A26808:137
The sovereign and final happiness of man with the effectual means to obtain itThe soveraign and final happiness of man with the effectual means to obtain it
The sovereign and final happiness of man with the effectual means to obtain it by William Bates ...The soveraign and final happiness of man with the effectual means to obtain it by William Bates ...
London: printed by J.D. for Brabazon Aylmer, 1680
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.
CHAP. V.
The Choice of Heaven must be early. The Pretences of Mens delaying Repentance. The infinite danger of it.
Secondly. The choice of Eternal Felicity must be early in the prime of our days. The rule of our Duty, and Reason binds us to remember our Creator in our Youth, to pay to him the first fruits of our Time and Strength. When we are surrounded with enticing Objects, and the Sense are entire and most capable to enjoy them, when the electing Powers are it their vigour, then 'tis just we should live to God, obey him as our Law-giver and prefer the fruition of him in Heaven, the reward of Obedience, before as the pleasures of Vanity. 'Tis very honourable and pleasing to God to give the Heart to him, when the Flesh and the World strongly solicit to withdraw it. 'Tis a high endearment of the So• to him, when his excellencies are prevalent in the Esteem and Affections above ⟨p. 117⟩all the charms of the Creatures. And 'tis an unspeakable satisfaction to the Spirit of a Man, to declare the Truth and Strength of his love to God, by despising all Temptations when they are most inviting, and he is most receptive of them. But alas! how many neglect their Duty and defer their Happiness? They think it too soon to live for Heaven before the evil days come wherein they shall have no Pleasure, when they cannot Sin, and fondly presume they can Repent. The infinite danger of this I will briefly lay open.
Secondly. THe choice of Eternal Felicity must be early in the prime of our days. The rule of our Duty, and Reason binds us to remember our Creatour in our Youth, to pay to him the first fruits of our Time and Strength. When we are surrounded with inticing Objects, and the Sense are entire and most capable to enjoy them, when the electing Powers are it their vigour, then 'tis just we should live to God, obey him as our Law-giver and prefer the fruition of him in Heaven, the reward of Obedience, before as the pleasures of Vanity. 'Tis very honourable and pleasing to God to give the Heart to him, when the Flesh and the World strongly solicit to withdraw it. 'Tis a high endearment of the So to him, when his excellencies are prevalent in the Esteem and Affections above