Dying Thoughts (Richard Baxter) (#36)

Dying Thoughts 

Written in the final weeks of his own life, Puritan Richard Baxter has written the most searching, personal examination of the soul, for any person who feels the tension the Apostle Paul spoke of when he wrote in Philippians that he felt very much pulled in two directions – having a desire to remain in this world and labor on, for others, or a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better (Philippians 1:23).

More well known for his Reformed Pastor, Richard Baxter was the outstanding and devout pastor of the village of Kidderminster. Dying Thoughts is an abridged version in which Benjamin Fawcett reduced the original work for us.  As he wrote in the introduction, ‘The Dying Thoughts of Mr. Baxter chiefly present to our view what every Christian may attain, and what it is the highest interest, as well as the indispensable duty of every Christian to aspire after.’

Baxter wrestles openly before the reader with his own doubts and fears as he faces eternity.  He is jealously examining his own heart, anxious to test his own sincerity, taking nothing for granted. Baxter wanted to die with every grace in his soul in full vigor. A man of like passions as ourselves, his Dying Thoughts provides much-needed counsel, strength and comfort because it deals with the same conflicts, complaints and desires which fill our own hearts.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Richard Baxter, a Corrective for Reformed Preachers (Edward Donnelly)

1. What There is Desirable in the Present Life
2. The Souls of the Godly Are with Christ
3. Departing to Be with Christ
4. Why It Is Far Better to Be with Christ
5. God Makes Us Willing to Depart