A26921:1030
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.
II. This would make it much easier to me to believe that there is certainly a future blessed life for Souls; while I even tasted how God loveth them? It's no hard thing to believe that the Sun will give light and heat, and revive the frozen Earth: Nor that a Father will show kindness to his Son, or give him an inheritance. Why should it be hard to believe that God will glorify the Souls whom he loveth? And that he will take them near himself: And that thus it shall be done to those whom he delights to honour.
II. This would make it much easier to me to believe that there is certainly a future blessed life for Souls; while I even tasted how God loveth them? It's no hard thing to believe that the Sun will give light and heat, and revive the frozen Earth: Nor that a Father will shew kindness to his Son, or give him an inheritance. Why should it be hard to believe that God will glorifie the Souls whom he loveth? And that he will take them near himself: And that thus it shall be done to those whom he delights to honour.
III. This effusion of Divine Love would answer my doubts of the pardon of sin: I should not find it hard to believe that love itself, which hath given us a Saviour, ⟨p. 378⟩will forgive a Soul that truly repenteth, and hates his sin, and giveth up himself to Christ for Justification. It's hard to believe that a Tyrant will forgive, but not that a Father will pardon a returning prodigal Son.
IV. This effusion of Divine Love, will answer my fears which arise from mere weakness of Grace and Duty: Indeed it will give no other comfort to an unconverted Soul, but that he may be accepted if he come to God by Christ, with true Faith and Repentance, and that this is possible. But it should be easy to believe that a tender Father will not kill or cast out a Child for weakness, crying or uncleanness: Divine Love will accept and cherish, even weak Faith, weak Prayer, and weak obedience and patience which are sincere.