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; ibid 3. And from losing our way to it; 182 4. They quicken our pace towards it; ibid 5. They chiefly incommode our flesh; and 183 6. Under them are often the best foretastes of rest, ibid By the unreasonableness of resting in present comforts, 185 1. 'Tis idolatry; ibid 2. It contradicts God's end in giving them; ibid 3. 'Tis the way to have them refused, withdrawn, or embittered; 186 4. To be suffered to do this, is the greatest curse; 187 5. 'Tis seeking rest where it is not; ibid 6. The creatures, without God, aggravate our misery; 189 7. And all this is confirmed by experience, ibid Also by the unreasonableness of our unwillingness to die and possess the saint's rest. 190 CHAP. 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 Christian temper, 204 3. It leads to the most comfortable life; 205 4. 'Tis the best preservative from temptations; 206 5. It will invigorate their graces and duties; 209 6. It will be their best cordial in afflictions; 211 7. It will render them most useful to others; 213 8. It will honor God; 215 9. Without it we disobey the commands, and use the most gracious and delightful discoveries of the word of God; 216 10. Our hearts should be with God, as his is so much on us; and 217 11. In heaven where we are so much interested; 218 12. Nothing but heaven deserves our hearts. 220 CHAP. XII. _Directions how to lead a heavenly life upon earth._