A26921:32
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.
III. Yea, we have greater work here to do than mere securing our own Salvation. We are […] ⟨image 12⟩of the World and Church, and we must labour to do good to many: We are trusted with our Masters Talents for his Service; in our places to do our best to propagate his Truth, and Grace and Church; and to bring home Souls, and Honour his cause, and edify his Flock, and further the Salvation of as many as we can. All this is to be done on Earth, if we will secure the end of all in Heaven.
III. Yea, we have greater work here to do than meer securing our own Salvation. We are 〈…〉 ⟨image 12⟩of the World and Church, and we must labour to do good to many: We are trusted with our Masters Talents for his Service; in our places to do our best to propaga•e his Truth, and Grace and Church; and to bring home Souls, and Honour his cause, and edifie his Flock, and further the Salvation of as many as we can. All this is to be done on Earth, if we will secure the end of all in Heaven.
Use. I. It is then an error (though it is but few I think that are guilty of it) to think that all Religion lieth in minding only the Life to come, and disregarding all things in this present life: All true Christians must seriously mind, both the End, and the Means, or way: If they mind not believingly the End, they will never be faithful in the use of means: If they mind not and use not diligently the Means, they will never obtain the End. None can use Earth well that prefer not Heaven: And none come to Heaven (at Age) that are not prepared by well using Earth. Heaven must have the deepest esteem and habituated love, and desire, and joy: But Earth must have more of our daily thoughts for present practice. A Man that travelleth to the most desirable home, hath a habit of desire to it all the way: But his present business is his travel: And Horse and Company, and Inns, and Ways, and Weariness, &c. may take up more of his sensible Thoughts, and of his Talk, and Action, than his Home.