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

3. Consideration of Eternal Things must be with present Application to the Soul. 'Tis not the mere conviction of the Mind, but the decree of the Will that turns Men from Sin to Holiness, from the Creatures to God. The Heart is very deceitful, and by variety of ⟨p. 452⟩shifts and palliations is disposed to irresolutions and delays in spiritual Concernments. How often does the miserable Sinner contend with himself, and while Conscience urges him to seek the Kingdom of Heaven, and the Affections draw down to the Earth, the carnal part prevailing over the rational, he overcomes, and is overcome, he is convinced and condemned by his own Mind. Till Consideration issues in this, that with settled Judgment and Affections the Soul determines for God and Heaven, 'tis without profit. Therefore in the managing this Duty, 'tis our Wisdom not to be curious and inquisitive after subtle Conceptions, and exalted Notions of the future State, that little confer to the making the Heart better, but to think seriously on what is plain and evident, and most useful to produce a present lasting Change. It were egregious Folly in a Man, that for the use of his Garden, should with great labour fetch Water from distant Fountains, and neglect that which springs up in his own Ground. That Meditation is profitable which produces not new Thoughts, but holy and firm resolutions of obeying God in order to the full ⟨p. 453⟩enjoying of him for ever.

3. Consideration of Eternal Things must be with present Application to the Soul. 'Tis not the meer conviction of the Mind, but the decree of the Will that turns Men from Sin to Holiness, from the Creatures to God. The Heart is very deceitful, and by variety of ⟨p. 452⟩shifts and palliations is disposed to irresolutions and delays in spiritual Concernments. How often does the miserable Sinner contend with himself, and while Conscience urges him to seek the Kingdom of Heaven, and the Affections draw down to the Earth, the carnal part prevailing over the rational, he overcomes, and is overcome, he is convinced and condemned by his own Mind. Till Consideration issues in this, that with setled Judgment and Affections the Soul determines for God and Heaven, 'tis without profit. Therefore in the managing this Duty, 'tis our Wisdom not to be curious and inquisitive after subtile Conceptions, and exalted Notions of the future State, that little confer to the making the Heart better, but to think seriously on what is plain and evident, and most useful to produce a present lasting Change. It were egregious Folly in a Man, that for the use of his Garden, should with great labour fetch Water from distant Fountains, and neglect that which springs up in his own Ground. That Meditation is profitable which produces not new Thoughts, but holy and firm resolutions of obeying God in order to the full