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

This would be a means to raise and preserve in them an invincible Resolution and Reluctancy against all temptations to sin and provoke God. But how hardly are Men induced to exercise their Minds on this terrible Object. They think least of Hell, who have most reason to consider it.

To this I must add, that the mere fear of Hell, and the judicial impression upon Conscience from it, is not sufficient to convert Men to God. For that servile Affection, though it may stop a Temptation, and hinder the eruption of a Lust into the gross Act, yet does not renew the Nature, and make Men Holy and Heavenly. There may be a respective dislike of Sin, with a direct Affection to it. Besides, that Religion that is the mere Effect of Fear, will be according to the Nature of its Principle, with resistance and trouble, wavering and inconstant: for tormenting Fear is repugnant to the humane Nature, and will be expelled if possible. In short, the fear of Hell may be only a natural Affection, that recoils from what is painful to Sense. Therefore 'tis the great Design of the Gospel by the fear of Hell,¹ as a powerful Preparative, to make way for the Love of God, who offers Pardon and Indemnity to all returning Sinners, and for the Hope of Heaven the blessed Reward promised to them. No Offers of Mercy will prevail to make Sinners to yield themselves, till they are stormed by the Terrors of the Lord. But when the ⟨p. 545⟩fear of Hell has made a Breach, Divine Grace enters and takes possession. As the Virtue of the Lodestone, when encompassed and armed with Iron, is increased, and draws a far greater weight than when 'tis naked and single; thus the Attractives of Heaven are more powerful to move the Hearts of Men, when enforced from the Terrors of Hell. Now the Love of God, and the Hope of Heaven, are spiritual Affections; and the Obedience that flows from them is voluntary from the entire consent of the Soul, and persevering.

To this I must add, that the meer fear of Hell, and the judicial impression upon Conscience from it, is not sufficient to convert Men to God. For that servile Affection, though it may stop a Temptation, and hinder the eruption of a Lust into the gross Act, yet does not renew the Nature, and make Men Holy and Heavenly. There may be a respective dislike of Sin, with a direct Affection to it. Besides, that Religion that is the meer Effect of Fear, will be according to the Nature of its Principle, with resistance and trouble, wavering and inconstant: for tormenting Fear is repugnant to the humane Nature, and will be expelled if possible. In short, the fear of Hell may be only a natural Affection, that recoils from what is painful to Sense. Therefore 'tis the great Design of the Gospel by the fear of Hell,