Chap.. 9.J THE SAINTS' REST. 129 the interest of the flesh. Deceive not yourselves with a persuasion that Christ bath done all, and left you nothing to do. To overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, and, in order to that, to stand always armed upon our watch, and valiantly and patiently to fight it out, is of great importance to our assurance and salvation. Indeed, it is so important, that he who performeth it not is no more than a nominal Christian. Not to every one that pre - sumptuously believeth, but " to him that overcometh, will Christ give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a newname written, which no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it ; he shall eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God, and shall not be hurt of the second death. Christ will confess his name before his Father, and before his angels, and make him a pillar in the temple of God, and he shall go no more out; and will write upon him the name of his God, and the name of the city of his God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of hea- ven from his God, and will write upon him his new name." Yea, " He will grant to him to sit with him on his throne, even as he also overcame, and is set down with his Father on his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." IMENSIESIMINIPMEN CHAPTER IX. TIIE DUTY OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD TO EXCITE OTHERS TO SEEK THIS REST. The author laments that Christians do so little tohelp others to obtain the saints' rest : I. Shows the nature of this duty ; particularly, 1. In having our hearts affectedwith the misery of our brethren's souls; 2. In taking all opportunities to instruct them in the way of salva- tion; 3. Inpromoting their profit bypublic ordinances: IL Assigns various reasons why this duty is so usuels neglected, and answers some objections against it : Then, III., urges to the discharge of it, by several considerations; 1. Addressed to such as have knowledge, learning, and utterance ; 2. Those that are acquaintedwith sinners; 3. Physicians that attend dyingmen; 4 Persons ofwealthand power; 5. Ministers; 6. And those that are intruded with the care ofchildren or servants. The chapter concludes withan earnest request to Chris- tianparents to be faithful to their trust. HATH God set before us such a glorious prize as the saints' rest, and made us capable of such inconceivable 6*
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