A27016:434
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.
If therefore all the Holiest and wisest men on earth may be admitted to be witnesses, then Holiness must be your Best, and all things else be nothing worth in comparison of it.
5. Moreover, if yet you would have more witness, shall those be heard that have tried both states; the state of Sin, and the state of Holiness? and that have gone both ways; and therefore are able to speak to us by experience?
5. Moreover, if yet you would have more witness, shall those be heard that have tryed both states; the state of Sin, and the state of Holiness? and that have gone both wayes; and therefore are able to speak to us by experience?
If you were to take advice about any worldly business, you would choose a man of Experience for your Counsellor, an experienced Physician for your bodies: and an experienced Tradesman for your work. You will sooner believe a Traveller that •ath seen the places that he speak of, (if he be honest) then ⟨p. 120⟩another; godly men have tried both ways. Alas they have known, and too much known the way of sin; and they have tried the Holy way that you dislike. I think therefore that they are competent Witnesses: And if their witness be worth any thing▪ the cause must go against the ungodly. For their Lives tell you their Judgement. Their hatred to sin, their diligent seeking after God, their constant endeavours in a Holy course, their suffering any thing rather then forsake this Holy way, when once they have sincerely chosen it; all these do fully acquaint you with their judgement. Do you think it is for Nothing that the holy servants of the Lord, do stick so close to him, and labour so constantly in his work? surely if they had not found that this way is beyond comparison the best, you might draw them from it, into a state of ungodliness again; at least fire and sword and torment might persuade them to forsake it. Something he findeth in it that is good, that will let go his life and all the world for it.