Required reading
The Works (Vol 4) by William Bates (Available from Amazon or free here) - Conclude 'A sermon on the death of Richard Baxter'.
My summary
Today we finish the sermon for the funeral of Richard Baxter on 'And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my Spirit' (Lk 23:46).
Bates now applies the text to his hearers by explaining that we should:
(i) be informed of the contrary states into which dying persons immediately pass;
(ii) seriously consider whether we are of this spiritual progeny;
(iii) be persuaded to prepare for the reception of our souls in the next world;
(iv) be encouraged with peace and joy to commend our souls to God.
Then Bates speaks about the life of Richard Baxter including his:
(i) time at Kidderminster;
(ii) prayers;
(iii) preaching;
(iv) time in London;
(v) involvement in government legislation;
(vi) suffering under the act of uniformity;
(vii) books;
(viii) character;
(ix) death.
What grabbed me
I certainly enjoyed reading about the life of one of the greatest Puritans.
Particularly Baxter's prayer life: 'His prayers were an effusion of the most lively melting expressions, and his intimate ardent affections to God; from the "abundance of the heart his lips spake." His soul took wing for heaven, and rapt up the souls of others with him. Never did I see or hear a holy minister address himself to God with more reverence and humility, with respect to his glorious greatness ; never with more zeal and fervency correspondent to the infinite moment of his requests ; nor with more filial affiance in the divine mercy.'
If only more of us prayed in such a way.
Next week's reading
Commence 'A sermon on the death of David Clarkson' by reading up to the heading 'The Application'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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