Richard Baxter's dying thoughts upon Phil. I, 23 written for his own life and…

§ 2. And indeed, though it be but an Analogical Reason that Brutes have, those men seem to be in the right, who place the difference between Man and Brutes, more in the Objects, tend ency and work of our Reason, than in our Reason itself as such, and so make Animal Religiosum to be more of his description than Animal Rationale. About their own low concerns, a Fox, a Dog, yea, an Ass, and a Goose have such actions, as we know not well how to ascribe to any thing below some kind of Reasoning, or a perception of the same importance. But they think not of God, and his Government and Laws, nor of obeying, trusting or loving him, nor of the hopes or fears of another life, nor of the joyful prospect of it: These are that work that Man was made for, which is the chief difference from the Bruits. And shall we unman our selves?

§ 2. And indeed, though it be but an Analogical Reason that Bruits have, those men seem to be in the right, who place the difference between Man and Bruits, more in the Objects, tend ency and work of our Reason, than in our Reason itself as such, and so make Animal Religiosum to be more of his description than Animal Rationale. About their own low concerns, a Fox, a Dog, yea, an Ass, and a Goose have such actions, as we know not well how to ascribe to any thing below some kind of Reasoning, or a perception of the same importance. But they think not of God, and his Government and Laws, nor of obeying, trusting or loving him, nor of the hopes or fears of another life, nor of the joyful prospect of it: These are that work that Man was made for, which is the chief difference from the Bruits. And shall we unman our selves?

§ 1. V. The Justice of God as Governor of the World, inferreth different Rewards hereafter, as I have largely elsewhere proved. 1. God is not only a Mover of all that Moveth, but a Moral Ruler of Man by Laws, and Judgment, and Executions. Else there were no proper Law of Nature, which few are so unnatural as to deny: And Man should have no proper Duty, but only Motion, as he is moved: And then how cometh a Government by Laws to be set up under God by Men? And then there were no sin or fault in any; for if there were no Law and Duty, but only necessitated Motion, all would be moved as the Mover pleased, and there could be no sin: And then there would be no Moral Good, but forced or necessary motion: But all this is most absurd: And experience telleth us that God doth de facto, Morally Govern the World; and his Right is unquestionable.