Human nature in its fourfold state ... In several practical discourses

USE. I shall shut up my discourse on this subject, with a word of application, (1.) To all who claim a right to this kingdom, (2.) To these who have indeed a right to it. (3.) To these who have not a right thereto.

First, Since it is evident, there is no promiscuous admission into the kingdom of heaven, and none do obtain it, but these whose claim to it is solemnly tried by the great Judge, and, after trial, sustained as good and valid; it is necessary that all of us impartially try and examine, whether, according to the laws of the kingdom, contained in the holy scriptures, we can verify and make good our claim to this kingdom? The hopes of heaven, which most men have, are built on such sandy foundations, as can never abide the trial; having no ground in the word, but in their own deluded fancy: such hopes will leave those who entertain them, miserably disappointed at last. Wherefore it is not only our duty, but our interest, to put the matter to a fair trail, in time. If we find, we have no right to heaven indeed, we are yet in the way; and what we have not, we may obtain: but if we find we have a right to it, we will then have the comfort of a happy prospect into eternity; which is the greatest comfort one is capable of in the world. If ye enquire, How ye may know whither ye have a right to heaven, or not? I answer, ye must know that by the state ye are now in. If ye are yet in your natural state, ye are children of wrath, and not children of this kingdom: for that state, to them who live and die in it, issues in eternal misery. If you be brought into the state of grace, you have a just claim to the state of glory; for grace will certainly issue in glory at length. This kingdom is an inheritance, which none but the children of God can justly claim: now we become the children of God, by regeneration and union with Christ his Son; and if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ, Rom viii. 17. These then are the great points, upon which one's evidences for the state of glory do depend. And therefore I refer you to what is said on the state of grace, for clearing of you as to your right to glory.