C H A P.I. Epßle to the Theffalonians. V a R. S then to be exercifed? Certainly in the prefent difpenfati- ons ofProuidence, Iufiice is fo exercifed, that yet Mercie feemes to be predominant. 3. Or becaufe then null be the fullefl declaration of Gods Iuilice, which feemes in (late of this life to be oblcured in the prefent profperitie of the wicked, and prefrures of the righteous. Gods Iudge- ments, faid are aliquando aperta, aliquando oc- culta, butfemper iufa. The Iuflice of fecretefl difpenfa- tions fhall then appeare to men and Angels. And in this refpeef perhaps, is the Iudgement ofthe Great day, called the Iull Iudgement; according to the Rule; Things are faid to be, when they appeare, or begin to appeare fuch as they are. The greater difficultie is, how th'Affliions or tole- rance of Saints manifells the iuil Iudgement to come: how followes th'Argument ? Gods children are now afflidled: therefore there is a hull Iudgement to come. Thus vfually its refolued. T. Elfe were they m of all men moft miferable. 2. Elfe God ^ vntnindfull of promife to crowne their patience. 3. Elfe vniu(i, if he not onely de- ferre, but take away the recompence of his Servants; fia- blifhed, I fay not vpon condigne, nor fo much as congru- ent Merits of Saints,but on pofitiue ordinance of God and merit cf his Sonne: vt verbodicam. ° Verily there is a re- ward for the righteous : Doubtle f fe a god that iudgeth the earth. His Promife,Nature, Office off a Iudge oblige him to render it : In this life its not rendered ;therefore there is a iufi ludgernent to come. Apply we the whole to the Apofiles purpofe, the Re -, fuit is this. eß meane to patient and Pace our hearts in that feeming ataxie and confufion, that there be righteous to whom it comes after the work! of the wicked, & Contra, is to cif! vp our eyes to confider the Juflice of the Judgement to come. Then /hall men? returne and difcerne betweene the righteous andthe wicked : as Salomon feeing like diforder : /faid in my heart god fhall lodge the righteous and the zriclt ed : fer there is a time there for eatery purpofe and for every worke. Ecc1.3.16, t:.q. C 3 Truth 21 m r Cor. r f.r9. ° Lieb.ó.to Pfal.58.t t. r Ma1.338.
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