A27017:2073
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 delightful is it to my soul, to review the workings of Providence for my self? and to read over the Records and Catalogues of those special mercies wherewith my life hath been adorned and sweetened? How oft have my prayers been heard, and my tears regarded? and my groaning troubled soul relieved? and my Lord hath bid me, Be of good cheer? He hath healed me, when in respect of means I was uncurable: He hath helped me when I was helpless: In the midst of my supplications hath he eased and revived me: He hath taken me up from my knees, and from the dust where I have lain in sorrow and despair, even the cries which have been occasioned by distrust, hath he regarded; what a support are these experiences to my fearful unbelieving heart? These clear Testimonies of my Fathers Love, do put life into my afflicted drooping spirit.
How delightful is it to my soul, to review the workings of Providence for my self? and to read over the Records and Catalogues of those special mercies wherewith my life hath been adorned and sweetned? How oft have my prayers been heard, and my tears regarded? and my groaning troubled soul relieved? and my Lord hath bid me, Be of good cheer? He hath healed me, when in respect of means I was uncurable: He hath helped me when I was helpless: In the midst of my supplications hath he eased and revived me: He hath taken me up from my knees, and from the dust where I have lain in sorrow and despair, even the cries which have been occasioned by distrust, hath he regarded; what a support are these experiences to my fearful unbelieving heart? These clear Testimonies of my Fathers Love, do put life into my afflicted drooping spirit.
O then, what a blessed day will that be, when I shall have all mercy, perfection of mercy, nothing but mercy, and fully enjoy the Lord of Mercy himself! When I shall stand on the shore, and look ⟨p. 812⟩back upon the raging Seas which I have safely passed! when I shall in safe and full possession of glory, look back upon all my pains and troubles and fears and tears, and upon all the mercies which I here received; & then shall behold the glory enjoyed there, which was the End of all this! O what a blessed view will that be! O glorious prospect which I shall have on the celestial mount Zion! Is it possible that there should be any defect of joy? or my heart not raised, when I am so raised? If one drop of lively faith were mixed with these considerations, O what work they would make in my breast! and what a Heaven-ravished heart, should I carry within me! Fain would I believe; Lord help my unbelief.