Let us now see what the scriptures say of this future account. And, for method's sake, we will divide this discourse into three heads. In the

First place, We will see what assurance the scriptures give us of a future judgment.

Secondly, Consider the proceedings of that day, together with the candour and equity of the Judge.

Thirdly, We will take notice of the rewards and punishments consequent thereupon. And Fourthly, Of the day set apart for that purpose.

First, We are to see what assurance the scriptures give us of a future judgment.

Our blessed Saviour, when he was discoursing to his disciples of the end of the world, informed them that at that time the Son of Man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire; there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of his Father. Here our Redeemer is represented as the chief minister of God's justice, in the distribution of rewards to the righteous, and punishment to the wicked; and though the effect and execution of the sentence only be expressed, yet it supposes a judicious proceeding.

Thus likewise we read: For the Son of Man shall come in the glory of his Father, with his holy angels, and then he shall reward every man according to his work, Shall come in the glory

of his Father: i. e. with his authority committed to him.

Then again our Saviour, speaking of his coming to judge the world, expresses himself thus: Then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven; and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory; i. e. in order to judge the world.

Our Saviour, in the next place, produces his commission, and tells us from whence his authority was derived to him: The Father judgeth no man, but has committed all judgment to the Son, to whom he has given authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. St. Peter declares, that God commanded the Apostles to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is Christ that is ordained to be the Judge of the quick and the dead. And St. Paul, in the words of my text, declares that God hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the world in righteousness, by that man whom he hath ordained, (i. e. Jesus Christ) for it follows, whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

In short, all St. Paul's Epistles are pregnant with threatenings and promises resulting from this future judgment. Thus he speaks to the Thessalonians: The Lord Jesus Christ shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, taking vengeance on all them that know not God, and obey not the gospel of his son, who shall be punished with everlasting damnation

from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.

Thus we see what assurance we have of a future judgment. This is a doctrine that is the soul and spirit of religion; for what doth the notion or belief of a God signify, if he will not trouble himself to take notice how men behave themselves here? If he will neither reward nor punish, virtue is then but an empty name; a needless penance which men impose upon themselves; and the vicious and debauched are as safe and secure, as their lives seem easy and delightful.

But as there is a Judge who distinguishes the actions of men here, and will indeed judge the world hereafter, then those who have sense must know their interest; this awakens their consciences, assuring them that piety and virtue are absolutely necessary, and of the greatest importance to their souls hereafter. But this will appear more fully by considering, as was proposed,

Secondly, The proceedings of that day, together with the candour and equity of the Judge, for which we must also be beholding to the scripture; there we are told the world will be judged in righteousness.

In human tribunals there is a distinction between the courts of law and equity; but there are no different jndicatories in the other world; for there Mercy and Truth kiss each other; Law and Equity proceed from the same mouth, from the same throne; there will be no arbitrary proceedings; none will be ac

quitted, none condemned, by a strain of prerogative, or any unjust measure in the Judge; no, he will govern himself by the justice and equity of the cause: this, he himself, hath declared. All the churches, says he, shall know that I am he who searcheth the reins and the heart, and will render to every man according to his works. And St. Paul, in his Epistle to the Corinthians, assures us that we must all appear at the judgment seat of Christ, to answer for the things done in the flesh, whether they be good, or whether they be evil.

At which time, though God does not expect from men the perfection of angels, nor to reap but in proportion to what he has sown; yet, by the improvement of those talents he hath afforded, he expects to find a difference in the attainment and temper of those he consigns to a different state for eternity. And, although, as St. Paul tells the Romans, those that have sinned without law, shall perish without the law ; and such as have sinned under the law, shall be judged by the law; yet still the proceedings are just and equal, because they are according to men's deeds, and proportionable to their opportunities of doing good. If this were not so, that day could not be called a day of judgment, but rather a day of execution; and the whole transaction a demonstration of will and power, and not of righteousness and integrity. Besides, why is the Judge called a searcher of hearts? Why is he said to separate the sheep from the goats? Or why is he called a fiery trial, if he makes no discrimination, no difference, but

saves and damns by determination? No, we may rest assured that the Judge of all the earth will do right; he is capable of no fondness, partiality, or indulgence; will be wrought upon by no flattery, moved by no complaints, corrupted by no bribes.

This our Judge is acquitted of, every where in the holy scriptures; and particularly the Apostle St. Peter, who (by reason of his Jewish education) had formerly thought God Almighty had neglected and despised all nations but the Jews, proclaims with admiration, that of a truth God is no respector of persons, but in every nation, he that feareth him and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. By which it is plain, that the great crisis of eternity depends upon a holy temper---upon a virtuous and pious life.

I have but one observation more to make upon this head, with respect to the righteous proceedings of the Judge, and that is, the candid interpretation he will put upon our actions. As no laws are tolerable when they are rigorously strained, and severely applied, so none are harsh and difficult that meet with a fair and equitable interpretation.

Now, in reference to this, the whole tenor of the gospel assures us, that our merciful God will watch no advantage against us; will not insist upon punctilios, but principally looks at the sincerity of our intentions, and will advance our good offices to as high a value as they are capable of. For thus he expresses himself, when speaking to those on his right hand: Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom

B b