Sermons on several subjects. Preach'd at the Presbyterian Church in the city of New-York. / By E. Pemberton.

SERMON V. The Nature and Necessity of Prepara∣tion for the Coming of Christ.

II COR. V. 9.

Wherefore we labour, that whether present or ab∣sent we may be accepted of Him.

OF all the affairs, that employ the time and captivate the affections of the children of men, none so justly deserve our attention and concern, as a preparation for that awful day, when we must stand before the impartial bar of Christ, and give an account of the things done in the body. This should be the work of our early Years, and engage the strength and vigour of our manly age; but alas! it is commonly delay'd to the dark evening of life, 'till the melancholy decays of nature warn us of our approaching end.

The specious vanities and trisles of the world divert unthinking sinners from a serious application to the one thing needful; they flatter themselves, that the vision is for many days, and they shall have time enough hereafter to secure the favour of their Judge.

The deluge of waters broke in upon the old world in the height of their security, whilst they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, and

dispatch'd them in a moment into irrecoverable mi∣sery: and this present earth, which is reserv'd for the fire of the last day, shall be destroy'd in as sudden and irresistible a manner. As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be in the days of the Son of Man. When the world is drown'd in sin and security, and dream of nothing but peace and safety, then shall sudden destruc∣tion come upon them, as travail upon a woman with child.

Therefore our blessed Saviour exhorts his disciples to continual watchfulness and diligence. Take heed, left at any time your hearts be overcharg'd with surfeit∣ing and drunkenness, and the cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares; for as a snare will it come on all them that dwell on the face of the earth* 1.1. And every wise considerate man will receive the solemn caution, and avoid the danger of a sudden sur∣prize: Now this can only be done by making it the great business of Life to prepare for the coming of our Lord. This was the practice of St. Paul, as we find in our text; and his example is worthy of our careful and diligent imitation. The Point then to be insisted upon is this:

It should be the great study and endeavor of every christian, that he may be accepted of the Lord in the day of Judgment.

In speaking to this Point, I shall

• First, Consider what is required of us, that we may be accepted of the Lord in the day of Judgment.
• Secondly, Why every Christian should make this his great study and endeavor.

First. I shall consider what is requir'd of us, that we may be accepted of the Lord in the day of Judgment. The case is practical, and deserves our close and dili∣gent attention. I shall only insist on a few general and comprehensive articles.

1. We must by faith secure a title to the Merits and Righteousness of Christ. We are all by nature involv'd in the guilt of sin, expos'd to the condemning sentence of the law, and in danger of suffering the vengeance of eternal fire; the holiest of men are encompass'd with innumerable imperfections, and their best perfor∣mances are defiled with so many blemishes, that should God be strict to mark iniquity, who could stand the fiery trial, and appear with safety at the inlightned tribunal of heaven? Hence the humble Psalmist vehe∣mently deprecates the strict inquiry of justice; Enter not into judgment with thy servant, O Lord! for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. And the great Doctor of the Gentiles, tho' among the chief of Saints, and an eminent Apostle, renounces all confidence in himself, and counts all things but loss, that he may be found in Christ, not having on his own righteousness which is of the law, but that which is through faith in him* 1.2.— Not one of the sons of men can perfectly obey the divine commands, nor by any thing that he can do or suffer, appease the infinite displeasure of an holy God: But the expiatory sacrifice of Christ com∣pleatly answer'd the demands of justice, and by his unspotted innocence he vindicated the honour of the law, and purchas'd eternal redemption for his chosen People.

Now if ever we would be acquitted at the bar of God, and obtain the favour of our impartial Judge, we must plead, not any works of righteousness that we have done, but the meritorious obedience and sufferings of our blessed Saviour.

And that we may have a title to his invaluable merits, we must by faith accept of him as our only Saviour, and acknowledge him as our sovereign Lord and Owner, with an entire dependance on his all∣sufficient sacrifice, and an unfeigned desire to obey his excellent precepts; for he is a Priest upon a throne, a Prince as well as a Saviour: And none will be sav'd by the merits of his blood, but those that submit to the sceptre of his government.— And happy are they who thus by faith receive him upon the terms of the Gospel; for they are deliver'd from the condem∣ning sentence of the law, and may approach the sacred tribunal of Justice with an humble confidence of ap∣probation and acceptance.

2. Our natures must be sanctified by the almighty in∣fluences of the Spirit, and renew'd after the image of the blessed God. Man by nature is not only involv'd in chains of guilt, but sunk into the most deplorable state of deformity and pollution; his understanding is darkned by clouds of error and ignorance, and filled with mighty prejudices against the divine and super∣natural mysteries of the Gospel: His will is stubborn and refractory, impatient of the yoke of God's autho∣rity, and inclin'd to continual rebellion against him: His affections are captivated to the dominion and tyranny of sin, and plac'd upon the most degrading and inferiour objects: In short, the whole man is per∣versly alienated from the life and service of God, and strongly dispos'd to the most abominable evils.— This is the unhappy charcter of man in a state of unregenerate Nature— Hence arises the indispen∣sale necessity of an holy change, to qualify us for the acceptable sevice of God upon earth, and prepare us for the ineffable glories of heaven.— The under∣sstanding must be illuminated by the Spirit of God, to believe the certainty and excellency of things unseen and eternal, to perceive the beauty of holiness, and the equity and reasonableness of the divine command∣ments.

The native enmity of the sinner's heart must be subdu'd, and every faculty of the soul brought under a consection to the service of God.— Till this mighty change is produc'd, the sinner is dead in trespasses and sins, and his most perfect services are a stench and abhorrence in the nostrils of an holy God; and therefore he has nothing else to expect, but the awful frowns of his incensed judge, and the distressing thunders of his avenging wrath.

The Lord Jesus Christ is of purer eyes than to be∣hold iniquity, the heavens are not clean in his sight, and his angels he chargeth with folly. None will be ac∣knowledged and accepted by him, in the great day of Judgment, but such as bear the impression of the divine image, who cleanse themselves from all filthi∣ness of flesh and spirit, and are perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord. Without this inward puri∣fication, the most bright and distinguish'd profession among men will be disapprov'd and condemn'd by our all-seeing Judge. Others indeed may have a name in the church upon earth, and pass for eminent Saints in the sight of the world; but they will be excluded the Sanctuary above, and rank'd among the workers of iniquity, in the day of their decisive trial.

3. A sincere and impartial regard to the law of God is necessary to final acceptance with our judge. Many that boast of an high profession, and vainly triumph in their Gospel-privileges, are hypocritical in their pretences, and partial in their obedience to the laws of Christ.— With the ancient Pharisees, they are strict in their attendance upon the divine worship, and zea∣lously attach'd to the outward formalities of Religion; but unjust and oppressive in their dealings, carnal and covetous in their conversations.— While others build their hopes upon a moral and inoffensive behaviour towards men, tho' they are sadly negligent of their obligations to God, and live in an avow'd contempt

of his worship and ordinances.— A third sort calculate their Religion for the public view, and make a plau∣sble appearance in the Temple, but are strangers to the devotions of the Closet; they liberally dispense their alms, when the found of a trumpet proclaims their charity, but are sordidly sparing when there is no prospect of gratifying a vain-glorious humour; they are zealous for the Kingdom of Christ, when it will advance their honour and interest, but are cold and indifferent when the great doctrines of Gospel are fallen under reproach, and boidly assaulted by men of figure and estate.

By such hypocritical pretences as these, multitudes lull themselves into security, and vainly imagine to obtain the favour of God. But alas! his all-seeing eye pierces through every disguise, and marks out the painted formalist, how cautiously ssoever he may be concealed. A partial obedience to the divine com∣mands will not stand the trial of an enlightned consci∣ence upon earth, nor be approv'd by the unerring verdict of heaven. If our hearts condemn us of any secret and indulg'd iniquity, God is greater than our hearts and knoweth all things: but if our hearts condemn us not, then we have confidence towards God, and may hope for the divine acceptance. 1 Joh. 3.20, 21.

If therefore we would enjoy the testimony of an unreproaching conscience, and receive the euge of our Judge, we must have a sacred respect to every duty, without exception or reserve; and be the same in the secret closet, when no Eye but that of God and con∣science is upon us, as when we stand upon the open theatre of the world, and are encompass'd with a thou∣sand witnesses. We must bear an universal hatred to sin, tho' dear unto us as a right hand and a right eye; and particularly watch and strive against those darling ini∣quities, which the constitution of our bodies, the dispo∣sition of our minds, and our company and business most strongly incline us to the commission of. In fine,

we must not only pay a strict regard to the important duties of piety towards God, but inviolably observe the sacred rules of justice and charity to men. This will afford us a divine support in the darkest hours of distress, and enable us to say with the inspir'd Apos∣t;e, Our rehoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world. 2 Cor. 1.12.

4. A frequent Review of our lives and actions, and a judging our selves for our sins, is an happy preparative for the great day of trial. It is the wisdom of persons engag'd in worldly business, frequently to survey their accounts, and enquire into the state of their affairs: And it is equally incumbent on the children of light, to examine into the state of their souls, that they may know what duties they have omitted, what sins they have been guilty of, and what progress they have made in the christian course.— While we tabernacle in flesh, and are surrounded with so many insnaring objects, the best of men will be sometimes surprised into sin through the remaining corruption of their na∣tures, or overborn by the strength and violence of temptations.— It is therefore highly necessary that we frequently review our conduct, and compare it with the law of God, the unerring rule of our duty; that so we may be acquainted with our errors and mis∣carriages. — This will awaken our repentance for our daily offences, and engage us to a fervent appli∣cation to the blood of Christ for pardon, that fountain which is set open for sin and for uncleanness.— This will inspire us with unfeign'd resolutions of amend∣ment, and excite our care and vigilance to avoid those sins for which we have so severely judg'd and condemn'd our selves.— And this has a blessed ten∣dency to deep our consciences clear from indulg'd iniquities, and to prevent that awful surprise, that must seize the impenitent sinner, when the midnight∣cry

shall awaken him out of his security, and sum∣mon him to the tremendous judgment-seat of Christ.

What an unspeakable happiness will it then be, to have our conscience purisied from defiling sins, and all breaches made up between God and our souls!mdash; Such may hear the sound of the last trumpet with calmness and serenity of mind, and stand secure amidst the shocks of a dissolving world.

5. Continual Meditation upon the certainty and solem∣nity of a future Judgment, is an excellent means to engage us to a serious preparation for it. There's nothing more highly deserves our serious and atten∣tive regards, and yet nothing that unthinking sinners so industriously banish out of their minds. What sub∣ject, of equal importance, can employ our thoughts and engage our attention, as this great and illustrious event? Which will unfold the mysteries of divine providence, clear up the difficulties of his government, and display the perfections of the Deity in their brightest glories.—What are all the dazling tri∣umph of the mighty Princes and Generals of the Earth, but childish and despicable trifles, in compari∣son with the pompous descent of our almighty Savi∣our, attended with the shining equipage of heaven!— If now we are affected with the appearance of an earthly Judge, attended with the ministers of justice, to enforce the execution of the law, is it not infinitely more reasonable to employ our thoughts upon that vast and most affecting scene, in which all the poste∣rity of Adam shall stand before the throne of God, and receive an irrevocable sentence of happiness, or misery, according to their works!—Especially if we consider, that we are all deeply concern'd in this great transaction, and must bear a part in the joys and triumphs, or in the fears and terrors of that awful day. The neglect of this great duty is one cause of the general impiety and wickedness of the world, and makes them presumptuous and secure in the midst of amazing dangers.

We should therefore call off our thoughts from the contemptible vanities of time and sense, fix them upon a future Judgment, and consider its important conse∣quences, that so we may be quickned to prepare for that great and terrible day of the Lord.—I now pro∣ceed to consider,

Secondly, Why it should be the great Study and En∣deavour of every Christian to prepare for the day of Judgment, and that he may then be accepted of the Lord.

Now,

1. It is a work of the greatest difficulty, and re∣quires the utmost self-denial, resolution, and diligence. This our Master and Judge hath warn'd his followers of; that they might not please themselves with vain dreams of carnal ease and pleasure in the way to the Kingdom, but might be prepar'd to encounter the hardships that attend the christian life. He hath assured us, that the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force: He hath commanded us to strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many will seek to enter in and shall not be able* 1.3.

The Duties enjoyn'd upon us, are contrary to the corrupt inclinations of flesh and blood, and require the deepest mortification and self-denial. The carnal mind is enmity to God, impatient of restraint, and madly bent upon those ways that lead to destruction and ruin.—And what can be a greater difficulty, than to offer violence to our depraved natures, to subdue our darling luits, and maintain a continual war against our selves?

And the difficulty is greatly increased, by the ex∣ternal impediments that attend us. Satan, the grand adversary of souls, shoots his invenom'd arrows, on every side, to wound and destroy us, and uses a thou∣sand unobserv'd and politic stratagems to entice us

from God and our Duty. The men of the world will revile and persecute us for our fidelity and dili∣gence in the discharge of our duty, and practise the most destructive Methods to corrupt and defile us. And is it not a laborious task to withstand the rage of earth and hell, to resist the infection of evil exam∣ples, and stem the tide of a degenerate age?— Is it not difficult to oppose the soft enchantments of vice, and escape the corruption that is in the world thro' lust? What manly courage and resolution is required, to subdue the inveterate habits of vice, to conquer our native indisposition to holiness, and to bear up against the subtle insinuations and violent assaults of tempta∣tion? Now this must be done by every one that would be faithful to the cause of Christ, and obtain the ap∣probation of his Judge. Therefore we are com∣manded, not to be siothful in business, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord* 1.4: and are exhorted to give all diligence to make our calling and election sure† 1.5.

2. This Life is the only season allotted for this great work. The foundation of our future happiness must be laid in this world, if ever we expect to receive the reward of future glory. We must now sow the feeds of righteousness, if we would rejoice in a plentiful harvest at the resurrection of the just. The divine life must be begun upon earth, that so it may receive its last and finishing stroke of beauty and perfection in heaven. Now we must arise from the death of sin, and follow Christ in the regeneration: and then we shall hereafter rise unto Glory, and be accounted worthy to stand before the Son of Man, in the day of his appearance and kingdom. This is the time of trial, in which we must engage in the christian warfare, fight the good fight, and continue faithful unto death, that in the day of Judgment we may give up our account with joy, and receive a crown of Life. For

in that day the rewards and punishments will be dis∣tributed according to our present spirit and behaviour; and the sentence that shall be pass'd, will be final and irreversible. No appeal can be made from this high tribunal; no review can be obtain'd in the court of heaven; the Judge will then be inexorable, and the state of all mankind unalterable. Which leads me to say,

3. If death surprise us in an unprepar'd estate, the day of Judgment will be a day of inconceivable terror and amazement. Unutterable anguish and distress will seize upon impenitent sinners, when they shall see him whom they have pierced, and remember the innu∣merable indignities they have thrown upon him. They will no longer be able to drown the voice of conscience in floods of wine, nor drive away their melancholy thoughts with musick and dancing, with gaiety and entertainment. The Principles of Infide∣lity, which are now so greedily imbib'd, against the repeated admonitions of conscience and to the reproach of human nature, will then afford but a poor and feeble support. Unbelievers will receive a terrible convic∣tion, that the great doctrines of the Gospel are not the dreams of enthusiasm,, nor the subtle inventions of the designing Priest and the crafty Politician. They will find by sad experience, that God is not to be mock'd, that his wrath is not to be trifled with, nor the methods of his grace to be insulted and blas∣phem'd.

What excuse will they plead for their insolent de∣fiance of Heaven, their stupid neglect of the invalua∣ble offers of a Saviour, their obstinate continuance in sin, in opposition to the convictions and strivings of the holy Spirit?— What defence will they make for their contempt of their baptisinal vows, and their preferring the pomps and vanities of this world, to the favour of God, and the ineffable joys of his prefence?

How will their countenances be appal'd, and their souls filled with terror, when they shall see their al∣mighty Judge, whose authority they have despised, whose laws they have disobey'd, and whose merits they have blasphem'd, descending in the clouds of heaven, attended with the dreadful artillery of his wrath, to vindicate the authority of his laws, and punish the contempt of his government!— What confusion and horror will surprize them, when they meet with their sinful and defiled bodies, the ancient partners of their wickedness, which have been the de∣testable instruments of their profaneness and impiety, their oppression and cruelty, their riot and debauche∣ry!— With what weeping eyes, astonish'd counte∣nances, and trembling hearts, will they stand before the tribunal of Christ, when their secret impurities, their hypocritical disguises, their lewd and wicked inten∣tions, shall be publickly detected and exposed, to the contempt and abhorrence of the congregation of the righteous!—What distressing agonies and convul∣sions must seize them, when they shall be condemn'd in the day of trial, and their incensed Lord shall pass that unalterable sentence upon them, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels!— If the sentence of an earthly judge is so much to be dreaded, and excites in a condemn'd criminal such bitter lamentations, how inconceivably more terrible will be the final determination of our eternal Judge, which condemns the wicked to endless and intolerable misery!— With what vehemence and importunity will they lift up their cries for that mercy, which now they affront and despise! But alas! their righteous Judge will then be deaf to their loudest intreaties. Once he compassionately called upon them to flee from the wrath to come, and sent his embassa∣dors to invite them to accept of eternal happiness; but they insolently rejected his invaluable offers, and ungratefully abused the methods of his grace, they

despised his wise counsels, and disregarded his awful reproofs: therefore he will mock at their calamity, and laugh when their fear cometh.— Not all the surprising miracles of his love, not all the bitter agonies and sor∣rows of his death, not the sacred streams of his blood, which was shed for the redemption of a guilty world, could perswade them to forsake their sins, and devote themselves to his service; but they obstinately retain'd their beloved lusts, and prefer'd their sins before their Saviour: His abused goodness will therefore be converted into fury, and the door of mercy be bolted against them forever.— But I turn to a bright scene, and proceed to say,

4. To those that are found in a state of favour and acceptance with Christ, the day of Judgment will be a time of unspeakable joy and refreshment. With what satisfaction and pleasure may they, who live soberly, righteously, and godlily in the world, look for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearance of the great God their Saviour, who has loved them with an everlasting Love, chosen them from among the degenerate mass of mankind, wash'd them from their sins in the foun∣tain of his blood, and is coming to receive them to his arms and embraces for ever!

With what extasies of joy and triumph will they salute the happy day, when their glorified Redeemer shall descend to this lower world, in the pomp and character of an incarnate God, clothed with majesty and strength, and attended with all the honours of his exalted state!— How will they rejoice, with joy un∣speakable, to behold Him, that for their sakes made himself of no reputation, became poor, and pass'd through an amazing scene of the most dismal sufferings, even the Man Jesus Christ, seated upon a triumphant throne of glory, and surrounded with a shining croud of Angels, Archangels, and the spirits of just men made perfect!

How agreable a meeting will they have with their ancient Bodies; the companions of their meekness, humility and self-denial, which have for so many years been confin'd to the dark and silent grave, and covered with deformity and corruption; but are now rais'd from the dust of death, clothed with immortal youth and beauty, and fitted for a state of perfect in∣nocence and happiness!— How transporting a sight will it be, to behold the goodly Company of the Pro∣phets, Patriarchs, and Apostles, and all those brave and generous Souls, who in all ages of the church have sacrificed their lives for the testimony of Jesus, and have follow'd their Lord and Master in suffering and patience, in purity and heavenly-mindedness, all uni∣ted in one vast assembly, and shouting forth the praises of their exalted Redeemer!— How will it refresh them to have their injured innocence publickly vindicated, their secret piety and charity applauded, and their holy thoughts and intentions proclaim'd, to their immortal honour!—But what heart can con∣ceive, what tongue can utter the mighty transports that will possess the Saints, when their God and Savi∣our shall openly acknowledge them as his friends and favourites, and declare them heirs of eternal Glory!— With what raptures of Joy will they hear that happy sentence pronounc'd upon them; Come, ye Blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world! after which they shall immediately enter into the heavenly paradise, and be for ever with the Lord.

And now upon the whole, since preparation for a future Judgment is a work of so much difficulty and pains, —Since this life is the only time allotted for this great work, —Since the consequences of an unprepar'd state are so infinitely terrible, and the advantages of the contrary so inconceivably joyful; surely it behoves every Christian to make it his great study and endea∣vor,

that he may be accepted of the Lord in the day of Judgment.

EXHORTATION.

Wherefore (in the Apostle's words, 2 Pet. 3.14.) Beloved, be diligent that ye may be found of your Judge in peace, without spot and blameless. This is the natu∣ral and necessary Counsel, upon what has now been deliver'd unto you: and what more important, than a speedy and unfeign'd compliance with it? Especially if we consider, that the time of this great event is re∣serv'd among the Secrets of heaven, and wisely con∣cealed from the most sagacious and inquisitive minds: So that, for ought we know, the Judge may be now standing at the door; and before the dawn of another day the last trumpet may sound, and summon us to the bar of Christ. And considering the infidelity and profaneness, the corrupt principles, and dissolute man∣ners of the present age; we have uncommon reason to believe, that day hastens upon us apace: for when the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith upon the earth? Luk. 18.8.

These things may now be received with scorn and banter, and the awful warnings of heaven may be treated as the melancholy dreams of a gloomy and superstitious mind; the Scoffers of the present day may break their impious jests upon Religion, and triumph in their present peace and security:— But we are assur'd from the unerring oracles of God, that the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also, and the works that are therein, shall be burnt up. 2. Pet. 3.10.— It is therefore our wisdom and duty to attend to the advice of our Lord (with which I conclude) Matth. 24.42, —46. Watch there∣fore,

for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. Be ye ready; for in such an bour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh: and Blessed is that Servant, whom his Lord when he cometh, shall find so doing.

AMEN.

Preach'd March 12, 1737, 8

Notes

• * 1.1

  Luk. 21.24, 25.
• * 1.2

  Phil. 3.8, 9.
• * 1.3

  Mattl. 11.22. Luk. 13.24.
• * 1.4

  Rom. 12.11
• † 1.5

  2 Pet. 1.10.