A26872:138
A Call to the Unconverted
A call to the unconverted to turn and live and accept of mercy while mercy may be had as ever they would find mercy in the day of their extremity from the living God / by his unworthy servant, Richard Baxter ; to be read in families where any are unconverted.
London: printed by R.W. for Nevil Simmons, 1658
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Doct. 3. GOD taketh Pleasure in mens Conversion and Salvation: but not in their Death or Damnation: he had rather they would Return and Live, then go on and die.
I shall first teach you how to understand this; and then clear up the truth of it to you.
And for the first, you must observe these following things. 1. A simple willingness or complacency is the first act of the will, following the simple apprehension of the understanding, before it proceedeth to compare things together. But the choosing act of the will is a following act, and supposeth the comparing practical act of ⟨p. 84⟩the understanding: and these two acts may often be carried to contrary objects, without any fault at all in the person.
2. An unfeigned willingness may have divers degrees. Some things I am so far willing of, as that I will do all that lieth in my power to accomplish it: and some things I am truly willing another should do, when yet I will not do all that ever I am able to procure it, having many Reasons to dissuade me there from; though yet I will do all that belongs to me to do.
2. An unfeigned willingness may have divers degrees. Some things I am so far willing of, as that I will do all that lieth in my power to accomplish it: and some things I am truly willing another should do, when yet I will not do all that ever I am able to procure it, having many Reasons to disswade me there from; though yet I will do all that belongs to me to do.