A27061:241
Two treatises the first of death, on I Cor. 15:26, the second of judgment…
Two treatises the first of death, on I Cor. 15:26, the second of judgment on 2 Cor. 5:10, 11 / by Rich. Baxter.
London: printed for Nevil Simmons, 1672
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.
5. If any say, that here is no mention of her faults; I answer, Though I had acquaintance with her, I knew them not, nor ever heard from any other so much as might enable me to accuse her, if I were her enemy. Yet I doubt not but she was imperfect, and had faults, though unknown to me. The example of Holiness I have briefly proposed: They that would see examples of iniquity, may look abroad in the world, and find enough: I need not be the accuser of the Saints to furnish them. And I think if they enquire here of any thing notable, they will he hard put to it to find enough to cover the accusers shame.
6. It is the honour of Christ and Grace in his members, more than the honour of his servant that I seek.
7. And I would not speak that in commendation of the living which I do of the dead who are out of the reach of all temptations, of being lifted up with pride thereby: Unless it be such whose reputation the interest of Christ and the Gospel commandeth me to vindicate.
8. Lastly, I am so far from lifting up one above the rest of the members of Christ, by these commendations, and from abasing others whose names I mention not, that I intend the honour of all in One, and think that in the substance I describe all Saints, in describing one. I am not about a Popish work of making a wonder of a Saint, as of a Phoenix, or some rare unusual thing. Saints with them must be Canonized, and their names put in the Calendar: and yet their blind malice tells the world, that there are no such things as Saints among us. But I rejoice in the many that I have communion with, and the many that have lately stepped before me into Heaven, and are safe there out of the reach of malice, and of sin, and all the enemies of their peace; and have left me mourning, and yet rejoicing; fearing, and yet hoping; and with some desires, looking after them here behind: And the faster Christ calls away his chosen ones, whose graces were amiable in mine eyes, the more willing he maketh me to follow them, and to leave this world of darkness, confusion,