A26892:1069
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.
§. 54. Direct. 15. But still remember, 1. There is deadly poison in the very nature of sin, as1 there is in a Serpent, be he never so small: The least sin is worse than the greatest pain that ever man felt; and would you choose that and say, its little? The least sin is odious to God, and had a hand in the death of Christ, and will damn you if it be not pardoned: and should such a thing be made light of? And many sins counted small, may have great aggravations, such as the knowing, deliberate, wilful committing of them is. To love a small sin, is a great sin: specially to love it so well, that the remembrance of Gods Will and Love, of Christ, and Heaven, and Hell, will not suffice to resolve you against it. Besides, a small sin is the common way to greater: James 1. 14, 15. When lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin, and sin when it is finished, brings forth death. James 3. 5. Beh•ld how great a matter a little fire kindleth? The horrid sins of David and Peter had small beginnings? Mortal sicknesses seem little matters at the first: Many a thousand have sinned themselves to Hell, that began with that which is accounted small.
§. 54. Direct. 15. But still remember, 1. There is deadly poyson in the very nature of sin, as1 there is in a Serpent, be he never so small: The least sin is worse than the greatest pain that ever man selt; and would you choose that and say, its little? The least sin is odious to God, and had a hand in the death of Christ, and will damn you if it be not pardoned: and should such a thing be made light of? And many sins counted small, may have great aggravations, such as the knowing, deliberate, wilful committing of them is. To love a small sin, is a great sin: specially to love it so well, that the remembrance of Gods Will and Love, of Christ, and Heaven, and Hell, will not suffice to resolve you against it. Besides, a small sin is the common way to greater: James 1. 14, 15. When lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin, and sin when it is finished, brings forth death.