A27016:790
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.
Search the Scripture, and see whether it be not the sanctified, heavenly, diligent servants of the Lord that are the Honourable Image which he owneth, and magnifieth, and glorieth in before the world. If this be not true, then go on in your hatred of them and spare not. These are not Images of stone, but of Spirit: not Images made by a Carver or a Painter, but by the Holy-Ghost himself: Not hanged upon a wall for men to look on, but living ⟨p. 245⟩Images, actuated from Heaven, by spiritual influence from Christ their head, and shining forth in exemplary lives to the honour of their Father whom they resemble, Matth. 5. 16. It is not in an outward shape, but in spiritual wisdom, and Love, and Holiness of heart and life, that they resemble their Creator. Whether you will believe it now or not, be sure of it, you malignant enemies of Holiness, that God would shortly make you know it, that you chose out the most excellent Image of your maker under Heaven, to pour out your hatred and contempt against. And in as much as you did it to his noblest Image, you did it unto him.
Search the Scripture, and see whether it be not the sanctified, heavenly, diligent servants of the Lord that are the Honourable Image which he owneth, and magnifieth, and gloryeth in before the world. If this be not true, then go on in your hatred of them and spare not. These are not Images of stone, but of Spirit: not Images made by a Carver or a Painter, but by the Holy-Ghost himself: Not hanged upon a wall for men to look on, but living ⟨p. 245⟩Images, actuated from Heaven, by spiritual influence from Christ their head, and shining forth in exemplary lives to the honour of their Father whom they resemble, Matth. 5. 16. It is not in an outward shape, but in spiritual wisdom, and Love, and Holiness of heart and life, that they resemble their Creatour. Whether you will believe it now or not, be sure of it, you malignant enemies of Holiness, that God would shortly make you know it, that you chose out the most excellent Image of your maker under Heaven, to pour out your hatred and contempt against. And in as much as you did it to his noblest Image, you did it unto him.