N17286:604
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 3 › Chapter 1: Reproving our Expectations of Rest on Earth.
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.
It hath been long my observation of many, that when they have attempted great works, and have just ⟨p. 267⟩finished them; or have aimed at great things in the world, and have just obtained them; or have lived in much trouble, and just come to begin with some content to look upon their condition, and rest in it, they are near to death and ruin. When a man is once at this language, Soul, take thy ease; the next news usually is, Thou fool, this night, or this month, or this year, shall thy soul be required of thee, and then whose shall these things be? O what house is there where this fool dwelleth not? Let you and I consider, whether this be not our own case. Have not I after such an unsettled life, and after so many longings and prayers for these days! Have not I thought of them with too much content, and been ready to say, Soul, take thy rest? Have not I comforted myself more in the fore-thoughts of enjoying these, than of coming to heaven, and enjoying GOD? What wonder then if GOD cut me off, when I am just sitting down in this supposed rest? And hath not the like been your condition? Many of you have been soldiers, driven from house and home, endured a life of trouble and blood, been deprived of ministry and means: did you not reckon up all the comforts you should have at your return; and glad your hearts with such thoughts, more than with the thoughts of your coming to heaven? Why, what wonder if GOD now cross you, and turn some of your joy into sadness? Many a servant of GOD hath been destroyed from the earth, by being over-valued and over-loved. I pray GOD you may take warning for the time to come, that you rob not yourselves of all your mercies. I am persuaded, our discontents and murmurings are not so provoking to GOD, nor so destructive to the sinner, as our too sweet enjoying, and rest of spirit, in a pleasing state. If GOD hath cross any of you in wife, children, goods, friends, either by taking them from you, or the comfort of them: try whether this be not the cause; for wheresoever your desires stop, ⟨p. 268⟩and you say, now I am well; that condition you make your god, and engage the jealousy of GOD against it. Whether you be friends to GOD or enemies, you can never expect that GOD should suffer you quietly to enjoy your idols.
It hath been long my observation of many, that when they have attempted great works, and have just ⟨p. 267⟩