A26892:1369
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.
§. 38. 2. But suppose you cannot yet attain assurance: Neglect not to improve that Goodness and Mercy of God which he revealeth to you in the state that you are in? Love him but as Infinite Goodness should be loved, who so loved the world as to give his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life, John 3. 16. Love him as the most blessed merciful God, who made you and all things, and hath given to the world an universal pardon, on condition of their penitent acceptance, and offereth them everlasting life, and all this purchased by the blood of Christ: Love him as one that offereth you reconciliation, and entreateth you to be saved; and as one that delighteth not in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn and live, and as one that would have all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, though he will save none but the penitent, that do acknowledge the truth. And when you love him sincerely on these accounts, you will have the evidence of his special Love to you.
§. 38. 2. But suppose you cannot yet attain assurance: Neglect not to improve that Goodness and Mercy of God which he revealeth to you in the state that you are in? Love him but as Infinite Goodness should be loved, who so loved the world as to give his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life, John 3. 16. Love him as the most blessed merciful God, who made you and all things, and hath given to the world an universal pardon, on condition of their penitent acceptance, and offereth them everlasting life, and all this purchased by the blood of Christ: Love him as one that offereth you reconciliation, and intreateth you to be saved; and as one that delighteth not in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn and live, and as one that would have all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, though he will save none but the penitent, that do acknowledge the truth. And when you love him sincerely on these accounts, you will have the evidence of his special Love to you.