That we admit, and settle, the distinct notion of §1this blessedness in our minds, and judgements. That we fix in our own souls apprehensions agreeable to the account this Scripture hath given us of it. This is a counsel, leading, and introductive to the rest; and which if it ⟨p. 242⟩obtain with us, will have a general influence upon the whole course of that practice, which the Doctrine already opened, calls for. As our apprehensions of this blessedness are more distinct, and clear; it may be expected more powerfully to command our hearts, and lives. Hence it is in great part, the Spirits, and conversations of Christians have so little savour, and appearance of heaven in them. We rest in some general, and confused notion of it; in which there is little either of efficacy, or pleasure; we descend not into a particular inquiry, and consideration what it is. Our thoughts of it, are gloomy, and obscure; and hence is our Spirit naturally listless, and indifferent towards it: and rather contents it self to sit still in a Region all lightsome round about, and among objects it hath some present acquaintance with, then venture it self forth as into a new world which it knows but little of. And hence our lives are low and carnal: they look not as though we were seeking the heavenly Country; and indeed, who can be in good earnest in seeking after an unknown state? This is owing to our negligence, an infidelity. The blessed God hath not been shy, and reserved; hath not hidden, or concealed from us the glory of the other world; nor locked up Heaven to us; nor left us to the uncertain guesses of our own imagination: the wild fictions of an unguided fancy; which would have created us a poetical heaven only, and have mocked us with false Elysiums. But, though much be yet within the veil, he hath been ⟨p. 243⟩liberal in his discoveries to us. Life and Immortality are brought to light in the Gospel. The future blessedness (though some refined Heathens have had near guesses at it) is certainly apprehensible by the measure only of Gods revelation of it. For who can determine, with certainty, of the effects of Divine good pleasure ('Tis your Fathers good pleasure to give you a Kingdom.) Who can tell, before hand, what so free and boundless goodness will do; further then as he himself discovers it? The discover• is as free as the donation.
That we admit, and settle, the distinct notion of §1this blessedness in our minds, and judgements. That we fix in our own souls apprehensions agreeable to the account this Scripture hath given us of it. This is a counsel, leading, and introductive to the rest; and which if it ⟨p. 242⟩obtain with us, will have a general influence upon the whole course of that practice, which the Doctrine already opened, calls for. As our apprehensions of this blessedness are more distinct, and clear; it may be expected more powerfully to command our hearts, and lives. Hence it is in great part, the Spirits, and conversations of Christians have so little savour, and appearance of heaven in them. We rest in some general, and confused notion of it; in which there is little either of efficacy, or pleasure; we descend not into a particular inquiry, and consideration what it is. Our thoughts of it, are gloomy, and obscure; and hence is our Spirit naturally listless, and indifferent towards it: and rather contents it self to sit still in a Region all lightsome round about, and among objects it hath some present acquaintance with, then venture it self forth as into a new world which it knows but little of. And hence our lives are low and carnal: they look not as though we were seeking the heavenly Country; and indeed, who can be in good earnest in seeking after an unknown state? This is owing to our negligence, an infidelity. The blessed God hath not been shy, and reserv'd; hath not hidden, or concealed from us the glory of the other world; nor lock't up Heaven to us; nor left us to the uncertain guesses of our own imagination: the wild fictions of an unguided phansie; which would have created us a poetical heaven only, and have mock't us with false Elysiums. But, though much be yet within the vail, he hath been ⟨p. 243⟩liberal in his discoveries to us. Life and Immortality are brought to light in the Gospel. The future blessedness (though some refined Heathens have had near guesses at it) is certainly apprehensible by the measure onely of Gods revelation of it. For who can determine, with certainty, of the effects of Divine good pleasure ('Tis your Fathers good pleasure to give you a Kingdom.) Who can tell, before hand, what so free and boundless goodness will do; further then as he himself discovers it? The discover• is as free as the donation.
