A26921:788
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.
Appendix › The Reasons and Helps of my Belief and Hope of this Perfection.
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.
VII. And the sanctifying work of the Spirit wrought by it, in all Nations and Ages, on serious Believers, is a constant Divine attestation.
VIII. And as my Faith hath so sure a Foundation, it confirmeth my Faith and Hope that it hath been so long and great a work of God by his Word and Spirit on my Soul, to raise it to believe, and love, and desire that Holy state of Perfection and Fruition which I hope for: That which hath made me so much better than I else had been, and turned my Heart and Life, (though imperfectly) to things above the Pleasures of the Flesh, must needs be of God: And God would never send his Grace to work my Heart to Deceit and Lies, and give me such Graces as shall all be frustrate: His Spirit is the Earnest and first Fruits of Glory.
IX. And all the course of Religious and Moral duty which he hath commanded me, and in which he hath employed my life, were never imposed to deceive me; I am sure by Nature and Scripture that it is my Duty to love God and my Neighbour, to desire Perfection, and to serve God, and do good with all my time and power, and to trust God for my reward, believing that all this shall not be in vain; nor that which is best be made my loss. O blessed be God for Commands and Holy Duty: For they are equal to Promises: Who can fear that he shall lose by seeking God?