Chap. 1.] THE SAINTS' REST. 15 tives, Chap. ii. ; its excellencies, Chap. iii.; and Chap. iv., the persons for whom it is designed. Further to il- lustrate the subject, some description will be given, Chap. v., of their misery who lose this rest ; and, Chap. vi., who also lose the enjoyments of time, and suffer the torments of hell. Next will be showed, Chap. vii., the necessity of diligently seeking this rest ; Chap. viii., how our title to it may be discerned; Chap. ix., that they who discern their title to it should help those that cannot ; and, Chap. x., that this rest is not to be expected on earth. It will then be proper to consider, Chap. xi., the importance of a heavenly life upon earth ; Chap. xii., how to live a heavenly life upon earth ; Chap. xiii., the nature of hea- venly contemplation, with the time, place, and temper fit- test for it; Chap. xiv., what use heavenly contemplation makes of consideration, affections, soliloquy and prayer; and likewise, Chap. xv., how heavenly contemplation may be assisted by sensible objects, and guarded against a treacherous heart. Heavenly contemplation will be ex= emplified, Chap. xvi., and the whole work concluded. There are some things necessarily presupposed in the nature of this rest; as, for instance, that mortal men are the persons seeking it. For angels and glorified spirits have it already, and the devils and damned are past hope. That they choose God only for their end and happiness. He that takes any thing else for his happiness, is out of the way the first step. That they are distant from this end. This is the woful case of all mankind since the fall. When Christ comes with regenerating grace, he finds no man sitting still, but all posting to eternal ruin, and making haste toward hell; till, by conviction, he first brings them to a stand, and then, by conversion, turns their hearts and lives sincerely to himself. This end, and its excellency, is supposed to be known,and seriously intended. An un- known good, moves not to desire or endeavor. And not only a distance from this rest, but the true knowledge of this distance, is also supposed. They that never yet knew they were without God, and in the way to hell, did never yet know the way to heaven. Can a man find he hath lost his God and his soul, and not cry, I am undone ? The rea- son why so few obtain this rest, is, they will not be con- vinced that they are, in point of title, distant from it; and,,
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=