§. 85. Of that care which the approaching of the last day requireth.
THis argument taken from the clear approaching of the last day, is much enforced by this comparative inducing of it, so much the more, as.
The argument is taken from the lesse to the greater; If at all times we must be cir∣cumspect over our selves, and others, then especially when we see the day approa∣ching.
But now under the Gospell, we see the day approaching; therefore now especi∣ally we must be circumspect. Yea, by how much the more we see this, by so much the more circumspect we must be.
This manner of arguing addeth much emphasis, and sheweth that the more clearly God hath made this known to us, the more carefull and conscionable we must be in fi•…•…ting our selves, to appear before Christ in that his day. Well, mark the places before quoted, about the manifestation of Christs comming, and you may find this inference, either plainly expressed, or by just consequence inferred.
It is one special end of Gods manifesting this mystery unto us, that we should per∣form the foresaid duty.
- 1. It is naturall unto all things to make the greater speed to their center, the nearer they come to it. Hot watry things ascend the faster, the higher they goe. Heavy things fall down faster, the nearer they come to the earth. Herein lyeth the difference betwixt naturall and violent motions; the former encrease their speed, the latter decrease by continuance.
- 2. On this day every one is to receive his final doome. In and after it there is no time to do what hath been omitted, or of redressing that which hath been done amisse.
For our help in fitting our selves against this day, let these rules be observered:
- 1. Oft meditate on this day, and on the near approach thereof; even when thou lyest down, and when thou risest up: when thou tarriest at home, or goest abroad; when thou art at thy calling, or doing workes of justice and mercy, in all places, at all seasons; This is an especiall meanes to keep men in awe. An ancient Father pro∣fesseth, that he had this continually sounding in his eares, arise ye dead, and come to judgement.
- 2. Take notice of such particular duties, as the Holy Ghost on this ground en∣forceth. For this purpose consider these Texts, Luk. 21. 28. Rom. 8. 19. 1 Cor. 1. 7. Heb. 11. 16. 2 Tim. 4. 8.
- 3. Patiently bear afflictions: for the day draweth nigh, Iam. 5. 8. Heb. 10. 37.
- 4. Watch, Matth. 13. 35. Luk. 12. 36.
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