A26786:437
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.
Now this being a matter of unspeakable importance, I will, First, Show what the regular Choice of Heaven includes, as to its Qualities and Effects. Secondly, Direct how to make this Choice. Thirdly, Present some powerful Motives to excite us to it.
Now this being a matter of unspeakable importance, I will, First, Shew what the regular Choice of Heaven includes, as to its Qualities and Effects. Secondly, Direct how to make this Choice. Thirdly, Present some powerful Motives to excite us to it.
The Qualities of this Choice are three.
1. It must be sincere and cordial. 2. Early, in our first and best Days. 3. Firm and constant.
1. It must be sincere and cordial. The most essential and active Desire in humane Nature is to Happiness; but there being two kinds of good Things ⟨p. 378⟩presented to the Will, that solicit the Affections, the Pleasures of Sense, and spiritual Joys, from hence it is that that which makes Men happy is the Object of Election. And although there is nothing more uniform and inviolable than the natural inclination to Happiness, yet the great distinction of Mankind arises from this source, the regular or perverse use of this Inclination, the wise or mistaking choice of Happiness. Now the sincerity of our Choice is discovered, when 'tis clear and entire, arising from a transcendent esteem of the Favour and Enjoyment of God as our chief Good, and absolutely requisite for us. And from hence it is evident that the Choice of true Happiness, necessarily includes the despising and rejecting of the false Happiness that stands in competition with it. There cannot be two reigning Principles in the Soul: for it cannot vigorously apply it self to two Objects at the same time. Our Saviour has decided it, No Man can serve two Masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or hold to the one and despise the other: ye cannot serve God and Mammon. The Masters are