XVII - The immortalitie of the Soules

The Elect departed are in peace, Apoc. 14.13. Isai. 25. 8. Apoc 7.16, 17. Apoc. 21.4. Apoc. 16.10, 11 Isai. 66.24. Mark 9.44, 36, 48. and rest from their labours, not that they sleep, and come to a certain oblivion (as some fantastick heads do affirme) but that they are delivered from all fear, all torment, and all temptation, the which we and all Gods Elect are subject unto in this life, and therefore doe bear the name of the Church militant. As contrary wayes the reprobate and unfaithfull departed, have anguish, Luke 23.43. Luke 16.24, 25. torment and paine, that cannot be expressed, so that neither are the one nor the other in such sleepe, that they feele not joy or torment, as the Parable of Christ Jesus in the sixteenth of Luke, his words to the Theefe. Apoc. 6.9, 10. and these words of the souls crying under the Altar: O Lord, thou that art righteous and just, how long shalt thou not revenge our blood upon them that dwell upon the earth, doth plainly testifie.