A26786:222
The four last things viz. death, judgment, heaven, hell, practically considered and applied in…
The four last things viz. death, judgment, heaven, hell, practically considered and applied in several discourses / by William Bates.
London: printed for Brabazon Aylmer, 1691
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
If it be objected, that the Terms of Evangelical Justification, though in themselves comparatively easy, yet are of impossible performance to Men in their natural sinful State. The Answer is clear:
1. That although the natural Man be dead in Sin, without spiritual strength to resolve and perform his Duty, and holy heat of desires to it; and nothing is alive in him but his corrupt Passions, that are like Worms generated in a Carcass; yet by the Grace that is offered in the Gospel, he may be enabled to perform the Conditions of it: for in this the Gospel excels the Law, the Law discovers Sin, but affords no degrees of supernatural Power to subdue it, and directs to no Means for the expiation of its Guilt▪ As the Fire in the Bush discovered the Thorns without consuming them. But the sanctifying Spirit,1 the true Spring of Life and Power, is the concomitant of the Gospel, as St. Peter declares, With the preaching of the Gospel the Holy Ghost was sent down from Heaven. 2And the Spirit by illuminating, preventing, and exciting-Grace, assists Men to repent and believe; and is promised in rich and liberal Supplies to all that humbly and ardently pray for it. This our Saviour assures to us by a most tender and endearing Comparison: If ye that are evil, 3know how to give good things to your Children; how much more shall your Heavenly ⟨p. 171⟩Father give the Holy Spirit to those that ask it?
- 12 Tim. 1.7.
- 2