The saints everlasting rest

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!

Are these men alive or dead? Are they waking, or asleep? What do they think on? Where are their hearts? If they have but a weighty suit at law, how careful are they to know whether it will go for them, or against them? If they were to be tried for their lives, how careful would they be to know whether they should be saved or condemned, especially if their care might surely save them? If they be dangerously sick, they will enquire of the physician; what think you sir, shall I escape or no? But for the business of their salvation, they are content to be uncertain. If you ask most men a reason of their hopes to be saved, they will say it is because GOD is merciful, and Christ died for sinners, and the like general reasons, which any man in the world may give as well as they; but put them to prove their interest in Christ, and the saving mercy of GOD, and they can say nothing at all; at least nothing out of their hearts and experience.