A26786:462
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.
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 ⟨p. 402⟩Light, and Sin in the Wicked improves every day, like Poison in a Serpent that becomes more deadly by his Age. We are enjoined not to remain in our first Imperfections, but to follow Holiness to the utmost issue of our Lives, to its entire consummation. For this end all the dispensations of Providence must be improved whether prosperous or afflicting. And the Ordinances of the Gospel were appointed that in the use of them we may be changed into the divine Image from Glory to Glory.
3. Perseverance includes not only continuance in well-doing, but fervour and progress towards Perfection. There are two fix'd 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 ⟨p. 402⟩Light, and Sin in the Wicked improves every day, like Poison in a Serpent that becomes more deadly by his Age. We are injoined not to remain in our first Imperfections, but to follow Holiness to the utmost issue of our Lives, to its intire consummation. For this end all the dispensations of Providence must be improved whether prosperous or afflicting. And the Ordinances of the Gospel were appointed that in the use of them we may be changed into the divine Image from Glory to Glory.
4. Perseverance is required notwithstanding all Temptations that may allure or terrify us from our Duties; what ever affects us one way or other, while we are clothed with frail Flesh. 'Tis the fundamental Principle of Christianity declared by our Saviour, If any Man will come after me, that is, be my Disciple and Servant, let him deny himself, and take up his Cross and follow me; even to be crucified with him, rather than wilfully forfeit his Integrity and Loyalty to Christ. He must by a