A26892:1030
A Christian Directory
A Christian directory, or, A sum of practical theology and cases of conscience directing Christians how to use their knowledge and faith, how to improve all helps and means, and to perform all duties, how to overcome temptations, and to escape or mortify every sin : in four parts ... / by Richard Baxter.A Christian directory, or, A summ of practical theologie and cases of conscience directing Christians how to use their knowledge and faith, how to improve all helps and means, and to perform all duties, how to overcome temptations, and to escape or mortifie every sin : in four parts ... / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons, 1673
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.
§. 17. Tempt. 9. His Temptations also are suited, to our fore-received opinions and thoughts: If you 1have but let in one lustful thought, or one malicious thought, he can make great advantage of that Nest-Egg, to gather in more: as a little leaven to leaven the whole lump: He can roll it up and down, and do much to hatch it into a multitude. If you are but tainted with any false opinion, or prejudice against your Teacher, your Ruler, or your Brother, he can improve it to such increase, and raise such conclusions from it, and more from them, and reduce them all to practice, as shall make observers with astonishment say, Behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth.
§. 17. Tempt. 9. His Temptations also are suited, to our fore-received opinions and thoughts: If you 1have but let in one lustful thought, or one malicious thought, he can make great advantage of that Nest-Egg, to gather in more: as a little leaven to leaven the whole lump: He can rowl it up and down, and do much to hatch it into a multitude. If you are but tainted with any false opinion, or prejudice against your Teacher, your Ruler, or your Brother, he can improve it to such increase, and raise such conclusions from it, and more from them, and reduce them all to practice, as shall make observers with astonishment say, Behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth.
- 1Tempt. 9.
§. 18. Direct. 9. Take heed what Thoughts you first admit into your mind: And especially cherish 1and approve none but upon very good trial and examination. And if they prove corrupt, sweep clean your fantasy and memory of them, that they prove not inhabitants, and take not up their lodgings in you, or have not time to spawn and breed. And fill up the room with contrary thoughts, and useful Truth and cherish them daily, that they may increase and multiply: And then your Hearts will be like a well-peopled Kingdom, able to keep their possession against all enemies.