A27016:1090
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.
2. And I have showed you that Joy in the Holy-Ghost is it self one part of that grace in which Gods Kingdom doth consist; Though not such a part as a Christian cannot possibly be without, ⟨p. 371⟩yet such as is exceeding suitable to his state, and necessary to his more happy being.
2. And I have shewed you that Joy in the Holy-Ghost is it self one part of that grace in which Gods Kingdom doth consist; Though not such a part as a Christian cannot possibly be without, ⟨p. 371⟩yet such as is exceeding suitable to his state, and necessary to his more happy being.
3. And without this holy Delight and Joy, you will deny God a principal part of his service. How can you be thankful for the great mercies of your Justification, Sanctification, Adoption▪ and all the special graces you have received, or for your hopes of Heaven it self, as long as you are still doubting whether any of these mercies are yours or not, and almost ready to say that you never received them? Nay you will be less thankful for your health, and life, and food, and wealth, and all common mercies, as doubting le•t they will prove but aggravations of your sin and misery. And for the great and excellent work of Praise which should be your daily sacrifice, but specially the work of each Lords day, how unfit is a doubting, drooping, distressed soul for the performance of it? You stifle holy Love within you, and stop your mouths when they should be speaking and singing the praises of the Lord, and disable your selves from the most high, and sweet, and acceptable part of all Gods service, by your unwarrantable doubts and self-vexations. And when all these are laid aside, how poor and lean a service is it, that is left you to perform to him? Even a few tears, and complaints, and prayers? which I know God will mercifully accept, because even in your desires after him there is Love; but yet it is far short of the service which you might perform. Nay your Heavenly-mindedness will be much supperest, as long as you are sadly questioning whether ever you shall come thither, and it will be yours or not.