by William Bates
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This text has been initially updated from EEBO-TCP by Project Puritas (Logan West, David Jonescue, Alex Sarrouf) www.puritansearch.org. Further revision and editing done by Monergism. Copyright Monergism via universal text usage permission from the above.
The Argument before us recommends itself as from its Nature and Quality, for true Happiness is the first and last in the order of things desirable; the first for its attractive Excellence, the last in its consummate Fruition; so upon this most valuable account, that it nearly concerns every Person. For Happiness is not restrained to any peculiar rank of Men, but may equally and perpetually be possessed by all that sincerely apply themselves to obtain it. If in the very different States of Life here, there were any uncapable of Eternal Life, or that have another Object for their last end, there might be some reason why they should not feel their desires inflamed, and Spirits moved towards Celestial Felicity, and to justify their sole Pretensions to the things of Time, whereto their Interests are confined. But the offer of Heaven comprehends all that upon God's Terms will accept it. The most sensible inequality that Riches, Dignity, or any other Temporal Accident makes between Men here, is so true a Nothing in comparison of Eternal Glory, that it makes no difference of one from another as to the obtaining of it.
Besides the universal respect wherein the Doctrine of Eternal Salvation concerns all Men as capable of it, 'tis also of admirable use to their various Conditions Temporal and Spiritual. For the prosperous or afflicted in the World; the Strangers to serious Religion, or the experienced in the Affairs of the Soul; the newly entered into a state of Grace, or the greatest Proficients, may find what is suitable to them in the consideration of it. As the quickening Influences of Heaven are appropriated to the divers Qualities of Fruits, with that discreet Operation, that the hard are softened, the small acquire growth and substance, the Green are colored and made beautiful, the harsh become pleasant, and receive their fragrancy and full maturity. Thus the virtue of the Celestial Reward is powerful to reform the obstinate in Evil, and to encourage the irresolute in Good, to produce the first Life of Holiness, and to cherish and strengthen it till it comes to perfection. Happiness is the Spring and Crown of our Obedience.
I shall only add this, That no Argument has more exercised the Minds of the wisest and best Men, than the last End and highest Good of Man: and that in the managing of this most necessary Subject, I have selected some things from their Writings, that were proper to my Design, which I acknowledge with that candor as if I had particularly named them.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE PREFACE
CHAPTER I. The generality of Men [to] pursue a false Happiness.
CHAPTER II. The clear Revelation of Man's final Happiness by the Gospel.
CHAPTER III. The Mercy of God the Original Cause of his designing and preparing Heaven for his People.
CHAPTER IV. Faith in the Redemer is required of all that will obtain Salvation
CHAPTER V. The Choice of Heaven must be early.
CHAPTER VI. Our Choice must be Constant. Perseverance in a holy Life absolutely required in order to attaining the Reward.
CHAPTER VII. An Account how Men are induced to choose a false Happiness, and reject the true.
CHAPTER VIII. The steadfast belief of Eternal Things requisite to direct our Choice.
CHAPTER IX. Consideration is requisite in order to a wise Choice.
CHAPTER X. The Objects of Consideration specified.
CHAPTER XI. Other Motives propounded. God desires the Eternal Happiness of Men.
CHAPTER XII. The Gospel threatens Hell to all that prefer the Pleasures of Sin before Heaven
CHAPTER XIII. The last Direction. Earnest Prayer to God, to enlighten our Minds to believe the Eternal World, and effectually turn our Wills, to desire and prosecute the Blessedness to come.