A26892:1250
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.
§. 26. Direct 22. Be very watchful redeemers of your Time, and make conscience of every hour and 1minute, that you l•se it not, but spend it in the best and most serviceable manner that you can. Of this I intend to speak more particularly anon; and therefore shall here add no more.
- 1Direct. 22.
§. 27. Direct. 23. Watchfully and resolutely avoid the entanglements and diverting occasions, by 1which the tempter will be still endeavouring to waste your time and hinder you from your work. Know what is the principal service that you are called to, and avoid avocations: especially Magistrates and Ministers, and those that have great and public work, must here take heed. For if you be not very wise and watchful, the Tempter will draw you before you are aware, into such a multitude of diverting cares or businesses, that shall seem to be your duties, as shall make you almost unprofitable in the world. You shall have this or that little thing that must be done, and this or that friend that must be visited or spoke to, and this or that civility that must be performed; so that •rif•es shall detain you from all considerable works. I confess friends must not be neglected, nor civilities be denied: but our Greatest duties having the Greatest necessity, all things must give place to them in their proper season. And therefore that you may avoid the offence of friends, avoid the place or occasions of such impediments: And where that cannot be done, whatever they judge of you, neglect not your most necessary work. Else it will be at the will of men and Satan, whether you shall be serviceable to God, or not.
§. 27. Direct. 23. Watchfully and resolutely avoid the entanglements and diverting occasions, by