A26892:1040
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.
§. 26. Direct. 1. In this case, first enquire what God saith of that which Satan so commendeth.1 The commendations and motions of an enemy are to be suspected. God is most to be believed. 2. Then consider not only whether it be good, but how long it will be good; and what it will prove at the end; and how we shall judge of it at the parting: And withal consider what it tendeth to; whether it tend to good or evil: and whether it be the greatest good that we are capable of: And then you will see, that if there were no good, or appearance of good in it, it could do a voluntary agent no hurt, and were not fit to be the matter of a Temptation: And you'll see that it is temporal good set up to deceive you of the Eternal Good, and to entice you into the greatest evil, and misery. Doth ⟨p. 115⟩the Devil show thee the world, and say All this will I give thee? Look to Christ who showeth thee the glory of the world to come, with all things good for thee in this world, and saith more truly, All this will I give thee: The world and Hell are in one end of the balance, and Pardon, Holiness, and Heaven are in the other. Which now wilt thou prefer? If the Devil have more to give thee and bid ••r thee than Christ, let him take thee.
§. 26. Direct. 1. In this case, first enquire what God saith of that which Satan so commendeth.1 The commendations and motions of an enemy are to be suspected. God is most to be believed. 2. Then consider not only whether it be good, but how long it will be good; and what it will prove at the end; and how we shall judge of it at the parting: And withal consider what it tendeth to; whether it tend to good or evil: and whether it be the greatest good that we are capable of: And then you will see, that if there were no good, or appearance of good in it, it could do a voluntary agent no hurt, and were not fit to be the matter of a Temptation: And you'll see that it is temporal good set up to deceive you of the Eternal Good, and to entice you into the greatest evil, and misery. Doth ⟨p. 115⟩the Devil sh•w thee the world, and say All this will I give thee? Look to Christ who sheweth thee the glory of the world to come, with all things good for thee in this world, and saith more truly, All this will I give thee: The world and Hell are in one end of the ballance, and Pardon, Holiness, and Heaven are in the other. Which now wilt thou prefer? If the Devil have more to give thee and bid r thee than Christ, let him take thee.