2. So is it also in reference to that other great work of God in the world relating to Christ and his church, which is the ocean of provi- dence whereinto all the rivulets of lesser alterations do run ; I mean, the destruction of Antichrist and his Babylonish kingdom.
What a frame shall be in the saints on the close of that work, the Holy Ghost declares at large, Rev. xix., — all rejoicing and spiritual communion with God ! and whilst the work is on the wheel, those whom God will own in it he sets his mark on as holy, called, and chosen.
The grounds hereof are, —
1. Because in every such providential alteration or dissolution of things on the account of Christ and his church, there is a peculiar coming of Christ himself. He cometh into the world for the work he hath to do ; he cometh among his own to fulfil his pleasure among them. Hence such works are called " his coming;" and " the coming of his day." Thus James exhorts these very Jews to whom Peter here writes, with reference to the same things, James v. 7-9, " Be patient unto the coming of the Lord." But how could that genera- tion extend their patience to the clay of judgment? " Nay," saith he,
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"that is not the work I design, hut his coming to take vengeance on his stubborn adversaries;" which he saith, verse 8, " 'draweth nigh,' is even, at hand; yea, Christ, 'the judge, standeth before the door/" verse 9, " ready to enter;" — which also he did within a few years. So upon or in the destruction of Jerusalem (the same work), Luke xxi. 27, the Son of man is said to " come in a cloud, with power and great glory;" — and they that escape in that desolation are said to " stand before the Son of man," verse 36. So, in the ruin and destruction of the Roman empire, on the account of their persecution, it is said that " the day of the wrath of the Lamb was come," Rev. vi. 16, 17.
In all such dispensations, then, there is a peculiar coming of Christ, a peculiar drawing nigh of him, to deal with all sorts of persons in a special manner. Though he be oftentimes encompassed with many clouds, and with much darkness, yet he is present, exerting his autho- rity, power, wisdom, righteousness, and grace in an eminent manner. It is with him as it is with God in other works, Job ix. 1 1 ; though all " see him not, perceive him not," yet " he goeth by," and " passeth on." The lusts, prejudices, corruptions, selfishness, injustice, oppres- sions of men, — the darkness, unbelief, fears, carnal wisdom, of the saints themselves, — the depth, compass, height, unsearchableness, of the path of the wisdom of Christ himself, — keep us in the dark as to his presence in this and that particular; but yet in such dispen- sations he is come, and passeth on towards the accomplishment of his work, though we perceive it not. Now, " what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness," to meet this great King of saints at his coming? What preparation ought there to be ! what solemnity of universal holiness for his entertainment ! lie is in such dispensations continually nigh us, whether we take notice of it or not.
I say, then, if there be a special coming and a special meeting of Christ in such dispensations, I suppose I may leave the inference unto all holy conversation and godliness, with the apostle, to the breasts and judgment of them that are concerned. Are we in this work to meet the Lord Jesus? What manner of persons ought we to be!
It may be observed, that Christ puts very great weight on the pre- sent frame and course which he finds men in at his coming. Matt, xxiv. 46, " Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing." He annexes blessedness to the frame and course he finds men in at his coming; and [commends him that] waiteth for that hour, verse 42. Be not asleep when the thief comes to break up the house ; take heed that that day take you not unprovided, — that you be not overtaken in the midst of the cares of this world. And he complains that when he comes he shall not " find faith on the earth," Luke xviii. 8.
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But you will say, " Is this enough, then, that we look to he found in all godliness and holiness at his coining? May we indulge our- selves and our lusts at other seasons, so we be sure to be then pro- vided ? Is not the command of duty equal and universal as to all times and seasons? or is it pointed only unto such dispensations?"
Ans. 1. The inference for preparedness for the coming of Christ is to universal holiness, at all seasons ; and that upon the account of the uncertainty of it. This our Saviour presseth again and again. " You know not at all when it will be, nor how, — no, not in the least; you believe it not when it is come : ' I shall not find faith of it on the earth,' " saith Christ. "Men will not take notice of it, nor acknowledge it, nor own it, as my coming; wherefore you have no way to be pre- pared for it, but by universal, perpetual watchfulness."