A27016:593
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.
7. Holiness doth not only tell men of a right way, and show them their duty, but also effectually Disposeth their very minds to the performance of it, and causeth them to walk therein. The nature of it is, to be the very Right Disposition of the heart, and right ordering of the life. The truly gracious soul is habitually an enemy to all known sin, and addicted to obey in all known Duties: And surely persons thus habituated, are liker to live according to their Dispositions, then others to live well that hate the good in their hearts which they should practise. Mens Laws can command good, but cannot give men good hearts to practise it, as God doth by his servants. If you cannot tell whether wicked men that love sin, or godly men that hate it, are better members of a Commonwealth, you know not what Societies are for.
7. Holiness doth not only tell men of a right way, and shew them their duty, but also effectually Disposeth their very minds to the performance of it, and causeth them to walk therein. The nature of it is, to be the very Right Disposition of the heart, and right ordering of the life. The truly gracious soul is habitually an enemy to all known sin, and addicted to obey in all known Duties: And surely persons thus habituated, are liker to live according to their Dispositions, then others to live well that hate the good in their hearts which they should practise. Mens Laws can command good, but cannot give men good hearts to practise it, as God doth by his servants. If you cannot tell whether wicked men that love sin, or godly men that hate it, are better members of a Commonwealth, you know not what Societies are for.
8. Holiness destroyeth the root of iniquity, and teacheth men to hate even secret sins, which are in the heart, or which none can see but God alone. The Laws of men restrain the Subjects but from open injuries: but Holiness restraineth men from doing the most secret wrong to others, or once thinking, speaking, or contriving any evil against them. It reacheth the conscience; it cleanseth the heart, from whence all evil doth proceed. 2 Sam. 12. 12.