A26935:7
Gods goodness vindicated for the help of such (especially in melancholy) as are tempted…
Gods goodness vindicated for the help of such (especially in melancholy) as are tempted to deny it, and think him cruel, because of the present and future misery of mankind, with respect to the doctrine of reprobation and damnation / by Richard Baxter ... ; published and prefaced by a friend at whose desire it was written, and to whom it was committed.
London: printed for N. Simmons, 1671
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.
The Publisher to the Reader.
HOW much the Glory of God and the Salvation of men is concerned in the right understanding of his Goodness in all his ways and counsels towards them, is evidently seen by all that have any true notion of the Divine excellency and mans felicity. Gods Goodness ⟨image 3⟩is his most solemnly proclaimed Name and Glory. It is his Goodness duly known that leads sinners to repentance, and unites their hearts to fear his name, and excites and for ever terminates that love which is our holiness and happiness to eternity. It is also too well known how much this amiable divine Goodness is denied or doubted of. What cavils are raised against it by men of corrupt minds! What secret prejudice lies against it and how deeply rooted in our depraved nature! Yea with how fearful suggestions and apprehensions are some godly Christians (especially those that lye in the darkness of Melancholy) ⟨image 3⟩sometimes perplexed about it! And even such as are grounded and settled in it, are liable to be assaulted, and may sometimes stagger and stumble at it. And indeed though the kindness of God towards men hath appeared in the World as visible as the Sun in the Firmament; yet mans darkened understanding and his connate sensuality and selfishness taking occasion from the more mysterious parts of Providence, and those especially that most contradict the wisdom and interest of the flesh, hath caused disputes and raised doubts against the truth of that which is in it self as clear and sure as that there is a God or a World, or ⟨image 4⟩anything existent. Whereupon this Author was earnestly desired by a friend to collect some principles in a narrow compass, that might silence Cavillers, succour the Tempted, and confirm the sound mind. And for these ends they are with his permission by his friend made public. Hos. 14.9. Who is wise? and he shall understand these things; prudent? and he shall know them. For the ways of the Lord are right and the just shall walk in them, but the transgressors shall fall therein.