Rich. Baxters apology against the modest exceptions of Mr. T. Blake and the digression…

For my part, in all my experience of the case of the ungodly that I have trial of, I can find no commoner cause of their general delusion and perdition, then this very doctrine; which they have generally received, though not in such exact terms a• it is taught them. I never met with the most rebellious wretch (except now and then one under terrors) but when they have sinned their worst, they still think to be saved, because they believe: And what is their believing? why they believe that Christ died for them, and therefore God will forgive them, and they trust for pardon and salvation to Christs death and Gods mercy: This were good, if this were not all; but if Christ were also received as their Sovereign and Sanctifier and Teacher: But if this were the only justifying act (as they usually speak) then I should not know how to disprove him that should tell me that all men in the world shall be saved that believe the Gospel to be true: or at least, the far greatest part of the most wicked men: For I am certain that they are willing not to be damned, and therefore Accept, or are Willing of Christ to save them from damnation: and I am sure they are Willing to be pardoned as fast as they sin, and that is, to be justified: and therefore must needs be Willing of Christ to pardon them (supposing that they believe the Gospel to be true) What therefore shall I say if a wicked wretch thus argue: He that hath the only justifying act of faith is justified: But that have I; for I Accept of Christ to forgive and justify me by his blood: Therefore, &c? Shall I tell him that he dissembleth, and is not Willing? Why 1. Long may I so tell him before he will believe me, when he feels that I speak falsely and slander him. 2. And I should know that I slander him my self: Supposing that he believe that there is no pardon but by Christs blood, (as the devils and many millions of wicked men do believe:) For I know no man in his wits can be willing to be unpardoned and to burn in hell. Shall I give him the common answer (the best that ever was given to me,) that though the only justifying act be the receiving Christ or his Righteousness to justify us, yet this must be ever accompanied with the receiving him as Sovereign, and a resolution to obey him? Perhaps I may so puzzle him for want of Logic or Reason;

For my part, in all my experience of the case of the ungodly that I have trial of, I can finde no commoner cause of their general delusion and perdition, then this very doctrine; which they have generally received, though not in such exact terms a• it is taught them. I never met with the most rebellious wretch (except now and then one under terrors) but when they have sinned their worst, they still think to be saved, because they believe: And what is their beleeving? why they beleeve that Christ died for them, and therefore God will forgive them, and they trust for pardon and salvation to Christs death and Gods mercy: This were good, if this were not all; but if Christ were also received as their Sovereign and Sanctifier and Teacher: But if this were the only justifying act (as they usually speak) then I should not know how to disprove him that should tell me that all men in the world shall be saved that beleeve the Gospel to be true: or at least, the far greatest part of the most wicked men: For I am certain that they are willing not to be damned, and therefore Accept, or are Willing of Christ to save them from damnation: and I am sure they are Willing to be pardoned as fast as they sin, and that is, to be justified: and therefore must needs be Willing of Christ to pardon them (supposing that they beleeve the Gospel to be true) What therefore shall I say if a wicked wretch thus argue: He that hath the only justifying act of faith is justified: But that have I; for I Accept of Christ to forgive and justifie me by his blood: Therefore, &c? Shall I tell him that he dissembleth, and is not Willing? Why 1. Long may I so tell him before he will beleeve me, when he feels that I speak falsly and slander him. 2. And I should know that I slander him my self: Supposing that he beleeve that there is no pardon but by Christs blood, (as the devils and many millions of wicked men do beleeve:) For I know no man in his wits can be willing to be unpardoned and to burn in hell. Shall I give him the common answer (the best that ever was given to me,) that though the only justifying act be the receiving Christ or his Righteousness to justifie us, yet this must be ever accompanied with the receiving him as Sovereign, and a resolution to obey him? Perhaps I may so puzzle him for want of Logick or Reason;