A27016:582
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.
1. I shall show you that Godliness is Best for all Societies. 2. That it is Best for every Person. And that 1. It is the safest way. 2. It is the Honestest way. 3. That it is the most gainful way. 4. That it is the most Honourable way: and 5. That it is the Pleasant and Delightful way. Yea, that there is no other true Safety, Honesty, Profit, Honour or Delight but what is to be found in this way. I lay not only all the reputation of my understanding, but all the hopes and happiness of my soul upon the proof of this point. If I prove it not, I will confess my self a fool and undone for ever. But if I prove it, let the ungodly make ⟨p. 160⟩this sad Confession, and choose the Better part while they may have it.
1. I shall shew you that Godliness is Best for all Societies. 2. That it is Best for every Person. And that 1. It is the safest way. 2. It is the Honestest way. 3. That it is the most gainful way. 4. That it is the most Honourable way: and 5. That it is the Pleasant and Delightful way. Yea, that there is no other true Safety, Honesty, Profit, Honour or Delight but what is to be found in this way. I lay not only all the reputation of my understanding, but all the hopes and happiness of my soul upon the proof of this point. If I prove it not, I will confess my self a fool and undone for ever. But if I prove it, let the ungodly make ⟨p. 160⟩this sad Confession, and choose the Better part while they may have it.
1. And first, That Godliness is the Best for all societies, (that are just) I prove thus.
1. Godliness doth Unite or Centre all Societies in the Only Head and Centre of Unity; that is, the Blessed God himself. A Common-wealth will never have Peace in a state of Rebellion against their Sovereign, (unless he be one that they can overcome:) Nor Soldiers in a state of Mutiny against their General: nor Scholars in shutting out their Master. God is the only Sovereign of the whole world. The godly all unite in him. Ungodliness is Rebellion against him. The Rebels are always in his Power. There is no Peace nor safety therefore, nor any Unity, but an Agreement in Rebellion for a while, to any that are not by Holiness united in him, and Loyal subjects to him,