A26921:948
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.
VII. [Not only so, but we glory in Tribulation.] Glory is so Transcendent, and Tribulation so small and short, that an expectant of Glory may well rejoice in bodily sufferings. It is Tribulation for Christ and Righteousness sake, that we are said to Glory in: The rest for our sins, it's well if we can improve and patiently bear. Yet in them we may rejoice, in hope of Glory, though we glory not of them. O if all the painful languid Days, and Nights, and Years that I have had, as the fruit of my sin, had been sufferings for that which I am now hated and hunted for, even for preaching Christ when men forbid me, how joyfully might I undergo it: But yet even here, approaching Glory should be my joy. Alas, my groans and moans are too great, and my joy too little.
VII. [Not only so, but we glory in Tribulation.] Glory is so Transcendent, and Tribulation so small and short, that an expectant of Glory may well rejoice in bodily sufferings. It is Tribulation for Christ and Righteousness sake, that we are said to Glory in: The rest for our sins, it's well if we can improve and patiently bear. Yet in them we may rejoice, in hope of Glory, though we glory not of them. O if all the painful languid Daies, and Nights, and Years that I have had, as the fruit of my sin, had been sufferings for that which I am now hated and hunted for, even for preaching Christ when men forbid me, how joyfully might I undergo it: But yet even here, approaching Glory should be my joy. Alas, my groans and moans are too great, and my joy too little.
VIII. [Knowing that Tribulation worketh Patience.] That which worketh Patience is matter of Joy: For Patience doth us more good than Tribulation can do hurt; Why then do I groan so much under suffering, and so little study and exercise Patience, and no more rejoice in the exercise thereof?
IX. [And Patience, Experience.] It is manifold and profitable Experience, which patient suffering brings. It giveth us experience, as of Natures weakness, and the great need of Faith: So of the Truth of God's Promises, the love and tenderness of Christ, the acceptance of our Prayers; and the power of the Spirits aid and grace. O what abundance of experiences of God and our selves, and the vanity of Creatures had we wanted, if we had not waited in a suffering state: Alas, how many Experiences have I forgotten!