N17286:428
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 10: The Reason of the Saints Afflictions here.
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. Consider, afflictions are GOD'S most effectual means, to make us mend our pace in the way to our rest. They are his rod, and his spur: what sluggard will not awake and stir when he feeleth them? It were well if mere love would prevail with us, and that we were rather drawn to heaven, than driven: but seeing our hearts are so bad, that mercy will not do it; it is better we be put on with the sharpest scourge, than loiter out our time till the doors are shut.
O what a difference is there betwixt our prayers in health and in sickness! betwixt our prosperity and adversity-repentings! He that before had not a tear to shed, or a groan to utter, now can sob, and sigh, and weep: he that was wont to lie like a block in prayer, and scarce minded what he said to GOD: now affliction presseth him down, how earnestly can he beg! How doth he mingle his prayers and his tears! And cry out, what a person he will be, If GOD will but hear him, and deliver him! Alas! if we did not sometimes feel the spur, what a slow pace would most of us hold toward heaven!
Seeing then what our vile natures require, why should we be unwilling GOD should do us good by a sharp means? Sure that is the best dealing for us which surest and soonest doth further us for heaven. I leave thee, christian, to judge by thy own experience, whether thou dost not go more watchfully, and lively, and speedily in thy way to rest, in thy sufferings, than thou dost in thy more pleasing and prosperous state.