N17286:35
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.
4. Here is pre-supposed the knowledge of the true ultimate end, and its excellency; and a serious intending it. For so the motion of the rational creature proceedeth: an unknown end, is no end; it is a contradiction. We cannot make that our end, which we know not; nor that our chief end which we know not, or judge not to be the chief good. Therefore where this is not known, that GOD is this end; there is no obtaining rest in any ordinary way, whatsoever may be in ways that by GOD are kept secret.
5. Here is pre-supposed, not only a distance from this rest, but also the true knowledge of this distance. If a man have lost his way, and know it not, he seeks not to return: therefore they that never knew they were without GOD, never yet enjoyed him; and they that never knew they were actually in the way to hell, did never yet know the way to heaven: nay, there will not only be a knowledge of this distance, and lost estate, but affections answerable. Can a man find himself on the brink of hell, and not tremble? Or find he hath lost his GOD, and his soul, and not cry out, I am undone!
6. Here is also pre-supposed, a superior moving cause, else should we all stand still, and not move a step forward toward our rest; no more than the inferior wheels in the watch would stir, if you take away the spring, or the first mover. This is GOD. If GOD move us not, we cannot move. Therefore it is a most necessary part of our christian wisdom, to keep our subordination to GOD, and dependence on him; to be still in the path where he walks, and in that way where his Spirit doth most usually move.
6. Here is also pre-supposed, a superior moving cause, else should we all stand still, and not move a step forward toward our rest; no more than the inferior wheels in the watch would stir, if you take away the spring, or the first mover. This is GOD. If GOD move us not, we cannot move. Therefore it is a most necessary part of our christian wisdom, to keep our subordination to GOD, and dependance on him; to be still in the path where he walks, and in that way where his Spirit doth most usually move.