it BAXTER'S DYING THOUGHTS. prosperity, and power, to be in the hands of wise and faithful men, for the sake of souls, and the increase ofthe church, and the honor ofGod, that his name may be hallowed, his kingdom come, and his will done on earth, as it is in heaven; this is to be the chief ofour prayers to God. Use 3. Be not unthankful, then, O my soul, for the mercies of this present life, for those to thy body, to thy friends, to the land of thy nativity, and especially to the church ofGod. 1. This body is so nearly united to thee, that it must needs, be a great help or hindrance. Had it beenmore afflicted, . it might have been a discouraging clog; like a tired horse in a journey, or an ill tool to a workman, or an untuned instrument in music. A sick or bad servant in a house is a great trouble, and a bad wife much more; but thy body is nearer thee than either, and will be more of thy concern. And yet if it had been more strong and healthful, sense and ap- petite would have been strong, and lust would have been strong, and therefore danger would have been greater, and victory and salvation much more difficult. Even weak senses and temptations have too oft prevailed.. How knowest thou, then, what stronger might have done? When I see a thirsty man in a fever or drop- sy, and especiallywhen.I see strong and healthful youths, bred up in fullness, and among temptations, how mad they are in sin, and how violently they are carried to it, bearing down God's rebukes, and conscience, and parents, and friends, and all regard to their salvation, it tells me how great a mercy I had even in a body not liable to their case. And many a bodily deliverance bath been of great use to my soul, renewing my time, and opportunity, and strength, for service, and bringing frequent and fresh reports of the love of God. If bodily mercies were not of great use to the soul, Christ would not to much have showed his saving love, by healing all manner of diseases, as he did. Nor 'would God promise us a resurrection of the body, if a congruous body did not further the welfare of the soul. 2. And -I am obliged to great thankfulness to God for the mer- cies of this life which he hath showed to my friends ; that which furthers their joy should increase mine. I ought to rejoice with them that rejoice. Nature and grace teach usto be glad when our friends are well, and prosper, thoughall in order to better things than bodily welfare. 3. And such mercies ofthis life to the land of our habitation must not be undervalued. The want of them are parts of God's threatened curse ; and godliness hath the promise of this life, and of that which is to come, and so is profitable to all things. And
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