A26923:1075
An end of doctrinal controversies which have lately troubled the churches
An end of doctrinal controversies which have lately troubled the churches by reconciling explication without much disputing. Written by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for John Salusbury, 1691
Chapter 25: Of good Works and Merit, and trusting to any thing of our own.
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.
§. 3. The measure of all created Goodness, is the Will of the Creator, who is the prime, essential Good; and no Work of Man is morally good, but what is made so by the Will of God; that is, 1. Efficiently, by his operative Will: 2. Directively, by his commanding Will: And, 3. Finally and Objectively, by his pleased, or fulfilled Will. Man's Wit, Will, or Interest cannot serve to make any action morally good.
§. 4. He that intendeth God's Honour, and the pleasing of his Will, and the good of his own or others Souls, or the safety of Religion, or the Church, or State, and useth means hereto, not commanded, or any way appointed him of God (much more if directly forbidden) doth not a Work that is truly good, but only secundum quid.
§. 5. Could we be sure that such a Work would save Souls, or save Church, or State, or our Neighbours lives, it would not make it morally a good Work; but only make the Effect to be physically good to others that are benefited by it.
§. 6. Therefore to build Churches, or Hospitals, to feed and clothe the Poor, to save Mens Lives, to preach the Gospel, are all such as finally do a physical good, and they are the matter of moral good; but forma denominat: Those Actions are not morally good, unless, 1. done in obedience to God's commanding, or ruling Will: 2. And finally to please his Will.