Chap. 2.] FOR TIIE SAINTS' REST. 35 of his saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them, of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodlily committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him." Thus shall the saints be honored, and the upright shall have dominion in the morning. O that the careless world "were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end !" that they would be now of the same mind as they will be when they shall see the hea- vens pass away with a great noise, and the elements melt with fervent heat, and the earth also, and the works that are therein, burnt up ! when all shall be in fire about their ears, and all earthly glory consumed. For the heavens and the earth which are now, arereserved unto fire against the day ofjudgment, and perdition of ungodly men, " See- ing, then, that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be.in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens, being on fire, shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat ?" 4. The last preparative for the saints' rest is their solemn coronation and receiving the kingdom. For, as Christ, their Head, is anointed both King and Priest, so under him are his people made unto God both kings and priests, to reign, and to offer praises for ever. The crown of righte- ousness, which was laid up for them, shall by the Lord, the righteous Judge, be given them at that day. Theyhave been faithful unto death, and therefore he will give them a crown of life. And according to the improvementof their talents here, so shall their rule and dignity be enlarged, They are not dignified with empty titles, but real dominion, Christ will grant them to sit_ with him on his throne, and will give them power over the nations, even as he received of his Father; and he " will give them the morning star." The Lord himself will give them possession, with these applauding expressions : " Well done, good and faithful servant; thou host been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over mauy things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." And with this solemn and blessed proclamation shall he enthrone them ; "Come, ye blessed of my father, inherit
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