A26921:198
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.
§ 22. And Satan knowing the power of these passions, ⟨p. 63⟩and having easier access to the Sensitive, than to the Intellective Faculties, doth labour to get in at this back Door, and to frighten poor Souls into doubts and unbelief: and in timorous Natures he doth it with too great success, as to the Consolatory acts of Faith. Though yet God's Mercy is wonderfully seen in preserving many honest tender Souls, from the damning part of unbelief, and by their fears preserveth them from being bold with sin: When many bold and impudent Sinners turn Infidels or Atheists, by forfeiting the helps of Grace.
§ 23. And indeed Irrational fears have so much power to raise Doubts, that they are seldom separated; insomuch that many scarce know or observe the difference between Doubts and Fears: And many say they not only fear but doubt when they can scarce tell why, as if it were no intellectual act which they meant, but an irrational Passion.
§ 24. If therefore my Soul see undeniable Evidence of Immortality; and if it be able by irrefragable Argument, to prove the future blessedness expected, and if it be convinced that God's promises are true, and sufficiently sealed and attested by him, to warrant the most confident belief, and if I trust my Soul and all my hopes upon this word, and evidences of Truth, it is not then our averseness to die, nor the sensible fears of a Soul that looketh into Eternity, that invalidate any of the Reasons of my Hope, nor prove the unsoundness of my Faith.
§ 24. If therefore my Soul see undeniable Evidence of Immortality; and if it be able by irrefragable Argument, to prove the future blessedness expected, and if it be convinced that God's promises are true, and sufficiently sealed and attested by him, to warrant the most confident belief, and if I trust my Soul and all my hopes upon this word, and evidences of Truth, it is not then our aversness to die, nor the sensible fears of a Soul that looketh into Eternity, that invalidate any of the Reasons of my Hope, nor prove the unsoundness of my Faith.