A discourse concerning the Redeemer's dominion over the invisible world, and the entrance thereinto

To sum up this matter, whereas the means, are always, according to usual estimate, wont to derive their value from their end. Time, from Eternity. This judgment of the case, that usefulness in this present State, is of greater consequence, and more important, than the affairs of the other World, breaks all measures, overturns the whole frame, and inverts the Order of things, makes the means more valuable than the end: Time more considerable than Eternity; and the concernments of a state ⟨p. 160⟩that will soon be over, greater than those of our fixed, permanent, everlasting State, that will never be over.

To summ up this matter, whereas the means, are always, according to usual estimate, wont to derive their value from their end. Time, from Eternity. This judgment of the case, that usefulness in this present State, is of greater consequence, and more important, than the affairs of the other World, breaks all measures, overturns the whole frame, and inverts the Order of things, makes the means more valuable than the end: Time more considerable than Eternity; and the concernments of a state ⟨p. 160⟩that will soon be over, greater than those of our fixed, permanent, everlasting State, that will never be over.

If we would allow our selves the liberty of reasoning, according to the measure and compass of our narrow minds, biased, and contracted by private interest, and inclination, we should have the like plausible things to think, concerning such of ours as Die in Infancy, and that when they have but newly looked into this World, are presently again caught out of it; that if they had lived, what might they have come to? How pleasant and diverting might their Childhood have been? How hopeful their Youth? How useful their Riper Age? But these are commonly thoughts little wiser than theirs, and proceed from a general infidelity, ⟨p. 161⟩or misbelief, that whatsoever is not within the compass of this little, sorry, World, is all emptiness, and nullity! Or if such be pious and more considering, 'tis too plain they do not, however, consider enough, how great a part it is, of Divine magnificence, to take a reasonable immortal Spirit from animating a piece of well figured Clay, and presently adjoin it to the general assembly above! How glorious a a change is made upon their Child in a moment! How much greater a thing it is to be adoring God above, in the Society of Angels, than to be dandled on their knee, or enjoy the best provisions they can make for them on Earth! That they have a part to act upon an Eternal Stage! and though they are but lately come into Being, are never to go