The four last things viz. death, judgment, heaven, hell, practically considered and applied in…

There are others will acknowledge their defects, and tell you they do not pretend to eminent Sanctity, to the Graces of the Apostles and Martyrs, nor aspire to their degrees in Glory, they are content with a lower place in Heaven, and less strict Religion is sufficient for their purpose. This deceit is strengthened by Popery, that enervates and dissolves many of our Saviour's Precepts, by teaching they are not Laws obliging all Christians to Obedience, ⟨p. 397⟩that will attain to eternal Life, but Counsels of Perfection: if they are not done 'tis no Sin, and the performance of them meritoriously entitles to a richer Crown. And though Men by impure Indulgences please their sensual Affections, yet by tasting Purgatory in the way, they may come to Heaven on easier terms, than a universal respect to God's Commands, and an equal care to observe them. But Death will confute all these feeble wretched Pretences, for though the Saints above shine with an unequal brightness, as the Stars differ in Glory; yet none are there but Saints. And those who do not mourn under their Imperfections, and unfeignedly desire and endeavour to be better, were never really good. The slothful Servant that did not waste but neglect to improve his Talent, was cast into outer darkness. There are different degrees of punishments in Hell, but the least miserable there are miserable for ever. In short 'tis a perfect contradiction, a Prodigy, for any Man to think he is sincere in his Choice, and prepared in his Affections for the pure glorious Felicity in Heaven, that does not labour to cleanse himself from all pollutions ⟨p. 398⟩of Flesh and Spirit, and to perfect Holiness in the fear of God.

There are others will acknowledg their defects, and tell you they do not pretend to eminent Sanctity, to the Graces of the Apostles and Martyrs, nor aspire to their degrees in Glory, they are content with a lower place in Heaven, and less strict Religion is sufficient for their purpose. This deceit is strengthned by Popery, that enervates and dissolves many of our Saviour's Precepts, by teaching they are not Laws obliging all Christians to Obedience, ⟨p. 397⟩that will attain to eternal Life, but Counsels of Perfection: if they are not done 'tis no Sin, and the performance of them meritoriously intitles to a richer Crown. And though Men by impure Indulgencies please their sensual Affections, yet by tasting Purgatory in the way, they may come to Heaven on easier terms, than a universal respect to God's Commands, and an equal care to observe them. But Death will confute all these feeble wretched Pretences, for though the Saints above shine with an unequal brightness, as the Stars differ in Glory; yet none are there but Saints. And those who do not mourn under their Imperfections, and unfeignedly desire and endeavour to be better, were never really good. The slothful Servant that did not waste but neglect to improve his Talent, was cast into outer darkness. There are different degrees of punishments in Hell, but the least miserable there are miserable for ever. In short 'tis a perfect contradiction, a Prodigy, for any Man to think he is sincere in his Choice, and prepar'd in his Affections for the pure glorious Felicity in Heaven, that does not labour to cleanse himself from all pollutions