The Patowmac Guardian, And Berkeley Advertiser

For the POTOWMAC GUARDIAN, &c.

One of the most successful shafts which the wit of infidels has employed for the demolishing Christianity, has been drawn from the variety and inconsistency of opinions, which prevail with respect to some of its principal doctrines, on the subject of regeneration and grace ever since the reformation; this doctrine has been made the ground of contention, and often become the occasion of interrupting the peace of the reformed churches; some pretend to infallibility, all pretence whereunto is vain, without miracles to justify and make good this pretence. Others pretend to be guided by the spirit in all their actions, and to be governed by particular impulses and impressions, which they likewise pretend they can certainly discern from the motions of their own mind; but as they can give no reason for this, so we have found by experience that some have done weak and ridiculous things and then have blasphemously charged them on the holy and tremendous spirit.

Others pretend that the spirit doth dictate to them their prayers, which are many times very confused and unbecoming, and plainly the issue of a heated imagination.

MR. WILLIS,

Please to insert Mr. Baxter's opinion in your next paper--which I enclose you for that purpose, by which you will much oblige a real friend to religion.

Mr. BAXTER says--

Overvalue not the passionate part of duty, but know that judgment, will and practice, a high esteem of God and holiness, a resolved choice, and a sincere endeavor are the life of grace and duty. When feeling passions are but lower uncertain things. You know not what you do, when you say so much on the passionate part; nor when you strive so much for deep and transporting apprehensions. Those are not the great things, nor essentials of holiness. Too much of this feeling may distract you. God knoweth how much you are able to bear.

Passionate feelings depend much upon nature; some persons are more sensible than others; a little thing goeth deep with some. The wisest and weightiest persons are usually least passionate; and the weakest hardly moderate in their passions.

God is not an object of sense, and therefore more fit for the understanding and the will, than the passions to work upon. That is the holiest soul which is most inclined to God, and resolved for him, and conformed to his will, and not that which is affected with the deepest griefs, and fears, and joys, and other such transporting passions. Though it were best, if even holy passions could be raised at the will's command, in that measure which fitteth best for duty. But I have known many complain for want of deeper feelings (as they called their passions) who, if their feelings had been greater, it might have distracted them. I had rather be that Christian that loaths himself for Sin, resolveth against it, and forsaketh it, though he cannot weep for it, than of those that can weep to day, and sin again to-morrow, and whose sinful passions are as quickly stirred as well as their better passions.

Baxter's Christian Directory.