A26921:963
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.
6. Then the thoughts of God's love are pleasant to the Soul, and give it such delight as we feel in the love and fruition of our most valued and beloved friends.
7. The Soul in this state is as unapt to be jealous of God or to question his Love, as a good Child or Wife to question the Love of a Parent or Husband, or to hear any that speak evil of them.
8. This then becomes the habitual state of the Soul, in all changes to live in the delightful sense of the love of God, as we do live in pleasure with our dearest Friends.
O blessed state, and first fruits of Heaven! and happy are they that do attain it! And though lower degrees have their degree of happiness, yet how far short are such, in goodness, amiableness and comfort, of those that are thus rich in grace.
This presupposeth; 1. Knowledge of God and the Gospel. 2. True belief and hope. 3. A sincere and fruitful life. 4. Mortification as to Idol, worldly vanities. 5. A conviction of our sincerity in all this. 6. A conclusion that God doth love us.