A26921:37
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. This Body is so nearly united to thee, that it, must needs be a great help or hinderance: Had it been more afflicted, it might have been a discouraging clog; like a tired Horse in a Journey, or an ill Tool to a Workman, or an untuned Instrument in Music: A sick or bad Servant in an House is a great trouble: And a bad Wife much more. But thy Body is nearer thee than either, and will be more of thy concern.
I. This Body is so nearly united to thee, that it, must needs be a great help or hinderance: Had it been more afflicted, it might have been a discouraging clog; like a tired Horse in a Journey, or an ill Tool to a Workman, or an untuned Instrument in Musick: A sick or bad Servant in an House is a great trouble: And a bad Wife much more. But thy Body is nearer thee than either, and will be more of thy concern.
And yet if it had been more Strong and Healthful, Sense, and Appetite would have been strong; and Lust would have been strong; and therefore danger would have been greater, and Victory and Salvation much more difficult. Even weak Senses and Temptations have too oft prevailed: How knowest thou then what stronger might have done: When I see a thirsty Man in a Fever or Dropsy, and specially when I see strong and healthful youths, bred up in fullness, and among temptations, how mad they are in sin, and how violently they are carried to it, bearing down God's rebukes, and Conscience, and Parents, and Friends, and all regard to their Salvation, it tells me how great a Mercy I had, even in a Body not liable to their case.
And yet if it had been more Strong and Healthful, Sense, and Appetite would have been strong; and Lust would have been strong; and therefore danger would have been greater, and Victory and Salvation much more difficult. Even weak Senses and Temptations have too oft prevailed: How knowest thou then what stronger might have done: When I see a thirsty Man in a Feaver or Dropsie, and specially when I see strong and healthful youths, bred up in fulness, and among temptations, how mad they are in sin, and how violently they are carried to it, bearing down God's rebukes, and Conscience, and Parents, and Friends, and all regard to their Salvation, it tells me how great a Mercy I had, even in a Body not liable to their case.