N17286:86
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 1 › Chapter 4: The four great Preparatives to our 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.
The fourth antecedent to the saints advancement is, their solemn coronation, and receiving into the kingdom. For as Christ, their head, is anointed both king and priest: so under him are his people made unto GOD both kings and priests: To reign, and to offer praises for-ever, Rev. v. 10. The crown of righteousness, which was laid up for them, shall by the LORD, the righteous judge, be given them at that day, 2 Tim. iv. 8. They have been faithful to the death, and therefore shall receive the crown of life: and according to the improvement of their talents here, so shall their rule and dignity be enlarged. So that they are not dignified with empty titles, but real dominions. For Christ will take them and set them down with himself, in his own throne; and will give them power over the nations, even as he received of his Father. And will give them the morning star. The LORD himself will give them possession with these applauding expressions: Well done, good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy LORD. And with this solemn and blessed proclamation shall he enthrone them; Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Every word is full of life and joy. [Come] This is the holding forth of the golden sceptre; to warrant our approach unto this glory. Come now as near as you will: fear not the Bethshemites judgment: for the enmity is utterly taken away. This is not such a Come as we were wont to hear, Come take up your cross, and follow me: though that was sweet, yet this is much more. [Ye blessed] Blessed indeed, when that mouth shall so pronounce us. For though the world hath accounted us accursed, yet certainly those that he blesseth are blessed: and those whom he curseth only, are cursed: and his blessing shall not be revoked. But he hath blessed us, and we shall be blessed. [Of my Father] Blessed in the Father's love, as well as the ⟨p. 42⟩Son's: for they are one: the Father hath testified his love, in sending Christ and accepting his ransom; as the Son hath also testified his. [Inherit] No longer bondmen, nor servants only, nor children under age, who differ not in possession, but only in the title from servants: but, now we are heirs of the kingdom, co-heirs with CHRIST. [The kingdom] No less than the kingdom!