N17286:140
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.
But by what acts doth this new life discover itself?
The first work I call conviction, which comprehends the knowledge of what the scripture speaks against sin and sinners; and that this scripture which speaks so, is the word of GOD himself. It comprehends also, some knowledge of ourselves, and our own guilt, and an acknowledgement of the verity of those consequences, which, from the practice of sin in us, and threats in scripture, conclude us miserable.
The first work I call conviction, which comprehends the knowledge of what the scripture speaks against sin and sinners; and that this scripture which speaks so, is the word of GOD himself. It comprehends also, some knowledge of ourselves, and our own guilt, and an acknowledgment of the verity of those consequences, which, from the practice of sin in us, and threats in scripture, conclude us miserable.
2. As there must be conviction, so also sensibility. GOD works on the heart, as well as the head: both were corrupted, and out of order. The principle of new life doth quicken both. All true spiritual knowledge doth pass into affections. The great things of sin, of grace, and Christ, and eternity, which are of weight, one would think to move a rock; yet shake not the heart of the carnal professor, nor pierce his soul to the quick: though he should be a constant preacher of them to others, yet they little affect himself: when he is pressing them upon the hearts of others, you would little think how insensible is his own soul: his invention procureth him zealous and moving expressions, but they cannot procure him answerable affections.
2. As there must be conviction, so also sensibility. GOD works on the heart, as well as the head: both were corrupted, and out of order. The principle of new life doth quicken both. All true spiritual knowledge doth pass into affections. The great things of sin, of grace, and Christ, and eternity, which are of weight, one would think to move a rock; yet shake not the heart of the carnal professor, nor pierce his soul to the quick: though he should be a constant preacher of them to others, yet they little affect himself: when he is pressing them upon the hearts of others, you would little think how insensible is his own soul: his invention precureth him zealous and moving expressions, but they cannot procure him answerable affections.