Required reading
The Works (Vol 4) by William Bates (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read 'A sermon on the death of Benjamin Ashurst'.
My summary
This week we read Bates' sermon for Benhamin Ashurst's funeral.
The sermon is on the text: 'And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. (Rev 22:12).'
Bates' proposition from the sermon is that 'It is our high wisdom and duty, to represent by actual and solemn thoughts the certain and speedy coming of Christ to the righteous judgment of the world.'
Bates proves this doctrine by considering the judgements':
(i) certainty;
(ii) time;
(iii) rewards;
(iv) difference in rewards.
Bates then applies the proposition by directing us to:
(i) plant the belief in our minds;
(ii) moderate the pleasure and business of this world;
(iii) undergo trial of conscience;
(iv) obtain a calm frame of spirit;
(v) joyfully endure reproach;
(vi) regulate our deportment towards all men.
What grabbed me
I liked Bates' comments about the speed with which God's judgment comes: 'Compare time with eternity. Time is numbered and distinguished by the motions of the sun and moon, and is accounted long or short by us with respect to our transient and limited duration in the present world : but eternity is an endless duration, The whole space of time, from the first motions of the heavens to the last, has not that proportion to eternity, as a short span has to the vast compass of the heaven.'
When you compare time to eternity, the judgement of God will come very quickly indeed!
Next week's reading
Commence 'A sermon on the death of William Bates by John Howe' by reading up to the paragraph beginning 'II. We are also to consider, There might be an intermixture in the temper of this good man's spirit, when he uttered these words, of somewhat faulty and blameable.'
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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