Richard Baxter's dying thoughts upon Phil. I, 23 written for his own life and…

§ 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.

§ 25. But yet these Fears do prove its weakness, and were they prevalent against the Choice, Obedience, Resolutions, and Endeavours of Faith, they would be prevalent against the Truth of Faith, or prove its nullity; for Faith is Trust; and Trust is a securing, quieting thing: Why are ye fearful, O ye of little Faith? was a just reproof ⟨p. 64⟩of Christ to his Disciples, when sensible dangers raised up their fears. For the established will hath a political or imperfect, though not a despotical and absolute Power over our Passions. And therefore our fears do show us our unbelief, and stronger Faith is the best means of conquering even irrational fears; Why art thou cast down O my Soul; and why art thou so disquieted in me? Trust in God, &c. Psal. 42. is a needful way of chiding a timorous Heart.

§ 25. But yet these Fears do prove its weakness, and were they prevalent against the Choice, Obedience, Resolutions, and Endeavours of Faith, they would be prevalent against the Truth of Faith, or prove its nullity; for Faith is Trust; and Trust is a securing, quieting thing: Why are ye fearful, O ye of little Faith? was a just reproof