A26786:538
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.
In short; the Reward of Obedience ⟨p. 482⟩is a triumphal Crown; and where there is no Victory, there can be no Triumph; and where no Combat, no Victory; and where no Enemy, no Combat. Therefore we are commanded to fight against our internal Enemies, our corrupt Affections, to kill the Lusts of the Flesh, and to encounter and overcome, by Humility and meek Submissions, the Cruelty of malicious Enemies without us, in order to obtain the Crown of Life. And a Believer that has Heaven in taste and expectation, will easily renounce the most pleasant, and willingly endure the sharpest Temptations, for the blessed Reward of his Obedience.
Lastly, Fervent and constant Prayer is requisite for the Grace of God, that we may fix our Aims aright upon eternal Happiness, and use those sure Means that with divine Advantage are proposed in the Scriptures, that can make us wise to Salvation; such is the depravation of Man since his Fall, the Mind is diverted by vain Thoughts, and the Heart prepossessed with sensual Desires, that 'till the Spirit of his Mind be renewed, and his original Affections to ⟨p. 483⟩the Supreme Good be revived and restored by Divine Grace, he is regardless of it, and only applies himself to what is pleasing to Sense. There may be some transient Glances, and volatile Wishes of Heaven in Carnal Men, but they are miserably weak, and ineffectual. Therefore a most necessary Duty incumbent upon us, is by humble and fervent Prayer to address our selves to God for his Spirit, to enlighten our Minds, that we may believe the Reality and Greatness of the Eternal Reward; and to reform our Wills, that we may feel its attractive Force. Both these Acts of the Spirit are requisite, that the Love of God, as our chief Felicity, may be the regent Principle of our Hearts and Lives.
Lastly, Fervent and constant Prayer is requisite for the Grace of God, that we may fix our Aims aright upon eternal Happiness, and use those sure Means that with divine Advantage are propos'd in the Scriptures, that can make us wise to Salvation; such is the depravation of Man since his Fall, the Mind is diverted by vain Thoughts, and the Heart prepossess'd with sensual Desires, that 'till the Spirit of his Mind be renewed, and his original Affections to