N17286:351
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 NOW proceed to the third use; and because it is of very great importance, I entreat thee to weigh it the more seriously.
Is there such a glorious rest so near at hand? And shall none enjoy it but the people of GOD? What mean the most of the world then, to live so contentedly without the assurance of their interest in this rest? And to neglect the trying of their title to it, when the LORD hath so fully opened the blessedness of that kingdom, which none but obedient believers shall possess, and so fully expressed those torments which all the rest of the world must eternally suffer? A man would think now, that they who believe this should never be at any quiet till they were heirs of the kingdom. Most men say they believe this word of GOD to be true: how then can they sit still in such an utter uncertainty, whether ever they shall live in rest or not? LORD what a wonderful madness is this, that men who k••w they must presently enter upon unchangeable joy or pain, should yet live as uncertain what should be their doom, as if they had never heard of any such state; yea, and live as quietly, and as merrily in this uncertainty, as if nothing ailed them, and there were no danger!
Is there such a glorious rest so near at hand? And shall none enjoy it but the people of GOD? What mean the most of the world then, to live so contentedly without the assurance of their interest in this rest? And to neglect the trying of their title to it, when the LORD hath so fully opened the blessedness of that kingdom, which none but obedient believers shall possess, and so fully exprest those torments which all the rest of the world must eternally suffer? A man would think now, that they who believe this should never be at any quiet till they were heirs of the kingdom. Most men say they believe this word of GOD to be true: how then can they sit still in such an utter uncertainty, whether ever they shall live in rest or not? LORD what a wonderful madness is this, that men who k••w they must presently enter upon unchangeable joy or pain, should yet live as uncertain what should be their doom, as if they had never heard of any such state; yea, and live as quietly, and as merrily in this uncertainty, as if nothing ailed them, and there were no danger!