A26921:310
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.
That is simply Best which God willeth. Therefore to Live here is Best whilst I do live here: and to depart is best when the time of my departure cometh: That is Best which is, (which is the work of God:) The World cannot be Better at this Instant than it is, nor any thing Better (which is of God:) because it is as he willeth it to be: But when God hath changed them, it will then be Best that they are changed. Were there no other Good in my departure hence, but this simple Good, the fulfilling of God's will, my Reason telleth me that I should be fully satisfied in it: But there is also a subordinate sort of Good.
That is simply Best which God willeth. Therefore to Live here is Best whilest I do live here: and to depart is best when the time of my departure cometh: That is Best which is, (which is the work of God:) The World cannot be Better at this Instant than it is, nor any thing Better (which is of God:) because it is as he willeth it to be: But when God hath changed them, it will then be Best that they are changed. Were there no other Good in my departure hence, but this simple Good, the fulfilling of God's will, my Reason telleth me that I should be fully satisfied in it: But there is also a subordinate sort of Good.
§ 6. II. For my change will tend to the perfection of the Universe: even that Material Good or Perfection, which is its Aptitude for the use to which God hath created and doth preserve it. As all the parts, the modes, the situation, the motions of a Clock, a Watch, or other such Engine do to the ends of the Artificer. Though God hath not told me particularly, Why every Thing, and Mode and Motion is as it is, I know it is all done in perfect Wisdom, and suited to its proper use and end: If the Hen or Bird knoweth how to make her nest, to lay her Eggs secretly together, when and how to sit on them till they are hatched, and how to feed them and preserve them, and when to forsake them, as sufficient for themselves without her help, &c. If the B•c know when, and whence, and how to gather her Honey and Wax, and how to form the repository Combs, and how to lay it up, and all the rest of her marvellous Economy, shall I think that God doth he knoweth not what, or what is not absolutely the best? Doth he want either Shill, or Will, or Power?