rifT 70 THE CHARACTER OT THOSE his people, and enjoy the inheritance of the saints in light !(J) 13. That this rest shall be enjoyed by the people of God, is a truth which the scripture, if its testi- mony be further needed, clearly asserts in a variety of ways. As for instance, " God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he bath prepared for them a city. "(g) They are styled vessels of mercy, afore pre - pared unto glory.(h) In Christ they have obtained the earnest of an inheritance. Who can bereave the Chris- tian of that rest, which is designed for them of God? Scripture tells us, they are redeemed to this rest. " By the blood of Jesus we have boldness to enter into the holiest, "(i) either that enter means by faith and prayer here, or by full possession hereafter. Therefore the saints in heaven sing a new song unto Him who has " redeemed them to God by his blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation, and made them kings and priests unto God.(k) Either Christ then must lose his blood and sufferings, and never see the travail of his soul, or else there remaineth a rest to the people of God, ---In scripture this rest is promised to them. As the firmament with stars, so are the sacred pages bespangled with these divine engagements. Christ says, "Fear not, lit- tle flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.(/) I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me ; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, "(rn) &c. &c.All Al the means of grace, the operations of the Spirit upon the soul; and gracious actings of the saints, every comMand to repent and believe, to fast and pray, to knock and seek, to strive and labour, to run and fight, prove that there remains a rest for the people of God. The Spirit would never kindle in us such strong desires after heaven, such love to Jesus Christ, if we should not receive what we desire and love. He that " guides our feet into the way of (f) Col. i. 12. (h) Rom. ix. '23. (k) Rev. v: (g) Heb. xi. 16. (i) Heb. x. 19. (l) Luke xii. 3Z. (m) Luke xxii. 29, 59.
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