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CHAP. 57. Of the estate of the Reprobates in hell. (Book 57)
AFter that the sentence of condemna••••on is pronounced, then followeth e∣uerlasting death: whereof this is the estate.
- I. The Reprobates are separated from the presence and glorie of God.
- II. They are punished with eternall confusion, & most bitter reproches: because all their secret wickednesses and sinnes are reuealed. 2. Thess. 1.9. Which shall be punished with euerlasting perdition, from the presence of the Lord, and from the glorie of his power. Math. 5.8. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 1. Ioh. 2.28. And now little children, abide in him, that when he shall appeare, we may be bold, and not be ashamed before him at his comming.
- III. They haue fellowship with the diuell and his angels, Math. 25.41.
- IV. They are wholly in bodie and soule tormented with an incredible horrour, and exceeding great anguish, through the sense and feeling of Gods wrath, powred out vpon them for euer. Esai 66. 24. And they shall goe forth, and looke vpon the carkases of men, that haue transgressed against me: for their worme shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched: and they shall be an abhor∣ring vnto all flesh.
Hereupon is the punishment of those that are condemned, called Hell fire, a worme, weeping, and gnashing of teeth, vtter darknesse, &c. Rev. 21.8. But the fearefull, and vnbeleeuing, and the abominable, and murtherers, and whoremon∣gers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all lyers, shal haue their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. Math. 13.42. And shall cast them into a furnace of fire, ther•• shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Esai 66. 24.
A Corollarie.
ANd this is the full execution of Gods decree of reprobation, whereby ap∣peareth the great iustice of God in punishing sinne: from whence also commeth Gods glorie, which he propoundeth to himselfe, as the last &chie∣fest end in all these things. Therefore let euery Christian propound the same end vnto himselfe. Rom. 9.14. What shall we say then? is there vnrighteousnesse with God? God forbid. 15. For he said to Moses, I will haue mercie on him to whome I will shew mercie: and will haue compassion on him on whome I will haue compassi∣on. 16. So then, it is not in him that willeth, nor in him that runneth, but in God that sheweth mercie. 17. For the Scriptures saith vnto Pharaoh, For this same purpose haue I stirred thee vp, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. 1. Cor. 10.31. Whether therefore ye eate or drinke, or whatsoeuer ye doe, doe all to the glorie of God.