N17286:57
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.
Thus, as the memory of the wicked will eternally promote their torment, to look back on the sin committed, the grace refused, Christ neglected, and time lost: so will the memory of the saints for-ever promote their joys.
But O the full, the near, the sweet enjoyment, is that of the affections, love and joy: it is near, for love is the essence of the soul, and love is the essence of GOD. GOD is love, and •e that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in GOD, and GOD in him. The acting of this affection wheresoever carrieth much delight with it; especially when the object appears deserving, and the affection is strong. But what will it be, when perfect affections shall have the strongest, perfect acting upon the most perfect object? Now the poor soul complains, O that I could love Christ more! but I ⟨p. 25⟩cannot, alas, I cannot: yea, but then thou canst not choose but love him; I had almost said, forbear if thou canst. Now thou knowest little of his amiableness, and therefore lovest little: then thine eye will affect thy heart, and the continual viewing of that perfect beauty, will keep thee in continual ravishments of love. Now thy salvation is not perfected, nor all the mercies purchased, yet given in: but when the topstone is set on, thou shalt with shoutings cry, grace, grace. Christians, doth it now stir up your love, to remember all the experiences of his love; to look back upon a life of mercies? doth not kindness melt you? and the sun-shine of divine goodness warm your frozen hearts? What will it do then, when you shall live in love, and have all in him, who is all? O the high delights of love! of this love! the content that the heart findeth in it! the satisfaction it brings along with it! surely love is both work and wages.
But O the full, the near, the sweet enjoyment, is that of the affections, love and joy: it is near, for love is the essence of the soul, and love is the essence of GOD. GOD is love, and •e that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in GOD, and GOD in him. The acting of this affection wheresoever carrieth much delight with it; especially when the object appears deserving, and the affection is strong. But what will it be, when perfect aflections shall have the strongest, perfect acting upon the most perfect object? Now the poor soul complains, O that I could love Christ more! but I