A27017:1541
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
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.
And even his desires to rest on the Mount, are noted in Scripture to come from hence, He knew not what he said: It was on Earth, though with Christ in his transfiguration. And I dare say the like of thee, when ever thou talkest of resting on Earth, Thou knowest not what thou sayest. I read that Christ when he was on the Cross, comforted the converted thief with this, This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise: But if he had only comforted him with telling him, That he should rest there on that Cross, would he not have taken it for a derision? Me thinks it should be ill resting in the midst of sicknesses and pains, persecution and distresses: One would think it should be no contentful dwelling for Lambs among Wolves. The wicked have some slender pretence for their sin in this kind; they are among their friends, in the midst of their portion, enjoying all the Happiness that they are like to enjoy: But is it so with the godly? Surely, the world is at best, but a stepmother to them; nay, an open enemy. But if nothing else would convince us; yet sure the remainders of sin which doth so easily beset us, should quickly satisfy a believer, That here is not his rest. What, a Christian, and Rest in a state of sinning? it cannot be: Or do they hope for a perfect freedom here? that's impossible. I say therefore to every one that thinketh of rest on Earth, as Micah, chapter 2. verse 10. ⟨p. 567⟩Arise ye, depart, this is not your Rest▪ because it is polluted.
And even his desires to rest on the Mount, are noted in Scripture to come from hence, He knew not what he said: It was on Earth, though with Christ in his transfiguration. And I dare say the like of thee, when ever thou talkest of resting on Earth, Thou knowst not what thou sayest. I read that Christ when he was on the Cross, comforted the converted thief with this, This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise: But if he had onely comforted him with telling him, That he should rest there on that Cross, would he not have taken it for a derision? Me thinks it should be ill resting in the midst of sicknesses and pains, persecution and distresses: One would think it should be no contentful dwelling for Lambs among Wolves. The wicked have some slender pretence for their sin in this kinde; they are among their friends, in the midst of their portion, enjoying all the Happiness that they are like to enjoy: But is it so with the godly? Surely, the world is at best, but a stepmother to them; nay, an open enemy. But if nothing else would convince us; yet sure the remainders of sin which doth so easily beset us, should quickly satisfie a beleever, That here is not his rest. What, a Christian, and Rest in a state of sinning? it cannot be: Or do they hope for a perfect freedom here? that's impossible. I say therefore to every one that thinketh of rest on Earth, as Micah, chapter 2. verse 10.