A26905:609
The crucifying of the world
The crucifying of the world by the cross of Christ with a preface to the nobles, gentlemen, and all the rich, directing them how they may be richer / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by R. W. for Nevill Simmons, 1658
The Crucifying of the world, BY The Cross of CHRIST. › Part 1 › Section 21 › Subsection
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.
2. Having said this much to the godly by way of caution, I shall now make answer to the Objecters themselves. You that say, There are none so cruel and so covetous as these that profess themselves so Religious; if you have any moderation left, will you soberly answer me these Questions following.
Quest. 1. Is it the Hearts or the Outward actions of these professors that you perceive this covetousness by? If it be the Heart, you are slanderers, and self idolizers. For the Heart is open to none but God; and will you make your selves Gods; and that when you are playing the part of the Devil? This hath been the tricks of Satan's instruments in all ages. When they are not able to say of the godly, that they are swearers, or drunkards, or adulterers, or stealers, or liars, or slanderers, as they themselves are; they presently go to their hearts, which are out of sight, and say, They are covetous, and proud, and the like: For there they know that none but God is able to justify them. But common reason might also have taught them, that none but God is there able to accuse them. For how know you mens hearts, ⟨p. 195⟩but by their professions, or by their lives?
Quest. 1. Is it the Hearts or the Outward actions of these professors that you perceive this covetousness by? If it be the Heart, you are slanderers, and self idolizers. For the Heart is open to none but God; and will you make your selves Gods; and that when you are playing the part of the Devil? This hath been the tricks of Satans instruments in all ages. When they are not able to say of the godly, that they are swearers, or drunkards, or adulterers, or stealers, or lyars, or slanderers, as they themselves are; they presently go to their hearts, which are out of sight, and say, They are covetous, and proud, and the like: For there they know that none but God is able to justifie them. But common reason might also have taught them, that none but God is there able to accuse them. For how know you mens hearts, ⟨p. 195⟩but by their professions, or by their lives?