A27053:373
A treatise of self-denial. By Richard Baxter, pastor of the church at KidderminsterA treatise of self-denial. By Richard Baxter, pastor of the church at Kederminster
London: printed by Robert White for Nevil Simmons, 1675
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.
3. Thy own will is a corrupt and sinful will, and therefore unfit to be thy governor: what wilt thou choose an unjust, a wicked and unmerciful governor, that is inclined to do evil? Why such is thine own Will; But the Will of God is perfectly good, that hath not the least inclination to evil, nor possibility of such a thing. Be ruled by it, and you are most certain to have the most just, and holy, and faithful, and merciful ruler in the world. To prefer self-will before the Will of God, is as the Jews, to prefer a murderer Barabbas, before the Lord of life.
3. Thy own will is a corrupt and sinful will, and therefore unfit to be thy governor: what wilt thou chuse an unjust, a wicked and unmerciful governor, that is inclined to do evil? Why such is thine own Will; But the Will of God is perfectly good, that hath not the least inclination to evil, nor possibility of such a thing. Be ruled by it, and you are most certain to have the most just, and holy, and faithful, and merciful ruler in the world. To prefer self-will before the Will of God, is as the Jews, to prefer a murderer Barabbas, before the Lord of life.
4. Moreover, Our own wills are guided by a dark understanding: and therefore ready on every occasion to turn aside. Though the will commandeth, yet the understanding guideth it: And therefore as the dark understanding ⟨p. 115⟩is commonly at a loss, or quite mistaken▪ judging evil to be good, and good to be evil: so the will must be an unhappy governor, that followeth the direction of so ignorant a Counsellor: But if you will deny your Own wills, and be ruled by the Will of God, you need not fear misleading, seeing his wisdom is infallible and infinite. Choose not a blind guide then, when you may have the conduct of wisdom it self; when God is content to be your Governor, prefer not such foolish sinners as your selves before him.
4. Moreover, Our own wills are guided by a dark understanding: and therefore ready on every occasion to turn aside. Though the will commandeth, yet the understanding guideth it: And therefore as the dark understanding