A27017:1999
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.
What consolation also have we oft received in the Supper of the Lord? what a privilege is it to be admitted to sit at his Table? to have his Covenant sealed to me by the outward Ordinance, and his special Love sealed by his Spirit to my heart? Why, but all the life and comfort of these, is their declaring and assuring me of the comforts hereafter; their use is, but darkly to signify and seal those higher mercies: when I shall indeed drink with him the fruit of the vine renewed, it will then be a pleasant feast indeed. O the difference between the last Supper of Christ on earth, and the marriage Supper of the Lamb at the great day! Here he is in an upper room, accompanied with twelve poor selected men, feeding on no curious dainties, but a Paschal Lamb with sow•e Herbs, and a Judas at his table ready to betray him: But then his room will be the Glorious Heavens; his attendants all the host of Angels and Saints; no Judas nor unfurnished guest comes there; but the humble believers must sit down by him, and the Feast will be their mutual Loving and Rejoicing. Yet further think with thy self thus; The communion of the Saints on earth, is a most delectable mercy: What a pleasure is it to live with understanding, and heavenly Christians • Even David saith,1 they were all his delight? O then what a delightful society shall I have above? The Communion of Saints is there somewhat worth, where their understandings are fully cleared, and their affections so highly advanced. If I had seen but Job in his sores upon the Dunghill, it would have been an excellent sight to see such a mirror of patience: what will it be then to see him in glory, praising that power which did uphold and deliver him? If I had heard but Paul and Silas singing in the stocks, it would have been a delightful hearing, what will it be then to hear them sing praises in heaven▪ If I had heard David sing praises on his Lute and Harp, it would have been a pleasing Melody; and that which drove the evil spirit from Saul, would sure have driven away the dullness and sadness of my spirit, and have been to me as the Music was to Elisha, that the Spirit of Christ in joy ⟨p. 772⟩would have come upon me; why, I shall shortly hear that sweet Singer in the heavenly Chore advancing the King of Saints; and will not that be a far more melodious hearing?