N17286:435
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.
I answer it seemeth GOD hath hit the right vein, where thy most inflamed, distempered blood did lie: ⟨p. 191⟩it is his constant course to pull down men's idols, and take away that which is dearer to them than himself. There it is that his jealousy is kindled; and there it is that the soul is most endangered. If GOD should have taken from thee that which thou canst let go for him, and not that which thou canst not; or have afflicted thee where thou canst bear it, and not where thou canst not; thy idol would neither have been discovered nor removed; this would neither have been a sufficient trial to thee, nor a cure, but have confirmed thee in thy idolatry.
I answer it seemeth GOD hath hit the right vein, where thy most instamed, distempered blood did lie: ⟨p. 191⟩it is his constant course to pull down men's idols, and take away that which is dearer to them than himself. There it is that his jealousy is kindled; and there it is that the soul is most endangered. If GOD should have taken from thee that which thou canst let go for him, and not that which thou canst not; or have afflicted thee where thou canst bear it, and not where thou canst not; thy idol would neither have been discovered nor removed; this would neither have been a sufficient trial to thee, nor a cure, but have confirmed thee in thy idolatry.
Object. 2. Oh, but saith another, if GOD would but deliver me out of it at last, I could be content to bear it: but I have an incurable sickness, or I am like to live and die in poverty, or disgrace, or distress.
I answer, 1. Is it nothing that he hath promised, it shall work for thy good?