in the next life, or coming world. And threatnings made against the wicked, of eternal wrath and anguish, as the Just recom∣pence of their sin, in Hell for ever. Rom. 2.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Thou treasurest up to thy self wrath, against the day of wrath; and revelation of the righteous Iudgement of God. Who shall render to every man according to his deeds. To them who by pa∣tient continuance in well doing, seek for glory, and honour, and immortality eternal life: but unto them that are contentious, and obey not the truth, but obey unrighteousness; indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doth evil, &c. So 2 Thes. 1.4, 5, 6, 7. So that we our selves glory in you, in the Churches of God, for your patience, and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations, that ye endure. Which is [a manifest token] of the righteous Iudgement of God. That ye may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer. Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompence tri∣bulation to them that trouble you; and to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Iesus shall be revealed from Heaven, in flaming fire, &c. To these plain testimonies, multitudes more might be added, if it were needful. Heaven and Earth shall pass away, but these words shall never pass away.
Arg. 3. Thirdly, As the Scriptures reveal it, so the Consciences of all men, have some resentments of it. Where is the man whose Conscience never felt any impressions of hope, or fear from a fu∣ture world? If it be said these may be but the effects and force of discourse, or education; we have read such things in the Scriptures, or have heard it by Preachers; and so raise up to our selves hopes, and fears about it. I demand, how the Consciences of the Hea∣thens, who have neither Scriptures nor Preachers came to be im∣prest with these things. Doth not the Apostle tells us, Rom. 2.15. That their Consciences in the mean while work upon these things? Their thoughts with reference to a future state accuse, or else ex∣cuse, (i. e.) their hearts are cheared and encouraged by the good they do, and terrified with fears about the evils they commit. Whereas if there were no such things, Conscience would neither accuse, or excuse for good, or evil done in this world.
Arg. 4. Fourthly, The incarnation and death of Christ, is but a vanity without it. What did he propose to himself, or what