A27017:207
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.
How couldst thou slight such warnings? and rage against the Minister, and say, he preacheth Damnation? Had it not been better to have heard and prevented it, then now to endure it? Oh now for one offer of Christ, for one Sermon, for one day of Grace more! But too late, alas too late! Poor careless Sinner, I did not think here to have said so much to thee; for my business is, to refresh the Saints: But if these lines do fall into thy hands, and thou vouchsafe the reading of them; I here charge thee,1 before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judg the quick and the dead at his appearing, and his Kingdom; that thou make hast and get alone, and set thy self sadly to ponder on these things: Ask thy heart, Is this true, or is it not? Is there such a day? and must I see it? Oh what do I then? Why trifle I? Is it not time, full time, that I had made sure of Christ and comfort long ago? should I sit still another day, who have lost so many? Had I not at that day rather be found one of the Holy, faithful, watchful Christians, then a worldling, a good-fellow, or a man of honour? Why should I not then choose it now? Will it be best then, and is it not best now? Oh think of these things. A few sad hours spent in serious fore-thoughts, is a cheap prevention. It's worth this, or It's worth nothing. Friend, I profess to thee, from the Word of the Lord, That of all thy sweet sins, there will then be nothing left, but the sting in thy Conscience, which will never out through all eternity; except the blood of Christ believed in, and valued above all the world, do now, in this day of grace, get it out. Thy sin is like a Beautiful Harlot; while she is young and fresh, she hath many followers: but when old and withered, ⟨p. 60⟩every one would shut their hands of her; she is only their shame; none would know her: So will it be with thee; now thou wilt venture on it, what ever it cost thee: but then, when mens rebellious ways are charged on their Souls to death; O that thou couldst rid thy hands of it! O that thou couldst say, Lord it was not I! Then Lord,2 when saw we thee hungry naked, imprisoned? How fain would they put it off? Then sin will be sin indeed; and Grace will be Grace indeed. Then say the foolish Virgins, Give us of your Oil, for our Lamps are ou•: Oh for some of your faith & holiness, which we were wont to mock at! But what's the answer, Go buy for your selves;