The Duty of the people of God to excite others to seek this Rest.
§ 1. The Author laments that Christians do so little to help others to obtain the Saint's Rest; § 2. (I.) Shews the nature of this duty; particularly, § 3. (1.) In having our hearts affected with the misery of our brethren's souls, § 4-6. (2.) In taking all opportunities to instruct them in the way of salvation, § 7. (3.) In promoting their profit by public ordinances; § 8. (II.) He assigns various reasons why this duty is so much neglected, § 9. And answers some objections against it. § 10-13. Then (III.) Urges to the discharge of it, by several considerations, § 14. Addressed to such as have knowledge, learning, and utterance, § 15. Those that are acquainted with sinners, § 16. Physicians that attend dying men, § 17. Persons of wealth and power, § 18. Ministers, § 19. And those that are intrusted with the care of children or servants, § 20. The chapter concludes with an earnest request to Christian parents to be faithful to their trust.
§ 1. Hath God set before us such a glorious prize as the saint's rest, and made us capable of such inconceivable happiness? Why then do not all the children of this kingdom exert themselves more to help others to the enjoyment of it? Alas, how little are poor souls about us beholden to most of us! We see the glory of the kingdom, and they do not: We see the misery of those that are out of it, and they do not: We see them wandering quite out of the way, and know, if they hold on, they can never come there; and they themselves discern it not: and yet we will not seriously shew them their danger and error, and help to bring them into the way, that they may live. Alas, how few Christians are there to be found, that set themselves with all their might to save souls! No thanks to us, if heaven be not empty, and if the souls of our brethren perish not for ever. Considering how important this duty is, to the glory of God, and the happiness of men, I will shew—how it is to be performed;—why it is so much neglected; and then offer some considerations to persuade to it.
§ 2. (I.) The duty of exciting and helping others to obtain the saint's rest doth not mean, that every man should turn a public preacher, or that any should go beyond the bounds of their particular callings; much less does it consist in promoting a party spirit; and least of all in speaking against men's faults behind their backs, and be silent before their faces. This duty is of another nature, and consists of the following things;—in having our hearts affected with the misery of our brethren's souls,—in taking all opportunities to instruct them in the way of salvation,—and in promoting their profit by public ordinances.
§ 3. (1.) Our hearts must be affected with the misery of our brethren's souls. We must be compassionate towards them, and yearn after their recovery and salvation. If we earnestly longed after their conversion, and our hearts were solicitous to do them good, it would set us on work, and God would usually bless it.
§ 4. (2.) We must take all opportunities we possibly can to instruct them how to attain salvation. If the person be ignorant, labor to make him understand the chief happiness of man, how far he was once possessed of it; the covenant God then made with him; how he broke it; what penalty he incurred; and what misery he brought himself into: Teach him his need of a Redeemer; how Christ did mercifully interpose and bear the penalty; what the new covenant is; how men are drawn to Christ; and what are the riches and privileges which believers have in him. If he is not moved by these things, then shew him the excellency of the glory he neglects; the extremity and eternity of the torments of the damned; the justice of enduring them for wilfully refusing grace; the certainty, nearness, and terrors of death and judgment; the vanity of all things below; the sinfulness of sin; the preciousness of Christ; the necessity of regeneration, faith, and holiness, and the true nature of them. If after all you find him entertaining false hopes, then urge him to examine his state; shew him the necessity of doing so; help him in it; nor leave him till you have convinced him of his misery and remedy. Shew him how vain and destructive it is to join Christ and his duties, to compose his justifying righteousness. Yet be sure to draw him to the use of all means; such as hearing and reading the word, calling upon God, and associating with the godly; persuade him to forsake sin, avoid all temptations to sin, especially evil companions, and to wait patiently on God in the use of means, as the way in which God will be found.