A26935:71
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.
2. That they would consider who it is that is the Grand enemy of the Glory of Gods Goodness; And they shall soon find that it is no other than the Devil: None but he that is most evil, can most envy Infinite Goodness his honour: And is the Devil fit to be believed against God? And that after the ⟨p. 93⟩warning of our first Parents ruin, which befell them for believing Satan when he slandered, both Gods Wisdom, Truth and Goodness to them?
2. That they would consider who it is that is the Grand enemy of the Glory of Gods Goodness; And they shall soon find that it is no other than the Devil: None but he that is most evil, can most envy Infinite Goodness his honour: And is the Devil fit to be believed against God? And that after the ⟨p. 93⟩warning of our first Parents ruine, which befell them for believing Satan when he slandered, both Gods Wisdome, Truth and Goodness to them?
3. That they would bethink them to what end it is that the Tempter and the Enemy of God doth thus deny his Goodness. Is it not a plain act of malice against God and us? Is it not that he may disgrace God as evil, and rob him of his Glory; and also that he may hinder man from Loving him, and so destroy all ⟨p. 94⟩piety, and virtue, and goodness in the World? Who can Love him whom he believeth to be bad, and so unlovely? And what Grace or happiness can there be without the Love of God?