N17286:539
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 12: An Advice to some more particularly to help others to this Rest.
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.
If any be weak in the faith, receive him, but not to doubtful disputations. If any be too careless of their duties, and too little savour the things of the Spirit, let them be pitied, and not neglected: if any walk scandalously and disorderly, deal with them for their recovery, with all diligence and patience, and set before them the heinousness and danger of their sin: if they prove obstinate, after all, then avoid them, and cast them off: if they be ignorant, it may be your fault as well as theirs; but however, they are fitter to be instructed than rejected, except they absolutely refuse to be taught. Christ will give you no thanks for keeping, or putting out such from his school that are unlearned, when their desire or will is to be ⟨p. 239⟩taught. I confess it is easier to shut out the ignorant, than to bestow our pains night and day in teaching them; but woe to such slothful, unfaithful servants. Who then is a faithful and a wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them their meat in due season, according to every one's age and capacity? Blessed is that servant whom his Lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing. O be not asleep while the wolf is waking! Let your eye be quick in observing the dangers and strayings of your people. If jealousies, heart-burnings, or contentions arise among them, quench them before they break out into raging, irresistible flames. As soon as you discern any to turn worldly, or proud, or factious, or self-conceited, or disobedient, or cold, and slothful in his duty; delay not, but presently make out for his recovery: remember how many are losers in the loss of a soul.
If any be weak in the faith, receive him, but not to doubtful disputations. If any be too careless of their duties, and too little savour the things of the Spirit, let them be pitied, and not neglected: if any walk scandalously and disorderly, deal with them for their recovery, with all diligence and patience, and set before them the heinousness and danger of their sin: if they prove obstinate, after all, then avoid them, and cast them off: if they be ignorant, it may be your fault as well as theirs; but however, they are fitter to be instructed than rejected, except they absolutely resuse to be taught. Christ will give you no thanks for keeping, or putting out such from his school that are unlearned, when their desire or will is to be ⟨p. 239⟩