The solemnity of this court
How many circumstances come together to raise the awe of this present solemnity? There is the general gathering of people of every age, sex, rank, and condition of life, willingly or unwillingly brought together, not only from the neighboring places but from distant parts. There are criminals, soon to be brought out, and with no way to escape. There are officers, waiting in their various posts to carry out the orders that shall be given. And there is the representative of our gracious sovereign, Sir Edward Clive, the judge, one of the judges of his Majesty's Court of Common Pleas, whom we so highly reverence and honor.
The occasion of this assembly adds not a little to the solemnity of it. They are met to hear and determine causes of every kind, some of them of the most important nature, on which depends no less than life or death. Death, that uncovers the face of eternity.
It was surely to increase the serious sense of these things, and not in the minds of the common people only, that the wisdom of our forefathers did not disdain to appoint even several small circumstances of this solemnity. For these also, by means of the eye or the ear, may affect the heart more deeply. Viewed in this light, trumpets, staves, and apparel are no longer trifling or insignificant. They serve, in their kind and in their degree, the most valuable ends of society.
1771 text
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 to increase 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.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 15 in the 1771 Works. Romans 14:10. Bedford, 10 March 1758.
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