A26892:1057
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.
§. 42. Direct. 9. Remember that it is Christ and not Satan that you are to hear. Truth is strong and1 can bear the trial, before any competent judge: but you are weak, and not so able to judge as you may imagine. Ignorant, unskilful and unsettled persons are easily deceived be the cause never so ⟨p. 118⟩clear. If it be a cause untried by you, it is not untried by all the godly, nor unknown to him that gave you the holy Scriptures: If it be fit to be called in question and disputed, take the help of able godly Teachers or friends, and hear what they can say: Matters of endless life or death, are not rashly to be ventured on▪ But if it be a thing past dispute, in which you have been already convinced and resolved, reject the Tempter, and tell him, that you owe him not so much service, as to dispute2 with him whether you should care for your salvation? Else there will be no end, till you are betrayed and undone: Innocent Eve is deceived when once it comes to a dispute. Be not like Balaam that tempted God, and would not be satisfied with his answer.
§. 42. Direct. 9. Remember that it is Christ and not Satan that you are to hear. Truth is strong and1 can bear the tryal, before any competent judge: but you are weak, and not so able to judge as you may imagine. Ignorant, unskilful and unsetled persons are easily deceived be the cause never so ⟨p. 118⟩clear. If it be a cause untryed by you, it is not untryed by all the godly, nor unknown to him that gave you the holy Scriptures: If it be fit to be called in questim and disputed, take the help of able godly Teachers or friends, and hear what they can say: Matters of endless life or death, are not rashly to be ventured on▪ But if it be a thing past dispute, in which you have been already convinced and resolved, reject the Tempter, and tell him, that you owe him not so much service, as to dispute