Baxter - BV4831 84 F3 1830

Chap. 2.] FOR THE SAINTS' REST. 2Q loved Christians, a new and living way consecrated for us, through the vail, that is to say, the flesh of Christ, by which we may with boldness enter into the holiest, I shall draw near with fuller assurance ; and, finding the flaming sword removed, shall look again into the paradise of our God. And because I know that this is no forbidden fruit, and withal that it is good for food, and pleasant to the spiritual eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one truly wise and happy ; I shall, through the assistance cf the Spirit, take and eat thereof myself, and give to you, according to my power, that you may eat. The porch of this temple is ex- ceeding glorious, and the gate of it is called Beautiful. Here are four things as the four corners of this porch. Here is the most glorious coming and appearance of the Son of God; that great work of Jesus Christ in raising our bodies from the dust, and uniting them again to the soul ;the public and solemn process at their judgment, where they shall first themselves be acquitted and justified, and then with Christ judge the world ; together with their solemn coronation, and receiving the kingdom. 1. The most glorious coming and appearance of the Son of God may well be reckoned in his people's glory. For their sake he came into the world, suffered, died, rose, ascended; and for their sake it is that he will return. To this end will Christ come again to receive his people unto himself, that where he is, there they may be also. The bridegroom's departure was not upon divorce. He did not leave us with a purpose to return no more. He hath left pledges enough to assure us to the contrary. We have his word, his many promises, his ordinances, which show forth his death till he come; and his Spirit, to direct, sanctify, and comfort, till he return. We have frequent to- kens of love from him, to show us he forgets not bis pro- mise, nor us. We dailybehold the forerunners of his com- ing, foretold by himself. We see the fig-tree putteth forth leaves, and therefore know that summer is nigh. Though the riotous would say, My Lord delayed) his coming; yet let the saints lift up their heads, for their redemption draw- eth nigh. Alas ! fellow-Christians, what should we do if our Lord should not return ? What a case are we here left in ! What! leave us in the midst of wolves, and among lions, a generation of vipers, and here forget us ! Did he buy us

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