Fifthly, Observe the notions whereby their different estate in the other Avorld is expressed, punishment and life. See sermon last, on 2 Cor. v. 10.
VeR. 46.] SERMONS UPON MATTHEW XXV. 105
Sixthly, Observe, eternity is affixed to both ; everlasting punish- ment and eternal life. See last sermon on 2 Cor. v. 10.
Seventhly, Observe, these are spoken of not only as threatened, but executed. When the cause hath been sufficiently tried and cleared, and sentence passed, there will be execution. The execution is certain, speedy, and unavoidable. See last sermon on 2 Cor. v. 10.
Eightly, Observe, sentence is executed on the wicked first. It beginneth with them, for it is said, ' These shall go away into ever- lasting punishment, and the righteous into life eternal.' Now this is not merely because the order of the narration did so require it. See last sermon on 2 Cor. v. 10.
The Use is to press us — (1.) To believe these things ; (2.) Seriously to consider of them.
1. To believe them. ]\Iost men's faith about the eternal recom- penses is but pretended, at best too cold and speculative, an opinion rather than a sound belief, as appeareth by the little fruit and effect that it hath upon us ; for if we had such a sight of them as we have of other things, we should be other manner of persons than we are, in all holy conversation and godliness. We see how cautious man is in tasting meat in Avhich he doth suspect harm, that it will breed in him the pain and torments of the stone and gout or cholic ; I say, though it be but probable the things will do us any hurt. We know certainly that ' the wages of sin is death,' yet we will be tasting forbidden fruit. If a man did but suspect a house were falling, he would not stay in it an hour. We know for certain that continuance in a carnal estate will be our eternal ruin ; yet who doth flee from wrath to come ? If we have but a little hope of gain, we will take pains to obtain it. We know that ' our labour is not in vain in the Lord.' Why do we not ' abound in his work ' ? 1 Cor. xv. 58. Surely we would do more to prevent this misery, to obtain this happiness, when we may do it upon such easy terms, and have so fair an opportunity in our hands ; if we were not strangely stupefied, we would not go to hell to save our- selves a labour. There are two things which are very wondrous : —
[1.] That any should suspect the christian faith, so clearly promised in the predictions of the prophets before it was set afoot, and confirmed with such a number of miracles after it was set afoot ; received among the nations with so universal a consent in the learned part of the world, notwithstanding the meanness of the instruments first employed in it, and perpetuated to us throughout so many successions of ages, who have had experience of the truth and benefit of it ; — that now in the latter end of time, any should suspect this faith, and think it a fond credulity, is a wonder indeed.
[2.] But a greater wonder by far is it that any should embrace the christian faith and yet live sinfully ; that they should believe as chris- tians, and yet live as atheists. You cannot drive a dull ass into the fire that is kindled before him : ' Surely in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird.' How can men believe eternal torments, and yet with so much boldness and easiness run into the sins that do deserve them ? Many times they are not compelled by any terror, nor asked by any tempter, nor invited by any temptation ; but of their own accord seek out occasions of their ruin. On the other side, can a man
lOG SERMONS UPON MATTHEW XXV. [Ser. XXVII.
believe heaven and do nothinp; for it? If we know that it will not he lost labour, there is all the reason we should not grudge at it.
2. Seriously consider of these things. The scripture everywhere calleth for consideration : Ps. 1. 22, ' Consider this, ye that forget God ; ' Isa. i. 3, ' My people will not consider.' Many that have faith do not set it a-work by lively thoughts. Knowledge is asleep, and difFereth little from ignorance and oblivion, till consideration awaken it. If we were at leisure to think of eternity, it would do us good to think of this double motive — that every man must be judged to ever- lasting joy or everlasting torment. These things are propounded for our benefit and instruction. We are guarded on both sides ; we have the bridle of fear and the spur of hope. If God had only terrified us from sin by mentioning inexpressible pains and horrors, we might be frighted, and stand at a distance from it ; but when we have such encouragements to good, and God propoundeth such unspeakable joys, this should quicken our diligence. If God had only promised heaven, and threatened no hell, wicked men wonld count it no great matter to lose lieaven, provided that they might be annihilated ; but seeing there is both, and both for ever, shall we be cold and dead ? We are un- done for ever if wicked, blessed for ever if godly. What should we not do that we may be everlastingly blessed, and avoid everlasting misery ?