A27016:443
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, 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.
Yea more then so, I will allow thee to go to one that differeth from me in the way of his Religion: Ask an Anabaptist, if thou think him more impartial, whether A Holy and Heavenly heart and life be not the best? and try whether he will not say as I do. Ask those that you call Episcopal, or Presbyterian, or Independents, or Separatists: Ask an Arminian, or one of the contrary mind: Yea ask a Papist, and see whether he will not say as I do? It is true, they are every one of them of minds somewhat different about some points in the order and manner of their seeking God. But all of them, that are but sober men, will confess as with One mouth, that God should be loved above all, and sought and served above all, and that all should live a Holy, Diligent, Heavenly life.