§. 65. Of the excellency of Saints rest in heaven.
THe Preposition translated, a 1.1 into, is doubled: for first, it is compounded with the Verb, b 1.2 enter, then c 1.3 joyned with the Noun. This shews, that per∣severance must be added to our diligent endeavour. To labour to enter into a place, •…•…to hold out and persevere in the use of means, till we attain unto it, and have pos∣session thereof. See Ch. 3. v. 11. §. 116.
Of Perseverance, See Chap. 3. v. 6. §. 68, &c.
This Article d 1.4 That, hath reference to the Rest mentioned, v. 9. and described, •…•…. 10.
That Rest is the full Rest, which bringeth freedom from all labour and trouble whereunto we are subject in this world: a Rest to be hereafter enjoyed in heaven, See §. 55, 56.
This he pointeth at, to quicken up their endeavours the more: and the rather to stir them up to hold out, till they have attained this Rest.
The more excellent the prize is that is set before us, the more care must. be ta∣ken,* 1.5 and pains used for attaining it, and the more constant we must be therein. The greatnesse of the reward moved Moses to esteem the rebuke of Christ, greater riches then the treasures of Egypt, Heb. 11. 26. It was inexpressible and unconcei∣vable joy, that moved Christ to endure the crosse, and despise the shame, Heb. 12. 2. Therefore the Apostle puts the Hebrews in minde of a better and an enduring sub∣stance in heaven, when they suffered the spoiling of their goods, Heb. 10. 35. Yea he sets out to the life the unparallel disparity betwixt the afflictions here endured, and the glory hereafter to be enjoyed, 2 Cor. 4. 17.
Commendable in this respect is their pains, who endeavour to illustrate the glory of Saints reserved for them in heaven.
Treatises thereabouts are worth the reading.
It will be our wisdom frequently to meditate, and seriously to ponder thereon.