A27017:1416
The Saints' Everlasting Rest
The saints everlasting rest, or, A treatise of the blessed state of the saints in their enjoyment of God in glory wherein is showed its excellency and certainty, the misery of those that lose it, the way to attain it, and assurance of it, and how to live in the continual delightful forecasts of it and now published by Richard Baxter ...The saints everlasting rest, or, A treatise of the blessed state of the saints in their enjoyment of God in glory wherein is shewed its excellency and certainty, the misery of those that lose it, the way to attain it, and assurance of it, and how to live in the continual delightful forecasts of it and now published by Richard Baxter ...
London: printed by Rob. White for Thomas Underhil and Francis Tyton, 1650
THE SAINTS Everlasting REST. PART. III. › Chapter 12 › Section 9
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
4. BE sure that your conversation be teaching,1 as well as your doctrine. Do not contradict and confute your own doctrine by your practice. Be as forward in a Holy and Heavenly life, as you are in pressing on others to it. Let your discourse be as edifying and spiritual, as you teach them that theirs must be; go not to law with your people, nor quarrel with them, if you can possibly avoid it. If they wrong you, forgive them; For evil language, give them good; and blessing for their cursing; Let go your right, rather then let go your hopes and advantages for the winning of one soul. Suffer any thing rather then the Gospel and mens souls should suffer. Become all things (lawful) to all men, if by any means you may win some. Let men see that you use not the Ministry only for a trade to live by; But that your very hearts are wholly set upon the welfare of their souls. Whatsoever meekness, humility, condescension, or self-denial you teach them from the Gospel, O teach it them also by your undissembled leading example. This is to be Guides, and Pilots, and Governors of ⟨p. 514⟩the Church indeed. Be not like the Orators that Diogenes blamed, that studied benè dicere, non benè facere: Nor like the sign at the Inn door, that hangs out in the rain it self, while it shows others where they may have shelter and refreshing; Nor like a fencer that can offend, but not defend, as Cicero said of Caelius, that he was a good right hand-man, but an ill left-hand man. See that you be as well able to defend your selves, when you are tempted by Satan, or accused by men to be proud, covetous, or negligent, as to tell others what they should be. O how many heavenly doctrines are in some peoples ears, that never were in the preachers heart! Too true is that of Hilary, Sanctiores sunt aures plebis, quam corda sacerdotum. Alas, that ever pride, emulation, hypocrisy, or covetousness should come into a pulpit!2 They are hateful in the shops and streets, but more hateful in the Church; but in the Pulpit most of all. What an odious sight is it, to see pride and ambition stand up to preach humility! and hypocrisy to preach up sincerity! and an earthly minded man to preach for a heavenly conversation! Do I need to tell you that are Teachers of others, that we have but a little while longer to preach? and but a few breaths more to breath?