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

§ 9. But what was it that they talked about? Luk. 9. 31. saith, They appeared in Glory, and spake of his ⟨p. 312⟩decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. This was not to make it known to Christ, who came into the World to die for sin: What then was it for? Did Christ tell them of it, as not knowing it before? That is not likely neither. Did he need their comfort, as Angels in his trials ministered to him and strengthened him? The particular uses of this speech we know not? But in general we know it was somewhat preparatory to his great Sufferings and Death.

§ 9. But what was it that they talkt about? Luk. 9. 31. saith, They appeared in Glory, and spake of his ⟨p. 312⟩decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. This was not to make it known to Christ, who came into the World to die for sin: What then was it for? Did Christ tell them of it, as not knowing it before? That is not likely neither. Did he need their comfort, as Angels in his trials ministred to him and strengthned him? The particular uses of this speech we know not? But in general we know it was somwhat preparatory to his great Sufferings and Death.

And must Christ's Sufferings and Death have such preparation, and must not mine have much premeditation, and do I not need the consolatory messages of God? Carnal men would rather have chosen pleasanter discourse, than the talk of Sufferings and Death. But that which must be undergone, and requireth greatest strength, must be forethought of, and requireth the most preparing Thoughts. It's worse than madness to be surprised with Sufferings and Death, before it's seriously forethought of? So sharp a trial and so great a change, require the greatest preparation. He that can refuse to suffer and die, may refuse to talk or think of it. If Christ must have men from Heaven to talk with him of his Cross, what cause have we to study the Cross? Even all our lives to foresee it, and by obedient consent to submit unto it, and take it up to follow Christ, and even to determine with Paul to know nothing in the World but Christ and him Crucified, that is, to take this for the only needful and excellent Learning: But, alas, how senslesly is Death and Suffering talked of till it comes! We are to learn how to suffer when suffering is upon us; and to learn how to die till Nature or the Physician pass the sentence of Death on us at hand. And it is God's Mercy to some of us to make our sufferings long, that we may have