N17286:101
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: extracted from the works of Mr. Richard Baxter, by John Wesley, M.A. late fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford.
Philadelphia: printed by Prichard & Hall, 1790
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.
I think, christian, this will be a more honourable assembly than ever you have beheld; and a more happy society than you were ever of before. Then we shall truly say as David, I am a companion of all them that fear thee: when we are come to mount Zion, and to the city of the living GOD, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels; to the general assembly, and church of the first-born, which are written in heaven, and to GOD the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant. So then I conclude: This is one singular excellency of the rest of heaven, That we are fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of GOD.
I think, christian, this will be a more honourable assembly than ever you have beheld; and a more happy society than you were ever of before. Then we shall truly say as David, I am a companion of all them that fear thee: when we are come to mount Sion, and to the city of the living GOD, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels; to the general assembly, and church of the first-born, which are written in heaven, and to GOD the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant. So then I conclude: This is one singular excellency of the rest of heaven, That we are fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of GOD.
4. Another excellent property of our rest will be, that the joys of it are immediately from GOD. We shall see GOD face to face: and stand continually in his presence; and consequently derive our life and comfort immediately from him. Whether GOD will make use of any creatures for our service then; or if any, of what creatures, and what use; is more than I yet know: but it is certain, that at least, our greatest joys will be immediate, if not all. Now we have nothing at all immediately, but at the second or third hand, or how many who knows? From the earth, from man, from the sun and moon, from the influence of the planets, from the ministration of angels, and from the spirit of Christ; and doubtless, the further the stream runs from the fountain, the more impure ⟨p. 53⟩