A26892:1233
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.
Part 1 › Chapter 3 › Direction 10 › Directions for faithful serving Christ, and doing Good.
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.
§. 12. Direct. 9. Prudence is exceeding necessary in doing good, that you may discern good from evil, 1discerning the season, and measure, and manner, and among divers duties, which must be preferred. Therefore labour much for Wisdom, and if you want it your self, be sure to make use of theirs that have it, and ask their counsel in every great and difficult case. Zeal without Judgement hath not only entangled souls in many heinous sins, but hath ruined Churches and Kingdoms, and under pretence of exceeding others in doing good, it makes men the greatest instruments of evil. There is scarce a sin so great and odious, but ignorant zeal will make men do it as a good work: Christ told his Apostles, that those that killed them, should think they did God service. And Paul bare record to the2 the murderous persecuting Jews, that they had a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge, Rom. 10. 2. The Papists murders of Christians under the name of Heretics, hath recorded it to the world, in the blood of many hundred thousands, how ignorant carnal zeal will do good, and what Sacrifice it will offer up to God.
§. 12. Direct. 9. Prudence is exceeding necessary in doing good, that you may discern good from evil, 1discerning the season, and measure, and manner, and among divers duties, which must be preferred. Therefore labour much for Wisdom, and if you want it your self, be sure to make use of theirs that have it, and ask their counsel in every great and difficult case. Zeal without Iudgement hath not only entangled souls in many heinous sins, but hath ruined Churches and Kingdoms, and under pretence of exceeding others in doing good, it makes men the greatest instruments of evil. There is scarce a sin so great and odious, but ignorant zeal will make men do it as a good work: Christ told his Apostles, that those that killed them, should think they did God service. And Paul bare record to the2 the murderous persecuting Jews, that they had a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge,