A27016:442
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.
But if you say, that thus we would be our selves the Judges, and bring the matter into our own hands, I answer you, 1. It is true, we would be our selves your Helpers, and do the best we could for your salvation: And if you will neither help your selves, nor give us leave to help you, take what you get by it; we have done our part.
But, 2. I will not yet so part with you. I will further make you this reasonable offer. I demand of thee, whoever thou art that Readest these words, Whether thou know of any man on earth that thou thinkest to be a wiser man then thy self? If not, thou art so like the Devil in Pride, that no wonder if thou be near him in malignity and misery. If thou do know of any wiser then thy self, go with me, or with some faithful Minister to that man, and ask him, Whether a diligent holy life, be not much Better then any other life on earth? and if he do not say as I say here, and as Christ saith in my Text, that [the godly choose the better part] or else if I prove him not a very sot before thy face, I will give thee leave to brand my understanding in thy esteem, with the notes of infamy and contempt.
But, 2. I will not yet so part with you. I will further make you this reasonable offer. I demand of thee, whoever thou art that Readest these words, Whether thou know of any man on earth that thou thinkest to be a wiser man then thy self? If not, thou art so like the Devil in Pride, that no wonder if thou be near him in malignity and misery. If thou do know of any wiser then thy self, go with me, or with some faithful Minister to that man, and ask him, Whether a diligent holy life, be not much Better then any other life on earth? and if he do not say as I say here, and as Christ saith in my Text, that [the godly choose the better part] or else if I prove him not a very sot before thy face, I will give thee leave to brand my understanding in thy esteem, with the notes of in•amy and contempt.