A26921:24
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.
I the rather note this, that no temptation carry me into that extreme, of taking nothing but Heaven to be worthy of our minding or regard; and so to cast off the World in a sinful sort, on pretence of mortification, and a heavenly mind and life.
I the rather note this, that no temptation carry me into that extream, of taking nothing but Heaven to be worthy of our minding or regard; and so to cast off the World in a sinful sort, on pretence of mortification, and a heavenly mind and life.
I. As to the sense, the meaning is not that any thing on Earth is better than Heaven, or simply, and in itself to be preferred before it: The end is better than the means as such: And perfection better than imperfection.
But the present use of the means may be preferred sometimes before the present possession of the end: And the use of means for a higher end, may be preferred before the present possession of a lower end: And every thing hath its season: Planting, and Sowing, and Building are not so good as Reaping; and Fruit gathering, and Dwelling: But in their season they must be first done.
But the present use of the means may be preferred somtimes before the present possession of the end: And the use of means for a higher end, may be preferred before the present possession of a lower end: And every thing hath its season: Planting, and Sowing, and Building are not so good as Reaping; and Fruit gathering, and Dwelling: But in their season they must be first done.