A26923:751
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 16: Of the State of Heathens and others, that have not the Gospel.
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.
To which I answer, 1. That being a matter of fact, it is not of so great Importance for us to be certain of it, as some imagine: And who can be certain of the Affirmative, unless the Scripture affirm it; when if we knew all the World, one man cannot be certain of another's Sincerity? And much less can any be certain of the Negative, without Scripture Negation, seeing no man can know every man in the World, and every Heart.
To which I answer, 1. That being a matter of fact, it is not of so great Importance for us to be certain of it, as some imagine: And who can be certain of the Affirmative, unless the Scripture affirm it; when if we knew all the World, one man cannot be certain of anothers Sincerity? And much less can any be certain of the Negative, without Scripture Negation, seeing no man can know every man in the World, and every Heart.
§. 29. 2. But it is exceeding probable, at least, That God would never govern many hundred parts of the World (compared to the Jews) before Christ's Incarnation, and five sixth parts since his Incarnation, by a Law of Grace, which yet no person should ever have effectual Grace to keep as far as was necessary to his Salvation. Every Law of God is a Means, and appointeth the Subjects the use of much Means for their own Salvation: These means they are bound to use, and shall be condemned, if they use them not; and that none should ever use them savingly, is an Assertion so unlikely, that he that hath the boldness to affirm it, should bring certain Proof of it, which the Scripture; I think, doth not afford him.
§. 29. 2. But it is exceeding probable, at least, That God would never govern many hundred parts of the World (compared to the Iews) before Christ's Incarnation, and five sixth parts since his Incarnation, by a Law of Grace, which yet no person should ever have effectual Grace to keep as far as was necessary to his Salvation. Every Law of God is a Means, and appointeth the Subjects the use of much Means for their own Salvation: These means they are bound to use, and shall be condemned, if they use them not; and that none should ever use them savingly, is an Assertion so unlikely, that he that hath the boldness to affirm it, should bring certain Proof of it, which the Scripture; I think, doth not afford him.