SERMON XV.[28]
THE GREAT ASSIZE:
ROM. xiv. 10.
We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
1. HOW many circumstances concur, to raise the awfulness of the present solemnity? The general concourse of people of every age, sex, rank and condition of life, willingly or unwillingly gathered together, not only from the neighbouring but from distant parts! Criminals, speedily to be brought forth, and having no way to escape: officers waiting in their various posts, to execute the orders which shall be given: and the Representative of our Gracious Sovereign, whom we so highly reverence, and honour. The occasion likewise of this assembly, adds not a little to the solemnity of it: to hear and determine causes of every kind, some of which are of the most important nature: on which depends no less than life or death; death, that uncovers the face of eternity! It was doubtless in order toincrease the serious sense of these things, and not in the minds of the vulgar only, that the wisdom of our forefathers did not disdain to appoint even several minute circumstances of this solemnity. For these also, by means of the eye or ear, may more deeply affect the heart. And when viewed in this light, trumpets, staves, apparel, are no longer trifling or insignificant, but subservient in their kind and degree to the most valuable ends of society.
2. But as awful as this solemnity is, one far more awful is at hand. For yet a little while, and we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For as I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. And in that day, every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
3. Had all men a deep sense of this, how effectually would it secure the interests of society? For what more forcible motive can be conceived, to the practice of genuine morality? to a steddy pursuit of solid virtue? an uniform walking in justice, mercy, and truth? What could strengthen our hands in all that is good, and deter us from all evil, like a strong conviction of this, the Judge standeth at the door: and we are shortly to stand before him?
4. It may not therefore be improper, or unsuitable to the design of the present assembly, to consider,
I. The chief circumstances which will precede our standing before the judgment seat of Christ.
II. The judgment itself, and,
III. A few of the circumstances which will follow it.