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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
Part 2 › Chapter 6: An Exhortation to Seriousness in seeking Rest.
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.
Oh, what is the duty and sufferings for a short life, in respect of endless joys with GOD? Will not all our rears then be wiped away? and all the sorrows of our duties forgotten? But yet the LORD will not forget them: for he is not unjust, to forget our work and labour of love.
13. Consider, violence and laborious striving for salvation, is the way that the wisdom of GOD hath directed us to, as best, and his sovereign authority appointed us as necessary. Who knows the way to heaven better than the GOD of heaven? When men tell us that we are too strict, whom do they accuse, GOD, or us? If we do no more than what we are commanded, nor so much neither; they may as well say, GOD hath made laws which are too strict. Sure if it were a fault, it would lie in him that commands, and not in us who obey. And dare these men think that they are wiser than GOD? Do they know better than he, what men must do to be saved? These are the men that ask us, whether we are wiser than all the world besides? and yet they will pretend to be wiser than GOD. What do they less, when GOD bids us take the most diligent course, and they tell us, it is more ado than needs? Mark well the language of GOD, and see how you can reconcile it with the language ⟨p. 149⟩of the world: The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. Strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many shall seek to enter in and not be able. Whatsoever the hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, or wisdom in the grave, whither thou goest. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Give diligence to make your calling and election sure. If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear?
13. Consider, violence and laborious striving for salvation, is the way that the wisdom of GOD hath directed us to, as best, and his sovereign authority appointed us as necessary. Who knows the way to heaven better than the GOD of heaven? When men tell us that we are too strict, whom do they accuse, GOD, or us? If we do no more than what we are commanded, nor so much neither; they may as well say, GOD hath made laws which are too strict. Sure if it were a sault, it would lie in him that commands, and not in us who obey. And dare these men think that they are wiser than GOD? Do they know better than he, what men must do to be saved? These are the men that ask us, whether we are wiser than all the world besides? and yet they will pretend to be wiser than GOD. What do they less, when GOD bids us take the most diligent course, and they tell us, it is more ado than needs? Mark well the language of GOD, and see how you can reconcile it with the language