A26923:807
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 18: Of the necessity of Faith in Christ, where the Gospel is made known.
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.
§. 6. For Christ hath many ways provided against mere Weakness of our Understanding: 1. By the fewness and plainness of necessary Articles of Faith: 2. By the fullness of Evidence of Credibility: 3. By great Means and Helps for our Faith, which he appointeth: 4. And by the powerful Helps of his Spirit, which is ready to illuminate us by these means.
§. 6. For Christ hath many ways provided against meer Weakness of our Understanding: 1. By the fewness and plainness of necessary Articles of Faith: 2. By the fulness of Evidence of Credibility: 3. By great Means and Helps for our Faith, which he appointeth: 4. And by the powerful Helps of his Spirit, which is ready to illuminate us by these means.
§. 7. No man was ever yet known, that could say [I have done my best to have obtained Faith, and did not obtain it.] Though many can say, I earnestly desired to believe, and could not: Because those may desire it, that yet use not the means aright and faithfully, and that indulge their own Prejudices, or carnal Lusts, which hinder it.
§. 8. 3: In the saving of Sinners, there is considerable: 1. The great Benefits already given in the Purchase, Merits and Covenant: 2. The greater Benefits offered, and to be received hereafter: