PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
The Saint's Everlasting Rest A Treatise of the Blessed State of the Saints in Their Enjoyment of God in Heaven
Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691 · 122,849 words · 192 reading sections
Part 1
Produced by Cindy Horton, Chris Pinfield and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive) Transcriber's Note: Apparent typographical errors have been corrected. Small capitals have been converted to full capitals…
78 wordsSECTION 2GOD IN HEAVEN.
Written by the reverend, learned, and pious _MR. RICHARD BAXTER_. Abridged BY BENJAMIN FAWCETT. M. A. I think it of great service to the souls of men, to call them to the notice and use of such a Treatise as this; and to bring such old and excellent writings out of oblivion and the dust. _Baxter's Preface to Scudder…
71 wordsSECTION 3TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE BOROUGH AND FOREIGN OF KIDDERMINSTER. BOTH MAGISTRATES AND PEOPLE.
_My dear Friends_, There are obvious reasons for prefixing your names to this Book. It contains the substance of what was first preached in your parish-church, and was first published from the press with a dedication to your worthy ancestors. Your trade and manufactures can never render your town so famous, as the nam…
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His ministry, in an unsettled state, was for many years employed with great and extensive success, both in London, and in several parts of the country; but he was no where fixed so long, or with such entire satisfaction to himself, and apparent advantage to others, as at Kidderminster. His abode there was indeed interr…
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As a writer, he has the approbation of some of his greatest cotemporaries, who best knew him, and were under no temptations to be partial in his favor.——Dr. Barrow said, "His practical writings were never mended, and his controversial ones seldom confuted."——With a view to his casuistical writings, the honorable Robert…
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The Saint's Rest is deservedly esteemed one of the most valuable parts of his practical works. He wrote it when he was far from home, without any book to consult but his Bible, and in such an ill state of health, as to be in continual expectation of death for many months; and therefore, merely for his own use, he fixed…
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Dr. Bates, in his dedication of his funeral sermon for Mr. Baxter to Sir Henry Ashurst, Bart. tells that religious gentleman, and most distinguished friend and executor of Mr. Baxter, "He was most worthy of your highest esteem and love; for the first impressions of heaven upon your soul, were in reading his invaluable …
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Certainly the thoughts of everlasting rest may be as delightful to the souls in the present day, as they have ever been to those of past generations. I am sure such thoughts are as absolutely necessary now; nor are temptations to neglect them, either fewer, or weaker now than formerly. The worth of everlasting rest is …
220 wordsSECTION 9CHAP. I.
_The introduction to the Work, with some account of the nature of the Saint's Rest._ The Apostle's design in the text, 25 The Saint's Rest defined, 27 What this rest presupposes, ibid What this rest …
101 wordsSECTION 10CHAP. II.
_The great Preparatives to the Saint's Rest._ The happiness of having a way into Paradise open, 43 1. The glorious appearing of Christ opens the way, ibid 2. The general resurrection, 46 3. The last judgment, …
43 wordsSECTION 11CHAP. III.
_The Excellencies of the Saint's Rest._ 1. It is the purchased possession, 53 2. It is a free gift, 54 3. It is peculiar to saints, 56 4. It is an association with saints and angels, …
76 wordsSECTION 12CHAP. IV.
_The Character of the Persons for whom this Rest is designed._ 'Tis wonderful it should be designed for mortals, 71 1. The people of God, who shall enjoy it, are chosen from eternity, 72 2. They are given to Christ, ibid 3. They are born again, …
150 wordsSECTION 13CHAP. V.
_The misery of those that lose the Saint's Rest._ The reader, if unregenerate, urged to consider this loss, 89 1. They lose the personal perfections of the saints; 91 2. God himself; ibid 3. All delightful affections towards God; …
90 wordsSECTION 14CHAP. VI.
_The misery of those, who, besides losing the Saint's Rest, lose the enjoyments of time, and suffer the torments of hell._ The enjoyments of time, which the damned lose, 103 1. Their presumptuous belief of their interest in God and Christ; 104 2. All their hopes; …
158 wordsSECTION 15CHAP. VII.
_The necessity of diligently seeking the Saint's Rest._ This rest is surprisingly neglected, 118 by the worldly minded, ibid the profane multitude, 120 Formal professors, …
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_How to discern our title to the Saint's Rest._ Men's folly in not inquiring after a title to it, 139 Their cause for terror while destitute of it, 141 Self-examination is urged; 142 1. From the possibility of arriving at certainty, …
149 wordsSECTION 17CHAP. IX.
_The duty of the people of God to excite others to seek this Rest._ This duty is lamentably neglected: 159 1. It consists in pitying the misery of men's souls; 160 2. In giving religious instruction; ibid 3. In promoting their profit by …
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_The Saint's Rest is not to be expected on earth._ The sin and folly of expecting rest here, appears 180 By the reasonableness of present afflictions; 181 1. They are the way to rest; ibid 2. They keep us from mistaking it; …
168 wordsSECTION 19CHAP. XI.
_The importance of leading a heavenly life upon earth._ 'Tis reasonable to delight in thinking of heaven, 201 Christians exhorted to it, by considering, 202 1. It will evidence their sincere piety; 203 2. 'Tis the highest excellence of the Christ…
151 wordsSECTION 20CHAP. XII.
_Directions how to lead a heavenly life upon earth._ I. Avoid the hinderances to such a life: 222 1. Live not in any known sin, ibid 2. Be not earthly minded; 223 3. Beware of the company of the ungodly: …
182 wordsSECTION 21CHAP. XIII.
_The nature of heavenly contemplation, with the time, place, and temper fittest for it._ The duty itself recommended to the reader, 244 This duty defined and illustrated, 246 The time fittest for this duty is—stated,—frequent, 248 and seasona…
102 wordsSECTION 22CHAP. XIV.
_What use heavenly contemplation makes of consideration, affections, soliloquy, and prayer._ The reader is invited to heavenly contemplation, 258 To that end consideration is recommended, ibid Next, the exercise of the affections, particularly 261 1. Love…
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_Heavenly contemplation assisted by sensible objects, and guarded by a treacherous heart._ The difficulty of maintaining a lively impression of heavenly things, 276 Sensible objects may assist heavenly contemplation; 277 1. If we draw strong supposit…
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_Heavenly contemplation exemplified, and the whole work concluded._ A Christian prepared for the work, may contemplate, "The excellency of heavenly rest; 294 Its nearness dreadful to sinners, joyful to saints, 295 Its dear purchase; …
115 wordsSECTION 25THE SAINT'S EVERLASTING REST.
Hebrews iv, 9. _There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God._…
14 wordsSECTION 26CHAP. I.
The Introduction to the Work, with some account of the nature of the Saint's Rest. § 1. The important design of the apostle in the text, to which the Author earnestly bespeaks the attention of the Reader. § 2. The Saint's Rest defined, with a general plan of the Work. § 3. What this Rest presupposes. § 4. The Author's…
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§ 2. The Saint's rest is, 'the most happy state of a Christian;' or it is, 'the perfect endless enjoyment of God by the perfected saints, according to the measure of their capacity, to which their souls arrive at death, and both soul and body most fully after the resurrection and final judgment.' According to this defi…
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[Footnote 5] Matthew vii, 13. [Footnote 6] Luke xiii, 24. [Footnote 7] Matthew xi, 12. [Footnote 8] Galatians iii, 3. [Footnote 9] Matthew xxiv, 13. [Footnote 10] Matthew vi, 21. § 4. Now we have ascended these steps into the outward court, may we look within the vail? May we shew what this rest contains, as well…
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§ 8. (4.) The principal part of this rest, is our nearest enjoyment of God the chief good. And here, reader, wonder not if I be at a loss; and if my apprehensions receive but little of that which is in my expressions. If _it did not appear_, to the beloved disciple, _what we shall be_, but only in general, that _when C…
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[Footnote 15] 1 John iii, 2. [Footnote 16] 2 Corinthians iii, 18. [Footnote 17] John xvii, 24. [Footnote 18] Kings x, 8. [Footnote 19] Revelation ii, 7, 17. iii, 12, 21. vii, 14, 15, 17. [Footnote 20] Revelation xxi, 24. xxii, 3, 4, 6. [Footnote 21] 2 Samuel xix, 30. [Footnote 22] Psalm xxxi, 1. xvi, 5, 6, 8, 11…
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§ 10. Knowledge of itself is very desirable. As far as the rational soul exceeds the sensitive, so far the delights of a philosopher, in discovering the secrets of nature, and knowing the mystery of sciences, exceed the delights of the glutton, the drunkard, the unclean, and of all the voluptuous sensualists whatsoever…
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§ 11. The memory will not be idle, or useless in this blessed work. From that height the saint can look behind him, and before him. And to compare past with present things, must needs raise in the blessed soul an inconceivable esteem and sense of its condition. To stand on that mount, whence we can see the Wilderness a…
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§ 12. But oh! the full, the near, the sweet enjoyment, is that of love. _God is love, and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him._[37] Now the poor soul complains, "Oh that I could love Christ more!" then, thou canst not choose but love him. Now thou knowest little of his amiableness, and therefore l…
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§ 13. Nor hath joy the least share in this fruition. 'Tis that, which all the former lead to, and conclude in; even the inconceivable complacency which the blessed feel in their seeing, knowing, loving, and being beloved of God. This is the _white stone which no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it_.[44] Surely thi…
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[Footnote 57] Ephesians iv, 30. [Footnote 58] Isaiah xliii, 24. [Footnote 59] Luke xv, 20-23. [Footnote 60] Zephaniah iii, 17. § 15. Alas! my fearful heart scarce dares proceed. Methinks I hear the Almighty's voice saying to me, _Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge_?[61] But pardon thy Ser…
271 wordsSECTION 36CHAP. II.
The great preparatives to the Saint's Rest. § 1. The happiness of Christians in having a way open into paradise. There are four things which principally prepare the way to enter into it; § 2, 3. particularly, (1.) The glorious appearing of Christ; § 4. (2.) The general resurrection: § 5-8. (3.) The last judgment; § 9,…
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§ 3. O, Fellow Christians, what a day will that be, when we, who have been kept prisoners by sin, by sinners, by the grave, shall be fetched out by the Lord himself? It will not be such a coming as his first was, in poverty and contempt, to be spit upon, and buffeted, and crucified again. He will not come, O careless w…
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§ 4. (2.) Another thing that leads to paradise is, that great work of Jesus Christ, in raising our bodies from the dust, and uniting them again unto the soul. A wonderful effect of infinite power and love! Yea, wonderful indeed, says unbelief, if it be true. What, shall all these scattered bones and dust become a man?—…
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§ 6. But why tremblest thou, O humble gracious soul? He that would not lose one Noah in a common deluge, nor overlook one Lot in Sodom; nay, that could do nothing till he went forth; will he forget thee at that day? _The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of…
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§ 8. Yet more, we shall be so far from the dread of that judgment, that ourselves shall become the judges. Christ will take his people, as it were, into commission with himself, and they shall sit and approve his righteous judgment. _Do ye not know that the saints will judge the world?_ Nay, _know ye not that we shall …
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§ 10. 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_.[113] Every word full of life and joy.—_Come_—this is the holding forth of the golden sceptre, to warrant our approach unto this glory. Come …
476 wordsSECTION 42CHAP. III.
The Excellencies of the Saint's Rest. § 1. The excellencies of the Saint's Rest are enumerated. § 2. (1.) It is the purchased possession. § 3, 4. (2.) A free gift. § 5. (3.) Peculiar to saints. § 6. (4.) An association with saints and angels. § 7. (5.) It derives its joys immediately from God himself. § 8. (6.) It wil…
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§ 3. (2.) Another pearl in the saint's diadem is, that it is _a free gift_. These two, _purchased_ and _free_, are the chains of gold which make up the wreaths for the tops of the pillars in the temple of God.[126] It was dear to Christ, but free to us. When Christ was to buy, silver and gold were nothing worth; prayer…
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§ 5. (3.) This rest is peculiar to saints, belongs to no other of all the sons of men. If all Egypt had been light, the Israelites would not have had the less; but to enjoy that light alone, while their neighbors lived in thick darkness, must make them more sensible of their privilege. Distinguishing mercy affects more…
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§ 7. (5.) As another property of our rest, we shall derive its joys immediately from God. Now we have nothing at all immediately, but at the second or third hand, or how many, who knows? From the earth, from man, from sun and moon, from the ministration of angels, and from the Spirit, and Christ. Though in the hand of …
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§ 8. (6.) A farther excellence of this rest is, that it will be seasonable. He that expects _the fruit of his vineyard at the season_,[152] and makes his people _like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season_,[153] will also give them the crown in season. He that will have _a w…
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§ 9. (7.) As this rest will be seasonable, so it will be suitable. The new nature of the saints doth suit their spirits to this rest. Indeed their holiness is nothing else but a spark taken from this element, and by the Spirit of Christ kindled in their hearts; the flame whereof, mindful of its own divine original, eve…
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§ 11. Heaven excludes nothing more directly than sin; whether of nature, or of conversation. _There shall in no wise enter any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie._[161] What need Christ at all to have died, if heaven could have contained imperfect souls? _For this purpose the S…
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§ 12. Our sufferings were but the consequences of our sinning, and in heaven they both shall cease together. We shall rest from all our doubts of God's love. It shall no more be said, that "Doubts are like the thistle, a bad weed, but growing in good ground."[165] They shall now be weeded out, and trouble the gracious …
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[Footnote 165] Dr. John Preston. [Footnote 166] Psalm lxxvii, 2, 3. lxxxviii, 7. [Footnote 167] Isaiah liv, 9. [Footnote 168] Matthew iv, 1, 5, 8. [Footnote 169] Revelation vi, 9, 10. [Footnote 170] 2 Timothy iii, 12. [Footnote 171] Romans viii, 17. [Footnote 172] Matthew x, 22. [Footnote 173] 2 Thessalonians i…
742 wordsSECTION 51CHAP. IV.
The Character of the Persons for whom this rest is designed. § 1. 'Tis wonderful that such rest should be designed for mortals. § 2. The people of God, who shall enjoy this rest, are, (1.) Chosen from eternity. § 3. (2.) Given to Christ. § 4. (3.) Born again. § 5-8. (4.) Deeply convinced of the evil of sin, their mise…
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§ 5. (4.) This new life in the people of God discovers itself by conviction, or a deep sense of Divine things. As for instance.—They are convinced of the evil of sin. The sinner is made to know and feel, that the sin, which was his delight, is a more loathsome thing than a toad or a serpent, and a greater evil than pla…
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§ 7. They are also convinced of the creature's vanity and insufficiency. Every man is naturally an idolater. Our hearts turned from God in our first fall, and ever since the creature hath been our god. This is the grand sin of nature. Every unregenerate man ascribes to the creature Divine prerogatives, and allows it th…
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§ 8. The people of God are likewise convinced of the absolute necessity, the full sufficiency, and perfect excellency of Jesus Christ: As a man in famine is convinced of the necessity of food; or a man that had heard, or read, his sentence of condemnation, of the absolute necessity of pardon; or a man that lies in pris…
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§ 10. (6.) As an essential part of the character of God's people, they now enter into a cordial covenant with Christ. The sinner was never strictly, nor comfortably, in covenant with Christ till now. He is sure, by the free offers, that Christ consents; and now he cordially consents himself; and so the agreement is ful…
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§ 12. Such are the essentials of this people of God: Not a full portraiture of them in all their excellencies, nor all the notes whereby they may be discerned. I beseech thee, Reader, as thou hast the hope of a Christian, or the reason of a man, judge thyself, as one that must shortly be judged by a righteous God, and …
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§ 13. That this rest shall be enjoyed by the people of God, is a truth which the Scripture, if its testimony be further needed, clearly asserts in a variety of ways. As for instance, That they are _foreordained to it, and it for them. God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he hath prepared for them a city._[208…
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§ 14. Scripture not only proves, that this rest remains for the people of God, but also that it remains for none but them, so that the rest of the world shall have no part in it. _Without holiness no man shall see the Lord._[223] _Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. He that believeth not the S…
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§ 15. If is the will of God, that this rest should yet remain for his people and not be enjoyed till they come to another world.—Who should dispose of the creatures, but he that made them? You may as well ask, why have we not spring and harvest without winter? or, why is the earth below, and the heavens above, as, why …
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§ 16. Besides, we are not capable of rest upon earth. Can a soul that is so weak in grace, so prone to sin, so nearly joined to such a neighbor as this flesh, have full content and rest in such a case? What is soul-rest, but our freedom from sin, and imperfections, and enemies? And can the soul have rest that is pester…
778 wordsSource & rights
Public domain in the USA; original historical text digitized by Project Gutenberg.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.