A26786:465
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. But this is not the only trial of a Christian. Prosperity is a more dangerous Enemy to the Soul, though Adversity be more rigorous. Saevior armis 1Incumbit luxuria: For the Spirit is excited by Perils and Difficulties to seek to God for Strength, and with vigilant resolute Thoughts unites all its Powers to oppose them; but 'tis made weak and careless by what is grateful to the sensual Inclinations. It keeps close the Spiritual Armour in the open encounter of Dangers that threaten its ruin, but is enticed to put it off by the caresses and blandishments of the World. It does not see its Enemies under the disguise of a pleasant Temptation. Thus Sin insinuates its self, and by stealing steps gets into the Throne without observation. A Man is wounded with a pleasant Temptation as with the Plague, that flies in the dark, and Grace is insensibly weakened. From hence it is that Adversity often reforms the Vicious, and Prosperity corrupts the Virtuous. Now Perseverance must be of proof against Fire ⟨p. 405⟩and Water, against what ever may terrify or allure us from our duty.
2. But this is not the only trial of a Christian. Prosperity is a more dangerous Enemy to the Soul, though Adversity be more rigorous. Saevior armis 1Incumbit luxuria: For the Spirit is excited by Perils and Difficulties to seek to God for Strength, and with vigilant resolute Thoughts unites all its Powers to oppose them; but 'tis made weak and careless by what is grateful to the sensual Inclinations. It keeps close the Spiritual Armour in the open encounter of Dangers that threaten its ruin, but is inticed to put it off by the caresses and blandishments of the World. It does not see its Enemies under the disguise of a pleasant Temptation. Thus Sin insinuates its self, and by stealing steps gets into the Throne without observation. A Man is wounded with a pleasant Temptation as with the Plague, that flies in the dark, and Grace is insensibly weaken'd. From hence it is that Adversity often reforms the Vicious, and Prosperity corrupts the Vertuous. Now Perseverance must be of proof against Fire ⟨p. 405⟩