A26786:332
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.
From the words I shall observe one Proposition. The enjoyment of the Divine Presence in Heaven, is the supreme and everlasting Felicity of the Saints. In the discoursing of this Point, I will consider, First, The Place wherein the Divine Presence is gloriously revealed. Secondly, Show that the enjoyment of the Divine Presence is the supreme Felicity of the Saints. Thirdly, Prove that the Felicity shall be Everlasting.
From the words I shall observe one Proposition. The enjoyment of the Divine Presence in Heaven, is the supream and everlasting Felicity of the Saints. In the discoursing of this Point, I will consider, First, The Place wherein the Divine Presence is gloriously reveal'd. Secondly, Shew that the enjoyment of the Divine Presence is the supream Felicity of the Saints. Thirdly, Prove that the Felicity shall be Everlasting.
First, The Place wherein the Divine Presence is revealed. 'Tis consistent with the Divine Immensity, to be differently present in some places. The essential Presence of God is the same every where; the influxive declarative Presence of God is special, and ⟨p. 273⟩wise in one place than another. He is more excellently present in the living Temples, his Saints on Earth, by the gracious and eminent Operations of his Spirit, than he is in the rest of the World: He is most excellently present in Heaven, by the clearest Manifestation, and the express Characters and Effects of the Divine Perfections.
This inferior World is framed with exquisite Order; The Earth is full of the Glory of the Lord: yet 'tis but the Sediment of the Creation, the Habitation of Birds and Beasts, nay of rebellious Sinners: And by this we may raise our Thoughts to conceive something of the glorious Sanctuary of Life and Blessedness above. 'Tis called the Heaven of Heavens, which is the highest Comparison to instruct and astonish us with the Amplitude and Glory of the Place. 'Tis a Place becoming the Majesty of God, the Image of his Immensity. Our Saviour assures us, In his Father's House are many Mansions, to receive the innumerable company of glorified Saints. 'Tis called the Excellent Glory,