A27017:160
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.
SECT. VIII.
But Oh the full,1 the near, the sweet enjoyment, is that of the Affections, Love and Joy: It's near; for Love is of the Essence of the Soul, and Love is the Essence of God: For God is Love, 1 John 4.8, 16. How near therefore is this Blessed Closure? The Spirits phrase is, God is Love, and he that dwelleth in Love, dwelleth in God, and God in him, Vers. 16. The acting of this affection wheresoever, carrieth much delight along with it: Especially when the object appears deserving, and the Affection is strong. But O what will it be, when perfected Affections, shall have the strongest, perfect, incessant actings, upon the most perfect object, the ever Blessed God? Now the poor soul complains, Oh that I could love Christ more! but I cannot, alas, I cannot: Yea, but then thou canst not choose but love him: I had almost said, forbear if thou canst. Now thou knowest little of his Amiableness, and therefore lovest little: Then thine eye will affect thy heart, and the continual viewing of that perfect beauty, will keep thee in continual ravishments of Love. Now thy Salvation is not perfected, nor all the mercies purchased, yet given in: But when the top stone is set on, thou shalt with shouting cry, Grace, Grace: Now thy Sanctification is imperfect, and thy pardon *and Justification not so complete as then ⟨p. 36⟩it shall be: Now thou knowest not what thou enjoyest, and therefore lovest the less; But when thou knowest much is forgiven, and much bestowed, thou wilt Love more. Doth David, after an imperfect deliverance, sing forth his Love? Psal. 116.1. I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice, and supplications. What think you will he do eternally? And how will he love the Lord, who hath lifted him up to that Glory? Doth he cry out, O how I love thy Law!