A26892:1248
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.
Answ. The Apostle only requireth men to make no unlawful change (such as is the forsaking of a Wife or Husband) nor no unnecessary change as if it were necessary (as in the case of circumcision): But in the next words he saith [Art thou called being a servant? Care not far it: But if thou mayest be made free use it rather. He bids every man abide with God in the place he is called to, but forbids them not to change their state when they are called to change it. verse 24. He speaks more of relations (of single persons and married, servants and free, &c.) than o• trades or offices: And yet no doubt but a single person may be married, and the married must be separated; and servants may be free. No man must take up or change any calling without sufficient cause to call him to it: But when he hath such cause, he sinneth if he change it not. The Apostles changed their Callings, when they became Apostles; and so did multitudes of the Pastors of the Church in every age. God no where forbids men to change their employment for the better, upon a sufficient cause or call.
Answ. The Apostle only requireth men to make no unlawful change (such as is the forsaking of a Wife or Husband) nor no unnecessary change as if it were necessary (as in the case of circumcision): But in the next words he saith [Art thou called being a servant? Care not far it: But if thou maist be made free use it rather. He bids every man abide with God in the place he is called to, but forbids them not to change their state when they are called to change it. verse 24. He speaks more of relations (of single persons and married, servants and free, &c.) than o• trades or offices: And yet no doubt but a single person may be marryed, and the marryed must be separated; and servants may be free. No man must take up or change any calling without sufficient cause to call him to it: But when he hath such cause, he sinneth if he change it not. The Apostles changed their Callings, when they became Apostles; and so did multitudes of the Pastors of the Church in every age. God no where forbids men to change their employment for the better, upon a sufficient cause or call.