTH SEUMON. [2 TlIES. 11. 8.
jjjavy in a ^reat part, together with Denmark, Sweden, rohmd, and other countries ; and by what means hath this been but by the Spirit of his mouth ? It is profitable to know Antichrist by his rise and de- scrij)tion ; but it is comfortable to know him by his discovery and consumption, and God's blessing such unlikely means at the begin- ning to such a wonderful etiect. When Luther first appeared, the bishop of Strasburg told ]nm,Ahi in ccehcm, mi f rater, et die, miserere nosfri. But God hath done great things for us too : when lie first turned the captivity of his churches, we were like unto those that dream.
[2.] Caution. Antichrist is consumed, but he is not yet dead. "What strength he may recover before his last destruction, God knoweth. Popery after it was cast out, hath re-entered Bohemia and Austria, and the emperor's hereditary countries ; and what havoc hath been made of the evangelical churches, the book of Caraffa, the bishop and legate of the Pope, called Gerniania sacra restaurata, showeth, wherein many notable things concerning tlieir artifices to replant Popery are set down. As to England, some hope his consumption is not desperate, and many fear that Popery may recover again, unless God in mercy prevent it. We know not what is in the womb of pro- vidence, or how far the prerogative of free grace may interpose in our behalf — whether England shall be made a theatre of mercy once more, or the seat of idolatry, and superstition, and blood. But though we do not know what God hath determined, yet we may soon know what England hath deserved. And that is enough to quicken us to watch- I'ulness and prayer, and expectation, and serious preparation for the day of evil ; and by these things, if it cometh to pass, it will do us no harm.
(1.) When God hath laid in great store of comforts against suffer- ings, usually there is a time of expense to lay them out again. Christ warned his hearers to make use of the light, because of the dark- ness coming upon them, John xii. 35, 3G. You never knew the gos- jiel powerfully preached, but trials came : Heb. x. 32-34, ' For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that you have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.' Castles are first victualled, then besieged : the ministry is consolatory mostly.
(2.) When men can neither bear our vices nor their proper remedies : Ezek. xxiv. 13, ' In thy filthiness is lewdness ; because I have purged thee, and thou wast not ])urged, thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee ; ' Hosea vii. 1, ' When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria, for they commit falsehood,' <tc.
(3.) When there are gi-eat differences amongst God's own peoi)le, the end is bitter; we warp in the sunshine, will not know the way of ])eace. Eusebius says, before Diocletian's persecution, <f>c\oveiKLai<i aue(j)XiyovTO — the church was torn witli intestine broils, pastors against jiastors, and people against people. Ea.se begets pride and wanton- ness, and that maketh wjiy for contention.
(4.) When profaneness increaseth, and men do not walk becoming
2 TheS. II. 8.] THE SIXTH SERMON. C3
the gospel, God taketh tlie gospel from tliem. The apostasy from the power and purity of religion tirst made Avay for Antichrist, and is most likely to let him in again.
(5.) When a people are prepared for such impressions, there is a party formed, partly by opinions that symbolise with Popery, partly by doting ou the pomp and outside of religion, and neglecting the life and power of it ; and partly when indifferent and atheistical con- €eits do dispose their minds no more to one religion than another : usually then is a nation fitted for such a change.
Now what shall we do ?
1. Watch and pray. A people well awaked will not change their religion. The envious man sowed -tares while the servants slept, Mat. xiii. 25. Be instant with God in prayer, as all good Christians should be, when the church is in danger ; as David, Ps. lix. 13, ' Con- sume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be, that they may know that God rules in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah.' The consumption is at hand : Luke xxi. 36, ' Watch ye, therefore, and pray always, that ye may be counted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass.'
2. Eeform and repent : Eev. ii. 5, ' Kepent, or I will remove thy candlestick out of his place.' Our disorders must be bewailed and re- dressed. There are two stumbling-blocks — the idolatry of the Romish synagogue, and the evil manners of the Reformed Churches.