A27016:820
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.
9. Let experience tell you whether it be not some worldly Honour or parts and gifts, that are the much commoner object of Pride then Holiness. I have oft heard talk of mens being proud of their Humility and Holiness: but the Temptations of my own soul, have comparatively lain but little that way; nor have I observed it the common case of others, in any proportion with other kinds of Pride. Riches and Honours, and Beauty and Dignity, I see people ordinarily proud of. And I see many Proud of Counterfeit Graces, that have none that is sincere (as far as may be perceived by others) to be proud of. And I see many Proud of their Learning, and Knowledge and nimble t•ngnes, a hundred fold more then ever I found true Christians, Proud of the Love of God, and a Heavenly mind. Alas we have much a doe for the most part, to discern that we have any of this at all, and to find so much of it in our selves as is necessary to our support and thankfulness.
9. Let experience tell you whether it be not some worldly Honour or parts and gifts, that are the much commoner object of Pride then Holiness. I have oft heard talk of mens being proud of their Humility and Holiness: but the Temptations of my own soul, have comparatively layn but little that way; nor have I observed it the common case of others, in any proportion with other kinds of Pride. Riches and Honours, and Beauty and Dignity, I see people ordinarily proud of. And I see many Proud of Counterfeit Graces, that have none that is sincere (as far as may be perceived by others) to be proud of. And I see many Proud of their Learning, and Knowledge and nimble t•ngnes, a hundred fold more then ever I found true Christians, Proud of the Love of God, and a Heavenly mind. Alas we have much a doe for the most part, to discern that we have any of this at all, and to find so much of it in our selves as is necessary to our support and thankfulness.
10. Lastly consider, what abundance of Means the Lord hath adjoined as Antidotes with his servants Honours to keep them from being puffed up with Pride; and then tell me whether you dare charge God with error or want of wisdom in this thing.