A26892:1352
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 11 › Directions for Loving God as our Father and Felicity.
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.
and the most effectual argument that can insuperably constrain us to it. And none ever loved at the measure and rates that Christ hath loved. To stand by such a fire, is the way for a congealed heart to melt, and the coldest affections to grow warm. A lively faith still holding Christ, the Glass of infinite Love and Goodness, before our faces, is the greatest Lesson in the Art of Love.
§. 28. 2. Behold God also in his Covenant of Grace, which he hath made in Christ. In that you may see suc• s•r•, such great and wonderful mercies, freely given out to a world of sinners, and to your selves among the rest, as may afford abundant matter for Love and Thankfulness to feed on while you live. There you may see how loth God is that sinners should perish: How he delighteth in mercy: And how great and unspeakable that mercy is. There you may s•e an Act of Pardon and Oblivion granted upon the reasonable condition of Believing, Penitent Acceptance, to all mankind: The sins that men have been committing many years together, their wilful heinous aggravated sins, you may there see pardoned by more aggravated Mercy: and the enemies of God reconciled to him, and condemned rebels saved from Hell, and brought into his family, and made his sons. [O what an Image of the Goodness of God is apparent in the tenor of his word and Covenant? Holiness and Mercy make up the whole: They are expressed in every leaf and line. The precepts which seem too strict to sinners, are but the perfect Rules of Holiness and Love, for the health and happiness of man. What Loveliness did David find in the Law it self? And so should we, if we read it with his eyes and heart: It was sweeter to him than honey: he loved it above gold, Psalm 119. 127, and 97. he crieth out O how I love thy Law! it is my meditation all the day And must not the Law-giver then be much more lovely, whose Goodness here appeareth to us? Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way: