§. 56. Of Rest to come.
OF the soresaid Rest, it is here said, that a 1.1 it remaineth. The same word is here used that was used before, v. 6. §. 37. but in a different sense. There it was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 impersonally: here it is govern'd by a Nominative case, which is Rest.
The Verb is of the Passive voice: and may word for word be thus translated, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is left. But in our English the Active interpretation best expresseth the A∣•…•… meaning: which is, that the rest here intended is reserved for us hereafter: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is not here to be expected while we live in this world. He shall enter into peace, 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 57. 2. This rest shall be, when the Lord Iesus shall be revealed from heaven, 2 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 1. 17. They that die in the Lord shall rest from their labours, (Rev. 14. 13.)
- 1. This world is not a fit place, nor this life a fit time to enjoy such a rest as is* 1.2 reserved in heaven.
- 2. Rest here would glue our hearts too much to this world, and make us say, It 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be here, Matth. 17. 4. It would slack our longing desire after Christ in hea∣ven. Death would be more i•…•…ksom, and heaven the less welcom.
- 3. There would be no proof or triall of our spirituall armour, and of the seve∣rall graces of God bestowed on us.
- 4. Gods providence, prudence, power, mercy, and other like properties could not be so well discerned, if here we enjoyed that rest.
This rest being to come, and reserved for us, it will be our wisdom, while here we 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 prepare for trouble, and to address our selves to labour: as the souldiers in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and as the labourers in the day-time.
Yet withall to have our eye upon this rest to come; that thereby we may be the more encouraged and incited to hold out to the end, waiting for this rest that is to come.