A69538:105
The last work of a believer his passing prayer recommending his departing spirit to…
The last work of a believer his passing prayer recommending his departing spirit to Christ to be received by Him / prepared for the funerals of Mary the widow first of Francis Charlton Esq. and after of Thomas Hanmer, Esq., and partly preached at St. Mary Magdalens Church in Milk-Street, London, and now, at the desire of her daughter, reprinted by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by B. Griffin for B. Simmons, 1682
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.
Answ. If he have freed thee from the reign of sin, by giving thee a Will that would fain be fully delivered from it, and given thee a desire to be perfectly holy, he will finish the work that he hath begun; and will not bring thee defiled into Heaven, but will wash thee in his Blood, and separate all the remnant of corruption from thy Soul, when he separateth thy Soul from flesh: There needs no purgatory but his blood and Spirit in the instant of death shall deliver thee, that he may present thee spotless to the Father.
O fear not then to trust thy Soul with him that will Receive it: And fear not death, that can do thee no more harm. And when once thou hast ⟨p. 39⟩overcome the fears of death, thou wilt be the more resolute in thy duty, and faithful to Christ, and above the power of most temptations, and wilt not fear the face of man, when Death is the worst that man can bring thee to. It is true, Death is dreadful: but it is as true that the arms of Christ are joyful. It is an unpleasing thing to leave the Bodies of our friends in the earth: but it is unspeakable pleasure to their Souls, to be Received into the Heavenly society by Christ.
And how confidently, quietly, and comfortably you may commend your departing Spirits to be received by Christ, be informed by these considerations following.