A26921:797
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.
XVI. I am sure, 1. By understanding that I understand, and by willing that I will, &c. 2. I am sure by these Acts that I have the power or faculties to do them. For none doth that which it cannot do. 3. And I know that it is a substance that hath these powers: For nothing can do nothing.
My Soul then being certainly an intellective, Volitive, Vital substance; 1. I have no reason to think that God who annihilateth not the least Sand, will annihilate so noble a substance.
2. Nor that he will destroy those Powers which are its Essential form, and turn it into some other thing.
3. Nor that such Essential powers shall lie as dead unactive, and so be continued in vain.
4. There remaining therefore nothing uncertain to natural Reason, but the continuance of Individuation to separate Souls. 1. Apparitions, and Witches cases have put that out of doubt, notwithstanding many Fables and Delusions. 2. Christ hath put it more out of doubt. 3. While substance, faculties and acts continue, it is the error of our selfish state in Flesh, which maketh any fear too near a Union which shall end our individuation. The greatest Union will be the greatest Perfection, and no loss to Souls.