A26808:248
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.
Other Motives propounded. God desires the Eternal Happiness of Men. All that unfeignedly seek it, shall enjoy it. The terms are gracious and easy upon which 'tis offered to Men.
TO excite us further to seek the Kingdom of Heaven, I shall propound other Motives to Consideration.
1. God is very willing that Men should be saved and partake of his Glory. For this end, he has brought Life and Immortality to light in the Gospel. The Lord Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness, has dispelled the darkness of the Gentiles, and the shadows of the Jews, and rendered the blessed and eternal State so clear and so visible, that every Eye may see it. Our assurance of it is upon infallible Principles. And though ⟨p. 218⟩the excellent Glory of it is inexpressible, yet 'tis represented under variety of fair and lovely Types to invite our Affections. Besides, God makes an earnest offer of Life to us in his Word, he Commands, Counsels, Excites, Urges, nay Entreats and Beseeches with infinite Tenderness, that Men will accept of it. Thus the Apostle declares, Now then we are Ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us, we pray you in Christ's stead be reconciled to God. Is it not evident then beyond the most jealous suspicion, God is desirous of our Happiness? Can we imagine any design any insincerity in his Words? Why should Heaven court a Worm? 'Tis his love to Souls that expresses it self in that condescending compassionate manner, to melt and overcome the perverse and hardened in Sin.
1. God is very willing that Men should be saved and partake of his Glory. For this end, he has brought Life and Immortality to light in the Gospel. The Lord Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness, has dispel'd the darkness of the Gentiles, and the shadows of the Jews, and rendred the blessed and eternal State so clear and so visible, that every Eye may see it. Our assurance of it is upon infallible Principles. And though