combustible matter, which are produced by culinary fire? Needs there then any more, than for God to unloose that secret chain, whereby this irresistible agent is now bound down, and lies quiescent in every particle of matter? And how soon would it tear the universal frame in pieces, and involve all in one common ruin? 5. There is one circumstance more which will follow the judgment, that deserves our serious consideration. _We look_, says the apostle, _according to his promise, for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness_.[57] The promise stands in the prophecy of _Isaiah_, _Behold I create new heavens and a new earth. And the former shall not be remembered_:[58] so great shall the glory of the latter be. These St. _John_ did behold in the visions of God. _I saw_, saith he, _a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away_.[59] And only _righteousness dwelt therein_. Accordingly he adds, _and I heard a great voice from_ the third _heaven, saying, Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them and be their God_.[60] Of necessity therefore they will all be happy: _God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying; neither shall there be any more pain.[61] There shall be no more curse; but they shall see his face_,[62] shall have the nearest access to, and thence the highest resemblance of him. This is the strongest expression in the language of scripture to denote the most perfect happiness. _And his name shall be on their foreheads._ They shall be openly acknowledged as God’s own property: and his glorious nature shall most visibly shine forth in them. _And there shall be no night there, and they need no candle, neither light of the sun: for the Lord God giveth them light, and they shall reign for ever and ever._ IV. It remains only, to apply the preceding considerations to all who are here before God. And are we not directly led so to do, by the present solemnity, which so naturally points us to that day, when the Lord _will judge the world in righteousness_? This therefore, by reminding us of that more awful season, may furnish many lessons of instruction. A few of these I may be permitted just to touch on. May God write them on all our hearts!