The Saint's Everlasting Rest: A Treatise of the Blessed State of the Saints in Their Enjoyment of God in HeavenBaxter, Richard
Religion
The Saint's Everlasting Rest: A Treatise of the Blessed State of the Saints in Their Enjoyment of God in Heaven
Baxter, Richard
Devotional literature
§ 7. Compare the joys above, with the comforts thou hast here received
in ordinances. Hath not the Bible been to thee as an open fountain,
flowing with comforts day and night? What suitable promises have come
into thy mind; so that with David, thou mayest say, _Unless thy law had
been my delight, I should then have perished in mine affliction_? Think
then, "If his word be so full of consolations, what overflowing springs
shall we find in God himself? If his letters are so comfortable, what
will the glories of his presence be? If the promise is so sweet, what
will the performance be? If the testament of our Lord, and our charter
for the kingdom, be so comfortable, what will be our possession of the
kingdom itself?"—Think farther, "What delights have I also found in the
_word preached_? When I have sat under a heavenly, heart-searching
teacher, how hath my heart been warmed? Methinks I have felt myself
almost in heaven. How often have I gone to the congregation troubled in
spirit, and returned joyful? How often have I gone doubting, and God
hath sent me home persuaded of his love in Christ? What cordials have I
met with to animate me in every conflict? If but the face of Moses shine
so gloriously, what glory is there in the face of God? If _the feet of
them that publish peace, that bring good tidings of salvation, be
beautiful_; how beautiful is the face of the Prince of Peace? If _this
treasure_ be so precious _in earthen vessels_; what is that treasure
laid up in heaven? _Blessed are the eyes that see_ what is seen there,
_and the ears that hear the things_ that are heard there. There shall I
hear Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, John, Peter, Paul; not preaching to
gainsayers, in imprisonment, persecution, and reproach; but triumphing
in the praises of him that hath raised them to honor and glory." Think
also, "What joy is it to have access and acceptance in prayer; that I
may always go to God, and open my case, and unbosom my soul to him, as
to my most faithful friend? But it will be a more unspeakable joy, when
I shall receive all blessings without asking, and all my necessities and
miseries will be removed, and when God himself will be the portion and
inheritance of my soul." As for the Lord's supper, "What a privilege is
it to be admitted to sit at his table, to have his covenant sealed to me
there? But all the life and comfort there, is to assure me of the
comforts hereafter. O the difference between the last supper of Christ
on earth, and the marriage-supper of the Lamb at the great day! Then his
room will be the glorious heavens; his attendants, all the hosts of
angels and saints; no Judas, no unfurnished guest, comes there; but the
humble believers must sit down by him, and their feast will be their
mutual loving and rejoicing." Concerning the communion of saints, think
with thyself, "What a pleasure is it to live with intelligent and
heavenly Christians? David says of such, _they were all his delight_. O
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