Richard Baxter's dying thoughts upon Phil. I, 23 written for his own life and…

Thou dost but entangle thy self in sin and self-vexation, while thou wouldst take God's work upon thee, and wouldst know that for thy self, which he must know for thee: Thy knowledge and care for it, did not precede nor prepare for thy Generation; nor for the motion of one Pulse or Breath, or for the Concoction of one bit of all thy Food, or the continuance of thy life one hour; supposing but thy care to use the means which God appointed thee, and to avoid things hurtful, and to beg his Blessing. The command of being careful for nothing, and casting all thy care on God, who careth for us, obligeth us in all things that are God's part; and for our Souls as well as for our Bodies: Yea, to Trust him with the greatest of our concerns, is our greatest duty; supposing we be careful about our own part, viz. to use the means and obey his Precepts. To dispose of a departing Soul is God's part and not ours! O how much evil is in this distrustful self-providing Care! If I did but know what I would know about my Soul and my Self; and if I might but choose what condition it should be in, and be the final disposer of it my Self, O what satisfaction and joy would it afford me? And is not this to be partly a God to my self? Is he not fitter to know and choose, and dispose of me, than I am? I could Trust my self easily, even my Wit and Will in such a Choice, if I had but power. And cannot I trust God and my Redeemer, without all this care, and fear, and trouble, and all these particular enquiries? If you are convoying your Child in a Boat, or Coach, by Water, or by Land, and at every turn he be crying out [O Father, whither do we go? Or what shall I do? or I shall be drowned or fall;] Is it not rather his Trust in you, than the particular ⟨p. 219⟩satisfaction of his ignorant doubts, that must quiet and silence him? Be not then foolishly distrustful and inquisitive? Make not thy self thy own disquieter or tormentor▪ by an inordinate care of thy own security. Be not cast down, O departing Soul, nor by unbelief disquieted within me: Trust in God, for thou shalt quickly by experience be taught to give him thanks and praise, who is the health of my countenance and my God.