A26892:1300
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.
§. 55. Rule 11. If it be a double sin that I suspect on one side, and but a single one on the other, 1it maketh an inequality in the case. As suppose that in my Fathers family there are Heretics, and Drunkards, and I swear that in my place and calling I will endeavour to cast them out. My Mother approveth my Vow: My Father is against it and dischargeth me of it, because I did it not by his advice. On one side I doubt whether I am bound, or may act against my Fathers will: On the other side I as much doubt whether I am not perjured, and disobedient to my Mother if I do it not, and whether I disobey not God, that made it my duty to endeavour the thing in my place and calling before I vowed it.
§. 55. Rule 11. If it be a double sin that I suspect on one side, and but a single one on the other, 1it maketh an inequality in the case. As suppose that in my Fathers family there are Hereticks, and Drunkards, and I swear that in my place and calling I will endeavour to cast them out. My Mother approveth my Vow: My Father is against it and dischargeth me of it, because I did it not by his advice. On one side I doubt whether I am bound, or may act against my Fathers will: On the other side I as much doubt whether I am not perjured, and disobedient to my Mother if I do it not, and whether I disobey not God, that made it my duty to endeavour the thing in my place and calling before I vowed it.
- 1Rule.
§. 56. Rule 12. There is a great deal of difference between omitting the substance of a duty for 1•ver, and the delaying it, or altering the time, and place and manner. For instance that which will justify or excuse me for shortening my prayer, or for praying but once a day, or at noon rather than in the morning, or for defect in method, or fervency, or Expressions, may not justify or excuse me for denying, renouncing or long forbearing prayer. And that which may excuse an Apostle for not preaching in the Temple or Synagogues, or not having the Emperors, or the High-Priests allowance or consent; or for not continuing in one City or Country, would not excuse them if they had renounced their callings, or totally as to all times, and places, and manner of performance have ceased their work for fear of men.