A26786:335
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.
The shining Firmament, with all the Luminaries that adorn it, are but ⟨p. 274⟩the Frontispiece to the highest Heaven. All the Lustre of Diamonds, the Fire of Carbuncles and Rubies, the Brightness of Pearls are dead in comparison of its Glory. 'Tis the Throne of the God of Glory, wherein his Majesty is revealed in the most illustrious manner. For Pleasantness 'tis called Paradise, in allusion to the delightful Garden planted by the Hands of God himself for Adam, his Favourite, whilst innocent. There is the Tree of Life. There are Rivers of Pleasure springing from the Divine Presence. 'Tis called the Inheritance of the Saints in Light; to signify the Glory and Joy of the Place; for Light has splendour, and conciliates cheerfulness, and is a fit Emblem of both. As on the contrary, Hell is described by the blackness of darkness for ever: to signify the sadness and despair of the Damned; and because in that centre of Misery, a perpetual Night and invincible Darkness increases the horror of lost Souls.
The shining Firmament, with all the Luminaries that adorn it, are but ⟨p. 274⟩the Frontispiece to the highest Heaven. All the Lustre of Diamonds, the Fire of Carbuncles and Rubies, the Brightness of Pearls are dead in comparison of its Glory. 'Tis the Throne of the God of Glory, wherein his Majesty is reveal'd in the most illustrious manner. For Pleasantness 'tis call'd Paradise, in allusion to the delightful Garden planted by the Hands of God himself for Adam, his Favourite, whilst innocent. There is the Tree of Life. There are Rivers of Pleasure springing from the Divine Presence. 'Tis call'd the Inheritance of the Saints in Light; to signify the Glory and Joy of the Place; for Light has splendour, and conciliates chearfulness, and is a fit Emblem of both. As on the contrary, Hell is described by the blackness of darkness for ever: to signify the sadness and despair of the Damned; and because in that centre of Misery, a perpetual Night and invincible Darkness increases the horror of lost Souls.