A27016:737
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.
WE have certainly found out already the SAFEST Way, and the HONESEST way: We are next to enquire which way is most Profitable. And one would think that this should be as easily resolved as the rest. I am sure if God be wiser then man, and his holy word to be believed, the question is decided, and beyond dispute. Saith Paul, 1 Tim. 6. 5, 6. Men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, suppose that Gain is godliness,] or that it is better then Godliness, and therefore their Godliness to be suited to their worldly gain: [But (it is) Godliness with contentment which is the great Gain] Yea [Godliness is profitable to all things, having Promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.] 1 Tim. 4. 8.
VVEE have certainly found out already the SAFEST Way, and the HONESEST way: We are next to enquire which way is most Profitable. And one would think that this should be as easily resolved as the rest. I am sure if God be wiser then man, and his holy word to be believed, the question is decided, and beyond dispute. Saith Paul, 1 Tim. 6. 5, 6. Men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, suppose that Gain is godliness,] or that it is better then Godliness, and therefore their Godliness to be suited to their worldly gain: [But (it is) Godliness with contentment which is the great Gain] Yea [Godliness is profitable to all things, having Promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.] 1 Tim. 4. 8.
But to what end should I cite more words of Scripture, for a point which all the Scripture proveth? It is not possible that any man can be unresolved in this, that understandeth and believeth the word of God. But yet because I see that Commodity is so much looked after in the world, and almost all are for the Gainful way, as they apprehend it, and therefore its plain that Godliness is not Practically believed to be the most gainful way (or else men would follow it as eagerly as they do their worldly gain;) I shall therefore open to you somewhat of that Gain that Godliness doth bring; and if you can say that any other course will prove as gainful, and make it good, then take that course: But if you cannot, consider what you have to do, and do not refuse your own Commodity.