The Everlasting Rest of the Saints in Heaven

Chapter 1

I. Description of the People of God.

Who are the people of God, for whom heaven is reserved. They are such as he hath a propriety in: not upon common accounts only, but special and peculiar ones, viz. election, special redemption, and renovation. And such a

Chapter 2

I. FIRST, Consider who they are that are characterized here as heirs

of this divine and blessed rest; and they are called the people of God. I shall not run forth into a long discourse of all those things that the scripture speaks concerning the heirs of heaven, and their qualifications:

Chapter 3

1. God hath a general right to all the works of his hands, especially in

the reasonable world. You shall find the psalmist saith, in Psalm 100:3. "Know ye, that the Lord he is God; it is he that made us, and not we ourselves: we are his people, the sheep of his pasture." He hath an undoubted

Chapter 4

2. The propriety of God in his people, is upon more peculiar and

special accounts. (1.) To begin with the rise of it; his merciful choosing of them from eternity to be vessels of grace and glory. God's original title ariseth -- 7 of 137 -- from his electing-love; "I have chosen them

Chapter 5

II. I Come now to speak of the place of this rest. It is enjoyed in that

kingdom that is unshaken above. You shall find an expression of the apostle very fit to my purpose: Heb. 12:28. "Wherefore we receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken or moved." It is a proper place for this rest I am s

Chapter 6

1. The stability of that place, the security of it. It is called, Heb. 11:10.

"A city that hath foundations." There the apostle speaks concerning the patriarchs that were in an unsettled condition, travelling into a strange country. It is said concerning Abraham, the father of them, Heb. 11:10. "H

Chapter 7

2. To show you further how this place is fitted for rest, as the

scripture speaks concerning the stability of it, so it discovers to us its vastness and immensity. It is a place capacious enough to be the seat of an innumerable company of angels, and of all the saints of God, when the

Chapter 8

3. The scripture discovereth to us the glory of it: and that fore-

mentioned place of Solomon is applicable to this purpose: it is called -- 17 of 137 -- the heaven of heavens; it is so called by way of excellency and transcendency; and Christ calls it my Father's house: Christ's Fath

Chapter 9

4. Heaven this everlasting rest is represented to us in the scripture

under the notion of a place of pleasure, and so it is called a paradise. So you shall find our Saviour speaking to the thief on the cross that prayed to him, Luke 23:43. "Lord, remember me, when thou comest into thy king

Chapter 10

III. The Excellency of this Rest.

Of the excellency of this rest. This is a point which carnal men cannot relish: it is a holy rest, both as it imports a ceasing from the dominion and being of sin and temptation: and performance of all those holy duties

Chapter 11

III. I Shall, in the next place, consider the excellencies of this rest:

and here I shall premise this, that I am about to treat of a subject that I fear most that are here cannot taste or relish. As for a discourse of heaven, a carnal man is no more affected with it, than if you should bring

Chapter 12

1. For the first of these; as it imports a ceasing from sin. There is a

threefold freedom and rest from sin. (1.) There is a freedom from the dominion of sin, and this is that privilege which the saints have in their measure in this life. We read our Saviour tells the Jews, John 8:34, 35. "w

Chapter 13

2. It is a holy rest, as it includes in it not a bare cessation from sin,

but also an exercise of all those holy and heavenly duties which are proper to this state of rest. The word that is used here, in the original, signifies the rest of a sabbath: now the rest of a sabbath, had two things c

Chapter 14

IV. The Second Excellency of this Rest. It

is a Joyful Rest. -- 27 of 137 -- It is a joyful rest. This set forth by the joy of holy men in this life, in pardon, grace, and hope of heaven. The grounds of this joyful rest; viz. freedom from all toil in the servic

Chapter 15

1. Consider the kingdom of heaven hath several degrees. There is a

lower degree of it that is possessed here. You shall find in one scripture our Saviour tells his hearers, that "the kingdom of God is within them." And if you compare that scripture with what the apostle saith, Rom. 14:1

Chapter 16

2. There is in it a freedom from all toil which we endure in the service

of God. While we are here below, our bodies are the instruments of our souls; and though "the spirit is willing, yet the flesh is weak:" therefore it is requisite there should be an intermission of the most serious, inte

Chapter 17

3. There shall be a rest from all those afflicting evils which we are

liable to upon a double account. Either, 1st. Those afflictions that are attendant upon our mortal state: those afflictions which though they are not the immediate punishments of sin, yet are the consequences of sin. It

Chapter 18

4. They are freed from all sorrowful affections: you shall find the

scripture hath expressions more than once about this. It is said, Rev. 21:4. That "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no suffering, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any mo

Chapter 19

5. This rest is a joyful rest, as it is represented to us as a rest that is

the fruit of victory over all our enemies that we contended with in our way to heaven. When we come to that blessed state, we are then victorious over them, and so that rest is infinitely joyful. Now the -- 37 of 137 --

Chapter 20

V. It is a Joyful Rest (continued).

-- 42 of 137 -- There is a conjunction of all the saints in this rest. Whose society is highly pleasant, because they are free from all blemishes, and united in the most joyful work; and exceedingly love each other. I S

Chapter 21

VI. The Subject of Joy Continued.

The chief happiness of this rest lies in the enjoyment of God. The joy of heaven is exceeding great, because it is correspondent to the majesty and greatness of God; and proportionable to the love he bears to his people,

Chapter 22

1. The glory, blessedness, and rest of heaven, is that which shall be

answerable and correspondent to the majesty, greatness, and magnificence of God, who is the preparer and giver of it: gifts are usually proportioned to the state and degree of those that give them. You read in the book o

Chapter 23

2. The next general consideration is this; the glory of God is that

which will bear a proportion to that love of God which he hath to his people. It shall be a noble expression of that love, and suitable to it. Now to make you a little to understand the force of this: God hath a general

Chapter 24

3. Consider what that glory and blessedness must be which beers a

proportion to the infinite price of the blood of the Son of God, which was shed not only to be a ransom to free you from hell, but as a price to obtain heaven for you: the saints obtain heaven not only by pardon and by g

Chapter 25

VII. The Third Excellency of this Rest. It

is Eternal. It is an eternal rest. For God's love is unchangeable to them, and so is theirs to him. iii. ANOTHER excellency of this rest is this; as it is a holy and a joyful rest, so it shall be an eternal rest. Eternit

Chapter 26

VIII. The Love of God and the Sufferings

of Christ are the Causes of Bestowing this Rest. The good will of God, and the sufferings of Christ, the supreme causes of bestowing this rest: yet it is a reward, and in what sense. Merit excluded by God's absolute righ

Chapter 27

IV. I shall, in the next place, proceed to prove, that this rest is

reserved as a reward to the people of God; in the opening of this, I will show you, First, What are the supreme causes of this, that so you may not misunderstand the notion of a reward. Secondly, That this is a reward fo

Chapter 28

2. He communicates that life which he possesseth himself, as to the

kind and nature of it: these two things are essentially requisite to -- 63 of 137 -- denominate a man a father. Now that you may know whether you are the objects of this love of God, he gives it, 1st. To those that are

Chapter 29

IX. Proofs that this rest is reserved for

the people of God from his immutability, justice, special love, and power This rest is certainly reserved for the people of God; because of the immutability of God's promise, which promise is agreeable to the general jus

Chapter 30

1. In general; the infinite wisdom of God appears in the order of

giving; observe the expression of Paul, Eph. 1:8. The apostle in these words hath a respect to the particular foundation of the gospel- covenant, the Lord Jesus Christ. God did in wise manner order that the honour of his

Chapter 31

2. More particularly. It is that which is most honourable to God; and

infinitely comfortable to his people. Honourable to God; (1.) As he is pleased to honour himself, by the trial of their faith, which is a grace of that precious nature and importance, that the apostle Peter tells us, tha

Chapter 32

X. APPLICATION of the subject. The first

use. How dreadful will be the future state of God's enemies. Application of the Subject How sad is the future state reserved for God's enemies. The false principles and motives of their present peace: false apprehensions

Chapter 33

1. I will show you a little the vanity of this peace. Now that which lies

at the bottom of all is this: they have false apprehensions of the mercy of God. They have a false peace and we cannot rob them of it, -- 78 of 137 -- but whatsoever is spoken to them against it, they notwithstanding s

Chapter 34

2. Another common motive of their rest and quiet is this; press them

to a speedy turning to God, then they will tell you, that they will secure their title to heaven at some future time. They think they have time enough yet: they will escape hell by an act of future repentance. But O drea

Chapter 35

3. Another motive and false principle is this; they plunge themselves

into the business and pleasures of the world. Into the business of the world; all their senses are abroad, not so much as one sense stays at home to consider their state. They are never left at freedom to think, what the

Chapter 36

1. The first thing which is considerable is this; the deprivation of this

blessed rest, which none who are enemies to God shall ever obtain. When the great King shall call the world to judgment, and pass a sentence upon the wicked, the first part of the sentence will be, "Depart from me," that

Chapter 37

2. Now besides this deprivation of the rest of heaven, there is a

positive and contrary state of misery, that those which are rebels to God shall be plunged into. To open this briefly, consider, that hell is represented to us in those expressions that have an absolute direct contrariet

Chapter 38

XI. The Second Use. Learn the Vanity of

this World. We hence learn to understand this world with all its allurements: which can afford us no true content, as appears from the testimony of God, and the experience of man: nor is it of a permanent continuance. Th

Chapter 39

1. This world can afford us no true and perfect content. And for this

we have both the testimony of God, and the universal testimony of mankind. We have God's testimony in his word; so that if you will believe him that knows what is in the creature, and that put into it all those degrees o

Chapter 40

2. Suppose there were, there is no permanent continuance of it. It is

an inseparable adjunct to all our enjoyments here, they are but temporal, they are but for a short space. For you are liable to one of these two things, either you shall have your end shortly, or they shall have their en

Chapter 41

XII. The Third Use. The Hope of this Rest

Should Fortify us Against Present Afflictions This rest should fortify us against all the afflictions of this present life, whether they be chastisements, or persecutions. -- 99 of 137 -- SINCE there is a divine and bl

Chapter 42

1. Those afflictions that are chastisements of us not for righteousness

sake, but with respect to sin. There are two considerations which will render them tolerable to us: (1.) Consider they come from the love of God, though that love be displeased. Rev. 1:17. "As many as I love I rebuke and

Chapter 43

2. Especially those sufferings that are endured for righteousness

sake, are not only made tolerable, but easy and amiable to us. I shall tell you that which at first you may think a paradox, but is an eternal truth; he is the happiest man in the world that suffers most for God, and rec

Chapter 44

XIII. The fourth use. This rest affords

consolation to the saints in their conflict with death. This rest affords strong consolation to the saints in their conflict with death. Death considered as it either affects nature, or is an inlet to heaven. The saints

Chapter 45

1. Show how we are to consider death. Death may be considered two

ways (1.) as it affects nature, as it dissolves the vital intimate union between soul and body, and separates those near and dear friends; so it hath an aspect that is unpleasing to us. Considered thus in itself, death i

Chapter 46

2. What is the reason of this dispensation, why death is continued to

the saints? For these reasons. -- 106 of 137 -- (1.) God is pleased to continue death in the world to saints and believers, because by this he would extinguish all the relics of sin; which are principally seated in the

Chapter 47

3. Let us now see with what temper and frame of spirit it becomes

the people of God to leave this world. There are three things to which I shall advert. (1.) That which is the lowest degree of grace is this, a saint should die with submission to the will of God, with an acquiescence in

Chapter 48

4. I shall show you how dishonourable a thing it is for the people of

God to be unwilling to die; how it doth reflect upon them and argues that which should be matter of continual sorrow and grief. (1.) It argues a strange defect in his faith. We have a double apprehension of death, the ap

Chapter 49

XIV. The Fifth Use. The Subject Affords

Comfort in the Death of Holy Friends This affords comfort in the death of holy friends. THE next use of the point is this; if there be an eternal rest remaining for the people of God, then this affords us solid comfort i

Chapter 50

XV. The Sixth Use. Exhortation to

Prepare for this Rest. Exhortation to prepare for this rest. General rules for it; to purify ourselves more and more, and perfect holiness in the fear of God; whereby our title will be clearer, and our assurance more joy

Chapter 51

1. The first general rule is this in order to your preparation for this

eternal rest: let it be your constant care to purify yourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, 2 Cor. 7:1. saith the apostle, "Having therefore these promises; dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all

Chapter 52

2. To cleansing from sin, add the positive duty of perfecting holiness

in the fear of God: every day be aspiring after a complete conformity -- 124 of 137 -- to God, and obedience to him, and to his holy will. This is always in conjunction with the former. The crucifying of the body of si

Chapter 53

6. And how doth he earnestly beg of God to restore the spirit of joy to

him, Psal. 51:11, 12. "cast me not away from thy presence, take not thy Holy Spirit from me, and uphold me with thy free Spirit." So that a prophet, if he neglect to glorify God, may fall under such unquiet fears as may

Chapter 54

3. Let us glorify God abundantly in our several places; for then we

shall have a more ample rich reward, and the greater degree of glory above. There are some thrones in heaven which are higher than others, and brighter crowns, and more excellent degrees of glory; therefore "he that sows

Chapter 55

1. Fix your choice upon this eternal rest as your portion. As we read

of Moses, when he was to depart from the children of Israel, this was his last and most affectionate counsel to them, Deut. 30:19. "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life

Chapter 56

2. Exercise your thoughts frequently and seriously upon this eternal

rest. The apostle you shall find, 2 Cor. 4:18. declares what it was that gave him courage; "while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal

Chapter 57

3. Keep up in your souls lively and earnest desires after it. It is the

character the apostle gives of all christians, 2. Tim. 4:8. they love Christ's appearing: "Henceforth (saith the apostle Paul) is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge shall give me

Chapter 58

4. Always preserve your hopes of heaven lively, and powerful in your

souls. Hope is a grace that hath a most admirable influence upon the christian life. Faith and hope are twins, they prosper together. They are those two graces that are influential upon all other graces, and they will ma