A26921:858
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.
Our merciful Father doth use to shame us for our impatience, by the blessed end of our Afflictions. The End that God made with Job showed the reasonableness of his Patience: When our afflictions are over, do not all Believers see cause of thankfulness for them, and say, It is good for me that I was afflicted? The pain is past, and the benefit remaineth. And if all that's past was Mercy to us, why should we much fear that ⟨p. 320⟩which is to come. Heaven will end all, and shame impatience for ever.
Our merciful Father doth use to shame us for our impatience, by the blessed end of our Afflictions. The End that God made with Job shewed the reasonableness of his Patience: When our afflictions are over, do not all Believers see cause of thankfulness for them, and say, It is good for me that I was afflicted? The pain is past, and the benefit remaineth. And if all that's past was Mercy to us, why should we much fear that ⟨p. 320⟩which is to come. Heaven will end all, and shame impatience for ever.
Our patience is much of our perseverance: What a deal of labour do those impatient men lose, that learn and pray, and are somewhat Religious, and have not patience at the last assault to bear the trial, but fail when they seemed to be near the Crown?
Our patience is much of our perseverance: What a deal of labour do those impatient men lose, that learn and pray, and are somwhat Religious, and have not patience at the last assault to bear the trial, but fail when they seemed to be near the Crown?
Hold out then poor desponding Soul: Lift up the Hands which hang down, and the feeble Knees, and run with patience the Race which is set before thee, looking to Jesus who for the joy that was set before him, endured the Cross. God will not deceive thy hopes! Sin hath brought pain and death on Man; but Christ hath sanctified it, and is the Lord of Life. Yet a little while, and the heavenly Possession shall turn thy sorrows into everlasting Joy, and thy moans and groans into thanks and praise, and there shall be no more sickness, pains or death. O foolish unbelieving Hearts that cry out of suffering, and fear deliverance; that would fain be free from all affliction, and yet fly from the only state of freedom: That are impatient under their calamity, and yet afraid of passing to the only rest.