A26870:100
A breviate of the life of Margaret, the daughter of Francis Charlton ... and…
A breviate of the life of Margaret, the daughter of Francis Charlton ... and wife of Richard Baxter ... : there is also published the character of her mother, truly described in her published funeral sermon, reprinted at her daughters request, called, The last work of a believer, his passing-prayer recommending his departing spirit to Christ, to be received by him.
London: printed for B. Simmons, 1681
Chapter 4: Some parcels of Counsel for her deliverance from this distressed Case, which I find res…
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
When I read the evidence of my self-resignation to Christ, I should as it were see Christ standing ⟨p. 37⟩over me with the tenderest care, and hear him say, I accept thee as my own. For I must believe his acceptance, as I perform my resignation. O what is he providing for me? What entertainment with him shall I shortly find? Not such as he found with man, when he came to seek us; it is not a Manger, a Crown of thorns, a Cross, that he is preparing for me: when I have had my part of these in following him, I shall have my place in the glorious Jerusalem.
When I read the evidence of my self-resignation to Christ, I should as it were see Christ standing ⟨p. 37⟩over me with the tenderest care, and hear him say, I accept thee as my own. For I must believe his acceptance, as I perform my resignation. O what is he providing for me? What entertainment with him shall I shortly find? Not such as he found with man, when he came to seek us; it is not a Manger, a Crown of thorns, a Cross, that he is preparing for me: when I have had my part of these in following him, I shall have my place in the glorious Ierusalem.
§. 6. This fragment she wrote next.
For the sake of your own soul, and life, and friends, and for the honour of that tender mercy and free grace which you are bound to magnify, Let not Satan get advantage against your peace and thankfulness to God, and the acknowledgement of his obliging love. Let him not on pretence of humiliation, turn your eyes on a weak distempered heart, from the unspeakable mercy which should sill your heart with love and joy, notwithstanding all your lamented infirmities. You perceive not that it is Satan that would keep you still under mournful sadness, under the pretence of repentance and godly sorrow. You are not acquainted with his wiles. You have cause of sorrow, but much more of joy. And your rejoicing in Gods love would please him better than all your sad complaints and troubles, though he despise not a contrite spirit. I charge it on your conscience, that when you are in prayer, you confess and lament your distrustful, suspicious, unthankful, uncomfortable