The Four Last Things

Chapter 1

IV. Why believers are subject to death since the sting of it is taken

away. They die that sinful frailties may be abolished, that their graces may be exercised, and because the natural body is incapable of a celestial divine life. Their resurrection is delayed till the coming of Christ. Pr

Chapter 2

V. Application of the subject. The certainty of a future judgment. It is

a vindication of the proceedings of providence, a comfort to the saints under persecution, a restraint from secret sins, a remedy for sensual temptations, and a motive of terror to the wicked -- 4 of 290 --

Chapter 3

III. Practical inferences. The mercy of God in salvation. The

depravity of sinners. The wages of sin. Our infinite obligations to Jesus Christ TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE RACHEL LADY RUSSEL MADAM, -- 6 of 290 -- OF all affairs for the compassing whereof men are so diligent and solici

Chapter 4

Chapter I: Proofs of Christ's Deity

The coherence of the text opened; wherein the proofs of the eternal Deity of Christ are clearly alledged from scripture. An account given of the reasons of his incarnation. In what respects the devil is said to -- 10 of

Chapter 5

1. As the desert of sin. The first design of the Creator was his own

glory in conjunction with the happiness of man. He was made -- 14 of 290 -- accordingly holy in perfection, placed in paradise, and his state contained all the ingredients of felicity proper to his nature. He was capab

Chapter 6

2. As the effect of the divine decree respecting sin. This is discovered

by revelation in the word of God, and by the real execution of it. "It is appointed to men once to die" Heb. 9:27. This decree is universal and unrepeatable. "One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh:"

Chapter 7

3. Death is to be considered as the sentence of the law. The

reasonable creature was made under a law, the rule of his actions. The moral law directed him how to continue in his holy and blessed state: to which was annexed the precept of not eating of the tree of knowledge of good

Chapter 8

II. THE next thing to be considered is, what the fear of death

includes, and the bondage that is consequent to it. This I shall explain and amplify, by considering four things. 1. The nature of fear in general, as applicable to the present subject. 2. The particular causes that rend

Chapter 9

1. I will consider the nature of fear in general, as applicable to the

present subject. Fear is a passion implanted in nature, that causes a -- 17 of 290 -- flight from an approaching evil. Three things are requisite to qualify the object, and make it fearful. (1.) The evil must be appreh

Chapter 10

1. In the apprehension of nature, death hath this name engraven in

its forehead, ultimum terribilium, the supreme of terrible things, upon several accounts, (1.) Because usually sickness and pains languishing and tormenting, make the first changes in the body, and the natural death is v

Chapter 11

2. Death is fearful in the apprehension of conscience, as it is the most

sensible mark of God's wrath, that is heavier than death, and a summons to give an account of all things done in this life, to the Righteous Judge of the world. "It is appointed to all men once to die, and afterward the

Chapter 12

3. The degrees of this fear are expressed by bondage. This passion,

when regular in its object and degree, is excellently useful: it is a wise counsellor and faithful guardian, that plucks off the mask from our enemies, and keeps reason vigilant and active to prevent a threatening evil,

Chapter 13

4. How comes it to pass that men are not always under the actual

fear of death, but subject to the revolutions of it all their lives? The seeds of this fear are hid in the guilty breasts of men, and at times, especially in their calamities, break forth and kindle upon them. In their l

Chapter 14

Chapter III: How the death of Christ

Frees us From the Tormenting, Fear of Death How the death of Christ frees us from the tormenting fear of death. By dying he paid our ransom to the injured justice of God, and deprives satan of the legal power he had over

Chapter 15

III. I Now come to show how the death of Christ frees us from the

tormenting fear of death. For the clearing this, we are to consider, that sin, satan and death, are enemies in combination against man in his mortal state; and the destructive power of satan, and death, is from sin. When

Chapter 16

1. The curse is removed. Death considered as the wages of sin, is all

sting and poison, the consequent of the spiritual death, and the introduction to eternal death. "The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law." 1 Cor. 15. Death hath its wounding power from sin, and sin

Chapter 17

2. Death is a blessed advantage, and enriching gain to a believer: it

brings him to the possession of that good that incomparably exceeds the evil that remains in it. For the death of a saint is not total; but as in the ceremony of purification from leprosy, one bird was killed, and the ot

Chapter 18

3. The freedom he obtains from all afflicting evils that are

numberless here, and from sin the worst in its nature, and the cause of all the rest. The present world is a labyrinth of thorns, in every state we meet with something to vex us. You may as well count the waves of the se

Chapter 19

4. Besides the privative advantage, the freedom from all the effects of

God's displeasure, and the resentments of it, there is the highest positive good obtained by death; "The spirits of just men are made perfect in heaven." The soul is the glory of man, and grace is the glory of the soul,

Chapter 20

Chapter IV: The Reason Why Believers

Die for a Time The reason why believers die, and are in the state of death for a time, not-withstanding the sting of death is taken away. Sin is abolished by death. Their graces are eminently exercised in the encounter w

Chapter 21

1. By this means all the sinful frailties that cleave to the saints in this

life, are abolished, "The body is dead because of sin;" Rom. 8. And what is more becoming the wise and holy providence of God, than that as by sin man was at fast made subject to death, so by death sin dies entirely for

Chapter 22

2. Death is continued to the saints, for the more eminent exercise

and illustration of their graces, for the glory of God, and in order to their future reward.* Faith and love, and patience, are declared in their most powerful operations in our encounter with death. If every saint were

Chapter 23

3. Our Saviour by his invaluable obedience and sufferings, has

procured for believers a celestial divine life, of which the natural body is not capable. The apostle saith, "flesh and blood cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven." The exigencies and decays of the sensitive nature re

Chapter 24

Chapter V: Union with Christ the

Qualification The qualifications of persons considered, that have a right to this privilege. Union with Christ the fountain of eternal life is absolutely requisite. The vital bond of that union is the sanctifying Spirit,

Chapter 25

IV. THE fourth general head to be considered, is, the persons that

have an interest in this blessed privilege. This inquiry is of infinite moment, both for the awakening of the secure, who vainly presume upon their interest in the salvation of the gospel, and for the confirming and enco

Chapter 26

Chapter VI: The Redeemer Frees Us from

the Sting, Fear and Dominion of Death Our dear obligations to our Redeemer considered, who frees us from the sting, and fear, and dominion of death. His love was equal to the height of his glory from whence he descended,

Chapter 27

1. Consider our dear obligations to our blessed Saviour, who to free

us from the sting and enslaving fear of death, submitted to it with all its terrors from God and wicked men. He felt a sadness to an agony in his soul, and suffered the equal extremities of ignominy and torment in his bo

Chapter 28

2. Let us make it the great design and main business of our lives to

remove from our souls the just fears of death. It is one of the solemn follies of the world to fear where there is no cause: as if a sentinel should mistake glow-worms in the night for lighted matches, and give a false a

Chapter 29

1. Men delay repentance upon the presumption of a long life: but

what is more uncertain? It is the wisdom and goodness of God to conceal in his impenetrable counsels the time of our sojourning here: for if men, though liable to death every hour, and therefore should be under just fear

Chapter 30

2. Suppose life be continued, yet sinners that delay repentance, can

have no rational hopes that they shall sincerely repent in time to come. For, (1.) Saving repentance is the gift of God: and is it likely that those who have been insensible of the loud end earnest calls of the word, inf

Chapter 31

3. There is nothing renders men more unworthy of mercy than

continuance in sin, upon presumption of an easy pardon at last. This is the most provoking abuse of his "Goodness and long-suffering, that should lead them to repentance." Rom. 2. He can in the -- 61 of 290 -- twinklin

Chapter 32

Chapter VII: Do Not Delay To Be

Reconcilled with God It is most incongruous to delay our reconciliation with God till the time of sickness. It is very uncomfortable to delay it till our declining time. The vanity of men's presuming to delay repentance,

Chapter 33

4. HOW incongruous is it to delay the solemn work of reconciliation

with God till the time of sickness. This is an affair wherein our transcendent interest is concerned, and should be performed in our most calm and sensible condition, when we are most capable of reflecting upon our ways,

Chapter 34

5. Consider how uncomfortable it is to delay repentance till age and

sickness, when the fruits of it are not so evident nor acceptable: in evil days, and the approaches of death, it is very hard to discover the sincerity of the heart, whether repentance proceeds from holy principles; whet

Chapter 35

Chapter VIII: Preserving Ourselves from

Presumptuous Sins Renders Death -- 71 of 290 -- Comfortable The preserving ourselves from presumptuous sins, a means to reader death comfortable. The zealous discharge of the duties of our callings, and endeavours to g

Chapter 36

1. To submit to the divine pleasure with resigned spirits, as to the

means, the manner, and time of death. God has a sovereign right and dominion over us. The present life is his most free favour, and he may justly resume it when he pleases. His will should be the first and last rule of o

Chapter 37

2. To receive death not only with patience, but earnest desires to be

with Christ. I know death is naturally unwelcome. Our Saviour tells St. Peter, "when thou art old, another shall bind thee, and lead thee where thou wouldst not," John 21:18. signifying his martyrdom. The circumstance "w

Chapter 38

Chapter I: The Coherence of the Text

Opened. The determining a time, and the designation of the person to judge the world are expressed. God is king of the world by creation. The two principal parts of his sovereignty, are giving laws to rule his subjects,

Chapter 39

1. That God is the universal monarch of the world, and has supreme

authority to govern reasonable creatures, antecedent to their election and consent. The psalmist calls to the heathens, "Know ye that the Lord is God," Psal. 100:3. that is, the most glorious being, and absolute sovereig

Chapter 40

2. The two principal and necessary parts of his sovereignty are, to

give laws for the ruling of his subjects, and to pass final judgment upon them for their obedience or disconformity to his precepts. Mere natural agents are regulated by a wise establishment, that is the law of their cre

Chapter 41

3. As his right to govern and judge the world is natural, so are his

attributes, his wisdom, holiness, justice and power, that qualify and reader him most worthy to exercise this government. These are finite separable qualities in angels or men, but essential perfections to the Deity. It

Chapter 42

4. God being invisible in his own nature, hath most wisely ordained

the last judgment of the world to be transacted by a visible person; because men are to be judged, and the whole process of judgment with them, will be for things done in the body. The person appointed for this great wor

Chapter 43

5. There is a day appointed wherein the Son of Man win appear in

sensible glory, and exercise his judicial power upon angels and men. He is now "seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high," and the celestial spheres are under his feet: universal nature feels the power of his scep

Chapter 44

Chapter II: God Will Righteously Judge

the World by Jesus Christ. The righteousness of God's judicial proceedings will appear by considering the equity of the law, the rule of judgment. The law of nature considered in its precepts and penalties. The precepts

Chapter 45

I. The equity of the law which shall be the rule of the last judgment.

This will appear by considering i. the law of nature, and the law of faith, in their precepts and ii. the penalties annexed to enforce the observation of them. i. The law of nature, which is the rule of man's duty, will

Chapter 46

2. But God has been pleased to mitigate and allay the severity of the

law by the gospel; so that although the least breach of it makes a person an offender and obnoxious to judgment, yet the law of faith propounds such merciful conditions to the guilty, that upon the performance of them, t

Chapter 47

Chapter III: Eternal Death is Wisely and

Justly Ordained to be the Punishment of Sin. It is the wisdom of the Lawgiver to appoint such a punishment as might over-poise all temptations to break the law. It is just to make a proportion between the quality of the

Chapter 48

1. The end of the sanction is to preserve the authority of the law in its

full vigour, to render it most solemn and awful; and consequently it is the wisdom of the Lawgiver to ordain a punishment so heavy, as to overpoise all temptations that might otherwise induce the subjects to transgress i

Chapter 49

2. It is consented to by common reason, that there ought to be a

proportion between the quality of the offence, and the degrees of the punishment.* Justice takes the scales into its hand before it takes the sword. Now sin against God is of such an immense guilt, that an eternal punish

Chapter 50

Chapter IV: The Evidence of Facts

Produced as the Reason of Judgment All sins, whether secret or openly visible, shall be brought to judgment. Sins of omission and commission. All the aggravations and circumstances of sin. The manner of this judicial pro

Chapter 51

II. I Shall now proceed to consider the evidence of the facts that is

produced as the reason of that judgment. The temper of divine justice is very observable in the particular judgments recorded in scripture. In the first process of justice on earth, we read that God made the inquiry of A

Chapter 52

1. The books of the law and gospel shall then be opened in all the

injunctions and prohibitions, and our lives compared with them. Our Saviour told the Jews, "do not think that I will accuse you to my Father; there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom you trust: not the person,

Chapter 53

2. The omniscience of God will give most convincing evidence of all

our works: "all things are naked and open to his eyes, with whom we have to do in judgment." Heb. 4:13. The psalmist declares the infinite perspicacity of his sight: "the darkness hides not from thee, but the night shine

Chapter 54

3. The conscience of every man shall then be opened, and "give an

accusing or excusing testimony of all things;" Rom. 2:15, 16. for these acts of conscience in the present life, have a final respect to God's tribunal. And though the accounts are so vast, there shall be an exact agreeme

Chapter 55

4. Other numerous witnesses will appear to finish the process of that

day. Not as if God that knows all things, wants information, but for the public conviction of the wicked. Satan will then bring in a bloody charge against them. Such is his malignity, that he is a complainer of God to ma

Chapter 56

1. There will be no distinction of persons. In human courts the judges

sometimes extend and amplify, sometimes contract or smother the evidence, and are more rigorous or favourable in their sentence, as they are biassed towards the persons before them. But the Righteous Judge of the world i

Chapter 57

2. There shall be a distinction of causes, and every man be judged

"according to his works," the tenor of good works, and the desert of bad. The apostle assures us, "That whatsoever a man sows, that shall he reap: he that soweth to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he t

Chapter 58

Chapter V: An Excitation to Confirm our

Faith of the Eternal Judgment. Reason sees the necessity of a future judgment. Divine revelation expressly declares it. Considerations requisite to make faith effectual. The belief of a future judgment clears the honour

Chapter 59

1. Let us from what has been discoursed of judgment to come, be

excited to confirm our faith in this great and useful doctrine; and by serious and frequent thoughts to apply it to ourselves. Some within the church have only a superficial belief of this, as a point of the religion whe

Chapter 60

2. The consideration of eternal judgment will vindicate the

proceedings of divine providence, and the honour of God's governing this world, from the imputation of unrighteousness. God is provoked every day, yet spares the wicked, and heaps an abundance of favours on them. His pat

Chapter 61

3. The belief of this doctrine, as it vindicates divine providence, so it

is powerful to comfort the saints under persecutions for righteousness sake; especially when innocence is wounded with slanderous darts, and calumnies are joined with cruelties, representing them as worthy of public hatr

Chapter 62

4. The serious belief of future judgment is the most effectual restraint

from secret sins. Men are apt to encourage themselves in evil upon the account of secrecy; it is the usual tinder of temptations. If solitude and silence, if the darkness of the night, or any disguises -- 128 of 290 --

Chapter 63

5. The remembrance of that strict judgment is the most natural and

powerful remedy against sensual temptations that so easily insinuate and engage the hearts of men. St. Peter reckoning up the heathens' sins, "lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings," and "abominable idolatrie

Chapter 64

6. The consideration that the Son of God, clothed with our nature,

shall judge the world, "affords strong consolation" to his people, and is a motive of great terror to the wicked. How comfortable is it to his people that he who loved them above his life, and was their Redeemer on the c

Chapter 65

numbers and strength, could not for a moment escape his revenging

hand. The whole world of sinners is of no more force against his wrath, than the light dust against a whirlwind, or dry stubble against devouring fire. Or do they think, by a stubborn spirit, to endure it? Self-deceiving

Chapter 66

Chapter VI: The Consideration of Eternal

Judgment Should Powerfully Move us to Prepare for It. Rules of our acceptance in that day. Unfeigned faith in the Lord Jesus is absolutely necessary for our acceptance. The pardon of our sins, and the rewarding our servi

Chapter 67

7. THE consideration of eternal judgment should be a powerful

incentive to prepare ourselves for it. The affair is infinitely serious, for it concerns our salvation or damnation for ever. Yet the pleasures and business of the world fasten men in security, and hinder the entire appl

Chapter 68

Chapter I: The Saviour of Men Was

Before and Under the Law The Saviour of men was before and under the law by various predictions and types described, to prepare the world for his reception with faith and obedience. In this psalm, a mixture of history an

Chapter 69

I. The place wherein the divine presence is revealed. It is consistent

with the divine immensity, to be differently present in some places. The essential presence of God is the same every where; the influxive declarative presence of God it special, and otherwise in one place than another. H

Chapter 70

II. I will endeavour to show that the enjoyment of the divine

presence in heaven, is the supreme felicity of the saints. To make this supernatural blessedness more easy and intelligible to us, the scripture describes it by sensible representations. For while -- 151 of 290 -- the

Chapter 71

Chapter II: Whatever is Requisite to our

Complete Blessedness, is Enjoined in Heaven. -- 152 of 290 -- There is an exemption from all evils. Sin and all the penal consequences are abolished in heaven. The concurrence of all positive excellencies is enjoyed th

Chapter 72

1. The body shall be awaked out of its dead sleep, and quickened into

a glorious immortal life. The soul and body are the essential parts of -- 154 of 290 -- man; and though the inequality be great in their holy operations, yet their concourse is necessary. Good actions are designed by t

Chapter 73

2. The supreme happiness of man is in the soul's communion with

God. This will appear by considering the principal ingredients of happiness: they are the excellence of the object, and the vigour of the actings upon it. The life and blessedness of God is to know and love himself accor

Chapter 74

Chapter III: The Understanding Shall be

Clearly Enlightened with the Knowledge of God. Here the revelation of God in his works and word is according to our capacities. In heaven it is most glorious, and our faculties raised and refined to receive it. The natur

Chapter 75

Chapter IV: The Blessed Effect of the

Vision of God in the Saints. It is productive and conservative of his glorious likeness. It affects them with the most humble veneration of God's excellencies. It inflames then with the most ardent love of God, and of ou

Chapter 76

1. From the vision of his glory there will be a resistance of his

likeness impressed on us. "We shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." All the perfection and happiness of the saints is comprised in that promise. The sun, when the sky is clear and serene, forms its image on

Chapter 77

2. The divine presence affects the saints with the most humble

reverence and solemn veneration of God. This is an eternal respect due from the intellectual creature to the Creator, upon the account of his infinite and incommunicable excellencies. He is distinguished not only from id

Chapter 78

3. In heaven the saints as perfectly love God, as they know him. This

is the principal duty of angels and men to the blessed Creator for his admirable perfections, and his excellent benefits. The evidence of it is so entire, that the reasonable mind cannot suspend its assent: for goodness

Chapter 79

Chapter V: Union with God Causes the

Perfection and Felicity of the Saints. Union with God by knowledge and love, causes the perfection and felicity of the saints. That union briefly unfolded. The pleasure that springs from knowledge. In heaven the knowledg

Chapter 80

3. The supreme joy of the saints is for the felicity and glory of God

himself. For as the holy soul feels no more powerful motive to love God, than because he is most worthy of it, as he is God, a being of infinite excellencies, and therefore to be loved above the dearest persons and thing

Chapter 81

Chapter VI: The Communion of the

Angels and Saints in Heaven Affords the Purest Pleasure. Love unites them. The allays of love cease there. As love is enlarged in its object and degrees, such is the delight that results from it. The joy of heaven is wit

Chapter 82

1. There are relics of frailty in the best men on earth, some blemishes

that render them less amiable when discovered. Here their graces are mixed with infirmities, and but ascending to glory. Accordingly our love to them must be regular, and serene, not clouded with error, mistaking defects

Chapter 83

2. In the present state the least part of the saints' worth is visible. As

the earth is fruitful in plants and flowers, but its riches are in mines of precious metals, and the veins of marble hidden in its bosom. True -- 175 of 290 -- grace appears in sensible actions, "but its glory is withi

Chapter 84

1. It is undecaying, the productive causes are conservative of it, being

always equal. Those are the beatific object, and the continual fruition of it. Whilst we are here below, the Sun of Righteousness, as to our perception and sense, has ascensions and declinations, accesses and recesses. A

Chapter 85

Chapter VII: The Number of Possessors

of Heaven Cannot Lessen its Felicity. The blessedness of the saints is without end. In the first creation, the happiness of angels and men was mutable. The happiness in heaven as unchangeable as the love of God to the sa

Chapter 86

1. Consider the woful folly of men in refusing such a happiness, that

by the admirable favour of God is offered to their choice. Can there be an expectation, or desire, or capacity in man of enjoying a happiness beyond what is infinite and eternal? O blind and wretched world! so careless o

Chapter 87

1. That it is absolutely impossible that a mere creature, though

perfect, should deserve any thing from God: for enjoying its being and powers of working from his goodness, the product of all is entirely due to him; and the payment of a debt acquires no title to a reward: he is the pr

Chapter 88

2. Besides, such is the infinite perfection of God in himself, that no

benefit can redound to him by the service of the creature. "When you have done all, say you are unprofitable servants, for we have done but what we ought to do." The neglect of our duty justly exposes to punishment; but

Chapter 89

3. There is no proportion between the best works of men, and the

excellency of the reward, much less an equivalence. It was the just and humble acknowledgment of Jacob to God, "I am less than the least of all thy mercies," those that common providence dispenses for the support and ref

Chapter 90

4. If a creature perfectly holy, that never sinned, is incapable to merit

any thing from God, much less can those who are born in a sinful state, and guilty of innumerable actual transgressions, pretend to deserve any reward for their works. This were presumption inspired by prodigious vanity.

Chapter 91

1. Man by his rebellion justly forfeited his happiness, and the law

exacts precisely the forfeiture. Pure justice requires the crime should be punished according to its quality, much less will it suffer the guilty to enjoy the favour of God: for sin is not to be considered as an offence

Chapter 92

2. Such were the most precious merits of his obedience, that it was

not only sufficient to free the guilty contaminated race of mankind from hell, but to purchase for them the kingdom of heaven. If we consider his human nature, all graces were born with him, as rays with the sun, and shi

Chapter 93

Chapter VIII: Qualifications in all that

Shall Obtain the Kingdom of Heaven The gospel requires qualifications in all that shall obtain the kingdom of heaven. The renovation of man according to the likeness of God, is indispensably requisite for the enjoying of

Chapter 94

2. The gospel is styled "a covenant," and that imports a reciprocal

engagement between parties for the performance of the matter contained in it. The covenant of grace includes the promise of pardoning and rewarding mercy on God's part, and the conditions on man's, with respect to which

Chapter 95

3. The gospel is styled, "a testament" sealed in the blood of Christ,

confirmed by his death. The donation of eternal blessings in it, is not absolute and irrespective, but the heirs are admitted to the possession of the inheritance according to the will of the rich, liberal, and wise Test

Chapter 96

1. This holy change is expressed in scripture by the new birth. Our

Saviour, with a solemn repeated asservation, tells Nicodemus; "verily, verily, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3. Sin is natural to man from his conception and birth, and infects wit

Chapter 97

2. Now the indispensable necessity of this holy change is evident

from the words of our Saviour, for he speaks universally, "except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." He does not simply declare that an unregenerate man shall not, but with the greatest emphasis, can

Chapter 98

1. There is an exquisite wisdom shines in all God's works, in

disposing them for the ends to which they are appointed: and is it not monstrously absurd to imagine, he will admit into his presence and kingdom those that are absolutely unqualified for its blessedness, and opposite to

Chapter 99

2. His invariable justice excludes for ever all unholy persons from

heaven. For in the last judgment God will be glorified as a governor, in the distribution of rewards with respect to the obedience and disobedience of men. It is worthy of observation, that the actions of God on the reas

Chapter 100

3. Besides the legal but that excludes unsanctified persons from the

beatific vision of God, there is a moral incapacity. Suppose that justice should allow omnipotence to translate such a sinner to heaven, would the place make him happy? Can two incongruous natures delight in one another?

Chapter 101

Chapter IX: Faith in the Redeemer

Required for Salvation Faith in the Redeemer is indispensably required of all that will partake of salvation. Heaven must be chosen as our supreme happiness, and sought at our last end. The choice of heaven must be since

Chapter 102

1. FAITH in the Redeemer is absolutely required of all that will

partake of the salvation purchased by him. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him, should not perish, but have eternal life, John 3:16. This is the spirit and substance

Chapter 103

2. We must choose heaven as our supreme happiness, and regard it

as the main end of our lives. Man fell from his duty and felicity by preferring sensual pleasure before the favour of God, and became guilty of the greatest disobedience and dishonour to his Maker, and is restored by the

Chapter 104

1. It must be sincere and cordial. The most essential and active desire

in human nature is to happiness; but there being two kinds of good things presented to the will that solicit the affections, the pleasures of sense, and spiritual joys, from hence it is that that which makes men happy is

Chapter 105

2. The sincerity of the heavenly choice, is discovered by a zealous

observance of the means requisite in order to it. Inanimate things incline to rest in their centre, the rational intend and pursue it. The blessed end, when valued and respected according to its worth, excites and direct

Chapter 106

3. The sincerity of our heavenly choice declares itself in the temper

and frame of our hearts, with respect to all temporal things in this world. For our main and happy end being established, that it consists not in secular riches and honours, and the pleasures of sense, but in the clear v

Chapter 107

4. The sincere choice of heaven as our final happiness, will make us

aspire to the greatest height of holiness we are capable of in the present state. For the end has always a powerful virtue to transform a man into its likeness: and heaven is a state of perfect conformity to the holy God

Chapter 108

Chapter X: The Choice of Heaven Must Be

in the Prime of our Days -- 215 of 290 -- The choice of heaven must be early, in the prime of our days. The choice must be constant. Saving perseverance includes the permanent residence of grace in the soul, and the ex

Chapter 109

1. Saving perseverance includes the permanent residence of grace in

the soul: it is composed of the whole chain of graces, the union of holy habits that are at first infused into a christian by the sanctifying Spirit. When eternal life is promised to faith, or love, or hope, it is upon s

Chapter 110

2. Grace must be continually drawn forth into exercise according to

our several states and duties, and the various occasions that happen in our course through the world. Those "who are light in the Lord, are commanded to walk as children of the light;" to signify the excellency and purit

Chapter 111

3. Perseverance includes not only continuance in well-doing, but

fervour and progress towards perfection. There are two fixed states, the one in heaven, the other in hell. The blessed spirits above are arrived to the height of holiness. The devil and damned spirits are sunk to the low

Chapter 112

4. Perseverance is required notwithstanding all temptations that may

allure or terrify us from our duties; whatever affects us one way or other, while we are clothed with frail flesh. It is the fundamental principle of christianity declared by our Saviour, "If any man will come after me,"

Chapter 113

5. Saving perseverance excludes not all sins, but total apostacy, and

final impenitency, which are fatal and deadly under the new covenant. "If the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth,

Chapter 114

2. The danger is greater of falling away, when they are urged and

solicited by a violent or grateful temptation. Thus our first parents fell, and lost more grace in an hour, than can be recovered by their posterity in all ages to the end of the world. -- 224 of 290 --

Chapter 115

3. When there is a supervenient corruption in the creature, that

inclines them with earnest propensity to forbidden things; and takes flame from every spark, the danger is extreme. Like a besieged city that is in great hazard of taking, by assaults from, without, and conspiracies from

Chapter 116

Chapter XI: Directions to Fix the Choice

Aright. The danger from the senses and the fancy, of perverting our choice. The power of fancy considered. The carnal affections are the worst counsellors. The senses and carnal affections are incapable of apprehending s

Chapter 117

2. The fancy that depends upon them in its. operations, and is guided

by their report, conceives of felicity only under the notion of sensitive pleasure. We may illustrate this by the practice of* Aretius a painter, recorded with infamy, who being often employed to paint the goddesses, to

Chapter 118

Chapter XII: A Steadfast Belief in Unseen

Eternal Things A steadfast belief of unseen eternal things is necessary to direct our choice. Faith realizes things future, and controls the efficacy of present temptations. The neglect of the great salvation proceeds fr

Chapter 119

1. The nature of consideration is discovered by its end, which is this;

that the mind being satisfied in the just reasons upon which the choice of heaven is to be made, the will and affections may be engaged in an earnest, joyful and constant pursuit of it. And in this respect it differs fro

Chapter 120

2. That the consideration of eternal things may be effectual, it must

be, -- 240 of 290 -- (1.) Serious and deliberate. For the affair is great in reality above all possible conception or comparison. All other things, how considerable soever in themselves, yet respectively and in paralle

Chapter 121

Chapter XIII: The End for Which Man

was Designed in His Creation. The objects from whence consideration derives its power to direct our choice. The end for which man was designed in his creation. We must make a judicious comparison between the objects that

Chapter 122

1. Consider the end for which man was designed in his creation, why

endued with rational and noble powers of soul, and placed by the Sovereign Maker in the highest rank of so numerous and various natures that fill the universe. Is it to raise an estate, to shine in pomp, to enjoy sensual

Chapter 123

2. Consider attentively the objects that stand in competition for our

choice, the present world and heaven, to make a judicious comparison between them in their quality and duration. (1.) In their quality. The things of the world, according to the judgment of God himself, who is only wise

Chapter 124

Chapter XIV: Other Motives to Seek the

Kingdom of Heaven . God is very willing men should partake of his glory. All who unfeignedly and earnestly seek, shall obtain it. Heaven is promised upon gracious terms. An answer to the carnal allegation, that we are co

Chapter 125

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 bless

Chapter 126

2. Consider, this glorious blessedness shall be the portion of all that

unfeignedly choose it, and earnestly seek it. This motive was inclosed in the first, but deserves a separate consideration. And of this we have infallible assurance from the word of God, "who cannot lie. Godliness has th

Chapter 127

3. Consider how gracious the terms are upon which heaven is

promised in the gospel. Our Saviour's laws are so holy, just, and in their own nature so good to men, even in their present performance, that their own excellence, and equity, and sweetness, is sufficient to recommend th

Chapter 128

1. For this end the Holy Spirit convinces men thoroughly of the

reality and greatness of an invisible and future happiness. In the light of the gospel, how many of eminent intellectual faculties are stupid as to their great interest, and spend themselves about trifles, and are equall

Chapter 129

Chapter I: The Opening of the Text.

The punishment of unreformed sinners shall be extreme and eternal. The torments in hell exceed the heaviest judgments inflicted here. They are represented in scripture, so as to instruct and terrify sinners. The soul sha

Chapter 130

I. The extremity of the punishment.

Before the particular description of the pains of the damned, I shall observe in general, that the full representation of hell is beyond all human expression; nay our most fearful thoughts cannot equal the horror of it.

Chapter 131

1. Temporal evils of all kinds and degrees, as pestilence, famine, war,

are designed for the bringing of men to a sight and sense of their sins, and are common to good and bad here. And if his anger be so terrible when he chastises as a compassionate father, what is his fury when he punishes

Chapter 132

2. The miseries of the present state are allayed with some

enjoyments. None are so universally afflicted, so desolate, but something remains to sweeten the sense of their sufferings. Judgments are tempered with mercies. No man is tortured with all diseases, nor forsaken of all f

Chapter 133

Chapter II: The Eternity of Misery Makes

it Most Intolerable. The justice of God cleared in the eternal punishment of sinners for temporary sins. The wisdom of God requires that the punishment threatened should be powerful to preserve the commands of the law in

Chapter 134

II. THE eternity of the punishment.

The eternity of their misery makes it above all other considerations intolerable. Our Saviour repeats it thrice in the space of a few verses, to terrify those who spare some favourite corruption. "that in hell their worm

Chapter 135

1. The wisdom of God requires, that the punishment threatened in

his law, as it must be so firmly decreed, that all obstinate rebels shall of necessity undergo it, so it must incomparably exceed all temporal evils, to which men may be exposed for their obedience to the divine commands

Chapter 136

2. God, as the sovereign ruler of the world, has established an

inseparable connexion between the choice and actions of men here, and their future condition for ever. The promised reward of obedience is so excellent and eternal, that all the allurements of the -- 278 of 290 -- worl

Chapter 137

3. It will appear how unqualified the damned are for the least favour,

if we consider their continual hatred and blasphemies of God. The seeds of this are in wicked obstinate sinners here, who are styled "haters of God;" but in the damned this enmity is direct and explicit, the fever is hei

Chapter 138

Chapter III: Practical Inferences.

The tender mercies of God to men, in revealing the prepared plagues for sinners, to prevent their misery. Carnal men are more capable of conceiving the torments of hell, than the joys of heaven. They are more apt to be m

Chapter 139

1. From the revelation in scripture of the dreadful punishment

prepared for unreformed sinners in the next state, we may understand the tender mercies of God to men; how willing he is they should be saved, who are so wilful to be damned. Hell is represented to them by the most viole

Chapter 140

2. This shows the woful depravation of the minds and wills of men,

that choose sin, when thinly painted over with pleasure, notwithstanding the most dreadful and durable, torments, the certain consequences of it. Desperate folly! either they believe, or do not, the eternal torment of he

Chapter 141

3. Let us steadfastly believe, and frequently consider, that "Eternal

death is the wages of sin," that we may renounce it with the deepest abhorrence, and forsake it for ever. We are assured, from the wisdom and compassion of our Saviour, that it is a powerful means to mortify the inclinat