A26786:495
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.
I shall proceed to show further what is necessary to direct us in our choice, that we may not fall into the double Misery, of being deceived with a false Happiness for a little time, and deprived of true Happiness for ever.
I shall proceed to shew further what is necessary to direct us in our choice, that we may not fall into the double Misery, of being deceived with a false Happiness for a little time, and deprived of true Happiness for ever.
First, A sound and steadfast belief of unseen Eternal Things. Secondly, Serious Consideration of the vast difference between things that are the objects of Sight, and that are the objects of Faith.
First, A sound and stedfast belief of unseen Eternal Things. Secondly, Serious Consideration of the vast difference between things that are the objects of Sight, and that are the objects of Faith.
First, The sound and steadfast belief of Eternal Things is requisite to direct our choice aright. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, 1the evidence of things not seen. It assures us of their reality and worth as if they were before our Eyes, and in our actual Possession. This Divine Light governs and conducts the Will to choose wisely, and excites all the practic Powers for the preventing the greatest Evils, and the obtaining perfect Felicity. When the Devil, the deadly Flatterer, by inviting representations of the World entices the Heart, the serious belief of the future reward so glorious and eternal, disgraces the most splendid Temptations, and makes them ineffectual. This is the Victory that overcomes the World, even our Faith. If tempted to Lasciviousness by the allurements of an earthly Beauty, Faith represents the angelical lustre of the Saints, when they shall come with the unspotted Lamb in his glorious appearance, and this unbinds the Charm, and makes the tempting Person an object not of Desire, but Aversation. If tempted with Honour to a sinful compliance, Faith represents so convincingly the Glory