N17286:506
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.
Object. But we must not cast pearls before swine, nor give that which is holy to dogs.
I answer, That is but a favourable dispensation of Christ for your own safety. When you are in danger of being torn in pieces, Christ would have you forbear: but what is that to you that are in no such danger? As long as they will hear, you have encouragement to speak, and may not cast them off as contemptuous swine.
Object. O but it is a friend that I have all my dependence on; and by telling him of his sin and misery, I may lose his love, and so be undone.
I answer, Sure no man that hath the face of a christian, will for shame own such an objection as this. Yet. I doubt, it oft prevaileth in the heart. Is his love more to be valued than his safety? Or thy own benefit by him than the salvation of his soul? Or ••lt thou connive at his damnation, because he is ⟨p. 223⟩thy friend? Is that thy best requital of his friendship? Hadst thou rather he should burn for-ever in hell, than thou shouldst lose his favour, or the maintenance thou hast from him?