A27016:512
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.
10. All the sins of the heart would have full Liberty, and a defiled soul have neither cure nor restraint. For the Laws and judgments of men extend not to the heart. All the world then might live in the Hatred of God, and of their neighbours, and in daily Murder, Theft, Adultery, Blasphemy of the heart. Wit his they might be as bad as Devils, and fear no punishment; for man can take no cognizance of it. And it is the heart that is the M•n. You see then what persons the Infidels and Brutists would have us all be! What hearts and lives mankind should have according to their Laws! Be Devils within, and murder, and deceive, and commit adultery as much as you will, so you have wit to scape the Gallows, and you are Scholars fit for such bestial Masters.
10. All the sins of the heart would have full Liberty, and a defiled soul have neither cure nor restraint. For the Laws and judgments of men extend not to the heart. All the world then might live in the Hatred of God, and of their neighbours, and in daily Murder, Theft, Adultery, Blasphemy of the heart. Wit his they might be as bad as Devils, and fear no punishment; for man can take no cognizance of it. And it is the heart that is the M•n. You see then what persons the Infidels and Brutists would have us all be! What hearts and lives mankind should have according to their Laws! Be Devils within, and murder, and deceive, and commit adultery as much as you will, so you have wit to scape the Gallows, and you are Schollars fit for such bestial Masters.
11. Yea let me add this one more mischief: Hereby they would destroy all Charity and Good works, except the very bestial Love of those that please mens lusts. For no Laws of men compel men to the Love of God or man: Nor much to Good works! Who would do any thing comparatively, that believed not a Reward and Punishment hereafter? If we give all that we have to the poor, we can here have no Reward, but the breath of • •••• mouth, which at death we understand not. Take down the everlasting ⟨p. 143⟩