A26921:52
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.
But, alas, what power hath selfishness in most? How easily do we bear our Brethren's pains, reproaches, wants and afflictions, in comparison of our own: How few thoughts, and how little cost or labour do we use for their supply, in comparison of what we do for our selves. Nature indeed teacheth us to be most sensible of our own case: But Grace tells us that we should not make so great a difference as we do, but should love our Neighbours as our selves.
But, alas, what power hath selfishness in most? How easily do we bear our Brethrens pains, reproaches, wants and afflictions, in comparison of our own: How few thoughts, and how little cost or labour do we use for their supply, in comparison of what we do for our selves. Nature indeed teacheth us to be most sensible of our own case: But Grace tells us that we should not make so great a difference as we do, but should love our Neighbours as our selves.
Use VII. And now, O my Soul, consider how mercifully God hath dealt with thee, that thy strait should be between two conditions so desirable? I shall either die speedily, or stay yet longer upon Earth: Which ever it be, it will be ⟨image 17⟩a Merciful and Comfortable state. That it is desirable to depart and be with Christ, I must not doubt, and shall anon more copiously consider. And if my abode on Earth yet longer be so great a Mercy as to be put in the Balance against my present possession of Heaven, surely it must be a state which obligeth me to great thankfulness to God, and comfortable acknowledgement: And surely it is not my pain, or sickness, my suffering• from malicious men, that should make this Life on Earth unacceptable, while God will continue it: Paul had his Prick or Thorn in the Flesh, the Messenger of Satan to Buffet him, and suffered more from men (though less in his Health) than I have done: And yet he gloried in such Infirmities, and rejoiced in his Tribulation•, and was in a strait between living and dying▪ yea, rather chose to live yet longer.