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'As if it were already and actually present': Archbishop Tillotson on the certainty of a future Judgement

This week brings to a close the short Advent series of posts from sermons on the Last Things by divines of the 18th century Church of England. As we come to the conclusion of each of the sermons, it has hopefully been demonstrated that they are evidence - contrary to the stubbornly enduring Old Hat view of Anglicanism in that century - of a lively, robust, and vibrant proclamation of the Last Judgement in 18th century Anglican preaching.

Today we turn to the conclusion of Archbishop Tillotson's sermon 'Of the Certainty of a Future Judgment'. Here Tillotson exhorts that we are to live as if the Last Judgement "were already and actually present", calling us to a serious repentance and reclaiming us for the duties of Christians:

the gospel plainly declares that all this shall be, and thou professest to believe it. Why then dost thou not live as if thou didst believe these things? Why should not that which will certainly be, have to all reasonable purposes the same effect upon thee, as if it were already and actually present? Why do men suffer themselves to be diverted from the attentive consideration of so important a matter, by the impertinent trifles of this world? Why do we not make wise and speedy preparation for that day, which will certainly come? But we are uncertain when it will come, "for it will come as a thief in the night, and as a snare upon all them that dwell upon the face of the whole earth." Why dost thou stifle thy conscience, and drown the loud cries of it, with the din and noise of worldly business; why dost thou at any time check and suppress the thoughts of a future judgment, and "put far from thee the evil day?" And not rather suffer the terrors of it to haunt and pursue thee, till they have made thee weary of thy wicked life, till they have reclaimed thee to thy duty, and effectually persuaded thee to break off thy sins by repentance; and to resolve upon such a holy and virtuous course of life, that thou mayest be able not only with peace and comfort, but with joy and triumph to entertain the thoughts of that day?

... We especially, who profess ourselves Christians, and live in the clear light of the gospel, ought to consider, that we cannot plead ignorance for our excuse, as the heathen world might. We read and hear the gospel every day, "wherein the wrath of God is clearly revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men;" so that, if we continue impenitent, we have no cloak, no excuse for ourselves: woe unto us above all others! 

(The photograph is of Canterbury Cathedral. Tillotson was Dean of Canterbury 1672-91.)

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