A26786:414
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.
2. The Means of our obtaining Heaven are to be considered. Though the Divine Goodness be free in its Acts, and there can be nothing in the Creature of Merit, or Inducement to prevail upon God in the nature of a Cause, yet he requires Qualifications in all those who shall enjoy that blessed unchangeable Kingdom. The Apostle expressly declares, 'Tis not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, 1but of God that showeth Mercy. But we must distinguish the Effects of this Mercy, which are dispensed in that order the Gospel lays down. The first Mercy is the powerful calling the Sinner from his corrupt and wretched ⟨p. 354⟩State; a second Mercy is the pardoning his Sins; the last and most eminent is the glorifying him in Heaven. Now 'tis clear that in this place, the showing of Mercy, signifies the preventing Grace of God in Conversion; for in the 18th Verse, 'tis said, God shows Mercy to whom he will, and whom he will he hardens. Where 'tis evident that showing Mercy is opposed not to condemning, but to hardening; and consequently the intent of the words is this, That Divine Grace overcomes the Rebellious Will, softens the stiff and stubborn Heart, and makes it pliant to Obedience. This flows from his pure good Will and Pleasure, without the least Motive from the Inclinations or Endeavours of sinful Men. But the other Effects of God's Mercy require Conditions in the Subjects that receive them: for he pardons only penitent Believers, and glorifies none but persevering Saints.
2. The Means of our obtaining Heaven are to be considered. Though the Divine Goodness be free in its Acts, and there can be nothing in the Creature of Merit, or Inducement to prevail upon God in the nature of a Cause, yet he requires Qualifications in all those who shall enjoy that blessed unchangeable Kingdom. The Apostle expresly declares, 'Tis not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, 1but of God that sheweth Mercy. But we must distinguish the Effects of this Mercy, which are dispensed in that order the Gospel lays down. The first Mercy is the powerful calling the Sinner from his corrupt and wretched ⟨p. 354⟩