An Exhortation to the People of GOD not to be discouraged in their Way, by the Scoffs and Contempt of wicked Men.
HEBREWS iv. 9.
_There remaineth therefore a Rest to the People of GOD._
WHEN we consider the persecutions they are exposed to, who live righteously and godly in this present world; it is amazing to consider, that the people of this generation should be so fond of a name to live, while they are in effect dead. The people of GOD are to expect little else but troubles and trials while they are in this world; common experience is a contradiction to my text, that there is a rest to the people of GOD; but the author of the _Hebrews_, when speaking of this rest, did not mean that they should have a rest here. No; he too well knew that the people of GOD, all who would seek and serve the LORD JESUS, must be despised, hated, scoffed, slandered, and evil intreated; but the time was hastening when they should have a perfect rest: there is a rest laid up for them, and this is an encouragement for you, my brethren, to hold on, and hold out your way rejoicing; after death there will be a rest for ever; at judgment, you shall be taken up to dwell with the LORD JESUS CHRIST; and there, you shall be for ever exempted from sin; you shall rest from all manner of sorrow, and be no more troubled with the temptations of Satan. Now, you can set about nothing for the glory of GOD, or for your own soul’s welfare, but the devil is dissuading you from it, or distracting you in it, or discouraging you after it. Here we are scoffed and derided; as the world hated the LORD JESUS CHRIST, so will it hate you: but be not discouraged, though we are here the scorn and off-scouring of all things; and are as a gazing stock to men and angels. Though they put us out of their synagogues, cast out our name as evil, and look on us as persons unfit for their company; yet, in that rest which is prepared for you, my brethren, we shall then be gazed at for our glory, and they shut out of the assembly of the saints, and separated from us, whether they will or no; unless the LORD JESUS CHRIST, by his free, rich, and sovereign grace, brings them unto himself.
The letter-learned Scribes and Pharisees of this day, look on us as madmen and enthusiasts; but though they make so much noise about the word _enthusiast_, it means no more than this, one in GOD; and what christian can say, he is not in GOD, and GOD in him? And if this is to be an enthusiast, GOD grant I may be more and more so; if we being in CHRIST, and CHRIST in us, makes us enthusiasts, I would to GOD we were all more and more enthusiasts. They now think it strange, that we run not with them into all excess of riot, and because we will not go to the devil’s diversions with them, therefore they speak evil of us. We cannot now go along the street, but every one is pointing out his finger with scorn, and cries, Here comes another of his followers; what! you are become one of his disciples too! But there is a rest which will be a complete deliverance for you. Let none of these things move you; for, though you are thus treated here, consider, you shall in heaven have no discouraging company, nor any but what will be an assistance to you; you will have no scoffer there, all will be ready to join with heart and voice in your everlasting joy and praises. You will not be counted enthusiasts, madmen, and rabble, in that rest which remaineth for the people of GOD. Therefore, possess your souls in patience; account it matter of joy when you fall into tribulation; GOD, in his own time, will deliver us; let not their hindering us from preaching in the church, be any discouragement; do not shrink, and draw back, because of opposition; be not ashamed of your work or master; but hold fast your integrity. You must expect to go through evil report, and good report; fear not the violence of unreasonable men; let them hate you, and cast you out for the LORD’s sake, behold he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed: therefore hold on, and hold out to the end. Be stedfast and patient, and bear the troubles of the world; if you are the people of GOD, there is a rest provided for you, which you shall certainly obtain.