A26921:949
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.
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!
X. [And Experience, Hope.] A bare Promise should ⟨p. 364⟩give us Hope: But we are still distrustful of our selves and of all the clearest Evidences, till experience help us, and set all Home. O what an advantage hath a Christian of great and long experience for his hope and joy! And yet when notable experiences of God's Providence are past and gone, an unbelieving Heart is ready to question whether the things came not by mere natural course; and like the Israelites in the Wilderness, dangers and fears bear down even long and great experiences: This is my sin.
X. [And Experience, Hope.] A bare Promise should ⟨p. 364⟩give us Hope: But we are still distrustful of our selves and of all the clearest Evidences, till experience help us, and set all Home. O what an advantage hath a Christian of great and long experience for his hope and joy! And yet when notable experiences of God's Providence are past and gone, an unbelieving Heart is ready to question whether the things came not by meer natural course; and like the Israelites in the Wilderness, dangers and fears bear down even long and great experiences: This is my sin.