A27017:20
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.
2. Do the utmost you can to get a faithful Minister, when I am taken from you; and be sure you acknowledge him your Teacher, Overseer, and Ruler, 1 Thess. 5.12, 13. Acts 20.28. Heb. 13.7, 17. and learn of him, obey him, and submit to his doctrine (except he teach you any singular points, and then take the advice of other Ministers in trying it.) Expect not that he should humour you, and please your fancies, and say, and do as you would have him; that is mere Independency, for the people to rule themselves and their Rulers. If he be unable to Teach and Guide you, do not choose him at first; if he be able, be ruled by him, even in things that to you are doubtful, except it be clear, that •e would turn you from the truth; if you know more then he, become Preachers your selves; if you do not, then quarrel not when you should learn; especially submit to his private over-sight, as well as public Teaching. It is but the least part of a Ministers work, which is done in the Pulpit: Paul taught them also from house to house, day and night with tears, Acts 20.20, 31. To go daily from one house to another, and see how you live, and examine how you profit, and direct you in the duties of your families, and in your preparation for death, is the great work. Had not weakness confined me, and public labours forbidden me, I should judg my self heinously guilty in neglecting this. In the Primitive times, every Church of so many souls as this Parish, had many Ministers, whereof the ablest speakers did preach most in public, and the rest did the more of the less public work (which some mistake for mere Ruling Elders:) But now Sacrilege and Covetousness will scarce leave maintenance for one in a Church; which is it that hath brought us to a loss in the nature of Government.
2. Do the utmost you can to get a faithful Minister, when I am taken from you; and be sure you acknowledg him your Teacher, Overseer, and Ruler, 1 Thess. 5.12, 13.