A26870:57
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
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.
It is not thus with me: I desire not the Communion of Saints: my affections are most to those who are best to me, whether they have more or less of the Spirit. To go no further, it is now evident that I am a graceless person: Though all these things be imperfect in the best, and some are more wanting in one particular than in another; yet where all their contraries are predominant, as in me, that person is told by this Sermon, that they are none of Christs; how much doth my behaviour at this time make this appear, when I can with a hard heart, and a dry eye, and a steady hand declare my self at present heir of everlasting woe! But the longest day will quickly come, though I strive to put it as far from me.
It is not thus with me: I desire not the Communion of Saints: my affections are most to those who are best to me, whether they have more or less of the Spirit. To go no further, it is now evident that I am a graceless person: Though all these things be imperfect in the best, and some are more wanting in one particular than in another; yet where all their contraries are predominant, as in me, that person is told by this Sermon, that they are none of Christs; how much doth my behaviour at this time make this appear, when I can with a hard heart, and a dry eye, and a steady hand declare my self at present heir of everlasting wo! But the longest day will quickly come, though I strive to put it as far from me.
§. 4. It would be too long to recite a paper which I find next to this, containing the great necessity of self-judging, the reasons for it, the rules for performing it, and the due manner; especially in dangers, and before the Sacraments, or any Conclusions of our state of Grace.
§. 5. But these Convictions did neither die, nor pass unto despair, but to serious conversion; yet put her to struggle hard against backwardness to secret duties, and the forsaking of some vanities; but presently God seemed sharply to entertain this returning soul. And while we were all rejoicing in her change, she fell into a Cough and seeming Consumption, in which we almost despaired of her life. Mr. Jackson the Physician, and my self, seeing the case too hard for us, described it to Dr. Prujean, and Dr. G. Bates, who both judged it a Consumption arising from the obstructions of the vessels in the Lungs, and corrupting the tender adjoining parts, and both prescribed her the same Medicines. But all these, and change of air long, and breast-milk, &c. did no good. I and my praying-neighbours were so sorry that such a changed person should presently b taken away before she had time to manifest her sincerity, and do God any service in the world, that in grief they resolved to fast and pray for her. For former experience had lately much raised their belief of the success of prayer. They had lately prayed for one that seemed Demoniac, that (after some years misery) was suddenly freed of that disease. They had oft prayed for me in dangerous illness, and I had speedy help. I had lately swallowed a Gold bullet for a Medicine, and it lodged in me long, and no means would bring it away, till they met to fast and pray, and it came away that morning. A young man yet living, falling into a violent Epilepsy, and after all means long remaining uncured, they set to fasting and prayer in his hearing, and the second day he was suddenly cured, and never had a fit since.