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Dying Thoughts (Revised)
More well known for his Reformed Pastor , Richard Baxter was the outstanding pastor of Kidderminster. Dying Thoughts is his exposition of Paul's words in Philippians 1:23: 'For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better.' Benjamin Fawcett who made this abridged version of the original work wrote, '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.
In this little book, we see Baxter wrestling with his own doubts and fears as he faces eternity, 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 vigour. A man of life 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.
In this little book, we see Baxter wrestling with his own doubts and fears as he faces eternity, 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 vigour. A man of life 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.
124 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1976
About the author
Richard Baxter
485 books110 followersRichard Baxter (1615-1691) was an English Puritan church leader, poet, hymn-writer, theologian, and controversialist. Dean Stanley called him "the chief of English Protestant Schoolmen". After some false starts, he made his reputation by his ministry at Kidderminster, and at around the same time began a long and prolific career as theological writer. After the Restoration he refused preferment, while retaining a non-separatist presbyterian approach, and became one of the most influential leaders of the nonconformists, spending time in prison.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 19, 2023
“Should I fear a darksome passage into a world of perfect light? Should I fear to go to Love itself? O excellent grace of faith which foresees, and blessed Word of faith which foreshows, this world of love! Shall I fear to enter where there is no wrath, reserve, suspicion, or selfish separation; but love will make every holy spirit as dear to me as myself, and me to them as lovely as themselves, and God to us all more amiable than ourselves and all?
Lord, hadst thou not given me a will and love, which is part of my nature, I could not have tasted how desirable it is to live in a world of universal, perfect, endless love.”
Lord, hadst thou not given me a will and love, which is part of my nature, I could not have tasted how desirable it is to live in a world of universal, perfect, endless love.”
November 20, 2021
I don’t particularly like thinking about death (my own or others), but it was a delight reading Richard Baxter’s “Dying Thoughts.” Baxter’s reflections on death near the end of his own life helped focus my gaze upon Christ. Indeed, “It is far better for me to be with Christ, as thereby my knowledge will be perfected. A soul that is with Christ is more likely to know Christ, and the Father in him, than a soul that is present with the body, and absent from the Lord.” In traditional Puritan fashion, Baxter’s deep meditations not only stimulate the mind but excite the heart and reorient the affections. Western culture disciples Christians to find contentment and security in life on this earth. The Bible, by contrast, disciples Christians to embrace life as sojourners and strangers. Reflecting on death is the perfect antidote to the world’s discipleship, and Baxter will aid you toward that end. He writes, “But if my part on earth must not increase, let it make me the more weary of this dungeon, and more fervently wish for the day, when all my desires shall be satisfied, and my soul be filled with thy light and love.” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
January 2, 2026
Incredible insight into the heart of the godly puritan Richard Baxter as he reflects on his life while preparing his mind and soul for entering into glory.
In an exposition of Philippians 1:23 where Paul writes that “to be with Christ” is “far better” than remaining on earth, Baxter argues that in order to honestly echo Paul’s words we must work at renewing our minds and taking our thoughts captive: “We can love no farther than we know; and the more we know of God and glory, the more we shall love, desire, and trust” … “faith that is not upheld by such evidence of truth as reason can discern and justify is often joined with much doubting”(18).
It is with this premise that Baxter takes great lengths to show the biblical and logical reasons for why we can look ahead to our home going with absolute joy and full assurance of faith.
Yet, Baxter is honest in expressing his doubts and natural human emotions over the fear of death:
“Though, like Cicero after reading Plato’s book on immortality, our doubts return, and our fear interrupts and weakens our desires and joys, yet I find that it is chiefly an irrational fear, occasioned by the darkness of the mind, the greatness of change, the dreadful majesty of God, and man’s natural aversion to death, even when reason is fully satisfied that such fear is consistent with certain safety.”(33) … “My conscience remembers the follies of my youth, and many a later odious sin, and tells me that if heaven were quite hid from my sight, and I should never have a glimpse of the face of glorious eternal Love, it would be just.”(76).
However, despite these nagging doubts, Baxter (like the Psalmist) always comes full circle, casting his cares and anxieties at the foot of the cross:
“My sincere desires of deliverance, and of holiness and perfection, are my evidences that I shall obtain them”(89) … “The same grace which regenerated me must bring me to my desired end”(91) … “Neither did he fail me, or forsake me. And shall I now distrust him at last(97)?
Overall, amazing book and since no one can predict the day of his/her home going this is a must read for all brothers and sisters in Christ.
Can’t wait to meet Richard Baxter in heaven as his writings have had such a sanctifying influence on my soul.
Favorite Quotes:
“Indeed, the same cause which makes men unwilling to live a holy life has a great hand in making them unwilling to die”(42).
“And when I think of how sweet one wise and holy companion has been to me here on earth, and how lovely his graces have appeared, O what a sight it will be when we shall see the millions of the ‘spirits of just men made perfect’ shining with Christ in perfect wisdom and holiness”(65)!
“Alas! How many of thy servants are less afraid to go to a prison than to their God”(77)!
“Methinks, when we are singing the praises of God in great assemblies with joyful and fervent spirits, we have the liveliest foretaste of heaven upon earth, and could almost wish that our voices were loud enough to reach through all the world, and to heaven itself”(81).
In an exposition of Philippians 1:23 where Paul writes that “to be with Christ” is “far better” than remaining on earth, Baxter argues that in order to honestly echo Paul’s words we must work at renewing our minds and taking our thoughts captive: “We can love no farther than we know; and the more we know of God and glory, the more we shall love, desire, and trust” … “faith that is not upheld by such evidence of truth as reason can discern and justify is often joined with much doubting”(18).
It is with this premise that Baxter takes great lengths to show the biblical and logical reasons for why we can look ahead to our home going with absolute joy and full assurance of faith.
Yet, Baxter is honest in expressing his doubts and natural human emotions over the fear of death:
“Though, like Cicero after reading Plato’s book on immortality, our doubts return, and our fear interrupts and weakens our desires and joys, yet I find that it is chiefly an irrational fear, occasioned by the darkness of the mind, the greatness of change, the dreadful majesty of God, and man’s natural aversion to death, even when reason is fully satisfied that such fear is consistent with certain safety.”(33) … “My conscience remembers the follies of my youth, and many a later odious sin, and tells me that if heaven were quite hid from my sight, and I should never have a glimpse of the face of glorious eternal Love, it would be just.”(76).
However, despite these nagging doubts, Baxter (like the Psalmist) always comes full circle, casting his cares and anxieties at the foot of the cross:
“My sincere desires of deliverance, and of holiness and perfection, are my evidences that I shall obtain them”(89) … “The same grace which regenerated me must bring me to my desired end”(91) … “Neither did he fail me, or forsake me. And shall I now distrust him at last(97)?
Overall, amazing book and since no one can predict the day of his/her home going this is a must read for all brothers and sisters in Christ.
Can’t wait to meet Richard Baxter in heaven as his writings have had such a sanctifying influence on my soul.
Favorite Quotes:
“Indeed, the same cause which makes men unwilling to live a holy life has a great hand in making them unwilling to die”(42).
“And when I think of how sweet one wise and holy companion has been to me here on earth, and how lovely his graces have appeared, O what a sight it will be when we shall see the millions of the ‘spirits of just men made perfect’ shining with Christ in perfect wisdom and holiness”(65)!
“Alas! How many of thy servants are less afraid to go to a prison than to their God”(77)!
“Methinks, when we are singing the praises of God in great assemblies with joyful and fervent spirits, we have the liveliest foretaste of heaven upon earth, and could almost wish that our voices were loud enough to reach through all the world, and to heaven itself”(81).
December 22, 2022
Years ago, I had a pastor who said that a good thing for any parent to do, is to help prepare their children for when God would bring them (the parent) home to heaven. If you can get past the beginning (which I don’t find especially helpful and at times dubious), chapters three on are exceedingly useful reflections to help anyone prepare for dying. Because after all, it doesn’t make much sense to wait till you’re at death’s door to do that. Might seem morbid, but this book points out several reasons it’s really quite a hopeful thing to do.
March 18, 2021
Wonderful reflections
May 11, 2026
Baxter does an excellent job streamlining what’s most important in life.
His book is based on this passage of Scripture:
But I am hard-pressed between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better,
— Philippians 1:23
This is a very candid and honest exposition of a life facing eternity. As an older man, I’m facing the exact struggles and even the same doubts that he struggles with as he faces eternity. But these struggles are silenced when we bathe in the truths set forth in God’s holy word.
Our only hope is to immerse ourselves in the pages of Scripture, reminding ourselves that we are to “work out our sanctification in fear and trembling.”
1) The means by which I am preparing to be with Christ abundantly show that it is far better to be with Him.
2) At the end of all my preparation, it must be far better to be with Christ. Is not dwelling with Christ in glory better than dwelling in this sinful world?
3) It is far better to be with Christ as my knowledge will be perfected.
4) It is far better for me to have my will perfected as being with Christ.
5) It is also far better for me to be with Christ that I may have a perfect activity in doing good.
Lastly, should I fear a dark some passage into a world of perfect light? Should I fear to go to love itself? Shall I fear to enter where there is no wrath , reserve, suspicion, or selfish separation.”
Again , this reading is a must, getting our eyes off the temporal world and firmly focused on the joys of eternity.
Chas Morse
Book Review Title:
“Dying Thoughts”
A Second Review of Richard Baxter’s “Dying Thoughts” by Chas Morse
Tags
1. Living in the Present Life (Ch.1)
2. Living in Eternity (Ch. 2-5)
Notice the disproportionate weight of one chapter devoted to living on this earth balanced with 4 chapters discussing the benefit of living in Heaven at the feet of our beloved Lord Jesus Christ!
Key Verse(s)
“But I am hard-pressed between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better, yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.” Philippians 1:23-24
Commentary
What is man’s purpose for living? Why are we here on earth? If we buy into our culture’s siren song, we might be lured into thinking that life is all about seeking after all the pleasures that life has to offer. Is living for the moment satisfying? Or is there more to life than just selfish living? Dying Thoughts is a book written for every generation of believers—every age group, young and old. In this very well written book, Richard Baxter is struggling with the many of his fears and doubts as he faces the stark reality of death and dying. He takes an honest look at his own heart pouring out his soul like the Psalmist and crying out his anxious thoughts against the backdrop of Scripture allowing Yahweh to question him “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? The answer he arrives at, “Wait for God, for I shall still praise Him, the salvation of my presence and my God.” (Psalms 43:5)
So, what is our ultimate desire in life? What is our ambition while we live these few days. Do we have the heart of Paul when he says, “We are of good courage and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. Therefore, we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:8-10).
Thesis
Why should it seem such a difficult question for the believer to hesitate to willingly leave this world and go to Christ in peace? He answers that dilemma by stating that God gives us the grace needed to face the believer’s transition into eternity so we can glorify our Lord in our Dying Thoughts. The same grace that regenerates believers is the same grace that “must bring us” to the desired end, trusting and believing in our Triune Father, Savior and Comforter. Moreover, Heaven must have our highest esteem, and our habitual love, desire joy; but earth must have more of our daily thoughts for present ministry--evangelistic and discipleship and the building up of the church. (Matthew 28:19-20)
Purpose Statement
Puritan Richard Baxter’s purpose is to prepare the believer for his third birthday. We are to hope continually and live our temporal life here praising Him increasingly unto the end. “If Heaven feels in my heart, shall I not desire to dwell in Heaven” more?
Structure of the Book
The first chapter of the book outlines the reasons why we should maximize our short time on this earth accomplishing all that the Comforter has empowered us to do according to the will of God. The remaining 4 chapters emphasizes why we should be longing for our future home, spending eternity with our beloved redeemer.
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
Key Quotes
All true Christians must seriously mind both the end and the means
attaining it If they believingly mind not the end and the means
of attaining it. If they believingly mind not the end, they
will never be faithful in the use of the means: if they be not
diligent in using the means, they will never obtain the end.”
“None can use earth well, that prefer not heaven; and none but infants can come to heaven , that are not prepared for it by well using earth.”
“Heaven must have our highest esteem, and our habitual love, desire, and joy; but earth must have more of our daily thoughts for present practice.”
“What is our hope but the hope of glory, which we through the Spirit wait for? What is our love but a desire of communion with the blessed God, begun here, and perfected hereafter? What Christ teaches and commands, he works in us by his Spirit.”
“If we are believers, we only exchange these delights of life for the greater delights of a life with Christ; a comfort which our fellow creatures the brutes have not.”
“If heaven be not better for me than earth, God's word and ordinances have been all in vain. Surely that is my best which is the gift of the better covenant; which is secured to me by so many sealed promises; to which I am directed by so many sacred precepts, doctrines, and examples; and for which I have been called to hear and read, meditate, watch, and pray.”
“Every word and work of God, every day's mercies and changes, look at heaven and intend eternity.”
“How often has it looked up, and panted after him and said, 'As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God: my soul thirsteth for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God? Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee. ... It is good for me to draw near to God'” (Quote based on Psalms 42)
“If it pleases my soul to dwell in such a house of clay, how much more will it please my glorified Lord to dwell with his glorified body, the church triumphant, and to bless each member of it! It would be a kind of death to Christ, to be separated from his body. And will he take incomparably greater pleasure in me forever, than my soul does in my body? O then let me long to be with him!”
“May the Lord forgive me the hours that I have spent in reading things less profitable, for the sake of pleasing a mind that would fain know everything, instead of spending them for the increase of holiness in myself and others?”
“We should not, therefore, fear death, for fear of losing our knowledge: but rather long for the world of glorious fight that we may get out of this darkness into easy, joyful and satisfying knowledge.”
“Why should I have any remaining doubt of the future state of pious separate spirits? My Saviour has entered into the holiest, and has assured me that there are many mansions in his Father's house, and that when we are 'absent from the body we shall be present with the Lord: Who can think that all holy souls that have gone hence from the beginning of the world have been deceived in their faith and hope? And that all those whose hope was only in this life have been in the right? Shall I not abhor every suggestion that contains such absurdities? Wonderful, that Satan can keep up so much unbelief in the world, while he must make men fools in order to make them unbelievers and ungodly.”
“I have nothing to do in this world but to seek and serve thee. I have nothing to do with my tongue, but to speak to thee and for thee; and with my pen but to publish thy glory and thy will What have to do with all my reputation and influence over others but to increase thy church and propagate thy holy truth and service? What have I to do with my remaining time, even these last and languishing hours, but to look up unto thee and wait for thy grace and thy salvation?
“Why then should it seem a difficult question, how my soul may willingly leave this world and go to Christ in peace? The same grace which regenerated me must bring me to my desired end. Believe and trust thy Father, thy Saviour, and thy Comforter. Hope for the joyful entertainments of the promised blessedness. And long by love for nearer divine union and communion. Thus, O my soul, mayest thou depart in peace.”
“It is thy faithful saying, that thy elect shall obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory; for if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him, if we suffer, we shall also reign with him! To thee, O my Saviour, I commit my soul; it is thine by redemption, thine by covenant; it is sealed by thy Spirit, and thou hast promised not to lose it.”
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and he knoweth them that trust in him. Sinful fear brings a snare, but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.
Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust. Thou art my hope, O Lord God, thou art my trust from my youth. By thee have I been holden up from the womb, my praise shall be continually of thee.”
“But the Lord liveth, and my Redeemer is glorified and intercedes for me: and the same Spirit is in heaven who is in my heart, as the same sun is in the firmament and in my house. The promise is sure to all Christ's seed; for millions are now in heaven who once lived and died in hope. They were sinners once, as I now am; they had no other Saviour, Sanctifier, or promise than I now have. Confessing that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth, they desired a better country, that is, a heavenly, where they now are. And shall I not follow them in hope, who have sped so well?
Then, O my soul, hope unto the end. Hope in the Lord, from henceforth and for ever. I will hope continually, and will yet praise him more and more. My mouth shall show forth his righteousness and salvation. The Lord is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”
Recommended Complementary Reading
William Carey by S Pearce Carey
The Indomitable Brainerd’s: The Gospel Legacy of David and John Brainerd’s Mission to the Indians by Mack Tomlinson
Lost in the Middle by Paul David Tripp
The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions by Arthur Bennett
Author
Richard Baxter
Edition
Banner of Truth (Puritan Paperbacks #36)
- 114 pages
His book is based on this passage of Scripture:
But I am hard-pressed between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better,
— Philippians 1:23
This is a very candid and honest exposition of a life facing eternity. As an older man, I’m facing the exact struggles and even the same doubts that he struggles with as he faces eternity. But these struggles are silenced when we bathe in the truths set forth in God’s holy word.
Our only hope is to immerse ourselves in the pages of Scripture, reminding ourselves that we are to “work out our sanctification in fear and trembling.”
1) The means by which I am preparing to be with Christ abundantly show that it is far better to be with Him.
2) At the end of all my preparation, it must be far better to be with Christ. Is not dwelling with Christ in glory better than dwelling in this sinful world?
3) It is far better to be with Christ as my knowledge will be perfected.
4) It is far better for me to have my will perfected as being with Christ.
5) It is also far better for me to be with Christ that I may have a perfect activity in doing good.
Lastly, should I fear a dark some passage into a world of perfect light? Should I fear to go to love itself? Shall I fear to enter where there is no wrath , reserve, suspicion, or selfish separation.”
Again , this reading is a must, getting our eyes off the temporal world and firmly focused on the joys of eternity.
Chas Morse
Book Review Title:
“Dying Thoughts”
A Second Review of Richard Baxter’s “Dying Thoughts” by Chas Morse
Tags
1. Living in the Present Life (Ch.1)
2. Living in Eternity (Ch. 2-5)
Notice the disproportionate weight of one chapter devoted to living on this earth balanced with 4 chapters discussing the benefit of living in Heaven at the feet of our beloved Lord Jesus Christ!
Key Verse(s)
“But I am hard-pressed between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better, yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.” Philippians 1:23-24
Commentary
What is man’s purpose for living? Why are we here on earth? If we buy into our culture’s siren song, we might be lured into thinking that life is all about seeking after all the pleasures that life has to offer. Is living for the moment satisfying? Or is there more to life than just selfish living? Dying Thoughts is a book written for every generation of believers—every age group, young and old. In this very well written book, Richard Baxter is struggling with the many of his fears and doubts as he faces the stark reality of death and dying. He takes an honest look at his own heart pouring out his soul like the Psalmist and crying out his anxious thoughts against the backdrop of Scripture allowing Yahweh to question him “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? The answer he arrives at, “Wait for God, for I shall still praise Him, the salvation of my presence and my God.” (Psalms 43:5)
So, what is our ultimate desire in life? What is our ambition while we live these few days. Do we have the heart of Paul when he says, “We are of good courage and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. Therefore, we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:8-10).
Thesis
Why should it seem such a difficult question for the believer to hesitate to willingly leave this world and go to Christ in peace? He answers that dilemma by stating that God gives us the grace needed to face the believer’s transition into eternity so we can glorify our Lord in our Dying Thoughts. The same grace that regenerates believers is the same grace that “must bring us” to the desired end, trusting and believing in our Triune Father, Savior and Comforter. Moreover, Heaven must have our highest esteem, and our habitual love, desire joy; but earth must have more of our daily thoughts for present ministry--evangelistic and discipleship and the building up of the church. (Matthew 28:19-20)
Purpose Statement
Puritan Richard Baxter’s purpose is to prepare the believer for his third birthday. We are to hope continually and live our temporal life here praising Him increasingly unto the end. “If Heaven feels in my heart, shall I not desire to dwell in Heaven” more?
Structure of the Book
The first chapter of the book outlines the reasons why we should maximize our short time on this earth accomplishing all that the Comforter has empowered us to do according to the will of God. The remaining 4 chapters emphasizes why we should be longing for our future home, spending eternity with our beloved redeemer.
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
Key Quotes
All true Christians must seriously mind both the end and the means
attaining it If they believingly mind not the end and the means
of attaining it. If they believingly mind not the end, they
will never be faithful in the use of the means: if they be not
diligent in using the means, they will never obtain the end.”
“None can use earth well, that prefer not heaven; and none but infants can come to heaven , that are not prepared for it by well using earth.”
“Heaven must have our highest esteem, and our habitual love, desire, and joy; but earth must have more of our daily thoughts for present practice.”
“What is our hope but the hope of glory, which we through the Spirit wait for? What is our love but a desire of communion with the blessed God, begun here, and perfected hereafter? What Christ teaches and commands, he works in us by his Spirit.”
“If we are believers, we only exchange these delights of life for the greater delights of a life with Christ; a comfort which our fellow creatures the brutes have not.”
“If heaven be not better for me than earth, God's word and ordinances have been all in vain. Surely that is my best which is the gift of the better covenant; which is secured to me by so many sealed promises; to which I am directed by so many sacred precepts, doctrines, and examples; and for which I have been called to hear and read, meditate, watch, and pray.”
“Every word and work of God, every day's mercies and changes, look at heaven and intend eternity.”
“How often has it looked up, and panted after him and said, 'As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God: my soul thirsteth for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God? Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee. ... It is good for me to draw near to God'” (Quote based on Psalms 42)
“If it pleases my soul to dwell in such a house of clay, how much more will it please my glorified Lord to dwell with his glorified body, the church triumphant, and to bless each member of it! It would be a kind of death to Christ, to be separated from his body. And will he take incomparably greater pleasure in me forever, than my soul does in my body? O then let me long to be with him!”
“May the Lord forgive me the hours that I have spent in reading things less profitable, for the sake of pleasing a mind that would fain know everything, instead of spending them for the increase of holiness in myself and others?”
“We should not, therefore, fear death, for fear of losing our knowledge: but rather long for the world of glorious fight that we may get out of this darkness into easy, joyful and satisfying knowledge.”
“Why should I have any remaining doubt of the future state of pious separate spirits? My Saviour has entered into the holiest, and has assured me that there are many mansions in his Father's house, and that when we are 'absent from the body we shall be present with the Lord: Who can think that all holy souls that have gone hence from the beginning of the world have been deceived in their faith and hope? And that all those whose hope was only in this life have been in the right? Shall I not abhor every suggestion that contains such absurdities? Wonderful, that Satan can keep up so much unbelief in the world, while he must make men fools in order to make them unbelievers and ungodly.”
“I have nothing to do in this world but to seek and serve thee. I have nothing to do with my tongue, but to speak to thee and for thee; and with my pen but to publish thy glory and thy will What have to do with all my reputation and influence over others but to increase thy church and propagate thy holy truth and service? What have I to do with my remaining time, even these last and languishing hours, but to look up unto thee and wait for thy grace and thy salvation?
“Why then should it seem a difficult question, how my soul may willingly leave this world and go to Christ in peace? The same grace which regenerated me must bring me to my desired end. Believe and trust thy Father, thy Saviour, and thy Comforter. Hope for the joyful entertainments of the promised blessedness. And long by love for nearer divine union and communion. Thus, O my soul, mayest thou depart in peace.”
“It is thy faithful saying, that thy elect shall obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory; for if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him, if we suffer, we shall also reign with him! To thee, O my Saviour, I commit my soul; it is thine by redemption, thine by covenant; it is sealed by thy Spirit, and thou hast promised not to lose it.”
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and he knoweth them that trust in him. Sinful fear brings a snare, but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.
Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust. Thou art my hope, O Lord God, thou art my trust from my youth. By thee have I been holden up from the womb, my praise shall be continually of thee.”
“But the Lord liveth, and my Redeemer is glorified and intercedes for me: and the same Spirit is in heaven who is in my heart, as the same sun is in the firmament and in my house. The promise is sure to all Christ's seed; for millions are now in heaven who once lived and died in hope. They were sinners once, as I now am; they had no other Saviour, Sanctifier, or promise than I now have. Confessing that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth, they desired a better country, that is, a heavenly, where they now are. And shall I not follow them in hope, who have sped so well?
Then, O my soul, hope unto the end. Hope in the Lord, from henceforth and for ever. I will hope continually, and will yet praise him more and more. My mouth shall show forth his righteousness and salvation. The Lord is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”
Recommended Complementary Reading
William Carey by S Pearce Carey
The Indomitable Brainerd’s: The Gospel Legacy of David and John Brainerd’s Mission to the Indians by Mack Tomlinson
Lost in the Middle by Paul David Tripp
The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions by Arthur Bennett
Author
Richard Baxter
Edition
Banner of Truth (Puritan Paperbacks #36)
- 114 pages
March 20, 2025
“As a watch, when it is wound up, or a candle newly lighted; so man, newly conceived or born, begins a * motion which incessantly hastes to its appointed period.” (1)
“None can use earth well, that prefer not heaven; and none but infants can come to heaven, that are not prepared for it by well using earth.” (6)
“Satan does much of his damning work by men, as his instruments; so that if we escape their temptations, we escape much of our danger. When idolaters prospered, Israel was tempted to idolatry. The Greek church is now almost swallowed up by Turkish prosperity and dominion. Most follow the powerful and prosperous side. And therefore, for the glory of God, and for our own everlasting salvation, we must, while upon earth, greatly regard our own, and much more the church's welfare. Indeed, if earth be desired only for earth, and prosperity be loved only to gratify the flesh, it is the certain mark of damning carnality, and an earthly mind. But to desire peace and prosperity, and to have power in the hands of wise and faithful men, for the sake of souls, the increase of the church, and the honour of God, that his name may be hallowed, his kingdom come, and his will be done on earth, as it is in heaven' - this must be the chief of our prayers.” (6-7)
“But if they say, 'Because heaven is all, we must make light of all that befalls us on earth,' they say amiss. Good princes, magistrates, and public-spirited men, who promote the safety, peace, and true prosperity of the commonwealth, do thereby very much befriend religion, and men's salvation, and are greatly to be loved and honoured by all. If the civil state miscarry, or fall into ruin and calamity, the church will fare the worse for it, as the soul does by the ruins of the body.” (9)
“Yea, many serious Christians, through the weakness of their trust in God, live in this perplexed strait, weary of living and afraid of dying, continually pressed between grief and fear. But Paul's strait was between two joys, which of them he should desire most.” (13)
“I would have men most relish that learning in their health, which they will find sweetest in sickness, and when near to death.” (47)
“Come then, my soul, and think believingly what is best for thee; and wilt thou not love and desire that most which is certainly best?” (58)
“It is far better for me to be with Christ, as thereby my knowledge will be perfected... Nor will it leave any of that dissatisfaction, so common among the learned, while they have only the shadow of knowledge, licking but the outside of the glass, and leaving the wine within untasted.” (66-67)
“And no one can see the whole together but God, and they that see it in the light of his celestial glory. Then I shall clearly know why God prospered the wicked, and so much afflicted the righteous; why he set up the ungodly, and put the humble under their feet; why he permitted so much ignorance, pride, lust, oppression, persecution, falsehood, and other sins, in the world; why the faithful are so few; and why so many kingdoms of the world are left in heathenism, Mohammedanism, and infidelity. I shall know why I suffered what I did, and how many great deliverances I had, and how they were accomplished. All our misinterpretations of God's works and permissions will then be rectified, and all our controversies about them be at an end.” (71-72)
“Ingratitude is great misery, as gratitude is true pleasure.” (72)
“Methinks, when we are singing the praises of God in great assemblies with joyful and fervent spirits, we have the liveliest foretaste of heaven upon earth, and could almost wish that our voices were loud enough to reach through all the world, and to heaven itself. Nor could I ever be offended with the sober and seasonable use of instrumental music to help to tune my soul in so holy a work, in which no true assistance is to be despised.” (88)
“When we have read and heard, spoken and written the soundest truth and strongest arguments, we still know as if we knew not, and believe as if we believed not, unless God powerfully impresses the same things on our minds and awakens our souls to *feel what we know.*” (91)
“His mercy fixed me in the best of lands, and in the best age that land had seen.” (102)
“The face of death and nearness of eternity convinced me what books to read, what studies to pros-ecute, what companions to choose; drove me early into the vineyard of the Lord; and taught me to preach as a dying man to dying men.” (102)
“Many good Christians are glad of now and then an hour to meditate on God's Word and refresh themselves in his holy worship, but God has allowed and called me to make it the constant business of my life. In my library I have profitably and pleasantly dwelt among the shining lights with which the learned, wise and holy men of all ages have illuminated the world. How many comfortable hours have I had in the society of living saints, and in the love of faithful friends! How many joyful days in solemn, worshipping assemblies where the Spirit of Christ has been manifestly present, both with ministers and people!” (103)
“Can I love such a world as this, where tyranny sheds streams of blood, and lays cities and countries deso-late; where the wicked are exalted, the just and innocent reproached and oppressed, the gospel restrained, idolatry and infidelity too generally kept up; where Satan too often chooses pastors for the churches of Christ, even such as by ignorance, pride, and sensuality, become devouring wolves to those whom they should feed and comfort; where no two persons are in all things of a mind, and where appears but little hopes of a remedy?” (112)
“Here are wise, judicious teachers and companions, but comparatively how few! Here are worthy and religious families; but by the temptations of wealth, and worldly interest, how full even of 'the sins of Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness', if not also of unmercifulness to the poor! And how few pious families of the great that do not quickly degenerate from their progenitors by error or sensuality! Here are some that educate their children wisely in the fear of God, and accordingly have comfort in them; but how many are there that, having devoted them to God in baptism, train them up to the service of the world, the flesh, and the devil!” (113)
“How many send their children to get sciences or trades or to travel in foreign lands before ever they were instructed at home against those temptations which they must encounter, and by which they are so often undone! How commonly, when they have first neglected this great duty to their children, do they plead a necessity of thrusting them out from some punctilio of honour or conformity to the world or to adorn them with some of the plumes of fashionable modes and ceremonies, which will never compensate the loss of heavenly wisdom, mortification, and the love of God and man! As if they might send them to sea for some trifling reason without pilot or anchor, and think that God must save them from the waves! And when such children have forsaken God and given themselves up to sensuality and profaneness, these parents wonder at the judgments of God and with broken hearts lament their own infelicity instead of lamenting their own misconduct. Thus families, churches, and kingdoms run on to blindness, ungodliness, and con-fusion. Folly, sin, and misery, misrepresenting themselves as wit, honour, and prosperity, are the ordinary pursuits of mortals.” (114-115)
“Surely the fear of dying intimates some contrary love that inclines the soul another way, and some shameful unbelief of the attractive glory of the world of love; otherwise no frozen person longs more for the fire, none in a dungeon for light, than we should for heavenly light and love.” (118)
“None can use earth well, that prefer not heaven; and none but infants can come to heaven, that are not prepared for it by well using earth.” (6)
“Satan does much of his damning work by men, as his instruments; so that if we escape their temptations, we escape much of our danger. When idolaters prospered, Israel was tempted to idolatry. The Greek church is now almost swallowed up by Turkish prosperity and dominion. Most follow the powerful and prosperous side. And therefore, for the glory of God, and for our own everlasting salvation, we must, while upon earth, greatly regard our own, and much more the church's welfare. Indeed, if earth be desired only for earth, and prosperity be loved only to gratify the flesh, it is the certain mark of damning carnality, and an earthly mind. But to desire peace and prosperity, and to have power in the hands of wise and faithful men, for the sake of souls, the increase of the church, and the honour of God, that his name may be hallowed, his kingdom come, and his will be done on earth, as it is in heaven' - this must be the chief of our prayers.” (6-7)
“But if they say, 'Because heaven is all, we must make light of all that befalls us on earth,' they say amiss. Good princes, magistrates, and public-spirited men, who promote the safety, peace, and true prosperity of the commonwealth, do thereby very much befriend religion, and men's salvation, and are greatly to be loved and honoured by all. If the civil state miscarry, or fall into ruin and calamity, the church will fare the worse for it, as the soul does by the ruins of the body.” (9)
“Yea, many serious Christians, through the weakness of their trust in God, live in this perplexed strait, weary of living and afraid of dying, continually pressed between grief and fear. But Paul's strait was between two joys, which of them he should desire most.” (13)
“I would have men most relish that learning in their health, which they will find sweetest in sickness, and when near to death.” (47)
“Come then, my soul, and think believingly what is best for thee; and wilt thou not love and desire that most which is certainly best?” (58)
“It is far better for me to be with Christ, as thereby my knowledge will be perfected... Nor will it leave any of that dissatisfaction, so common among the learned, while they have only the shadow of knowledge, licking but the outside of the glass, and leaving the wine within untasted.” (66-67)
“And no one can see the whole together but God, and they that see it in the light of his celestial glory. Then I shall clearly know why God prospered the wicked, and so much afflicted the righteous; why he set up the ungodly, and put the humble under their feet; why he permitted so much ignorance, pride, lust, oppression, persecution, falsehood, and other sins, in the world; why the faithful are so few; and why so many kingdoms of the world are left in heathenism, Mohammedanism, and infidelity. I shall know why I suffered what I did, and how many great deliverances I had, and how they were accomplished. All our misinterpretations of God's works and permissions will then be rectified, and all our controversies about them be at an end.” (71-72)
“Ingratitude is great misery, as gratitude is true pleasure.” (72)
“Methinks, when we are singing the praises of God in great assemblies with joyful and fervent spirits, we have the liveliest foretaste of heaven upon earth, and could almost wish that our voices were loud enough to reach through all the world, and to heaven itself. Nor could I ever be offended with the sober and seasonable use of instrumental music to help to tune my soul in so holy a work, in which no true assistance is to be despised.” (88)
“When we have read and heard, spoken and written the soundest truth and strongest arguments, we still know as if we knew not, and believe as if we believed not, unless God powerfully impresses the same things on our minds and awakens our souls to *feel what we know.*” (91)
“His mercy fixed me in the best of lands, and in the best age that land had seen.” (102)
“The face of death and nearness of eternity convinced me what books to read, what studies to pros-ecute, what companions to choose; drove me early into the vineyard of the Lord; and taught me to preach as a dying man to dying men.” (102)
“Many good Christians are glad of now and then an hour to meditate on God's Word and refresh themselves in his holy worship, but God has allowed and called me to make it the constant business of my life. In my library I have profitably and pleasantly dwelt among the shining lights with which the learned, wise and holy men of all ages have illuminated the world. How many comfortable hours have I had in the society of living saints, and in the love of faithful friends! How many joyful days in solemn, worshipping assemblies where the Spirit of Christ has been manifestly present, both with ministers and people!” (103)
“Can I love such a world as this, where tyranny sheds streams of blood, and lays cities and countries deso-late; where the wicked are exalted, the just and innocent reproached and oppressed, the gospel restrained, idolatry and infidelity too generally kept up; where Satan too often chooses pastors for the churches of Christ, even such as by ignorance, pride, and sensuality, become devouring wolves to those whom they should feed and comfort; where no two persons are in all things of a mind, and where appears but little hopes of a remedy?” (112)
“Here are wise, judicious teachers and companions, but comparatively how few! Here are worthy and religious families; but by the temptations of wealth, and worldly interest, how full even of 'the sins of Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness', if not also of unmercifulness to the poor! And how few pious families of the great that do not quickly degenerate from their progenitors by error or sensuality! Here are some that educate their children wisely in the fear of God, and accordingly have comfort in them; but how many are there that, having devoted them to God in baptism, train them up to the service of the world, the flesh, and the devil!” (113)
“How many send their children to get sciences or trades or to travel in foreign lands before ever they were instructed at home against those temptations which they must encounter, and by which they are so often undone! How commonly, when they have first neglected this great duty to their children, do they plead a necessity of thrusting them out from some punctilio of honour or conformity to the world or to adorn them with some of the plumes of fashionable modes and ceremonies, which will never compensate the loss of heavenly wisdom, mortification, and the love of God and man! As if they might send them to sea for some trifling reason without pilot or anchor, and think that God must save them from the waves! And when such children have forsaken God and given themselves up to sensuality and profaneness, these parents wonder at the judgments of God and with broken hearts lament their own infelicity instead of lamenting their own misconduct. Thus families, churches, and kingdoms run on to blindness, ungodliness, and con-fusion. Folly, sin, and misery, misrepresenting themselves as wit, honour, and prosperity, are the ordinary pursuits of mortals.” (114-115)
“Surely the fear of dying intimates some contrary love that inclines the soul another way, and some shameful unbelief of the attractive glory of the world of love; otherwise no frozen person longs more for the fire, none in a dungeon for light, than we should for heavenly light and love.” (118)
October 5, 2022
Is it better to remain on earth and serve Christ, or to go to be present with Him in glory? This question, first posed by the Apostle Paul, is picked up by an elderly Richard Baxter in this brief book.
Baxter begins by addressing the logical side of the question, and then progresses on to answer it both reasonably and pastorally. From the outset, Baxter makes clear that he is writing this book chiefly for himself, but hopes other might benefit from his writing.
As you read, you can sense Baxter honestly reasoning with himself as to why he should lean in to go be with the Lord when his final day arrives. Amidst Baxter’s internal reasoning, we get glorious pictures of the glories of Heaven. Several times, I found myself putting the book down and marveling at the glory that awaits us. My heart longs for Heaven more deeply because of my time with Baxter. But Baxter is not content with making us so heavenly-minded that’s we’re of no earthly good. He exhorts his reads to see the glories of serving Christ and helps readers become aware of the incalculable mercies God has, is, and will show us in this life. We get to see Baxter briefly look back on God’s many mercies to Baxter over the course of his long life and career. This reflection is then used as an argument to say that if God has been faithful to us in life, then he will surely be faithful to us in death and therefore we should embrace our end when it arrives. One could almost picture Baxter gently offering the wisdom of this book in some of his famous pastoral visits as he ministered to during congregation members.
God has appointed a set number of days for each of us to serve him. Whether that’s 100 years or 100 days, may we joyously trust in our Lord’s kind providence as we look forward to the wonders to come. Baxter’s brief, but beautiful reflections help us do just that.
Baxter begins by addressing the logical side of the question, and then progresses on to answer it both reasonably and pastorally. From the outset, Baxter makes clear that he is writing this book chiefly for himself, but hopes other might benefit from his writing.
As you read, you can sense Baxter honestly reasoning with himself as to why he should lean in to go be with the Lord when his final day arrives. Amidst Baxter’s internal reasoning, we get glorious pictures of the glories of Heaven. Several times, I found myself putting the book down and marveling at the glory that awaits us. My heart longs for Heaven more deeply because of my time with Baxter. But Baxter is not content with making us so heavenly-minded that’s we’re of no earthly good. He exhorts his reads to see the glories of serving Christ and helps readers become aware of the incalculable mercies God has, is, and will show us in this life. We get to see Baxter briefly look back on God’s many mercies to Baxter over the course of his long life and career. This reflection is then used as an argument to say that if God has been faithful to us in life, then he will surely be faithful to us in death and therefore we should embrace our end when it arrives. One could almost picture Baxter gently offering the wisdom of this book in some of his famous pastoral visits as he ministered to during congregation members.
God has appointed a set number of days for each of us to serve him. Whether that’s 100 years or 100 days, may we joyously trust in our Lord’s kind providence as we look forward to the wonders to come. Baxter’s brief, but beautiful reflections help us do just that.
July 16, 2025
As the author of the greatly loved and widely read volumes The Reformed Pastor and The Saint's Everlasting Rest Richard Baxter's Dying Thoughts make significant contributions to Christian literature. He wrote Dying Thoughts at the age of 76 after 53 years of pastoral ministry. He contemplates his own death and how best to understand it in the light of his Christian faith as expressed in the Bible's teachings. As I approach the end of my life I found his meditations well worth reading. He refers to death as his "third birth." I find that description apropos. I commend this little volume to all those interested in what we all know lies ahead for every human being on our planet.
October 14, 2023
It is important to remember that Dying Thoughts is not a woe is me I am about to die manifesto. I am normally not a big fan of Baxter due to his adherence to the governmental theory of atonement. That being said, Dying Thoughts is a book that all should read or at least need to give due time to contemplation. Are we living closer to our goal? Are we living life on earth as the sanctified lovers of God we claim to be? Our life on this earth should stop on task as a result of having experienced the love of God. Or as Baxter says at the end of the book “preach as a dying man to dying men.”
September 6, 2022
I gave this book 4 stars when in reality I should have given it 3 stars. I did enjoy certain aspects of the book, the reality of a Christian not having to fear death because of God's promises to his people, that is the theme of the book, the problem I had was plowing through this book, at times it was hard to follow the argument of what the author was trying to communicate, other times there was a great insight into the assurance you have as a member of the family of God. I will probably have to read this again at some point and perhaps I’ll have more to glean from but these are my thoughts for now.
April 12, 2024
Baxter could sure lay down on the pen! Admittedly, I do not think, enough, of the question of what exactly is heavens relation to daily life and I share his self disappointment and aspiration on God's grace.
January 1, 2021
“...God seems to permit the ignorance and confusion of this world to help us the more to value and desire the world of light, love, and order.”
March 5, 2015
Sermons on Philippians 1:23 written by the Puritan Baxter near the end of his life. Very encouraging and instructive.
One minor flaw: Baxter frequently refers to the saint's soul as being 'imprisoned' in the body. And although I would not choose to use such language myself, there are a few of mitigating factors: 1) Because the text he is expounding (Phil. 1:23) deals with the intermediate, disembodied state, Baxter necessarily focuses on leaving the body to be with Christ (cf. 2 Cor. 5:8). 2) He does affirm the essential goodness of the body, and attributes its evils to the Fall, not to Creation. "Nor would God promise us a resurrection of the body, if a suitable body did not promote the welfare of the soul" (8). 3) Baxter lived with chronic pain from age 21 on, which I'm sure made his body feel like a prison. As I said, I would not choose to use this language, nor encourage anyone else to do so without qualification. Still, I can't help but think that at least some of our 21st century distaste for "prison" language stems as much from ready access to Tylenol as it does to a balanced view of the bodily resurrection.
One minor flaw: Baxter frequently refers to the saint's soul as being 'imprisoned' in the body. And although I would not choose to use such language myself, there are a few of mitigating factors: 1) Because the text he is expounding (Phil. 1:23) deals with the intermediate, disembodied state, Baxter necessarily focuses on leaving the body to be with Christ (cf. 2 Cor. 5:8). 2) He does affirm the essential goodness of the body, and attributes its evils to the Fall, not to Creation. "Nor would God promise us a resurrection of the body, if a suitable body did not promote the welfare of the soul" (8). 3) Baxter lived with chronic pain from age 21 on, which I'm sure made his body feel like a prison. As I said, I would not choose to use this language, nor encourage anyone else to do so without qualification. Still, I can't help but think that at least some of our 21st century distaste for "prison" language stems as much from ready access to Tylenol as it does to a balanced view of the bodily resurrection.
September 29, 2009
The only other book I had read of Baxter's was the reformed pastor, which is a must read. This was the last book Baxter wrote before he died while he was facing death. I have to honestly say that this was condensed version of his original work. I trudged through the first 60 pages and thought about quiting-but I knew I had to finish.
I am glad that I did finish after page 60 the book becomes very good. I could not help but have a permanent grin on my face reading about how lives will be in heaven.
This book is hard to review because I definitely could have passed on the first 60 pages but after that it was good! Not a must read, but last 50 pages was a good read. More motivational for me and reminder of that which has already been taught to me.
I am glad that I did finish after page 60 the book becomes very good. I could not help but have a permanent grin on my face reading about how lives will be in heaven.
This book is hard to review because I definitely could have passed on the first 60 pages but after that it was good! Not a must read, but last 50 pages was a good read. More motivational for me and reminder of that which has already been taught to me.
February 17, 2012
Richard Baxter shares his thoughts about death from the perspective of a preacher and pastor of the Gospel. If you have any fearful thoughts about dying this honest and transparent account by Richard Baxter will prove to be an encouragement.
December 2, 2012
Puritan writer Richard Baxter writes pieces of advice to Christians on how to face death. Written as a set of numbered instructions, "Dying Thoughts" stirs the soul to look to the joys of Heaven, where God dwells forever. Such a treat for the weary Christian soul!
May 28, 2009
I went through this book in audio format. It was well written, but sometimes hard to follow. I think part of the problem was the speaker, but still, I would recommend this book.
November 30, 2012
This was a good read. I especially liked chapter 1. :-)
November 24, 2012
The first third was a tough read to get through (for me). However, the last 2/3 was great.
March 6, 2022
One I would highly recommend to fellow believers that may be having difficulties with fear of death.
January 4, 2014
Some really great content, but I found it a bit difficult to read through.
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