A27009:84
The right method for a settled peace of conscience, and spiritual comfort in 32…
The right method for a settled peace of conscience, and spiritual comfort in 32 directions : written for the use of a troubled friend / and now published by Richard Baxter ...
London: printed for T. Underhil, 1653
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.
9. At least you would hence have this advantage, That the fixed apprehension of Gods Goodness and merciful nature, would cause a fixed apprehension of the Probability of your Happiness, as long as you are willing to be Happy in Gods way. For reason will tell you, that he who is Love it self, and whose Goodness is equal to his Almightiness, and who hath sworn, that he hath no pleasure in the death of a sinner, but rather that he repent and live, will not destroy a poor soul that lieth in submission at his feet, and is so far from resolved rebellion against him, that it grieveth that it is no better and can please him no more.
9. At least you would hence have this advantage, That the fixed apprehension of Gods Goodness and mercifull nature, would cause a fixed apprehension of the Probability of your Happiness, as long as you are willing to be Happy in Gods way. For reason will tell you, that he who is Love it self, and whose Goodness is equal to his Almightiness, and who hath sworn, that he hath no pleasure in the death of a sinner, but rather that he repent and live, will not destroy a poor soul that lyeth in submission at his feet, and is so far from resolved rebellion against him, that it grieveth that it is no better and can please him no more.
10. However, these right apprehensions of God, would overcome those terrors which are raised only by false apprehensions of him: And doubtless a very great part of mens causeless troubles, are raised from such misapprehensions of God. For Satan knows that if he can Bring you to think of God as a cruel Tyrant, and bloodthirsty man-hater, then he can drive you from him in terror, and turn all your Love and cheerful obedience into hatred and slavish fear. I say therefore again, Do not only get, but also ⟨p. 23⟩fix deep in your understanding, the highest thoughts of Gods natural Goodness and Graciousness that possibly you can raise: for when they are at the highest, they come short ten thousand fold.