A26921:1005
Richard Baxter's dying thoughts upon Phil. I, 23 written for his own life and…
Richard Baxter's dying thoughts upon Phil. I, 23 written for his own life and the latter times of his corporal pains and weakness.
London: printed by Tho. Snowden for B. Simmons, 1683
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
1. Heinous guilt of former sin may keep a Soul much without the delights of Divine love: And the heinousness is not only in the greatness of the evil done materially, but oft in our long and wilful committing of smaller sins against Knowledge and Conscience, and consideration. The Spirit thus grieved by hardened Hearts, and wilful repulses, is not quickly and easily a comforter to such a Soul; and when the sinner doth repent, it leaveth him more in uncertainty of his sincerity, when he thinks, I do but repent, purpose and promise now; and so I oft did, and yet returned the next temptation to my sin: And how can I tell that my Heart is not the fame, and I should sin again if I had the same temptations. O what doubts and perplexities doth oft wilful sinning prepare for.
1. Heinous guilt of former sin may keep a Soul much without the delights of Divine love: And the heinousness is not only in the greatness of the evil done materially, but oft in our long and willful committing of smaller sins against Knowledge and Conscience, and consideration. The Spirit thus grieved by hardened Hearts, and willful repulses, is not quickly and easily a comforter to such a Soul; and when the sinner doth repent, it leaveth him more in uncertainty of his sincerity, when he thinks, I do but repent, purpose and promise now; and so I oft did, and yet returned the next temptation to my sin: And how can I tell that my Heart is not the fame, and I should sin again if I had the same temptations. O what doubts and perplexities doth oft willful sinning prepare for.
2. And sins of omission have here a great part: The sweetness of God's Love is a reward which slothful Servants are unmeet for. It follows a [Well done good and faithful Servant:] There is needful a close attendance upon God, and devotedness to him, and improvement of Gospel Grace and Revelation, to make a Soul fit for amicable sweet communion with God: All that will save a Soul from Hell will not do this.
2. And sins of omission have here a great part: The sweetness of God's Love is a reward which sloathful Servants are unmeet for. It follows a [Well done good and faithful Servant:] There is needful a close attendance upon God, and devotedness to him, and improvement of Gospel Grace and Revelation, to make a Soul fit for amicable sweet communion with God: All that will save a Soul from Hell will not do this.