A26921:316
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.
§ 9. And 1. That is best for me, which Love itself, my heavenly Father designeth and chooseth for my good: I hope I shall never dare to think or say, that he is mistaken, or that he wanted Skill or Love: Or that I could have chosen better for my self than he doth, if he had left all to my choice. Many a time the wise and good-will of God, hath crossed my foolish rebellious will on Earth: And afterward I have still perceived that it was best; usually for my self, but always for a higher good than mine. It is not an Enemy, nor a Tyrant that made me, that hath preserved me, and that calls me hence. He hath not used me as an Enemy: The more I have tried him, the better I have found him: Had I better obeyed his Ruling will, how happy had I been: And is not his disposing and rewarding will ⟨p. 125⟩as good? Man's work is like Man, and evil corrupteth it; but God's work is like God, and uncorrupted: If I should not die till my dearest Friend would have it, much more till I my self would choose it (not constrained by misery) I should rejoice, and think my life were safe! O foolish sinful Soul, if I take it not to be far better to be at God's choice than at my own or any Mans! And if I had not rather that he choose the time than I.
§ 9. And 1. That is best for me, which Love itself, my heavenly Father designeth and chooseth for my good: I hope I shall never dare to think or say, that he is mistaken, or that he wanted Skill or Love: Or that I could have chosen better for my self than he doth, if he had left all to my choice. Many a time the wise and good-will of God, hath crossed my foolish rebellious will on Earth: And afterward I have still perceived that it was best; usually for my self, but always for a higher good than mine. It is not an Enemy, nor a Tyrant that made me, that hath preserved me, and that calls me hence. He hath not used me as an Enemy: The more I have tried him, the better I have found him: Had I better obeyed his Ruling will, how happy had I been: And is not his disposing and rewarding will ⟨p. 125⟩as good? Man's work is like Man, and evil corrupteth it; but God's work is like God, and uncorrupted: If I should not die till my dearest Friend would have it, much more till I my self would choose it (not constrained by misery) I should rejoyce, and think my life were safe! O foolish sinful Soul, if I take it not to be far better to be at God's choice than at my own or any Mans! And if I had not rather that he choose the time than I.