Works (Vol 4) - Bates - XX - Sermon on the death of Clarkson commenced

Required reading
The Works (Vol 4) by William Bates (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence 'A sermon on the death of David Clarkson' by reading up to the heading 'The Application'.

My summary
Today we begin the sermon for the funeral of David Clarkson on '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' (John 14:2).

Bates' point from the text is that 'there is a blessed place above prepared for all the faithful disciples of Christ, wherein they shall be glorified with him for ever.'

Firstly Bates proves his point by representing the excellencies of this place specified by his Father's house, and the state of felicity that is inseparable from all that dwell in it.  Bates speaks of its:
(i) amplitude;
(ii) stability;
(iii) sanctity;
(iv) delightfulness;
(v) glory.

Secondly Bates proves his point by considering the infallible assurance we have of this blessed place and state from Christ's:
(i) love;
(ii) truth;
(iii) next words.

What grabbed me
I agree with Bates that describing heaven is difficult: ' Thus I have endeavoured to represent that luminous palace, and the bright inhabitants : but how short is the description of the glorious realities, all human words are too weak and narrow to express it as it is. The glory and joy pf that blessed state are unspeakable, as the apostle, a spectator thereof, certifies. And it is observable that our Saviour himself expresses the greatest things, by low familiar terms and resemblances; as he tells his faithful disciples, they shall eat and drink at his table in his kingdom. In his promises of rewards, it was not his intention merely to make a show of his power, but to declare his love : like a God, he doth not magnify the favours he will bestow, but leaves it to their spirits to conceive what becomes almighty goodness to bestow on his servants. In the plainest manner of promising the reward, there is a clear character of the excellent greatness of the giver and his gifts.'

How do you describe the indescribable?

Next week's reading
Conclude 'A sermon on the death of David Clarkson'.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.