A27004:653
The reasons of the Christian religion the first part, of godliness, proving by natural…
The reasons of the Christian religion the first part, of godliness, proving by natural evidence the being of God ... : the second part, of Christianity, proving by evidence supernatural and natural, the certain truth of the Christian belief ... / by Richard Baxter ... ; also an appendix defending the soul's immortality against the Somatists or Epicureans and other pseudo-philosophers.
London: printed by R. White for Fran. Titon, 1667
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.
For the same God who is so amiable, hath given us our speech with the rest of his benefits, and given it us purposely to declare his praise. Reason telleth us that we have no higher, worthier, or better employment for our tongues; and that we should use them to the best. The tongues of men are adorned with language, for charitable and pious communication, that they may be fit to affect the hearts of others, and to kindle in them that sacred fire, which is kindled in themselves. Therefore that tongue which is silent to its Makers praise, and declareth not the Goodness, and Wisdom, and power of the Lord, and doth not divulge the notice of his benefits,1 condemneth it self, and the heart that should employ it, as neglecting the greatest duty it was made for.
- 1Numen divinum omni modo, omni tempore i•e coal, juxta leges patrias, & ut ali• colant office. Dio•. l. 52.Numen divinum omni modo, omni tempore i•e cole, juxta leges patrias, & ut ali• colant effi•e. Dio•. l. 52.
§. 40. The lives of Gods Beneficiaries should be employed to his praise and pleasure, and should be the streaming effects of inward love. And all his mercies should be improved to his service, from a thankful heart.
All this hath the fullest testimony of reason, according to the rules of proportion and common right. To whom should we live, but to him from whom and by whom we live? What but our ultimate end should be principally intended, and sought through our whole lives? A creature that hath all from God, should in love and gratitude bring back all to him; and thus we make it more our own.