The Saints' Everlasting Rest - Richard Baxter

such a degree and measure of grace; but whether such or such a saving grace
be in thee in sincerity or not. If thy heart draw back from the work, force it
on. Lay thy command upon it. Let reason interpose, and use its authority.
Yea, lay the command of God upon it, and charge it to obey upon the pain of
his displeasure. Let conscience also do its office, till thy heart be excited to
the work. Nor let thy heart trifle away the time, when it should be diligently
at the work. Do as the psalmist; "My spirit made diligent search." He that can
prevail with his own heart shall also prevail with God. If, after all thy pains,
thou art still in doubt, then seek out for help. Go to one that is godly,
experienced, able, and faithful, and tell him thy case, and desire his best
advice. Use the judgment of such a one as that of a physician for thy body:
though this can afford thee no full certainty, yet it may be a great help to stay
and direct thee. But do not make it a pretence to put off thy own selfexamination.
Only use it as one of the last remedies, when thy own
endeavors will not serve. When thou hast discovered thy true state, pass
sentence on thyself accordingly; either that thou art a true Christian, or that
thou art not. Pass not this sentence rashly, nor with self-flattery nor with
melancholy terrors; but deliberately, truly, and according to thy conscience,
convinced by Scripture and reason. Labor to get thy heart affected with its
condition, according to the sentence passed on it. If graceless, think of thy
misery; if renewed and sanctified, think what a blessed state the Lord hath
brought thee into. Pursue these thoughts till they have left their impression
on thy heart. Write this sentence at least in thy memory: "At such a time,
upon thorough examination, I found my state to be thus, or thus." Such a
record will be very useful to thee hereafter. Trust not to this one discovery,
so as to try no more; nor let it hinder thee in the daily search of thy ways;
neither be discouraged if the trial must be often repeated. Especially take
heed, if unregenerate, not to conclude of thy future state by the present. Do
not say, "Because I am ungodly, I shall die so; because I am a hypocrite, I
shall continue so." Do not despair. Nothing but thy unwillingness can keep
thee from Christ, though thou hast hitherto abused him and dissembled with
him.
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