A26786:461
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. Grace must be continually drawn forth into exercise according to our several states and duties, and the various ⟨p. 401⟩occasions that happen in our course through the World. Those who are light in the Lord, are commanded to walk as Children of the Light; to signify the excellency and purity of the Christian Life. Those who live in the Spirit must walk in the Spirit; that is, by a conspicuous course of Holiness declare the vigour and efficacy of the divine Principle that is communicated to them. Paulum septultae distat inertiae celata virtus: Virtue that breaks not forth into visible Actions, is not worthy of the Name. The mere abstaining from evil is not sufficient, but all the positive acts of the holy Life are to be constantly done. In discharging both these parts of our Duty, complete Religion is expressed, and the power of Grace consists.
2. Grace must be continually drawn forth into exercise according to our several states and duties, and the various ⟨p. 401⟩occasions that happen in our course through the World. Those who are light in the Lord, are commanded to walk as Children of the Light; to signify the excellency and purity of the Christian Life. Those who live in the Spirit must walk in the Spirit; that is, by a conspicuous course of Holiness declare the vigour and efficacy of the divine Principle that is communicated to them. Paulum septultae distat inertiae celata virtus: Vertue that breaks not forth into visible Actions, is not worthy of the Name. The meer abstaining from evil is not sufficient, but all the positive acts of the holy Life are to be constantly done. In discharging both these parts of our Duty, compleat Religion is exprest, and the power of Grace consists.
3. Perseverance includes not only continuance in well-doing, but fervour and progress towards Perfection. There are two fixed States, the one in Heaven, the other in Hell. The blessed Spirits above are arrived to the height of Holiness. The Devil and damned Spirits are sunk to the lowest extremity of Sin. But in the middle state here, Grace in the Saints is a rising growing