A commentarie vpon the most diuine Epistle of S. Paul to the Romanes Containing for matter, the degeneration of our nature by Adams Fall; and the restauration thereof, by the grace of Christ. Together with the perfection of faith, and the imbecillity of workes, in the cause of iustification of elect sinners before God. For forme and maner of handling, it hath the coherence and method, the summe and scope, the interpretations & doctrines the reasons and vses, of most texts. All which, are set downe very familiarly and compendiously, in forme of a dialogue, betweene Tlmotheus [sic] and Silas, by Thomas Wilson, one of the six preachers in the cathedrall church of Canterbury.

DIAL. XI.

Verse 16.

At that day when God shall iudge the secrets of mens hearts ac∣cording to my Gospell.

Tim.

VVHat is the drift of this Text?

Silas.

To cite all men, both Iewes and Gen∣tiles before Gods tribunall seate, as guilty of his iudge∣ment: it concludeth his tract touching the righteous iudgement of God in taking reuenge of the wicked.

Tim

What be the parts of this Text?

Sil.

Foure; First, that there is a day appointed for he iudging of all flesh. Secondly, the Iudge, who is both Soueraigne (God) and Deputy (Christ Iesus.) Third∣ly, the things that shall be iudged, (the secrets of men.) Lastly, that this Doctrine is a part and principle of the Gospell, and as certaine and sure as that Paul taught it in the Doctrine which he deliuered in his Sermons and E∣pistles.

Tim.

What may we learne concerning the day of iudgment?

Sil.

Two things: First, that it is so certaine that it wil come, that nothing is or can be more certaine; the rea∣sons

heereof are theese: first, Gods decree which hath appointed it by an vnchangeable will. Secondly, the truth of Scripture, reuealing it in most plaine and innu∣merable places. Thirdly, the euidence of reason de∣monstrating it, as aboue, and the feare of our Conscience for secret sinnes conuincing vs of it.

Tim.

What vse heereof?

Silas.

Foure-fold: First, the summoning of the wicked to repentance, Acts. 17, 30. Secondly, the confirming such in their duties as haue repented, 2. Cor. 5, 11. Third∣ly, it teacheth patience, because there will at length vn∣doubtedly be an end when the good shall bee rewarded. Lastly, Charity towards our brethren, Rom. 14, 13.

Tim.

What was the next thing?

Silas.

That this day is vncertaine to vs when it will come, as appeareth by the testimony of the Scripture, as Math. 24, where the vncertainty of this day is set forth by these and such like similitudes, as of a Theese in the night, of trauaile falling vpon a woman, of a housholder comming from a marriage. God would haue this day vn∣knowne to vs, to warne all to be watchfull, that is; to liue so carefully euery day as wee would doe vpon our iudgement day, because euery day may be that day for ought we know.

Tim.

What hindereth the comming of that day?

Silas.

Onely the accomplishment of the elect, which may be done in a short space.

Tim.

Shall not the Iewes be called first?

Silas.

So it verily seemeth, Rom. 11, 24, 25, 26, 27. &c. but they are part of the elect, whose calling may speedily be performed and wrought.

Tim.

Who is the Soueraigne Iudge?

Sil.

God, by whose authority the iudgement is to be held: first because he alone seeth the secrets of men. Se∣condly, he alone can open the booke of the Conscience. Thirdly, he alone can raise the dead. Lastly, hee alone can execute the sentence; all which should worke great

feare of offending him, and continual care of wel-doing, 2. Cor. 5, 7.

Tim.

But the Scripture saith of Christ, that he shall iudge the world as he is man, Acts 17, 31. how then shall the Saints iudge? 1. Cor, 6, 2.

Silas.

Christ shall pronounce the sentence, Mat. 25. but the Saints shall iudge as assistants to Christ, and ap∣prouers of his sentence. The consideration whereof should breed terror to the wicked, that he whom they haue despised shall iudge them: and matter of comfort to the beleeuers, that their head and Sauiour shal be their Iudge.

Tim.

What shall be iudged?

Sil.

Secrets of men, by which is meant all inward thoughts conceiued in the heart, all hidden affections sea∣ted there, and all outward deedes closely carried from the knowledge of the world, and done in dark or remote pla∣ces.

Tim.

What should this teach?

Sil.

To haue a great eie euen to our thoughts and affec∣tions, that they bee such as shall agree with Gods will. Secondly, to doe nothing but that wee would haue all the world to know; for God who seeth all, and shall iudge all, is greater then the world, and will open all to the worlde.

Tim.

Why is the iudgement a part of the Gospell?

Sil.

First, because it stirreth to repentance which be∣longeth to the gospell. Secondly, it teacheth charity and patience, two parts of the gospell. Thirdly, it bringeth per∣fect deliuerance and redemption from all sin and misery; which is the matter of the gospell: or else the meaning may bee, that Christ shall giue sentence according to the doctrine of the gospell already published. Iohn 3. 16. 17. 36.