The Blessed Place and State of the Saints Above, Title page – Preface
A SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE Blessed Place and State OF THE Saints Above.
In a Discourse upon the Words of our Blessed Saviour;
John xiv. 2.
In my Father's House are many Mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you: I go to prepare a Place for you.
By WILLIAM BATES, D. D.
London; Printed by J. D. for I. Robinson, at the Golden Lion in St. Paul's Churh-yard. M.DC.LXXXVII.
THE PREFACE.
IT is the privilege of Christianity, that Life and Immortality are brought to Light in the Gospel. The Heathen World sat in Darkness, was secure in Misery: As one that sleeps is pleas'd with the Scenes of Fancy; he Dreams of Treasures of Gold, of Gardens, of Feasts, and thinks the painted Appearances, the superficial Colours of Good to be Realities: thus whilst Reason was darkned by Sense, the World was content with pleasant Delusions. Who amongst the many pretenders to Wisdom, had a convincing knowledg of the Blessed Eternity to come? Who had a glimpse of that Happiness that results from the sight of God in Glory? This Instruction so refreshing our Spirits, darkned with Sorrows here, comes from the School of Heaven: as the Sun revives us by its chearful Appearance, and affords that Light, without which it were impossible to behold it.
During the Legal Dispensation, there was a Mist upon the Future State. The notice of Eternal Things was a Twilight mixt with Shadows. The Revelation of the Heavenly Glory was reserv'd till our Saviour's appearing in the World, who purchas'd it with the dearest price, and offers it upon such gracious Terms, that whosoever sincerely desires and seeks, shall obtain it; and none shall be depriv'd of it, but for their wilful and guilty neglect. It might be expected that such a Proposal were sufficient to engage Men with all their Active Powers to secure such a precious Interest, when indeed their best Endeavours and most zealous Affections are too slight and faint, with respect to that excellent Happiness. Are not the first Notions of Things that are written in our Brests, sufficient to convince us, that what is for ever, is to be preferr'd before what suddenly passes away? Or is it necessary in Matters of Temporal Concernment, to use strong Arguments to perswade us rather to chuse a Treasure that will enrich us for our Lives, than what will purchase food only for a day? Yet 'tis strange to amazement, that in Things of Infinite Weight & Consequence that respect the Soul, and trivial Things that respect the Body, Men make as preposterous a Judgment and Choice, as if they were irreconcilable Enemies to themselves, and obstinately averse from their own Happiness. The Life to come extends beyond all possible Number of Ages; the Felicity is so compleat and sure, that the least shadow of Evil shall never eclipse it: The Soul shall be in a state of highest Perfection and Joy; the Vnderstanding illuminated with perfect Knowledg, with no more study, than opening the Eye and fixing it on the Glorious Objects, the Will satisfied with the perfect Love and Enjoyment of the Blessed God: The Body shall be clothed with Light as with a Garment, and shine with a Beauty that never disflourishes and decays; the innumerable Assembly of Angels and Saints always affords new and inestimable Delights; and what is set in comparison against this transcendent Felicity in Heaven? The poor despicable vanishing Life on Earth: whose Pleasures are so shallow and empty, that they can't satisfy the Senses, much less our noble and comprehensive Faculties: whose Griefs are sometimes so heavy and oppressing, that all the Comforts of the World are no more effectual to relieve the Soul labouring under them, than the sounding of Brass, and the tinckling of Cymbals, usually done by the Heathens, were to free the Moon from its dark Eclipse, which they fancied to labour in extremity. Yet the petty Preferments, the deceitful Riches, the vain Pleasures here are chosen, and ambitiously and eagerly persued, and the infinite everlasting Happiness hereafter undervalued and rejected. But as the Wonder ceases, that a Man doth not see in the clearest Day, by saying, He is blind: so Carnal Men are without Faith, that is, the Internal Light of the Mind, they do not stedfastly believe the Reality of the Divine World, tho so clearly open'd in the Gospel. They are under so strong a Delusion and Error of Sensuality, that they vilify a Spiritual Happiness, a Glorious Futurity, and present sensible Things, of no price in comparison, have the highest place in their Esteem and Affections. The proper Means to recover Man from his woful Folly, are unceasing fervent Prayers, That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, may give unto them the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the knowledg of him: The Eyes of their Understandings being inlightned, that they may know what is the Hope of his Calling, and what the Riches of the Glory of his Inheritance in the Saints: and to represent this World, and the next, as they are to their considerate Minds, that their Interest and Duty, with united Efficacy, may over-rule their Hearts, and turn the Stream of their Indeavours into the right Channel; that the judicious Comparison between Objects so vastly differing, may be the governing Principle of their Lives. All Things are vain and transient, within the Confines of Time; all Things stable and solid in the Territories of Eternity.