A26886:1100
Certain disputations of right to sacraments, and the true nature of visible Christianity defending…
Certain disputations of right to sacraments, and the true nature of visible Christianity defending them against several sorts of opponents, especially against the second assault of that pious, reverend and dear brother Mr. Thomas Blake / by Richard Baxter ...
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.
Quest. 7. May we not take a man for Notoriously Ungodly, that hath been oft drunk, or oft committed fornication? Answ. The Practice is ungodly, and his Case sad; but we cannot certainly say he is graceless on that account alone, unless he live in it impenitently. Lot was twice drunk and incestuous: And it is not possible for us to say just how oft a man may commit such a sin, and yet have true grace.
Quest. 8. May we not be certain that he is graceless or ungodly, that is a frequent Swearer?
Answ. It is a very dangerous case; but simply considered, no certain evidence of the point in question. For 1. We know many that we see great signs of Grace in, and that are well reputed of as eminent for Godliness, that do frequently commit as great sins as some kind of rash swearing seems to be: For example, it is too rare to meet with a person so conscionable that will not frequently backbite, and with some malice or envy speak evil of those that differ from them in Judgement, or that they take to be against them, or that they are fallen out with: They will ordinarily censure them unjustly, and secretly endeavour to disgrace them, and take away their good name, and love ⟨p. 330⟩those that join with them in it: So how many Professors will rashly rail and lye in their passions? How few will take well a Reproof, but rather defend their sin? How many in these times that we doubt not to be godly, have been guilty of disobedience to their Guides, and of Schism, and doing much to the hurt of the Church: A very great sin. 2. Peter, Lot, and its like David, did oft commit greater sins.
Answ. It is a very dangerous case; but simply considered, no certain evidence of the point in question. For 1. We know many that we see great signs of Grace in, and that are well reputed of as eminent for Godliness, that do frequently commit as great sins as some kind of rash swearing seems to be: For example, it is too rare to meet with a person so conscionable that will not frequently backbite, and with some malice or envie speak evil of those that differ from them in Judgement, or that they take to be against them, or that they are fallen out with: They will ordinarily censure them unjustly, and secretly endeavour to disgrace them, and take away their good name, and love