A27016:1022
A saint or a brute the certain necessity and excellency of holiness, &c. ...…
A saint or a brute the certain necessity and excellency of holiness, &c. ... / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by R.W. for Francis Tyton, 1662
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Object. But it is not only the weakness of professors, but the very way that is prescribed them, that must bear the blame: For they are commanded to fast, and weep, and mourn.
Answ. 1. That is but with a medicinal necessary sorrow, for preventing of a greater sorrow; as bitter medicines and bloodletting, and strict diet, are for the prevention of death. God first commandeth them to take heed of sin, the cause of sorrow: But if they will fall and break their bones, they must endure the pain of setting them again.
Answ. 1. That is but with a medicinal necessary sorrrw, for preventing of a greater sorrow; as bitter medicines and bloodletting, and strict diet, are for the prevention of death. God first commandeth them to take heed of sin, the cause of sorrow: But if they will fall and break their bones, they must endure the pain of setting them again.
2. And doth not Christ command his servants also to Rejoice? and again Rejoice, and always to rejoice? Phil. 3. 1. & 4. 4. 1 Thes. 5. 16. Doth he not command them to live in the most delightful works of Love and Joy and thankful mention of his mercies? I tell you, if Christians did but live as God requireth them, and by his plenteous mercies doth encourage them to live, they would be the wonder of the world for their exceeding joy; they would triumph as men that are entering into rest, and make the miserable ungodly Princes and great ones of the world observe their low contemptible condition, and see by the comforts of believers, that there are far higher joys then theirs to be attained. Did Christians live as God would have them, according to their dignity and felicity, they would make the world admire the spirit, and hopes and comforts that do so transport them; They would be so taken up in the Love and praise of their Redeemer, that they would scarce have leisure to observe whether they be rich or poor, or to regard the honours or dishonours of the world. These little things would scarce find room in their affection, they would be taken up so much with God. If they were sore with scourging, and their feet were in the stocks, they would there sing forth the praise of him that hath assured them of deliverance and everlasting joy, as Paul and Silas did,