THE

FOUR LAST THINGS,

DEATH, JUDGMENT,

HEAVEN, AND HELL,

PRACTICALLY CONSIDERED AND APPLIED.

TO WHICH IS ADDED,

THE GREAT DUTY OF

RESIGNATION TO THE DIVINE WILL

IN TIMES OF AFFLICTION.

BY WILLIAM BATES, D. D.

IMPROVED EDITION.

LONDON:

GEORGE VIRTUE, 26, IVY LANE, PATERNOSTER ROW

BUNGAY: PRINTED BY JOHN CHILDS AND SON.

PREFACE.

OF all affairs for the compassing of which men are so diligent and solicitous, there is none of that absolute necessity and high importance, as the preparation for Death and Judgment, and the immediate consequence of them, Heaven and Hell, to obtain the one and escape the other. This requires the whole man in his best vigour, and should be the work of the day; but is usually delayed till the melancholy evening of age, or the twilight of death. The trifles of this world divert them from that main business to which all other things should be subordinate. It equally deserves wonder and compassion, that death which is so constantly in men's view, should be so seldom the matter of their application, when all are made of the same frail materials, and no argument is more frequently and pathetically urged upon them.

It is not strange that deep truths, which by the strength and exercise of the mind