A26892:1031
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.
§. 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.
§. 18. Direct. 9. Take heed what Thoughts you first admit into your mind: And especially cherish 1and approve none but upon very good tryal and examination. And if they prove corrupt, sweep clean your fantasie 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 encrease and multiply: And then your Hearts will be like a well-peopled Kingdom, able to keep their possession against all enemies.
- 1Direct. 9.
§. 19. Tempt. 10. Also he fitteth his Temptations to your natural and acquired parts: That if you 1are weak, he may either discourage you; or (which is more usual and dangerous) make you think better of them than they are, and to think you know much, when its next to nothing; and to make you wise in your own eyes, and easily to receive an error, and then to be confident in it: not to discern between things that differ; but to be deceived into false zeal, and false ways by the specious pretences and shows of truth, and then to be zealous for the deceiving of others: Also that you may be a dishonour to truth and godliness, by your weakness and ill management of good causes; and may give them away through your unskilfulness to the adversary. If you are of stronger wits and parts, the Tempter will draw you to despise the weak, to take common gifts for special grace; or to undervalue holiness and humility, and overvalue learning and acuteness: He will tempt you (dangerously) to loth the simplicity of Christianity and f the Scriptures, as to style and method; and to be offended at the Cross of Christ. So that such persons are usually in greater danger of Infidelity, Heresy, Pride, and insolent domineering over the flock of Christ, than vulgar Christians that have lower parts.