A26870:208
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 8: Of her Mental Qualifications, and her Infirmities.
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.
I Know not why you should write in Tears, because of an apprehension of my Displeasure; and that you can see it at so great a distance, is strange to me. If your Information be of God, to whom you appeal, look to it; if of men, believe it not. Many false Fears may arise, for want of the true Fear of offending a Good and Gracious God: All your Fears and all your Joys must be founded in him, or else your life here will be very uncomfortable. Had not I my Comforts from my God, and not only in the Creature, I had sunk long since, and often in Despair. Take my Experience, or rather hear the Word of God, which says, It is better to trust in God, than to put confidence in Riches: It is better to trust in God, than to put confidence in men. Be well acquainted with the Will of God, and be sure in all things to please him, and then all other Cares and Fears will be of no value to you. O let it be your daily study, and let me in writing see some fruits of your labours, before I go hence and be seen here no more. Be not wanting to your own Comforts, and you cannot displease God nor your Mother, who longs more after your Eternal Good, than I can now utter. My Love to you all, and Prayers for you all. I continue, Your most tenderly Loving Mother, M. H.
I Know not why you should write in Tears, because of an apprehension of my Displeasure; and that you can see it at so great a distance, is strange to me. If your Information be of God, to whom you appeal, look to it; if of men, believe it not. Many false Fears may arise, for want of the true Fear of offending a Good and Gracious God: All your Fears and all your Joys must be founded in him, or else your life here will be very uncomfortable. Had not I my Comforts from my God, and not only in the Creature, I had sunk long since, and often in Despair. Take my Experience, or rather hear the Word of God, which saies, It is better to trust in God, than to put confidence in Riches: It is better to trust in God, than to put confidence in men. Be well acquainted with the Will of God, and be sure in all things to please him, and then all other Cares and Fears will be of no value to you. O let it be your daily study, and let me in writing see some fruits of your labours, before I go hence and be seen here no more. Be not wanting to your own Comforts, and you cannot displease God nor your Mother, who longs more after your Eternal Good, than I can now utter. My Love to you all, and Prayers for you all. I continue, Your most tenderly Loving Mother, M. H.